The Subclass 820 visa allows you to live in Australia while your permanent partner visa is being processed.
To be eligible, you must:
This visa provides full work rights and access to Medicare.
The Subclass 801 visa is the permanent stage of the onshore partner visa pathway.
You will usually be eligible to be assessed for this visa around two years after lodging your initial application.
To be granted the Subclass 801 visa, you must:
For all partner visa subclasses, you must demonstrate that your relationship is genuine and continuing.
This is assessed across four key areas:
Evidence may include joint financial documents, shared living arrangements, travel history, and statements from family and friends.
To apply for a partner visa, you must generally:
Your sponsor must also satisfy sponsorship obligations and may be subject to limitations if they have previously sponsored a partner.
Processing times vary depending on the visa subclass and the strength of your application.
Temporary visas are assessed first, followed by permanent visas after a further review period. Delays often occur where applications lack sufficient relationship evidence.
Providing clear, well-organised documentation at the outset can significantly improve processing efficiency.
The Subclass 309 visa allows you to enter and live in Australia temporarily while your permanent visa is processed.
To be eligible, you must:
Once granted, you can travel to Australia and live with your partner.
The Subclass 100 visa is the permanent stage of the offshore partner visa pathway.
You will generally be eligible for this stage around two years after your initial application.
To be granted the Subclass 100 visa, you must:
Step 1- Confirm your eligibility and choose the correct visa pathway
Step 2- Gather relationship, identity, and supporting documents
Step 3- Lodge your combined temporary and permanent visa application online
Step 4- Complete health checks and provide police clearances
Step 5- Respond to any requests for further information
Step 6- Receive your temporary visa decision
Step 7- Provide additional evidence for the permanent stage when requested
For all partner visa subclasses, you must demonstrate that your relationship is genuine and continuing.
This is assessed across four key areas:
Evidence may include joint financial documents, shared living arrangements, travel history, and statements from family and friends.
To apply for a partner visa, you must generally:
Your sponsor must also satisfy sponsorship obligations and may be subject to limitations if they have previously sponsored a partner.
Processing times vary depending on the visa subclass and the strength of your application.
Temporary visas are assessed first, followed by permanent visas after a further review period. Delays often occur where applications lack sufficient relationship evidence.
Providing clear, well-organised documentation at the outset can significantly improve processing efficiency.
The Subclass 300 Prospective Marriage Visa allows you to travel to Australia to marry your Australian partner and begin building your life together. Also known as the fiancé visa, it is an offshore visa, meaning you must apply from outside Australia. Once granted, it permits you to stay in Australia for up to 15 months to plan and complete your marriage.
Unlike the Partner Visa pathway (subclass 820 and 801), the Subclass 300 does not require you to already be married or in an established de facto relationship. It is designed for couples who are genuinely committed to each other and intend to marry within the visa period.
After your marriage, the Subclass 300 opens a direct pathway to the Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801), putting you on the road to permanent residency in Australia.
Who is Eligible for the Subclass 300 Prospective Marriage Visa?
To be eligible to apply, you must generally meet all of the following:
If you are in an arranged marriage and have not yet met your prospective spouse in person, you will not meet the requirements. Australia recognises cultural differences but maintains the in-person meeting requirement without exception.
Once your Subclass 300 Prospective Marriage Visa is granted, you can:
Note: The Subclass 300 does not provide access to Medicare. Medicare access becomes available after you apply for the Subclass 820/801 Partner Visa following your marriage.
Subclass 300 → Marriage → Subclass 820/801 → Permanent Residency
The Subclass 300 is a temporary, provisional visa. It is the first step in a longer pathway for couples who plan to settle permanently in Australia.
Once you have married your Australian partner within the visa period, you may apply for the Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801). If you apply for the Subclass 820 while holding a valid Subclass 300 visa, you may be eligible to pay a reduced Department of Home Affairs application fee at the time of lodgement.
The Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801) is assessed in two stages — a temporary stage followed by a permanent stage — and provides the pathway to permanent residency. Once you become a permanent resident, you may in turn consider applying for Australian citizenship, which offers a range of benefits including consular services and visa-free travel to many countries.
It is important to note that the Subclass 300 cannot be extended. You will be advised of your visa period when the visa is granted. If marriage does not occur within the visa period, you will generally not be able to transition to the Partner Visa pathway.
Processing times for the Subclass 300 Prospective Marriage Visa typically range from 9 to 25 months, depending on the complexity of your application, the quality and completeness of documentation provided, and the Department's caseload at the time of lodgement. Applications that are complete, well-organised, and accompanied by strong supporting evidence are generally assessed more efficiently. The visa cannot be extended once granted, so it is important to factor processing times into your planning.
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Step 1- Confirm your eligibility and choose the correct visa pathway
Step 2- Gather relationship, identity, and supporting documents
Step 3- Lodge your combined temporary and permanent visa application online
Step 4- Complete health checks and provide police clearances
Step 5- Respond to any requests for further information
Step 6- Receive your temporary visa decision
Step 7- Provide additional evidence for the permanent stage when requested
Application Fees
The current government fee for a primary Subclass 300 applicant is approximately $9,365. Additional applicant charges apply for any secondary applicants included in the application: approximately $4,685 for each additional applicant aged 18 or over, and approximately $2,345 for each additional applicant under 18. The full amount must be paid upfront at the time of lodgement.
If you subsequently apply for the Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801) as a Subclass 300 holder, a reduced lodgement fee applies at that stage.
Good Character Requirement
All applicants must satisfy Australia's good character requirement. This includes assessment of criminal history in Australia and overseas, compliance with immigration conditions, and general conduct. If you have concerns about your history, seek advice before lodging your application.
What If the Relationship Ends Before the Visa Is Granted?
If your relationship ends before your Subclass 300 is decided, there is no pathway to obtaining the visa. The application cannot proceed without a genuine and ongoing intention to marry your prospective spouse.
If your relationship ends after marriage and you have since applied for the Subclass 820/801 Partner Visa, you may still have options if: you have experienced family violence; you have a child with your sponsor; or your sponsor has passed away. Seek legal advice promptly if any of these circumstances apply to you.
What If You Marry Before Your Application Is Decided?
If you marry your prospective spouse before the Department has made a decision on your Subclass 300 application, your application will convert to an offshore Partner Visa (Subclass 309/100). You should notify the Department and seek advice as soon as this occurs.
Children
Dependent children under 18 whom you wish to bring to Australia must be included in your application at the time of lodgement. They cannot be added after the visa has been granted.
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Subclass 300 Prospective Marriage Visa applications can appear straightforward but often involve complex evidentiary requirements. Demonstrating a genuine relationship, meeting the in-person requirement, satisfying health and character standards, and ensuring all documentation is complete, correctly translated, and properly certified requires careful attention. Errors or gaps at the application stage can result in delays or refusal.
At Australian Citizenship, we can assess your eligibility, review your documentation, and prepare a complete application on your behalf. Where complications exist, such as prior visa history, complex personal circumstances, or documentation issues, we provide clear, practical guidance to address them before lodgement.
Our goal is to give your application the strongest possible foundation and help you move forward with confidence.
We invite you to schedule a consultation with our team to discuss your eligibility.