What is the Prospective Marriage visa?
The Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300) lets you come to Australia to marry your fiancé(e), who must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. After the wedding, you apply for an onshore partner visa (subclass 820/801) to stay in Australia.
You apply from outside Australia, and you can be in or outside Australia when the visa is granted. Once it is granted, you must marry within the visa period, generally 9–15 months from grant.
Who can apply
- you and your fiancé(e) are both 18 or older;
- you have met in person since you both turned 18, and you know each other personally;
- you genuinely intend to marry within the visa period, and to live together as spouses;
- your fiancé(e) sponsors you and meets the sponsorship requirements, including limits on previous sponsorships and the rules on sponsors with a criminal record; and
- you meet health, character and other criteria, including PIC 4020.
From engagement to permanent residence
- Apply for the subclass 300 visa from outside Australia, with your fiancé(e)’s sponsorship.
- Travel and marry: once the visa is granted, come to Australia and marry within the visa period.
- Apply onshore: after the wedding, apply for the partner visa (subclass 820/801) before your subclass 300 visa ends.
- Temporary, then permanent: the temporary partner visa is decided first, and the permanent visa is usually assessed about two years after you applied for subclass 820/801.
If your plans change
If the wedding cannot happen within the visa period, or you decide to marry overseas instead, before receiving the grant of the subclass 300 visa, get advice early. Another option, such as an offshore partner visa (subclass 309/100), may suit your situation better.
Common issues
- not being able to show that you have met in person as adults;
- relationship evidence that is thin, or inconsistent with earlier visa applications, which can also raise PIC 4020 concerns;
- a wedding date that does not fit within the visa period; and
- sponsorship issues, such as previous sponsorships or the sponsor’s criminal history.
How we help
- Strategy session: we assess your relationship history, visa history and options, and identify risks before you apply.
- Application: we prepare and lodge your application, with a clear written submission where one is necessary.
- Next steps: we plan your onshore partner visa application for after the wedding.
- Complex cases: Schedule 3, PIC 4020 and character issues.
Frequently asked questions
Do we have to marry in Australia?
The subclass 300 visa is designed for couples who plan to marry after the visa is granted. If you would rather marry overseas first, an offshore partner visa (subclass 309/100) may be the better option.
What happens after the wedding?
You apply in Australia for the partner visa (subclass 820/801) before your subclass 300 visa ends. Read about partner visas.
How long does it take?
Processing times vary. The Department publishes current visa processing times.
Talk to a Registered Migration Agent
A partner visa strategy session with Tatsiana Pustavoit (MARN 1800880) gives you a clear pathway, the risks to address and the next steps. Consultations are held online via Microsoft Teams or by phone. Only the Department of Home Affairs can decide a visa application, and no registered migration agent or lawyer can guarantee an outcome.