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Subclass 300 Prospective Marriage visa

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If you intend to marry an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, you may qualify for a Prospective Marriage visa, allowing you to enter and reside in Australia for up to 15 months to wed your intended spouse. This visa, also known as the fiancé visa, requires you to apply offshore. Once you have been granted the subclass 300 visa and have married your spouse, you may then pursue an onshore Partner visa (subclass 820/801), initiating the process for permanent settlement in Australia. 

As the sponsor of a subclass 300 visa applicant, your responsibilities extend beyond mere support, encompassing financial assistance, accommodation, and the acceptance of certain obligations on behalf of your partner.

This webpage will walk you through each stage of the application process, from gathering necessary evidence to navigating the pathway towards permanent residency and potential Australian citizenship. Whether you're considering settling in Australia or simply exploring your options, our expert advice and insights will empower you to make informed decisions every step of the way.

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What is the Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300)?

If you're looking to marry an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, you may qualify for a Prospective Marriage visa. This will enable you to enter and remain in Australia for up to 15 months to wed your intended partner.

Sometimes referred to as the fiancé visa, you must be offshore to apply for the subclass 300 Prospective Marriage visa.Once granted the 300 visa and married, you can then seek a Partner visa (subclass 820/801), paving the way for permanent settlement in Australia. Medicare benefits become accessible upon acquiring the Partner visa.

Eligibility requirements for a subclass 300 Prospective Marriage visa

Eligibility for a Prospective Marriage visa (Subclass 300) involves several key requirements that both the applicant and sponsor must meet.

Firstly, applicants must apply for the visa from outside Australia. They need to have met their intended spouse face-to-face at least once, showing a genuine commitment to the relationship. The couple must have concrete plans to marry within the visa's duration and to live together thereafter. Additionally, applicants must be at least 18 years old, although there are some exceptions, and they must satisfy health and character checks.

Sponsors play a crucial role in supporting the applicant's visa application. Sponsors must financially and logistically assist both the applicant and their family members included in the application. Moreover, sponsors must be willing to take responsibility for any debts the prospective spouse or their children may owe to the Australian government. They must also ensure that their prospective spouse and their children adhere to visa conditions and Australian laws.

Sponsors are required to provide a 'Notice of Intended Marriage' document, demonstrating their commitment to supporting the marriage process. This document serves as an official declaration of the couple's intention to marry and is a vital component of the visa application process.

Benefits of a Prospective Marriage visa

The subclass 300 Prospective Marriage visa offers a significant advantage by enabling you and your future spouse to reunite in Australia as you prepare for your wedding. This visa allows you to commence building a life together with your prospective spouse while residing in Australia.

A significant benefit of the subclass 300 visa lies in the nature of the evidence required to demonstrate the relationship. Unlike the subclass 309 visa, the subclass 300 visa does not necessitate evidence of a 'de facto' style relationship. Instead, you only need to demonstrate that you have met your partner at least once and intend to marry them within 15 months of visa grant. Meeting this condition makes you eligible to apply for a permanent partner visa (subclass 801) at a reduced cost if you marry within the visa period. This pathway proves beneficial for individuals who have not cohabited with their partner for the mandatory 12-month duration under subclass 309, or lack sufficient evidence of a 'shared life,' which is often the case in long-distance relationships.

As a holder of the subclass 300 visa, you enjoy several privileges, including

  • The ability to travel to Australia and engage in employment without any limitations, ensuring you receive at least the minimum wage as mandated by Australian law.
  • The freedom to pursue your studies without constraints.
  • The 300 visa will also allow you to travel in and out of Australia as many times as needed within the visa's validity period.
  • Furthermore, once you and your spouse are married, you become eligible to apply for a permanent Partner visa, paving the way for long-term settlement in Australia. This visa pathway offers stability and opportunities for building a future together in Australia.

Subclass Prospective Marriage visa checklist

Navigating the Prospective Marriage Visa application process entails several steps and requires ample documentary evidence to assure the Australian government of the genuineness and continuity of your relationship with your sponsoring Australian partner, along with your intention to marry.

Each year, numerous partner visa applications, including Prospective Marriage Visas, are rejected due to insufficient evidence of the relationship's genuineness. To assist you, we've curated a detailed checklist encompassing all necessary documents to demonstrate the authenticity of your relationship and fulfil other legislative requirements for obtaining a partner visa. Here's an overview of the documents you'll need to provide:

  • Passport
  • Birth certificate
  • Proof of evidence to get married
  • Proof of name change (if applicable)
  • Divorce certificate (if applicable)
  • National identity card
  • Evidence of intention to live jointly as a married couple
  • Evidence of your engagement
  • Notice of intended marriage

  • Australian police certificate
  • Overseas police certificate(s)
  • Military service records (if applicable)
  • Military discharge papers (if applicable)

How the subclass Prospective Marriage visa works

The subclass 300 Prospective Marriage visa, also known as the fiancé visa, operates as a temporary pathway for couples planning to marry in Australia. This visa allows the visa holder to stay in the country for up to 15 months to finalise wedding arrangements with their prospective spouse.

Once married, the couple can explore options for permanent residency through the Subclass 820/801 Partner visas, with the added benefit of reduced Department fees for those transitioning from the subclass 300 visa. This three-stage process begins with the submission of evidence demonstrating the intention to marry within the visa period. Upon marriage, the couple can pursue permanent residency and, subsequently, consider Australian citizenship, which offers a range of advantages, including consular assistance abroad, visa-free travel to numerous countries, and employment opportunities within the Australian government.

Future visa pathways

Should you and your spouse opt to make Australia your permanent home, you can explore the option of applying for permanent residency through the Subclass 820/801 Partner visas. Notably, if you apply for a subclass 820 Partner visa as a subclass 300 visa holder, you are eligible for reduced Department fees upon submission. 

Upon obtaining permanent residency via the Partner visa pathway, you may contemplate pursuing Australian citizenship, although it's not mandatory. Australian citizenship brings forth various advantages, including consular assistance abroad, visa-free travel to over 100 nations, employment opportunities within the Australian government, and immunity from visa cancellations. 

The visa application process unfolds in three stages: initially, you must furnish evidence of your intent to marry within the visa's timeframe, followed by the marriage itself. Subsequently, if you choose to settle permanently in Australia, you can progress to applying for permanent residency and, eventually, consider Australian citizenship.

Benefits of using Australian Migration Agents for your Prospective Marriage visa

With years of collective experience, our team at Australian Migration Agents is dedicated to achieving positive outcomes, even in the most intricate cases. Our commitment to providing accessible legal assistance means that we advocate for every individual who chooses us for their Prospective Marriage visa needs. Composed of qualified migration agents, our team leverages extensive legal expertise to guide you through the complexities of visa applications, including the Prospective Marriage visa. We prioritise compliance with relevant laws and regulations, ensuring that your application meets all necessary criteria for successful approval. From initial preparation to navigating requests from the Department of Home Affairs, we provide comprehensive support at every stage of the visa process.

  • Decades of experience
  • High success rate, including complex cases
  • Team of qualified Australian lawyers with relevant legislation and case law knowledge
  • Obligated to ensure your application is compliant with all legislative requirements, improving your chances of success
  • Help with all aspects of visa preparation, including helping you action any requests for more information from the Department of Home Affairs

Subclass 300 Prospective Marriage visa costs

For the subclass 300 Partner visa, there are two main types of costs involved. Firstly, there are professional fees charged by Australian Migration Agents for handling the primary applications. These fees are determined based on the complexity of the application and are provided upfront on a fixed-fee basis to ensure transparency for clients. Additionally, payment plans are available for those with financial constraints. To get an accurate quote, individuals can schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our qualified lawyers.

At our agency, we comprehend the financial aspects associated with visa applications, which is why we provide budget-friendly, adaptable, and personalised payment options designed to suit the unique requirements of each individual. Whether it involves dividing the expenses into manageable instalments or arranging payments based on specific situations, our foremost goal is to ensure that our clients can receive the necessary assistance without experiencing excessive financial burden. Through our tailored payment plans, we strive to make our services accessible to everyone, promoting assurance and trust throughout the visa application process.

In addition to professional fees, there are department fees payable to the Department of Home Affairs. Currently, the fee for Partner visa applications is AUD $8850, which must be paid upfront at the time of lodgement. The department does not accept split payments and allows payment via various methods such as debit/credit card, PayPal, UnionPay, and BPAY. 

If applicants later pursue the permanent Partner visa subclass 820/801 after marriage, an additional fee of AUD $1475 is applicable, payable upfront using the same payment methods.

Australian visa application steps

The application process can be a complex and time-consuming journey, with strict eligibility criteria and a certain amount of evidence required to support your application. A registered migration agent can help you gather the correct documents and improve your chances of visa success. 

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Step 1

Initial consultation

Book a free consultation with one of our registered migration agents, where we’ll discuss your situation and see how we can help you move forward.

Step 2

Application preparation & submission

Your Australia visa agent will prepare a submission to support your application, tailored to your unique situation and backed by all the documents required. Once completed, we’ll submit your application to the Department of Home Affairs on your behalf.

Step 3

Visa outcome

We’ll be in touch once the Department has come to a decision. If the application isn’t granted, we can appeal on your behalf.

Prospective Marriage visa processing times using Australian migration agents

At the time of writing, the processing period for the subclass 300 Prospective Marriage visa varies typically ranging from 6 to 35 months. The duration depends on factors such as the complexity of your case, the thoroughness of your application, and the workload of the Department.

Here at Australian Migration Agents, our objective is to lodge meticulously prepared applications of the highest quality to minimise any potential delays.Our seasoned team of migration experts goes above and beyond to prepare each application, minimising the likelihood of delays. While certain factors impacting processing times, such as the applicant's country of origin, are beyond our influence and may introduce variations in processing durations, our unwavering commitment remains unchanged. Despite these hurdles, our dedicated team adeptly navigates the application journey, ensuring that every applicant receives equitable treatment under the law.

Prospective Marriage visa considerations

At Australian Migration Agents, our team comprises experienced practitioners specialising in Australian migration law. With decades of collective expertise, we have navigated a diverse array of cases, equipped to handle even the most intricate matters. While we cannot furnish guarantees of your Prospective Marriage visa approval, our insights into the law empower us to offer strategic counsel aimed at enhancing your prospects. We prioritise accessibility, offering complimentary initial consultations and transparent fixed-fee structures for ongoing services. Whether you seek advice online or in person, regardless of your stage in the Prospective Marriage visa process, we stand ready to assist. Our commitment is unwavering, ensuring that every client receives comprehensive support tailored to their individual circumstances.

Our utmost priority is accessibility:

  • Initial consultations are often free, and ongoing services are offered at a fixed fee that we will confirm with you beforehand
  • You can choose between in-person or online consultations
  • We can help you at any stage of the Prospective Marriage visa process 

Australia-wide services

Our skilled team offers in-person and virtual appointments, which means we can provide immigration assistance and advice regardless of where you live in Australia.  

Frequently asked questions

Read our most commonly asked questions about the subclass 300 Prospective Marriage Visa.

Is it easy to get a 300 Prospective Marriage visa in Australia?

Various factors play a crucial role in determining the success of your Subclass 300 Prospective Marriage visa application. At Australian Migration Agents, we offer complimentary consultations specifically designed for Subclass 300 visa applications. During these consultations, our team of experienced agents will conduct a thorough evaluation of your case, providing personalised advice tailored to your unique circumstances. With our in-depth expertise and extensive experience, we can offer you a more accurate assessment of the prospects for your Subclass 300 visa application.

How long can you stay on the subclass 300 Prospective Marriage visa?

The Subclass 300 Prospective Marriage visa allows you to stay in Australia for a duration ranging from 9 to 15 months. The specific length of your visa will be determined and communicated to you upon the approval of your application. It's important to note that this visa cannot be extended beyond the initially granted period.

How long does a 300 Prospective Marriage visa take?

The processing times for subclass 300 Prospective Marriage visas in Australia can vary significantly, spanning from as short as six months to as long as thirty-five months. This variation is influenced by various factors, such as the complexity of the application, the adequacy of evidence provided, and the current workload of the Department. While estimates are available on the Department of Home Affairs website, they are not set in stone, and actual processing times may deviate. Our seasoned migration agents meticulously prepare applications to mitigate any delays. However, factors like the applicant's country of passport may still impact processing times beyond our control. Despite these challenges, our team adeptly manoeuvres through the process to ensure equitable treatment under the law. Upon approval, the subclass 300 visa grants temporary residency, allowing recipients to enter Australia and marry their prospective spouse. Moreover, eligible family members, including dependent children and de facto partners, can be included in the application process, provided they meet the criteria set by the Australian government.

We pride ourselves on our meticulous approach to crafting 'decision-ready' applications. This means ensuring that all necessary documents, including supporting evidence and police certificates, are meticulously organised and submitted. In theory, an officer of the Department of Home Affairs could assess and make a decision on the application on the very day it is submitted. This not only expedites the process but also reduces the likelihood of additional requests for information, thereby minimising the risk of delays in the visa application process.

Is a 300 Prospective Marriage visa permanent residency?

The subclass 300 Prospective Marriage visa is a temporary visa that permits you to enter and stay in Australia until you and your prospective spouse tie the knot. After your marriage, you can initiate the application process for the permanent Partner visa subclass 820/801, paving the way for your long-term settlement in Australia.

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