Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300)
Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300)
Plan your future together in Australia with expert guidance on the Prospective Marriage Visa
Updated December 2024 · 12 min read min read
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Table of Contents
Processing Time
13-25 months
Application Fee
From $9365
Visa Duration
9-15 months
Why Choose Us for Your Prospective Marriage Visa?
We combine deep expertise in partner-visas applications with genuine care for your future in Australia.
Fixed, Transparent Fees
No hidden costs or surprise charges. You'll receive a clear written quote before we begin, with flexible payment plans available.
High Success Rate
Our thorough approach and decision-ready applications result in consistently strong outcomes for our clients.
Clear, Proactive Communication
Regular updates in plain English, so you always know where your application stands and what happens next.
What is the Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300)?
The Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300), also known as the fiancé visa, allows you to travel to Australia to marry your Australian partner within 9 to 15 months. This temporary visa is designed for couples who are genuinely committed to marriage but may not yet meet the requirements for a full Partner Visa.
After marrying in Australia, you can then apply for an onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801) to remain permanently.
Key Features
Who Can Apply for This Visa?
To be eligible for the Subclass 300 visa, you must meet these core requirements:
- ✓Be outside Australia when you apply and when the visa is granted
- ✓Be at least 18 years old (both you and your sponsor)
- ✓Have met your partner in person at least once after both turning 18
- ✓Intend to marry your prospective spouse within the visa validity period
- ✓Plan to live together as a married couple after the wedding
- ✓Meet health and character requirements (both applicant and sponsor)
- ✓Have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government
- ✓Be sponsored by an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
Note: Same-sex couples are eligible to apply for this visa.
Why Choose the Subclass 300 Visa?
Lower Evidence Requirements
Unlike the Partner Visa (Subclass 309/100), the Prospective Marriage Visa does not require you to prove a 12-month de facto relationship or provide extensive cohabitation evidence.
This makes it ideal for couples who:
- • Have met only a few times due to distance
- • Haven't yet established a shared household
- • Haven't merged their finances
- • Are in newer relationships
Flexibility for Your Circumstances
The Subclass 300 visa offers a practical pathway when you don't yet have the extensive relationship evidence required for other partner visas.
Once you marry in Australia, you can apply for the full Partner Visa (820/801) with the benefit of being together while your permanent residency is processed.
What You Can Do With This Visa
Once granted, the Prospective Marriage Visa allows you to:
Enter and stay in Australia
for 9 to 15 months
Work without restrictions
Full work rights included
Study freely
Enroll in courses of your choice
Travel in and out of Australia
Multiple times during validity
Marry your partner
Within the visa validity period
Apply for permanent residency
After marriage via Partner Visa 820/801
Application Requirements & Evidence
Identity Documents
- ☐Valid passport (biographical page and photo)
- ☐Birth certificate
- ☐Marriage or divorce certificates (if applicable)
- ☐Name change documents (if applicable)
Costs & Processing Times
Government Fees
| Applicant Type | Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | $9,365 |
| Each additional applicant 18+ years | $4,685 |
| Each child under 18 years | $2,345 |
After marriage: Subclass 820/801 Partner Visa: $1,515 (reduced fee for 300 visa holders)
Additional Costs
Processing Times
Current processing times range from 13 to 25 months, with 50% of applications processed within 13 months.
Factors affecting processing:
- •Completeness of your application at lodgement
- •Prompt responses to Department requests
- •Case complexity
- •Current Department caseload
Application Process: 5 Key Steps
Follow these steps to successfully apply for your Prospective Marriage Visa
Confirm Eligibility & Gather Documents
Review all requirements and begin collecting your identity documents, police certificates, and relationship evidence.
Complete Health Examinations
Undergo health checks with an approved panel physician. These must be completed before lodging your application.
Lodge Your Application Online
Submit your application through ImmiAccount while you are outside Australia. Pay the visa application charge in full at lodgement.
Sponsor Lodges Their Application
After you lodge, your Australian partner must submit their sponsorship application through ImmiAccount.
Respond to Department Requests
Monitor your ImmiAccount regularly for any requests for additional information. Processing times can be reduced by responding promptly.
After Your Visa is Granted
What Happens Next?
Enter Australia to activate your visa within the validity period
Marry your partner within 9-15 months of visa grant
Lodge your Subclass 820/801 Partner Visa before your 300 visa expires
Important: You don't have to marry in Australia—you can marry anywhere, but you must enter Australia on your Subclass 300 visa first, then travel to marry overseas if you choose.
Transitioning to Permanent Residency
After marriage, you'll apply for the two-stage Partner Visa:
- 820Subclass 820 (temporary)—granted first, allows you to work and study
- 801Subclass 801 (permanent)—granted approximately 2 years later
Medicare access typically becomes available after you apply for the Subclass 820 visa.
Common Questions
Clear answers to frequently asked questions about the Prospective Marriage Visa
Yes, dependent children under 18 must be included in your initial application. They cannot be added after your visa is granted.
Meeting in person at least once is a mandatory requirement, even for culturally arranged marriages. There are no exceptions to this rule.
No, the Subclass 300 visa cannot be extended. You must marry and apply for a Partner Visa within the 9-15 month validity period.
If your relationship ends before a decision is made, you will no longer be eligible for the Prospective Marriage Visa.
While not legally required, a migration lawyer can be valuable if your case is complex, if you have limited evidence, or if you want professional guidance to avoid costly mistakes.
When Professional Help Makes Sense
Consider working with a registered migration agent or lawyer if:
Professional support can:
- Review your eligibility and identify potential issues
- Help gather and organize strong evidence
- Draft detailed submissions to strengthen your case
- Manage all communication with the Department
- Represent you if complications arise
Your Next Steps
The Prospective Marriage Visa offers a practical pathway for couples committed to building their future together in Australia. While the process requires careful preparation, understanding the requirements and gathering strong evidence will give you the best chance of success.
Ready to start your application?
- 1.Confirm you meet all eligibility requirements
- 2.Begin gathering your identity and relationship documents
- 3.Complete your health examinations
- 4.Consider whether professional assistance would benefit your case
- 5.Lodge your application through ImmiAccount
For complex cases or additional guidance, consult with a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer who can provide tailored advice for your specific circumstances.
Book Your Free ConsultationThis guide is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Visa requirements and processing times are subject to change. Always refer to the Department of Home Affairs website for the most current information, or consult with a registered migration professional for advice specific to your situation.