Prospective Marriage Visa
Subclass 300
The Subclass 300 Prospective Marriage visa allows you to enter Australia to marry your Australian partner, then apply for an onshore partner visa. All details sourced from immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
📋 Key Facts
- Pathway
- 300 → Marry → 820/801
- Stage
- Pre-Partner (entry visa, not a partner visa itself)
- Apply From
- Outside Australia
- Processing Time
- 75% within 12 months · 90% within 23 months
- Cost (2025–26)
- AUD 9,095 base application charge
✨ At a Glance
- ✓ 9-month window to marry once you enter Australia
- ✓ Must have met your sponsor in person as adults
- ✓ Work rights upon entry to Australia
- ✓ After marriage, apply for 820/801 partner visa onshore
- ✓ Must genuinely intend to live together as spouses
Key Features of the Subclass 300 Visa
9-month marriage window: Once your Subclass 300 is granted, you must enter Australia and marry your sponsor within 9 months. This is the defining condition of this visa category — it is strictly time-limited and cannot be extended.
In-person meeting requirement: You and your sponsor must have met in person as adults (18+) before applying. This cannot be waived. Online or video interactions alone do not satisfy this requirement — there must be a physical meeting.
Genuine intention to marry: You must provide evidence that you genuinely intend to marry. Acceptable evidence includes a letter from an authorised marriage celebrant confirming a booking, venue reservation receipts, or a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) lodged with the celebrant.
Work rights upon entry: Subclass 300 holders have full work rights from the moment they enter Australia. This is a significant advantage — you can begin working and building your life together immediately.
Transition to partner visa: After your marriage, you apply for the combined Subclass 820/801 partner visa onshore. You will pay another application charge for the partner visa (AUD 9,095). The 300 itself does not lead to permanent residency — it is an entry pathway.
Genuine intention to live together: You must demonstrate that you genuinely intend to live together as spouses after marriage. This goes beyond just getting married — the Department wants to see that you have a real, committed relationship with shared future plans.
Evidence Required for Subclass 300
Unlike partner visas, the 300 focuses on proving your intention to marry and the development of your relationship, rather than proving an established spousal relationship. However, the four pillars framework is still relevant.
💒 Intention to Marry
- Letter from authorised marriage celebrant confirming booking
- Venue reservation receipts or contracts
- Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) lodged with celebrant
- Wedding planning documents (catering, photography bookings)
- Evidence of marriage preparations and timeline
🤝 Proof of Meeting in Person
- Photos of you together from visits
- Flight itineraries and boarding passes
- Hotel bookings or accommodation receipts
- Passport stamps showing travel to meet each other
- Statements detailing your in-person meetings
📱 Relationship Development
- Timeline of your relationship from first contact to engagement
- Communication records (messages, calls, video chats)
- Photos together over time showing relationship progression
- Social media posts and interactions
- Statements from friends and family about your relationship
🏡 Future Plans Together
- Plans for where you will live in Australia
- Discussion of career and life goals as a couple
- Knowledge of each other's personal and family circumstances
- Any shared financial planning or commitments
- Evidence of genuine intention to build a life together
Processing Pathway & Timeline
Step 1: Prepare & Lodge 300 Application
Gather evidence of your intention to marry, proof of meeting in person, and relationship development. Pay the AUD 9,095 base charge and lodge via ImmiAccount from outside Australia. Your sponsor must also provide their details and support.
Step 2: Health & Character Checks
Complete health examinations at an approved panel physician and provide police certificates from countries where you have lived for 12+ months in the past 10 years. Complete these promptly to avoid processing delays.
Step 3: Application Assessment (12–23 months)
A case officer reviews your evidence of intention to marry and the genuineness of your relationship. 75% of applications are assessed within 12 months; 90% within 23 months. The Department may request additional information.
Step 4: Subclass 300 Grant — Enter Australia & Marry
You receive your 300 visa. You must enter Australia before the initial entry date and marry your sponsor within 9 months. You have full work rights upon arrival. Plan your wedding date carefully — the 9-month window is strict and cannot be extended.
Step 5: Apply for Onshore Partner Visa (820/801)
After your marriage, lodge the combined Subclass 820/801 partner visa application from within Australia. You will pay a new base application charge (AUD 9,095). You will receive a Bridging Visa A allowing you to stay lawfully while your partner visa is processed. See our Subclass 820 guide for the next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I don't marry within 9 months? +
The 9-month condition is strict. If you do not marry within this period, your 300 visa will cease and you may be required to leave Australia. There is no provision to extend the 9-month window. If circumstances prevent you from marrying (e.g., serious illness, closed borders), you should seek urgent advice from a registered MARA agent about your options.
Can I work on a Subclass 300 visa? +
Yes, Subclass 300 visa holders have full work rights from the moment they enter Australia. You can work in any occupation without restriction. This is a key advantage — you can start earning and building your life in Australia immediately while preparing for your wedding.
Do I pay the partner visa fee twice (300 then 820/801)? +
Yes. The Subclass 300 is a separate visa with its own base application charge (AUD 9,095). After marriage, when you apply for the onshore 820/801 partner visa, you pay another base application charge (currently also AUD 9,095). This is an important cost consideration — the total pathway via the 300 costs more than applying directly for a partner visa if you are already married.
What counts as "meeting in person" for the 300 requirement? +
You and your sponsor must have physically met at least once as adults (18+). Acceptable evidence includes photos of you together, flight itineraries, passport stamps, hotel bookings, and detailed statements describing your time together. Video calls, phone conversations, and online interactions do not satisfy this requirement — the meeting must be in person.
ℹ️ Disclaimer: General information only. Not migration or legal advice. All visa details sourced from immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. For personalised advice about your situation, consult a registered MARA agent.
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General information only. Consult a registered MARA agent for case-specific advice.