Prospective Marriage Visa vs Partner Visa: Which One Should You Apply For?

If you're planning your future in Australia with someone you love, there's a good chance you’ve come across both the Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300) and the Partner Visa (Subclasses 820/801 or 309/100). They’re both pathways to permanent residency in Australia — but they’re not the same.

In fact, choosing the wrong one could delay your plans (and cost you thousands in unnecessary fees).

This guide breaks down the key differences between the Prospective Marriage Visa and the Partner Visa so you can understand which option is right for you — and why it matters.

Quick Overview

What Is a Prospective Marriage Visa?

Also known as the Fiancé Visa, the Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300) is for couples who are not yet married but plan to marry within 9 months of arriving in Australia.

It’s ideal if:

• You are engaged to an Australian citizen, PR, or eligible NZ citizen
• You want to get married in Australia
• You can’t meet the de facto relationship criteria
• You want to join your partner sooner and then apply for a Partner Visa after marriage

Once granted, the Prospective Marriage Visa allows you to:

• Enter and stay in Australia for 9–15 months
  
• Marry your partner
  
• Apply for the 820/801 Partner Visa once married (and pay another visa fee)
  
• It's a two-step process, and yes, it means paying for two visa applications.
  

What Is a Partner Visa?

The Partner Visa (Subclasses 820/801 and 309/100) is for couples who are already married or in a de facto relationship.

There are two pathways:

• Onshore Partner Visa (820/801): For applicants already in Australia
• Offshore Partner Visa (309/100): For applicants outside Australia

If you apply onshore, you’ll usually be granted a Bridging Visa A, allowing you to stay in Australia while the visa is processed.

This is the most direct pathway to permanent residency, but you must provide strong relationship evidence and prove your relationship meets all the eligibility criteria from day one.

How Do You Choose?

It depends on your relationship status, location, timeline, and goals.

A Partner Visa could be the right choice if:

• You're already married
• You've lived together for 12 months or more
• You’ve registered your relationship (in some states)
• You're already in Australia (on a visa that allows onshore applications)
• You're ready to apply for permanent residency in one process

Choose a Prospective Marriage Visa if:

• You’re not yet married
• You can’t meet de facto requirements
• You want to get married in Australia
• You’re living outside of Australia
• You’re comfortable applying for a second visa later
  

Pros and Cons of Each Visa

Partner Visa – Pros

✅ One application fee covers temporary and permanent stages
✅ Can be lodged onshore if eligible
✅ Bridging Visa A allows you to stay in Australia during processing
✅ Path to permanent residency is streamlined

Partner Visa – Cons

❌ Must meet de facto or married criteria
❌ Long processing times (especially if offshore)

Prospective Marriage Visa – Pros

✅ Great option for newer relationships
✅ Doesn’t require 12 months living together
✅ Designed for couples planning to marry in Australia
✅ Gives time to gather more relationship evidence before applying for Partner Visa

Prospective Marriage Visa – Cons

❌ Must apply from outside Australia
❌ You’ll need to apply (and pay) again for the Subclass 820/801 Partner Visa later
❌ Processing times can be long
❌ No Bridging Visa 

What About Costs and Timing?

This is a big consideration.

The Prospective Marriage Visa pathway ends up being more expensive over time, and it also takes longer.

If you’re eligible for the Partner Visa now, it’s usually the more cost-effective and faster option.

Timing Is Everything

We always recommend getting advice before your relationship hits a major milestone (like getting married or engaged).

Why?

Because the rules around timing, visa conditions, and eligibility can impact your options significantly. A quick visit to Australia, a change in visa conditions, or a spontaneous wedding overseas can all shift the best strategy for your visa pathway.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

🚫 Assuming the Prospective Marriage Visa is “easier”
🚫 Waiting too long to seek professional advice
🚫 Lodging a Partner Visa without understanding the de facto criteria
🚫 Not realising the two-step cost of the Prospective Marriage Visa

Final Thoughts: Which Visa Is Right for You?

Every couple’s situation is different — and that’s why there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

But here’s what we can tell you:

• If you’re already married or meet the de facto criteria, the Partner Visa is often your best option.
• If you’re engaged and not yet eligible for a Partner Visa, the Prospective Marriage Visa could be your perfect next step

The key is understanding your eligibility, your timeline, and your visa options — and getting it right from the start.

Need Help Choosing?

At Port Migration we’ve helped LOTS of couples just like you navigate the visa maze. If you're not sure which visa is best:

• Download our Free Partner Visa Guide
• Book a Free Call with our expert team
• Listen to our Podcast episode on choosing the right partner visa
  

Let’s get you one step closer to your life together in Australia.

What We Do at Port Migration

At Port Migration, we’re a full-service Australian Migration Agency that specialises in Partner Visas. We support our clients from start to finish — from strategy to submission — taking the stress out of the process so couples can focus on what really matters: building a life together.

Whether you're applying onshore or offshore, switching from a different visa, or just starting to explore your options, we’re here to help with:

✅ Visa strategy and eligibility
✅ Document checklists and guidance
✅ Relationship statement reviews
✅ Full application preparation and lodgement
✅ Ongoing support until your visa is granted

We’re passionate about helping couples navigate the system with clarity and confidence — and we’ve helped hundreds of couples do exactly that.

Book a Free Call to chat about your Partner Visa options with our MARA Registered Migration Agents and get your application started with confidence.

Let’s bring your partner home.

Frequently Asked Questions