Planning to tie the knot with your Australian partner and wondering how you can join them down under? The Australian Fiancé Visa, officially known as the Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300), is designed for couples like you. This visa offers a pathway for engaged couples to unite in Australia and make their wedding dreams come true.
Fiancé Visa Key Facts
What is the Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300)?
The Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300), also known as the Finance Visa, is a temporary visa that allows individuals to travel to Australia to marry their Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen fiancé(e).
This visa is specifically designed for couples who are engaged but not yet married. The visas gives the partner from overseas the opportunity to enter Australia legally to get married to their partner within the specified visa validity period.
The Prospective Marriage visa is valid for 9 months which gives the holder time to travel to Australia and get married. After they get married they need to apply for the Subclass 820/801 visa to remain in Australia. Learn more here.
Prospective Marriage Visa Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300), several key requirements must be met.
Eligibility criteria include:
Application Process
The application process for the Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300) involves several steps to ensure both the applicant and their sponsoring partner meet all requirements.
First, the applicant must gather necessary documents, including evidence of the relationship, proof of intent to marry (such as a letter from a wedding celebrant), personal identification, and health and character clearances.
The applicant then submits their application online through the Department of Home Affairs' portal, paying the required visa application fee. After submission, the applicant may be asked to provide additional information or attend an interview.
It’s crucial to ensure all information is accurate and complete to avoid delays. Once the application is lodged, it undergoes assessment by the Department of Home Affairs.
If approved, the applicant will receive the visa, allowing them to travel to Australia, marry their partner within the visa’s 9-month validity period, and then apply for a Partner Visa (subclass 820/801) to remain in Australia permanently.
Download our free Guide to Partner Visas to learn more about the application process and requirements.After Marriage: Transitioning to the Partner Visa
Once they are married, Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300) holders must transition to a Partner Visa (subclass 820/801) to continue living in Australia.
This transition involves applying for the Onshore Partner Visa Subclass 820/801. The temporary Partner Visa (subclass 820), allows the applicant to stay in Australia while their permanent Partner Visa (subclass 801) is processed.
The application for the Partner Visa requires evidence of the marriage, continued proof of the genuine and ongoing nature of the relationship, and updated health and character checks. You can learn more here.
During the processing period of the Partner Visa, applicants can live, work, and study in Australia with access to Medicare.
Successfully obtaining the Partner Visa (subclass 801) grants permanent residency, enabling the individual to reside in Australia indefinitely, with eligibility to apply for citizenship after meeting certain criteria. Read more about Citizenship here.
This two-step process ensures that the relationship remains genuine and provides a clear pathway to permanent residency for married couples.
We got married before our Fiancé visa was granted!
With long Partner Visa wait times, couples sometimes get married after they have applied for a Fiancé visa but before it is granted.
For couples who marry before the Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300) is granted, the appropriate pathway is to transition directly to the Partner Visa (subclass 309/100).
The Partner Visa (subclass 309) is a temporary visa that allows the spouse of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to travel to Australia to live in Australia while their permanent Partner Visa (subclass 100) is processed. Learn more here.
To apply, the couple must provide evidence of their marriage, demonstrating that it is legally recognized and that their relationship is genuine and continuing. This application includes documentation such as marriage certificates, proof of cohabitation, and joint financial responsibilities.
The subclass 309 visa allows the applicant to live, work, and study in Australia while waiting for the permanent Partner Visa (subclass 100) to be granted. For couples who marry offshore before their Subclass 300 visa is granted, the appropriate pathway is to transition to the Subclass 309/100 application.
Where can I get Prospective Marriage Visa help?
At Port Migration we love helping our clients who are excited about starting life together in Australia. Achieving visa success for our clients is our main goal. We pride ourselves on the way we make a complex process simple and stress free.
Each visa has a different application process and requirements. The waiting times for the visas are also different, and the wait time can be impacted by the country that you come from. Constant changes to the Australian Migration Legislation also make it hard to know which option is the best for you.
Talk to the team at Port Migration to book a free call to get the ball rolling on the application that best suits your needs and circumstances.
Conclusion
Embarking on the journey to secure your Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300) is an exciting step toward building a life with your fiancé in Australia. While the process might seem daunting at times, remember that each challenge you face brings you one step closer to your happily ever after. Think of it as an adventure where every document gathered and every form filled is a milestone on your journey.
Navigating the complexities of visa applications can be like solving a puzzle, and you don’t have to do it alone. Seeking help from Port Migration registered migration agents can make the process smoother and more manageable. These experts are like your personal guides, equipped with the knowledge and experience to help you overcome any hurdles and ensure your application is in top shape.
Imagine the moment you step off the plane and into the arms of your fiancé(e), knowing that your careful preparation and perseverance have paid off. With the right support, what might seem like a bureaucratic maze transforms into a well-marked path leading to your new life together in Australia.
So, take a deep breath, gather your documents, and reach out for the help you need. Your dream of starting a life with your partner in Australia is within reach. Embrace this journey with confidence, knowing that with each step, you’re closer to making your dream a reality. Here’s to love, adventure, and the exciting new chapter that awaits you both!
Frequently Asked Questions
The Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300) allows individuals to come to Australia to marry their Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen fiancé(e).
To be eligible, you must be outside Australia when you apply, intend to marry an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, and meet health and character requirements.
The visa is valid for 9 months from the date it is granted. During this period, you must enter Australia, get married, and apply for a Partner Visa (subclass 820/801).
Required documents include evidence of your relationship, proof of intent to marry (such as a letter from the celebrant), personal identification documents, health and character checks, and evidence of sponsor’s citizenship or residency.
The visa cannot be extended. If you are unable to marry within the 9 months, you may need to leave Australia and apply for another visa.
There are no specific financial requirements, but the sponsor must declare the ability to support the applicant financially and declare that they will assist the applicant to settle in Australia.
As of 2024, the base application charge for the Prospective Marriage Visa is AUD 8850 though additional costs may apply for health checks, police certificates, and biometrics.
Yes, holders of the Prospective Marriage Visa have full work rights and can study, though they are not eligible for government funding for education.
After marriage, you must apply for the Partner Visa (subclass 820/801) to remain in Australia as a permanent resident.
Processing times can vary. Factors such as completeness of the application and the applicant's country of residence can affect the processing time. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for regular Partner Visa and Prospective Marriage Visa processing updates.
