How to Apply for a Partner Visa Before You’re Married: All About the Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300)

Introduction

Are you engaged to an Australian citizen or permanent resident and planning to get married in Australia? If you're not yet married, but looking forward to building your life together Down Under, the Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300) might be the perfect starting point.

This unique visa allows engaged partners of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to come to Australia to get married and apply for a Partner visa later. In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know: from eligibility and application steps to timelines, costs, and how it differs from the standard partner visa.

What is the Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300)?

The Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300), also known as the fiancé(e) visa, is a temporary visa for individuals who are engaged to an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.

Once granted, it allows the visa holder to travel to Australia, get married within 9 months, and then apply for an onshore Partner visa (Subclass 820/801) to remain in Australia permanently.

Who Can Apply for the Subclass 300 Visa?

To be eligible, both you and your partner must meet certain criteria:

Primary eligibility requirements

You must be outside Australia when you apply and when the visa is granted.

You must be engaged to an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.

You and your partner must genuinely intend to marry within the visa validity period (9 months).

You must intend to live together as spouses after marriage.

You must be at least 18 years old.

You must meet health and character requirements.

What’s the Difference Between the Subclass 300 and a Partner Visa?

Feature	Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300)	Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801 or 309/100)
Marital status	Must be engaged	Can be married or in a de facto relationship
Location when applying	Outside Australia	Onshore (820/801) or Offshore (309/100)
Visa duration	9 months (temporary)	Temporary to Permanent (820/801 or 309/100)
Next steps	Must marry and apply for Partner visa onshore	Already eligible for Partner visa
Processing time	18–33 months (approx.)	11–20 months (depending on stream)
Cost	From AUD $8,850	From AUD $8,850 (but combined with 820/801 cost when applying later)

Tip: If you're not yet married or living together, the Subclass 300 is your pathway. If already married or in a de facto relationship, consider the Partner visa directly.

How to Apply for the Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300)

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents

You’ll need:

Evidence of your relationship (photos, call logs, chat records).

A signed statement of intent to marry within 9 months.

Passport copies for both partners.

Identity documents.

Proof of Australian partner’s citizenship or residency.

Police clearances.

Health checks.

Step 2: Submit Your Application

Apply online via Immi Account.

You must be outside Australia when you apply.

Pay the application fee: From AUD $8,850.

Step 3: Attend Biometrics or Medicals

You may be asked to:

Provide biometric information.

Undergo health examinations.

Step 4: Wait for Processing

As of 2025, the processing time is:

75% of applications: processed in 18 months

90% of applications: processed in 33 months

Processing times can vary based on your country of origin, documentation completeness, and other factors.

Where Can You Apply From?

You must be outside Australia at the time of lodging your application and when the visa is granted.

If you’re already in Australia, you cannot apply for the Subclass 300. You must leave Australia to lodge your application and wait offshore until a decision is made.

What Happens After the Visa is Granted?

Once the visa is granted:

You’ll have 9 months to enter Australia and get married.

You can travel in and out of Australia during this period.

You must marry your sponsor within the 9-month window.

After marriage, apply for the onshore Partner visa (Subclass 820/801) before your 300 visa expires.

Can You Work or Study on a Subclass 300?

Yes, the Subclass 300 is a temporary visa, but it allows you to:

Work in Australia.

Study (without government funding).

Travel freely.

However, Medicare eligibility is only granted once you apply for the Partner visa after marriage.

Supporting Evidence Tips

Strong evidence makes your application more likely to succeed. Include:

Photos together (dated).

Letters of support from friends/family.

A wedding invitation or plans (venue booking, celebrant agreement).

Timeline of your relationship (how you met, how the relationship developed).

Travel history together (boarding passes, hotel bookings).

Costs and Financial Planning

The Subclass 300 visa fee is from AUD $8,850, which does not include the cost of the Partner visa you must apply for later (Subclass 820/801). However, when you apply for the Partner visa after marriage, you’ll pay a reduced fee, as your application is considered combined.

You should also factor in:

Health checks (~AUD $300–$500).

Police checks.

Translations and certifications if your documents aren’t in English.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying while in Australia.

Not including a signed intent to marry document.

Weak or insufficient relationship evidence.

Missing deadlines for the 820 visa after marriage.

Not understanding the 9-month window for marriage.

Final Thoughts: Is the Subclass 300 Right for You?

The Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300) is an ideal path for couples who are not yet married and are looking to start their journey together in Australia. If you're engaged and ready to build a life in Australia with your partner, the Subclass 300 allows you to do just that — legally, securely, and with the right long-term pathway to permanent residency.

By understanding the process and preparing strong documentation, you can significantly improve your chances of success. And remember — after marriage, the journey continues with the onshore Partner visa.

Key Takeaways:

Apply before marriage, from outside Australia.

Visa is valid for 9 months, during which you must marry.

You can work and study during this period.

After marriage, apply for a Partner visa onshore (820/801).

Remember:

This post is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional immigration advice. Given the uniqueness of every case, engaging with a registered migration agent is highly recommended for bespoke guidance and to navigate the specific details of your situation effectively. Book a visa consultation with a Registered Migration Agent