Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300) - Fiancé Visa Guide

The Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300) allows engaged partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to enter Australia for marriage, leading to a partner visa pathway for permanent residency.

Visa Timeline

This temporary visa gives you 9-15 months to enter Australia and marry your fiancé. Once married, you apply for the Partner visa (820/801) at a significantly reduced fee, creating a cost-effective pathway to permanent residency.

Who Should Apply

• Engaged couples planning Australian weddings
• Long-distance partners ready to marry
• Fiancés who have met in person
• Couples preferring marriage before partner visa
• Partners in cultural/religious engagements
• Families with dependent children

Current Reality (August 2025)

Processing Status:

• Average processing: 12-16 months
• Range: 9-27 months depending on case
• Part of 40,500 annual partner visa allocation
• Well-prepared applications process faster

Key Advantages

• Lower total cost than direct partner visa
• Time to plan Australian wedding
• Full work rights upon grant
• Include children in application
• Multiple entry travel rights

Core Requirements

Mandatory Criteria:

1. Age: Both parties 18+ years old
2. Location: Apply and be granted offshore
3. Meeting: Must have met in person after age 18
4. Engagement: Genuine intention to marry
5. Sponsor: Australian citizen/PR/eligible NZ citizen
6. Timeline: Marry within 9 months of arrival

Relationship Requirements

Meeting Requirement Explained

Acceptable Evidence:

• Passport stamps showing travel
• Photos together with timestamps
• Travel bookings and receipts
• Witness statements
• Activity documentation

Exceptions (rare):

• Compelling circumstances only
• Cultural/religious restrictions
• Must provide extensive justification
• Additional evidence required

Sponsor Requirements

Your sponsor must:

• Be 18+ years old
• Be Australian citizen/PR/eligible NZ citizen
• Not have sponsored 2+ partners previously
• Meet 5-year gap since last sponsorship
• Pass character requirements
• Sign sponsorship undertaking

Marriage Planning Evidence

Strong Applications Include:

• Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM)
• Celebrant booking confirmation
• Wedding venue contract
• Guest list and invitations
• Reception arrangements
• Honeymoon bookings

After Grant Requirements

You Must:

• Enter Australia before initial entry date
• Marry within visa validity period
• Apply for partner visa after marriage
• Maintain genuine relationship
• Comply with all visa conditions

Tips for Success

Strong Application Strategies:

1. Document everything - Keep all evidence from first meeting
2. Plan wedding early - Show concrete marriage arrangements
3. Meet multiple times - More visits strengthen application
4. Involve families - Show relationship acceptance
5. Professional photos - Quality images from visits

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Insufficient meeting evidence
• Vague marriage plans
• Poor quality photos
• Generic statutory declarations
• Missing NOIM or celebrant booking
• Applying before ready
• Hidden previous relationships

Meeting Evidence Best Practices

Quality Over Quantity:

• Clear photos showing both faces
• Different locations and dates
• Family and friends in photos
• Passport stamps matching photos
• Detailed travel itineraries

Marriage Planning Tips

Before Applying:

• Research Australian marriage laws
• Contact potential celebrants
• Understand NOIM requirements
• Check venue availability
• Budget for wedding costs

After Grant:

• Lodge NOIM immediately (1-18 months before wedding)
• Confirm all bookings
• Prepare required documents
• Plan for partner visa application
• Keep relationship evidence

Timeline Management

Application Timing:

• Apply 12-18 months before intended wedding
• Factor in processing delays
• Plan for visa validity period
• Consider peak wedding seasons
• Allow partner visa preparation time

Post-Marriage Strategy:

• Marry early in visa period
• Apply for 820/801 immediately after
• Continue collecting evidence
• Maintain all documentation
• Update addresses promptly

Special Situations

Online Relationships:

• Must meet in person before applying
• Document progression to physical meeting
• Explain online introduction clearly
• Strong communication evidence essential

Cultural/Religious Engagements:

• Explain cultural context
• Provide ceremony documentation
• Include family involvement evidence
• Translate all documents
• Consider cultural expert statement

Previous Relationships:

• Provide all divorce documents
• Explain relationship timeline
• Address any overlaps clearly
• Show new commitment genuine

Cost-Saving Strategy

300 → 820/801 Pathway:

• Total cost: $9,950 ($9,095 + $855)
• Direct 820/801: $9,365
• Savings: Comparable but with wedding time
• Benefit: Lower risk, staged process

Processing in 2025

Current Trends:

• Increased scrutiny on genuineness
• Faster processing for complete applications
• Online applications mandatory
• Electronic visa labels
• Higher approval rates for well-documented cases