Prospective Marriage Visa
Prospective Marriage Visa – Your 2025 Guide to Australia’s Fiancé Visa (Subclass 300)
Planning to marry your Australian partner and start a life together in Australia? The Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300) allows you to enter Australia, marry your fiancé(e), and then apply for permanent residency. Commonly known as the fiancé visa, this temporary visa is the first step toward settling in Australia with your loved one.
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Prospective Marriage Visa, including eligibility, application process, costs, and what happens after the visa is granted.
What Is the Prospective Marriage Visa?
The Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300) is a temporary visa for people who are engaged to an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. It allows the visa holder to:
Travel to Australia
Marry their sponsor within 9 months of arrival
Apply for a Partner visa (subclass 820/801) once married
This visa is often referred to as a fiancé visa Australia, and it provides a clear pathway to permanent residency.
Who Can Apply for a Prospective Marriage Visa?
To be eligible for a Prospective Marriage Visa, you must:
Be outside Australia at the time of application and when the visa is granted
Be engaged to an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
Intend to marry within 9 months of the visa being granted
Be at least 18 years old
Meet health and character requirements
Have met your partner in person (not just online)
Show that your relationship is genuine and continuing
How to Apply for a Prospective Marriage Visa
Gather supporting documents, including:
Proof of relationship (photos, chats, travel history)
Evidence of meeting in person
Intent to marry (e.g., letter from celebrant or venue booking)
Create an ImmiAccount on the Australian immigration website
Complete the online application form (subclass 300)
Pay the visa fee (from AUD $8,850 as of 2025)
Submit the application while you are outside Australia
Attend health and character checks
Wait for the decision – current processing times are approximately 18 to 28 months
What Happens After the Visa Is Granted?
Once your Prospective Marriage Visa is approved:
You can enter Australia and stay for up to 9 months
You must marry your sponsor during this period
After marriage, you can apply for the Partner visa (subclass 820 for temporary and 801 for permanent residency)
This process allows you to stay in Australia while your Partner visa is being processed.
Benefits of the Prospective Marriage Visa
Travel to and stay in Australia legally for 9 months
Get married in Australia
Work and study during your stay
Access to Australia’s public healthcare system (Medicare) after transitioning to the Partner visa
Pathway to permanent residency and Australian citizenship
Documents Required
Valid passport
Relationship evidence (photos, messages, travel documents)
Proof of intent to marry (wedding plans, celebrant letter)
Statutory declarations from friends/family
Health exam results
Police clearance certificates
Sponsor documents (proof of citizenship/residency)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not meeting in person before applying
Submitting incomplete or inconsistent documentation
Assuming you can apply from within Australia – this visa must be applied for offshore
Delaying the Partner visa application after marriage
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work on a Prospective Marriage Visa?
Yes, you can work and study in Australia once the visa is granted.
Do I need to get married in Australia?
Yes, the marriage must occur after you arrive in Australia and within 9 months of the visa grant.
Can I include children in the application?
Yes, dependent children can be included and will receive the same visa rights.
Final Thoughts
The Prospective Marriage Visa is ideal for couples who are engaged and want to begin their life together in Australia. While the process can be lengthy and documentation-heavy, it offers a reliable path toward permanent residency and eventually citizenship.
To ensure a smooth application:
Start early and prepare your documentation thoroughly
Be honest and clear in your relationship history
Consider getting help from a registered migration agent
