Prospective Marriage visa

Australia Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300)

Also called the fiancé visa, this is designed for people outside Australia who plan to marry an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen — and want to do it on Australian soil.

What It Actually Is

The Subclass 300 is a pathway for individuals who wish to come to Australia, marry their prospective spouse, and then apply for an onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820). It’s an excellent option for couples who want to build a life together in Australia but haven’t yet met the requirements for the Partner Visa. Emigrate Lawyers

Core Requirements

To qualify, both the applicant and sponsor must be 18 or older. You must have met your prospective spouse in person (after turning 18) and genuinely intend to marry within the visa’s validity. You must be outside Australia at the time of application. Emigrate Lawyers

Your sponsor must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. Both parties must meet health and character standards. Emigrate Lawyers

You must provide evidence that you and your sponsor have met in person at least once since becoming engaged, unless exceptional circumstances are accepted by the Department. Thao & Company

The Marriage Deadline — This Matters

You must genuinely intend to marry within nine months of the visa grant date. The marriage may take place either in Australia or overseas. The visa itself can last up to 15 months total, but the marriage window is nine months — don’t confuse the two. VisaEnvoy

The visa cannot be extended, so you must either marry and lodge your Partner visa before it expires, or apply for a different visa if your plans change. Nexorgroup

What You Can Do on This Visa

You can work and study in Australia for the duration of the visa. That’s a significant perk — you’re not just waiting around to get married. Nexorgroup

Sponsor Restrictions — Often Overlooked

Your sponsor cannot have sponsored more than one other partner or fiancé for migration to Australia, and must not have been sponsored for a partner or prospective marriage visa within the previous five years, unless there are compelling circumstances. Nexorgroup

Cost & The Smart Financial Move

As of 2025, the base application charge is approximately AUD $8,850. Here’s where it gets interesting: after marrying, Subclass 300 holders pay a significantly reduced Partner Visa fee of just $1,560 versus the standard $9,095 — saving over $7,500. Ghothane Lawyers Firstmigrationservice

What Happens After the Wedding

After you marry, you should lodge an onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801) before your prospective marriage visa ends. This moves you onto a temporary 820 visa and eventually permanent residency. Nexorgroup

Bottom line: This visa is a well-structured, time-sensitive pathway to permanent residency. The key is meeting the in-person relationship evidence requirements, marrying within nine months, and filing your Partner Visa before the 300 expires.

The Australian Department of Home Affairs treats the Subclass 820 (Temporary) and Subclass 801 (Permanent) as a combined application. This means you submit one set of forms and pay a single application fee upfront.

The Subclass 820 (Provisional): Once approved, the spouse visa allows you to live, work, and study in Australia without restriction. It also grants you immediate access to Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system.
The Subclass 801 (Permanent): This is the final stage of the journey. Usually, two years after your initial lodgment, the government reviews your case to ensure your commitment remains steadfast. Upon grant, you become a permanent resident, paving the way for future Australian citizenship.