Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300): Your Guide to Joining Your Partner in Australia
Are you engaged to an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen? If so, the Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300) might be the perfect pathway for you to live in Australia before officially tying the knot. This visa allows you to enter Australia to marry your partner within nine months, after which you can transition to a permanent partner visa.
What is the Subclass 300 Prospective Marriage Visa?
The Prospective Marriage Visa is a temporary visa that grants engaged couples the opportunity to reunite and marry in Australia. Once married, visa holders can apply for a Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801) to remain in Australia permanently.
Who is Eligible for the Prospective Marriage Visa?
Applicants must meet several key requirements to qualify for the Prospective Marriage Visa:
Be aged at least 18 years.
Be engaged to an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Statements from family and friends confirming the authenticity of your relationship.
Plans for your wedding (invitations, venue bookings, etc.).
Medical and police clearance certificates.
2. Submit Your Application Online
Your application can be lodged through the Australian Department of Home Affairs’ online portal. Ensure that all forms are completed accurately and that the required supporting documents are attached.
3. Pay the Visa Fee
The current government fee for the Prospective Marriage Visa is substantial, so it’s important to confirm the exact amount on the Department of Home Affairs website before submission.
4. Attend Health and Character Checks
Applicants must pass a medical examination conducted by an authorised panel physician and provide police clearance certificates from all countries where they have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
5. Wait for Processing
Visa processing times can vary. In some cases, applications can take upwards of 12 months to be finalised, depending on factors such as the completeness of documentation and security checks.
What Happens After Your Visa is Granted?
Once your Prospective Marriage Visa is approved, you can:
Enter and live in Australia for up to nine months.
Work and study (without access to government funding).
Travel freely outside Australia while your visa is valid.
After marriage, you must apply for the Subclass 820/801 Partner Visa to remain in Australia permanently.
Common Reasons for Visa Rejection
Applying for an Australian visa is a complex process, and mistakes can lead to rejections. Common reasons include:
Insufficient evidence of a genuine relationship.
Incomplete or misleading documentation.
Health or character concerns.
Not formally meeting the legal definition of an engaged couple in Australia.
To improve your chances of approval, consider seeking professional assistance from a MARA-registered migration consultant.
Why Choose Migrate 2 Oz for Your Australian Migration Journey?
With over 20 years of experience, Migrate 2 Oz specialises in assisting South African applicants in navigating the complexities of Australian migration. Our MARA-registered consultants are experts in skilled migration, partner visas, and family migration pathways.
We provide personalised consultation services to ensure your application is lodged correctly and efficiently, reducing the risk of delays or refusals.
