Everything You Should Know About the Subclass 300 Prospective Marriage Visa

By Clinton Courier | September 7, 2025 |

The Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300) is a temporary visa offered by the Australian Government to individuals intending to marry an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. This 300 prospective marriage visa allows the holder to enter Australia to marry their fiancé(e) within a specified timeframe and subsequently apply for a Partner visa to live together in Australia.

What Is the Subclass 300 Visa?

The Prospective Marriage Visa is designed for individuals who are engaged to an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. It permits the visa holder to enter Australia and marry their fiancé(e) within nine months of the visa grant. After marriage, the visa holder can apply for a Partner visa (subclass 820/801) to remain in Australia permanently.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the subclass 300 visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Age: Both the applicant and the sponsor must be at least 18 years old.
Genuine Intention to Marry: The applicant must intend to marry their sponsor within nine months of the visa grant.
Relationship History: The applicant and sponsor must have met in person since turning 18 and have a genuine and ongoing relationship.
Offshore Application: The applicant must be outside Australia at the time of application and at the time of visa grant.
Sponsorship: The sponsor must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen who is at least 18 years old and intends to marry the applicant.

Application Process

The application process for the subclass 300 visa involves several steps:

Gather Documentation: Collect all necessary documents, including proof of identity, relationship evidence, and health and character assessments.
Submit Application: Lodge the application online through the ImmiAccount portal, providing all required information and supporting documents.
Wait for Decision: The Department of Home Affairs will process the application, which may take several months. Processing times can vary based on factors such as the completeness of the application and the applicant’s personal circumstances.
Receive Visa: If the application is approved, the applicant will receive the Prospective Marriage Visa, allowing them to enter Australia and marry their sponsor within the specified timeframe.

Costs Involved

The cost of the subclass 300 visa is subject to change and should be verified with the Department of Home Affairs. Additional costs may include health examinations, police clearances, and document translations.

Rights and Responsibilities

Holders of the subclass 300 visa have the right to:

Enter and remain in Australia for the duration of the visa.
Marry their sponsor within the specified timeframe.
Apply for a Partner visa after marriage.

However, visa holders must:

Comply with Australian laws and visa conditions.
Marry their sponsor within nine months of the visa grant.
Apply for a Partner visa after marriage to remain in Australia permanently.

Transitioning to Permanent Residency

After marrying their sponsor, subclass 300 visa holders can apply for a Partner visa (subclass 820/801) to live in Australia permanently. The application for the Partner visa should be lodged while the applicant is in Australia. The processing time for the Partner visa can vary, and applicants should ensure they meet all eligibility requirements.

Important Considerations

Processing Times: Processing times for the subclass 300 visa can vary. It’s essential to apply well in advance to accommodate any delays.
Visa Conditions: Ensure compliance with all visa conditions to avoid complications with future visa applications.
Legal Advice: Consider seeking advice from a registered migration agent or legal professional to navigate the application process effectively.

Conclusion

The Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300) provides a pathway for individuals intending to marry an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. By understanding the eligibility criteria, application process, costs, and responsibilities associated with this visa, applicants can make informed decisions and plan accordingly for their future in Australia.