The Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300) is designed for people outside Australia who intend to marry their Australian partner and then transition to a Partner Visa pathway.
This visa allows the applicant to enter Australia, marry their sponsor within the visa validity period, and begin their life together while preparing for permanent residency. It is an important first step for engaged couples who want to build their future in Australia.
According to the Australian Department of Home Affairs, the Prospective Marriage Visa lets you stay temporarily in Australia while you marry your sponsor and prepare to apply for a Partner Visa. More details are available on the official page for the Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300).
What the Prospective Marriage Visa allows you to do
Once granted, the visa allows you to:
- Enter and stay in Australia for a limited period (usually 9–15 months).
- Work in Australia without restrictions.
- Study in Australia (without government financial assistance).
- Travel in and out of Australia while the visa is valid.
- Marry your sponsor and then apply for an onshore Partner Visa.
To remain in Australia permanently after marriage, you will need to apply for a Partner Visa. Information about this next step is available on the Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801) and Partner Visa (Subclass 309/100) pages.
Eligibility requirements for applicants
Relationship requirements
To qualify for the Prospective Marriage Visa, you must:
- Be engaged to an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Genuinely intend to marry your sponsor within the visa validity period.
- Plan to live together as a married couple.
- Have met your partner in person at least once.
- Be 18 years or older (or turning 18 before the marriage takes place).
Australia recognises marriage equality, so both opposite-sex and same-sex couples can apply for this visa.
Health and character requirements
Applicants must meet Australia’s health and character standards. This includes undergoing medical examinations and providing police clearances for every country where you have lived for 12 months or more.
Financial obligations
You must have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government, or you must have made arrangements to repay them before the visa can be granted.
Who can sponsor a Prospective Marriage Visa?
Your sponsor must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Sponsorship limitations
The Department of Home Affairs may refuse or restrict sponsorship if the sponsor:
- Has sponsored another partner within the last five years.
- Has previously sponsored two partners in total.
- Was themselves sponsored as a partner within the last five years.
- Has certain criminal or migration-related issues.
These rules help prevent misuse of the partner migration program.
Documents and evidence required
For the applicant
- Valid passport and identity documents.
- Evidence of your relationship (photos, messages, travel records, joint plans).
- Proof of intention to marry (emails with celebrants, venue inquiries, wedding plans).
- Police certificates from relevant countries.
- Health examination results.
For the sponsor
- Proof of citizenship or permanent residency.
- Identity documents.
- Sponsorship declarations completed through ImmiAccount.
Visa costs and additional expenses
The Prospective Marriage Visa has a substantial application fee payable to the Department of Home Affairs. Fees may change, so applicants should always check the current cost on the official Subclass 300 visa page.
Additional expenses may include:
- Medical examinations.
- Police clearances.
- Biometrics.
- Document translation and certification.
How to apply for a Prospective Marriage Visa
Step 1: Create an ImmiAccount
Applications are submitted online through the Department of Home Affairs portal. You can create an account and manage your application through ImmiAccount.
Step 2: Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents before lodging your application. This includes identity documents, relationship evidence, wedding plans, and police clearances.
Step 3: Lodge your application online
Complete the online form, upload your documents, and pay the visa application charge. You must be outside Australia when you apply and when the visa is granted.
Step 4: Sponsorship by your partner
After you lodge your application, your sponsor will be invited to complete their sponsorship details online. They must provide their own documents and declarations.
Step 5: Health and character checks
You may be asked to undergo medical examinations and provide police certificates. Follow the instructions provided in your ImmiAccount.
Step 6: Wait for a decision
Processing times vary. You can track your application status through ImmiAccount. The Department may request additional information if needed.
After the visa is granted
If your visa is approved, you will receive your visa grant notice, which includes:
- Your visa grant number.
- The date your visa starts.
- The date your visa ends.
- Any visa conditions.
You can then enter Australia, work, study, and prepare for your wedding. You must marry your sponsor before the visa expires.
Transitioning to a Partner Visa
After you marry your sponsor, you can apply for an onshore Partner Visa. This is the pathway to permanent residency. More information is available on the Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801) and Partner Visa (Subclass 309/100) pages.
Applicants who transition from a Prospective Marriage Visa to a Partner Visa usually pay a reduced fee for the Partner Visa because they already paid a significant amount for the Subclass 300 visa.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not providing enough relationship evidence.
- Failing to show genuine wedding plans.
- Overlooking sponsorship limitations.
- Submitting incomplete or inconsistent documents.
- Relying on outdated information instead of checking the Home Affairs website.
