Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300) | Wintr Consulting

Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300)

Travel to Australia to marry your partner and start your life together.

Commonly known as the ‘fiancé visa’, the Prospective Marriage (subclass 300) visa allows you to travel to Australia to marry your prospective spouse, who must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. After marriage, you may apply for a Partner visa to remain in Australia permanently.

Valid 9-15 Months

Live in Australia between 9 and 15 months from the visa grant date.

Marry in Australia

Marry your partner during this time.

Work & Study

Work and study while in Australia during this period.

Travel Freely

Travel in and out of Australia freely while the visa remains valid.

Key Requirements

Genuine Relationship: Largely, the assessment will focus on evidence such as that you are in a genuine, consenting relationship with your partner and that you have genuine intent to marry.
Age: Both you and your partner must be at least 18 years of age.
Met in Person: You must have met in person since turning 18.
Offshore Application: This visa is an offshore visa, which means you must be outside of Australia both when you apply and when a decision is made.

Upon visa grant, you may choose to marry in Australia or overseas as long as the marriage is valid and recognised under Australian law. Once you are married within the granted visa period, you may apply for a Partner visa (Subclass 820/801) in Australia.

Case Study: Planning a Wedding in Australia

Scenario: You are an Australian citizen who met Emily, a Canadian national, while travelling. You are engaged but Emily lives overseas, and your relationship doesn't yet meet the 12-month de facto requirement for a Partner visa.

Solution: Instead, you choose to apply for the Subclass 300 Prospective Marriage visa. This allows Emily to travel to Australia and live with you for up to 15 months. During this time, Emily can look for a job while you both plan your wedding.

Outcome: Once married, Emily is eligible to apply for the Partner visa (Subclass 820/801) from within Australia, creating a pathway for permanent settlement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is an ‘eligible New Zealand citizen’?

An eligible New Zealand citizen is a New Zealand citizen considered a protected Special Category visa (SCV) holder under the Social Security Act 1991. You are a protected SCV holder if you:

Were in Australia on 26 February 2001 holding an SCV, or
Spent at least 365 days in Australia between 26 February 1999 and 25 February 2001 and returned after 26 February 2001, or
Have confirmation from Centrelink that you meet the protected SCV criteria under the legislation.

Can same-sex couples apply for the Prospective Marriage (subclass 300) visa?

Yes. Same-sex couples are eligible under the same criteria as opposite-sex couples.

What happens if I marry before the visa decision is made?

If you marry before the decision, you no longer meet the eligibility for the Prospective Marriage visa. Please book a consultation to discuss how best to navigate toward a Partner visa and prevent visa refusal.

Is there a limit on how many times someone can sponsor a prospective spouse?

Yes. There are restrictions on how often someone can sponsor. For example, a person who has previously sponsored a partner is subject to waiting periods or limitations of 5 years. Please book a consultation to discuss further.

Can I include my children in the application?

Yes. Dependent children can be added as secondary applicants.

Is the visa physically labelled in my passport?

No, it is digitally linked to your passport. You can check your visa details on your grant notification or through VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online).

What if our wedding is delayed and we cannot marry within the visa period?

There are no provisions to ‘extend’ or apply for a further Prospective Marriage visa in Australia if you want to delay the marriage beyond the granted visa period. Please book a consultation if you foresee a delay with your plans to marry.

What should I do if I have a baby after the visa is granted?

You must notify the Department of Home Affairs so that your child can be added to your visa or included in a future application.

What if the relationship ends before we marry?

If the engagement ends, you must notify the Department, and you may risk visa cancellation. If this applies to you, please book a consultation to assess alternative pathways and options.

Does this visa give me access to Medicare?

No, this visa is a temporary visa and does not allow for access to Medicare. You may wish to arrange private health insurance while in Australia if required.

How do I prove my visa status to an employer?

A VEVO check shows work rights and visa details to employers.

Are there restrictions on the sponsor’s character?

Yes. The sponsor must meet character requirements. Serious criminal records may prevent approval of the sponsorship.

Is there a reduced fee for the Partner visa after marriage?

Yes, a reduced fee from $1,560.00 applies for holders of the Prospective Marriage visa. Departmental fees and charges increase regularly, you can check for current fees here.