The Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300) is a temporary option for engaged couples who intend to marry and build their lives together in Australia. It provides a pathway for overseas partners to enter the country, spend meaningful time together and formalise their relationship before moving on to a Partner visa.
If you are planning for marriage and long-term settlement, Immigration Gurus can guide you through each stage, from your initial application through to your next visa outcome.
The Prospective Marriage subclass 300 visa allows approved applicants to remain in Australia for 9 to 15 months from the date of grant. During this time, you are expected to marry your sponsoring partner and prepare your next visa application.
Following your marriage, you may be eligible to lodge a Partner visa application before your Prospective Marriage visa expires.
To qualify for the Prospective Marriage visa subclass 300 in Australia, applicants must meet a range of eligibility criteria, including:
Applicants must also satisfy health, character and identity requirements. Sponsorship approval from the Department of Home Affairs is mandatory for the process.
Prospective Marriage visa subclass 300 holders are granted broad permissions while their visa remains valid. These include the right to:
The processing time for the Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300) can vary significantly between applications. Factors such as the accuracy of documentation, health and character assessments and current departmental priorities all influence processing outcomes.
For current timeframe guidance, you can refer to our estimated Partner visa processing times. While published timeframes are indicative only, well-prepared applications are less likely to encounter delays.
Once you are legally married, you may apply for a Partner visa before your Prospective Marriage visa expires. Some applicants proceed onshore, while others may continue through an offshore process.
The vast majority of Subclass 300 holders apply for the Onshore Partner visa (Subclass 820/801) once married. This is often the preferred route as it allows the applicant to remain in Australia on a Bridging Visa with full work rights while their permanent residency is processed.
Offshore applications can involve the Subclass 309 temporary visa, with permanent residency assessed later under the Subclass 100.
Immigration Gurus has extensive experience assisting couples with relationship-based visa pathways. We take a hands-on approach, managing your application from assessment through to lodgement and post-submission communication.
Our team focuses on presenting your relationship clearly, accurately and in line with legislative requirements, reducing stress and uncertainty throughout the process.
If you are considering a Subclass 300 Prospective Marriage visa, our experienced migration team is here to help. To discuss your eligibility and next steps, contact us and book a consultation with Immigration Gurus today.
If the relationship ends before marriage, the visa may no longer be valid. Outcomes depend on individual circumstances, and professional advice should be sought promptly.
Failure to marry before the Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300) expires may prevent you from applying for a Partner visa and could require you to depart Australia.
Supporting evidence may include communication records, shared travel, statements from friends or family and documentation of wedding plans and future intentions.
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