Australian family migration pathway
Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300)
The Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300) is for a person who is engaged to an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen and genuinely intends to marry their prospective spouse.
It is a temporary family visa pathway that can allow the visa holder to travel to Australia, marry during the visa period and then consider an eligible Partner Visa pathway after marriage.
- Application locationThe applicant must be outside Australia when the Subclass 300 application is made.
- RelationshipThe couple must be engaged and genuinely intend to marry each other.
- SponsorThe prospective spouse must meet the relevant Australian sponsorship requirements.
- Next pathwayAfter marriage, an eligible visa holder may consider applying for a Partner Visa.
Stage 1
Understand the Prospective Marriage Visa
A prospective marriage is an intended future marriage between two people who are engaged and genuinely intend to marry each other. Subclass 300 provides a temporary visa pathway for an eligible prospective spouse before the marriage takes place.
Temporary Visa
The Subclass 300 is not permanent residence. It provides a temporary period in which the visa holder can travel to Australia and proceed with the intended marriage.
Marriage Pathway
The couple must genuinely intend to marry each other during the visa period and should have practical evidence of their marriage plans.
Partner Visa Afterwards
After marriage, the visa holder may be able to apply for an eligible Partner Visa if the relevant requirements are met at that time.
Stage 2
Check the Main Eligibility Requirements
The Subclass 300 application should be prepared only after checking the relationship, application location and marriage plans against the current visa requirements.
Engaged Couple
The applicant and sponsor should be engaged and genuinely intend to marry each other rather than already relying on a spouse or de facto Partner Visa pathway.
Met in Person
The couple must generally have met in person after turning 18 and must personally know each other.
Application Location
The applicant must be outside Australia when applying. Home Affairs has advised that, from 1 July 2024, a Subclass 300 visa may be granted while the applicant is in or outside Australia.
Check before lodging: location rules and other visa requirements can change. Confirm the current requirements immediately before submitting the application.
Stage 3
Check the Sponsorship Requirement
The applicant must be sponsored by their prospective spouse. The sponsor is assessed separately and should prepare their sponsorship material together with the visa application.
Eligible Status
The prospective spouse must generally be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Sponsor Documents
The sponsor may need to provide identity, status, relationship and character information, including relevant police certificates.
Support Responsibilities
The sponsor should understand the support and sponsorship responsibilities associated with the prospective marriage and later Partner Visa process.
Stage 4
Prepare Evidence of a Genuine Intention to Marry
The application should show both a genuine relationship and a genuine intention to marry. Evidence should be organised so that the relationship history and the planned marriage are easy to understand.
Relationship History
Statements from the applicant and sponsor can explain when they met, how the relationship developed and the important events in the relationship.
Contact and Visits
Communication records, visits, photographs and other dated evidence can help show that the couple personally know each other and maintain the relationship.
Marriage Arrangements
Evidence of practical marriage arrangements may include correspondence with an authorised marriage celebrant and other documents showing the intended wedding plans.
Statements from family members or friends who know the couple may also assist where they are relevant and consistent with the application.
Stage 5
Prepare a Clear Relationship Statement
A well-structured relationship statement can help explain the development of the relationship and place the supporting documents into context.
How the Relationship Developed
Explain how the couple first met, how the relationship became serious and the important milestones in the relationship.
Time Spent Apart
Where the couple has lived in different countries or cities, explain communication, visits and how the relationship continued during periods apart.
Future Plans
Describe the intended marriage, future living arrangements and the couple's plans for their life together after marriage.
The statement should remain consistent with dates, travel records, photographs, messages, celebrant arrangements and other evidence submitted with the application.
Stage 6
Understand What Happens After the Visa Is Granted
Grant of the Subclass 300 is an important step, but the prospective marriage and any later Partner Visa application still need to be managed carefully.
Check the Visa Grant Notice
Review the visa validity period, travel conditions and any other conditions stated in the grant notice.
Travel and Marry
The visa holder can travel to Australia and the couple should marry within the period permitted by the Subclass 300 visa.
Consider the Partner Visa
After marriage, the visa holder may be able to apply for an onshore Partner Visa if the applicable requirements are met.
Stage 7
Check Official Charges and Processing Information
Government charges, visa validity information and processing estimates can change. Check the current Home Affairs information before lodging and again while the application is being processed.
Official Subclass 300 Page
Review the current visa requirements, application steps and visa information published by Home Affairs.
Visa Application Charges
Confirm the current government visa application charge and any additional applicant charges.
Processing Times
Use the official processing-time guide for the latest published processing information.
Stage 8
Frequently Asked Questions
Select a question to expand the answer.
Do I need to be outside Australia to apply for a Subclass 300 visa?
Yes. Home Affairs currently requires the applicant to be outside Australia when the Subclass 300 application is made. Since 1 July 2024, the visa may be granted while the applicant is in or outside Australia.
Do we need to have met in person?
Yes. The couple must generally have met in person after turning 18 and must personally know each other.
Do we need evidence from a marriage celebrant?
Evidence of genuine marriage arrangements is important. Correspondence or a letter from an authorised marriage celebrant is commonly used as part of the evidence showing the couple genuinely intends to marry.
What happens after we get married?
After marriage, a Subclass 300 visa holder may be able to apply for an eligible Partner Visa if the requirements for that application are met.
How long will the Subclass 300 visa remain valid?
The visa grant notice states the period and conditions applying to the individual visa. Because visa settings can change, check the current Home Affairs Subclass 300 information and the grant notice rather than relying on an old timeframe.
Next step
Book a Prospective Marriage Visa Consultation
Need help checking eligibility, sponsor requirements, evidence of the relationship or marriage arrangements before lodging a Subclass 300 application?
