Last Updated: 8 April 2026

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Overview

The Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300), also known as the fiancé visa Australia, allows you to enter Australia to marry your partner and later apply for a partner visa.

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This visa is designed for couples who are not yet married but intend to marry and live together in Australia.

You must marry your partner within the visa period and then apply for an onshore partner visa.

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For a complete overview of all partner visa pathways, see our full guideline partner visa australia.

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What Is the Subclass 300 Visa?

The Subclass 300 visa is a temporary visa that:

• Allows you to stay in Australia for 9 to 15 months

• Requires you to marry your partner within this period

• Allows full work and study rights

• Leads to the onshore partner visa (Subclass 820/801) after marriage

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Who Should Apply for Subclass 300?

This visa is suitable if:

• You are engaged but not yet married

• You do not meet de facto requirements

• You are currently outside Australia

• You plan to marry in Australia or overseas

• You want to transition to permanent residency after marriage

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When Should You NOT Apply for Subclass 300?

Do NOT apply for this visa if:

• You are already married

• You meet de facto relationship requirements

• You are already in Australia and eligible for an onshore partner visa

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In these cases, applying directly for a partner visa may be more appropriate.

Compare all visa pathways in our partner visa australia.

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Subclass 300 Eligibility Requirements

To apply for this visa, you must:

• Be 18 years or older

• Have a sponsor who is:

  • Australian citizen

  • Australian permanent resident

  • Eligible New Zealand citizen

• Have met your partner face-to-face as adults

• Intend to marry within the visa validity period

• Be outside Australia when applying

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Relationship Requirement (Subclass 300)

Unlike partner visas:

• You do not need to be married

• You do not need 12 months of de facto relationship

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However, you must show:

• Genuine intention to marry

• A real and ongoing relationship

• Evidence of communication and commitment

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For full relationship evidence guidelines, see our full partner visa requirement.

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What Documents Do You Need?

Typical documents include:

• Identity documents

• Relationship evidence

• Witness statements

• Proof of intention to marry

• Police certificates

• Health examinations

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Applications are assessed based on overall consistency of evidence.

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Subclass 300 vs Partner Visa (Key Differences)

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Choosing the correct visa depends on your relationship status and eligibility.

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Can You Apply for a Partner Visa Instead of Subclass 300?

Yes, but only if you meet partner visa requirements.

You should apply for a partner visa instead if:

• You are already married, or

• You meet de facto relationship requirements

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In these cases, applying directly for a partner visa (Subclass 309 or 820) is usually more appropriate.

Subclass 300 is specifically designed for couples who are not yet married and do not meet de facto requirements.

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Do You Need to Get Married in Australia?

No. You can get married in Australia or overseas.

However, your marriage must be legally valid under Australian law.

Most applicants choose to marry in Australia because it aligns with the purpose of the Subclass 300 visa.

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What Happens After You Get the Visa?

After your Subclass 300 visa is granted:

1. You enter Australia

2. You get married

3. You apply for Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801)

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Important:

• You must apply before the visa expires

• You may pay a reduced fee if applying from Subclass 300

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Subclass 300 to Permanent Residency Pathway

• Get legally married

• Apply for Subclass 820 (temporary partner visa)

• Subclass 801 (permanent visa)

After entering Australia on a Subclass 300 visa, you must legally marry your partner before the visa expires.

The marriage must be valid under Australian law. Once married, you can apply for the onshore partner visa (Subclass 820/801) to continue your pathway to permanent residency.

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Cost of Subclass 300 Visa

• Government fee starts from AUD 9,365

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Additional costs may include:

• Health examinations

• Police certificates

• Document translation

Full cost breakdown see our partner visa cost guide.

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Processing Time

Processing time varies depending on:

• Completeness of application

• Strength of relationship evidence

• Health and character checks

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you can refer to our detailed partner visa processing time guide

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applications may be refused if:

• You have not met your partner in person

• Evidence of relationship is weak

• There is no clear intention to marry

• Information is inconsistent

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply if I have never met my partner?

No. You must have met your partner face-to-face as adults

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Do I need to marry within a specific time?

Yes. You must marry within the visa validity period (9–15 months)

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Can this visa lead to permanent residency?

Yes, but only after you marry and apply for a partner visa.

Need assistance with a Subclass 300 Partner Visa application?

RACC’s registered migration agents can assess your eligibility, explain the appropriate partner visa pathway, and assist with preparing an application that meets Australian Government requirements.