Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300) — eligibility, costs & how to apply

What is the subclass 300?

The Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300) lets the fiance or fiancee of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen travel to Australia to marry their partner, and then apply for a partner visa.

The 300 is essentially the first step of a longer partner-visa journey, so it needs to be planned with the partner stage in mind. You must marry within the visa's validity and meet genuine-relationship and intention-to-marry requirements — common stumbling blocks for couples applying alone.

Eligibility for the subclass 300

To be eligible for the subclass 300, you generally need to meet the following:

• You are engaged to an eligible sponsor and intend to marry
• Your sponsor is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen
• You can show a genuine relationship and a genuine intention to marry
• You have usually met your partner in person as adults
• You are outside Australia when the 300 is decided
• Health and character requirements met

How to apply for the subclass 300

1. Confirm your sponsor is eligible and gather relationship evidence
2. Lodge the subclass 300 application from outside Australia
3. Travel to Australia and marry within the visa's validity
4. Apply onshore for a partner visa before the 300 expires

Processing time and cost of the subclass 300

Prospective Marriage visa timeframes vary with your evidence and circumstances, and there is a visa application charge (separate from the later partner-visa charge). You generally must marry within 9 months of grant and then apply for a partner visa. Because the 300 leads into the partner pathway, a registered migration agent can plan both stages together.

Subclass 300 vs partner visas (820/801 and 309/100)

The 300 is for engaged couples who are not yet married and want to marry in Australia; partner visas (820/801 onshore, 309/100 offshore) are for couples who are already married or in a de facto relationship. If you are already married or de facto, a partner visa may be the more direct route — an agent can advise which fits.

Common subclass 300 mistakes to avoid

Many of these matters come down to avoidable mistakes. The most common issues include:

• Weak evidence of a genuine relationship or intention to marry
• Not having met in person as required
• Lodging while in Australia (the 300 is decided offshore)
• Character or health issues not addressed up front

Do you need a migration agent for the subclass 300?

Using a registered migration agent is not compulsory, but the subclass 300 is detail-heavy and a single mistake, missing document or late response can lead to delay or refusal — and a refusal can affect future applications. A registered migration agent confirms your eligibility before you spend money, prepares your evidence, lodges your application correctly and manages any requests from the Department of Home Affairs on your behalf. Through Immigration Expert you can be matched with up to three OMARA-registered agents who handle the subclass 300 every day, compare their advice, and choose who to work with — free and with no obligation.