Subclass 300 - Prospective Marriage Visa
Offshore Partner Visa
About this visa
The Prospective Marriage Visa (PMV) is designed for individuals who are engaged to an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen and wish to get married in Australia. This visa allows the applicant to enter and stay in Australia temporarily with the intention of marrying their prospective spouse and subsequently apply for the Onshore Partner Visa (subclass 820).
Eligibility for Applicant
Purpose:
The Subclass 300 visa is intended for individuals who are engaged to an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen and plan to marry their prospective spouse in Australia.Relationship Status:
The applicant must be engaged to an eligible Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen who plans to sponsor you for marriage in Australia, and you both must have met in person, rather than exclusively engaging in an online relationship.- Age
The applicant’s marriage must comply with Australian law. If you are aged 16 or 17, parental consent is required. Location:
The applicant must be outside from Australia when applying for the visa.Current Visa:
There are no specific requirements for the current visa.Health and Character:
Applicants must meet the health and character requirements set by the Australian government.Previous Visa History:
You should not have had a visa cancelled or a previous application refused.Specific Visa Conditions:
Certain regional visa holders may not be eligible.Debt to the Australian Government:
You must have no outstanding debts to the Australian government.Child Welfare:
The application must meet the criteria considering the best interests of any child involved.
Eligibility for Sponsor
- Citizenship Status:
The sponsor must be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen. - Character Requirements:
Sponsors must meet the character requirements specified by the Australian government. - Age Criteria:
Sponsors should be of legal age as defined by the Australian law. - Sponsorship Limitations:
- Number of Sponsorships: Generally, a sponsor can only sponsor two partners for a Partner Visa in their lifetime.
- Time Between Sponsorships: There should be a minimum five-year gap between the first and the second sponsorship since the time of application of the first sponsorship.
- Exemptions: In certain circumstances, exemptions to these limitations may be granted. These are typically considered on a case-by-case basis and depend on specific circumstances, such as compelling and compassionate reasons.
Eligibility for applicant's dependent children
- Age Requirement:
- Dependent children must be under 18 years of age, or
- If they are 18 to 23 years old, they must be financially dependent on the primary applicant or their partner, and be full-time students, or
- If they have a disability that prevents them from working, there is no age limit.
- Financial Dependency:
Dependent children aged 18 to 23 must provide evidence of financial dependency on the primary applicant or their partner. This may include proof of financial support for living expenses, education, or other essential needs. - Full-Time Student Status:
If dependent children are between 18 and 23 years old and are claiming to be full-time students, they must provide evidence of their enrollment in an eligible course. - Disability:
If a dependent child has a disability that prevents them from working, there is no age limit, and they do not need to be financially dependent. - Health and Character Requirements:
Dependent children must meet health and character requirements, just like the primary applicant.
Stay Period
Between 9 and 15 months from date of grant of visa.
Cost
Visa Application Fee
Primary Applicant: AUD $8,085
Secondary Applicants (18 and over) : AUD $4,430
Dependent Children (under 18) : AUD $2,215
The fee is subject to the latest pricing set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
Processing time
50% processed in 11 months
90% processed in 39 months
The Australian Department of Home Affairs handles visa applications, and it’s essential to provide all required documents with your application. Please note that incomplete applications may result in longer processing times than the estimated duration. Additionally, processing times are subject to change and should be used as a general reference only.
Benefits
- Work in Australia: Holders of the Subclass 300 Visa can work for their sponsoring employer, gaining valuable work experience.
- Study: You can pursue further studies or enroll in courses in Australia, which can enhance your skills and qualifications.
- Family Sponsorship: The applicant can include eligible family members, such as your dependent children, in your visa application.
- Access to Healthcare: Visa holders can access Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare scheme, which provides essential medical services.
- Multiple Entries: Enjoy multiple entries to and exits from Australia for a period of up to five years, allowing for flexibility in travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Subclass 300 visa?
A: The Subclass 300 visa, also known as the Prospective Marriage Visa, allows individuals to enter Australia to marry their Australian partner.
Q: Who is eligible to apply for the Subclass 300 visa?
A: This visa is for individuals engaged to an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Q: What is the validity period of the Subclass 300 visa?
A: The visa is typically valid for 9 to 15 months from the date of grant.
Q: Can I work in Australia on a Subclass 300 visa?
A: Yes, visa holders are allowed to work in Australia.
Q: Is it mandatory to get married in Australia on the Subclass 300 visa?
A: Yes, you must marry your Australian partner in Australia during the visa’s validity.
Q: What are the main requirements for a Subclass 300 visa application?
A: You must prove a genuine intention to marry, meet health and character requirements, and have sponsorship from your Australian partner.
Q: Can same-sex couples apply for the Subclass 300 visa?
A: Yes, same-sex couples are eligible to apply.
Q: Are there any age requirements for the Subclass 300 visa?
A: Yes, both the applicant and the Australian partner must be at least 18 years old.
Q: How long does it take to process a Subclass 300 visa application?
A: Processing times vary and can be checked on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Q: Can I bring my children with me on a Subclass 300 visa?
A: Yes, dependent children can be included in the visa application.
Q: Is it possible to travel outside Australia on a Subclass 300 visa?
A: Yes, you can travel in and out of Australia until the visa expires.
Q: What happens after I marry my Australian partner?
A: After marriage, you can apply for a Subclass 820 and 801 Partner Visa to stay in Australia permanently.
Q: Is health insurance required for the Subclass 300 visa?
A: While not mandatory, it is recommended to have health insurance during your stay in Australia.
Q: What evidence is needed to prove the genuineness of the relationship?
A: Evidence includes proof of communication, joint activities, statements of the relationship’s history, and plans for the future.
Q: Can I study in Australia on a Subclass 300 visa?
A: Yes, you can study, but you will not have access to government funding.
Q: What are the character requirements for this visa?
A: Applicants must provide police clearances and may need to meet other character criteria.
Q: How much does the Subclass 300 visa cost?
A: The visa application charge varies and should be confirmed on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Q: Can I apply for the Subclass 300 visa while in Australia?
A: No, you must be outside Australia both when you apply and when the visa is granted.
Q: What if my relationship ends before the marriage?
A: You must inform the Department of Home Affairs as it may affect your visa status.
Q: Are there any restrictions on the number of times I can apply for a Subclass 300 visa?
A: There are no specific limits, but all applications must meet the visa criteria.
Q: What is the next step after the Subclass 300 visa?
A: After marrying, the next step is to apply for the Subclass 820 and 801 Partner Visas.
Q: Can the Subclass 300 visa lead to permanent residency?
A: Yes, after marrying your Australian partner and applying for the subsequent partner visas.
Q: What if I have children from a previous relationship?
A: Children from previous relationships can be included in the visa application if they meet the dependency criteria.
Q: Is it necessary to have a wedding ceremony planned before applying?
A: While not mandatory, having a planned ceremony can strengthen your application.
Q: How do I prove my intention to marry?
A: You can provide evidence such as engagement announcements, wedding plans, and correspondence regarding wedding arrangements.
Q: What happens if my Subclass 300 visa expires before we marry?
A: You need to marry within the visa validity period; failing to do so may affect your immigration status.
Q: Can I extend my Subclass 300 visa?
A: The Subclass 300 visa cannot be extended. You should plan to marry within the given timeframe.
Q: What are my rights in Australia on a Subclass 300 visa?
A: You have the right to live, work, and study in Australia, and access to Australia’s healthcare system (Medicare) under certain conditions.
Q: Can I convert my Subclass 300 visa to another visa type?
A: The Subclass 300 visa is specifically for prospective marriage and cannot be converted to other visa types.
Q: What if I am unable to meet the Subclass 300 visa conditions?
A: Failure to meet the conditions may result in visa cancellation or affect future visa applications.