*Last updated on: 25 Nov 2024
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Subclass 300 - Prospective Marriage Visa

The Famous Offshore Marriage Visa

Overview of the Subclass 300 Visa

The Subclass 300 Prospective Marriage Visa allows individuals engaged to an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to travel to Australia, get married, and transition to the Partner Visa (subclasses 820 and 801). This visa enables the applicant to enter and stay in Australia for up to 9-15 months to marry their partner and start their life together.

Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 300 Visa Applicants

Age Requirements

Applicants must be of legal marriageable age according to Australian law, with parental consent required if under 18.

Purpose and Relationship Status

Must be engaged to an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen who is prepared to sponsor you for marriage in Australia.

You and your partner must have met in person and have a genuine intention to marry.

Location

Applicants must be outside Australia at the time of application and visa grant.

No Visa Cancellations or Refusals

Applicants should not have a history of visa cancellations or refusals.

No Outstanding Debts

Applicants must not owe any debts to the Australian government.

Health and Character Requirements

The applicant must meet the relevant health and character criteria set by the Department of Home Affairs.

Eligibility Criteria for Partner Sponsors

Citizenship and Residency: The sponsor must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Age: Sponsors must be of legal age as defined by Australian law.
Character Requirements: Sponsors must meet character requirements, including providing police checks.
Sponsorship Limitations: Sponsors may only sponsor a limited number of partners over their lifetime (generally two), with a minimum five-year gap between sponsorships, unless exemptions apply due to compelling circumstances.

Application Process

Lodge the Subclass 300 Visa Application

Provide evidence of your engagement, intent to marry, and relationship history. Your application must demonstrate that you and your partner have met in person and are committed to marrying in Australia.

Travel and Marry

Once the visa is granted, travel to Australia, and marry your partner within the visa’s validity period of 9 to 15 months.

Transition to the Partner Visa (Subclasses 820 and 801)

Apply for the Partner Visa onshore after your marriage, allowing you to remain in Australia with your spouse.

Stay Duration

The visa is generally valid for 9 to 15 months from the date of grant, giving you ample time to travel to Australia and get married. It allows you to stay in Australia while your permanent partner visa application (subclass 100 for offshore or subclass 801 for onshore) is processed. This stay is valid until a decision is made on your permanent visa application.

Visa Costs and Fees

Primary Applicant:
AUD $9,095

Secondary Applicants (18 and over):
AUD $4,550

Dependent Children (under 18):
AUD $2,280

Note: Fees are subject to updates as per the Department of Home Affairs, they should be verified before application. Additional costs may apply for health checks, police checks, and biometrics.

Processing Times

50% processed within 8 months, 90% processed within 20 months.

Note: Processing times vary based on the completeness of documentation, volume of applications and other factors. They are obtained from The Australian Department of Home Affairs website and only serve as guidance.

Key Benefits of the Partner Visas

No Specific English Requirement: Unlike many other visa categories, there is no formal English language test required for applicants of these visas.

Full Work and Study Rights: Visa holders can work and pursue education in Australia.

Access to Medicare: Visa holders can access Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare scheme, which provides essential medical services.

Family Inclusion: Dependent children and eligible family members can be included in the application, allowing families to remain together in Australia.

Travel Flexibility: Visa holders enjoy the ability to travel freely in and out of Australia.

Pathway to Australian Citizenship: Transition to permanent residency through the partner visas after marriage.

No Sponsorship Cap for De Facto Partners: Unlike some other sponsorship arrangements, there are fewer restrictions on sponsoring a de facto partner, provided eligibility criteria are met.

Your Questions Answered

What is the Subclass 300 Prospective Marriage Visa?

The Subclass 300 visa allows individuals who are engaged to an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to enter Australia, marry their partner, and subsequently apply for a Partner Visa.

re there any requirements for my relationship with my sponsor?

You and your sponsor must have met in person, and your engagement should not be exclusively online. You must also demonstrate a genuine intention to marry and a continuing relationship.

Can same-sex couples apply for the Subclass 300 visa?

Yes, same-sex couples are eligible for these visas and are treated equally under Australian immigration law.

How long is the Subclass 300 visa valid for?

The visa is generally valid for 9 to 15 months from the date of grant, giving you ample time to travel to Australia and get married.

Do I need to marry in Australia during the validity of the visa?

Yes, you must marry your sponsoring partner in Australia within the validity period of your Subclass 300 visa.

Can I work in Australia on this visa?

Yes, Subclass 300 visa holders have full work rights in Australia, allowing you to support yourself while planning your marriage.

What evidence do I need to provide to support my application?

Evidence may include proof of your engagement, photos together, wedding plans, joint travel, communication records, and any other documents demonstrating your commitment to the relationship.

Can I bring my children to Australia on this visa?

Yes, you can include dependent children in your application, provided they meet eligibility criteria such as age and dependency status.

What happens if my relationship ends before the wedding?

You must notify the Department of Home Affairs immediately as it may affect your visa status and any future visa applications.

Can I apply for the Subclass 300 visa while in Australia?

No, you must be outside Australia when you lodge the application and when the visa is granted.

Can I travel in and out of Australia on this visa?

Yes, you can travel freely in and out of Australia while holding the Subclass 300 visa, giving you flexibility before your marriage.

What is the next step after marrying my partner?

Once married, you can apply for the Subclass 820 (temporary) and Subclass 801 (permanent) Partner Visas, which allow you to stay in Australia permanently.

What if I have a prior visa cancellation or refusal?

Previous visa cancellations or refusals may affect your eligibility. Be transparent and seek professional advice if you are unsure.

Can I transition directly to a permanent visa after marriage?

No, you must apply for and hold the temporary Subclass 820 Partner Visa before progressing to permanent residency with the Subclass 801 visa.

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