Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300)
A temporary visa for eligible couples who genuinely intend to marry. It allows a stay of 9 to 15 months as specified in the grant notice, with a separate partner visa application needed for the usual onward permanent pathway.
- Pathway
- Temporary · 9–15 months as granted
- Apply from
- Outside Australia, including accompanying applicants
- At decision
- May be in or outside Australia at decision, subject to applicable requirements
- Permanent stage
- Separate 820/801 application after marriage, if eligible
- Work rights
- Work and study in Australia while holding the visa, subject to its conditions
Important cautions
- Marriage does not automatically grant permanent residence. Subclass 300 is temporary and the later 820/801 pathway needs a separate valid application and assessment.
- Check the grant notice for visa expiry, first-entry requirements and other conditions. Do not treat the maximum 15 months as the period everyone receives.
- Wedding location alone does not establish compliance or onward partner eligibility. Seek advice on entry, marriage timing and the proposed 820/801 application before finalising travel or wedding arrangements.
- Separate partner visa charges apply. Any reduced charge depends on the current rules and timing, not simply having once held subclass 300.
- You do not have to remain in an unsafe relationship. If the relationship ends, do not assume withdrawal or refusal is inevitable: family violence, a sponsor’s death or qualifying child-related circumstances may affect some applications. Eligibility depends on the subclass, stage and circumstances; obtain individual advice.
For subclass-specific family violence eligibility and support, see the official information (opens in a new tab).
How the steps fit together
300 · Prospective marriage stage
A temporary stay of 9 to 15 months from grant, as specified in the grant notice, for eligible applicants intending to marry their prospective spouse before the visa expires.
After marriage · A separate partner application
Eligible applicants apply separately for 820/801 after marriage and before subclass 300 expires. A separate visa charge applies; a reduced charge may be available if the relevant conditions and timing requirements are met.
Key requirements
- Have an eligible sponsor who is an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen and meets the relevant sponsorship requirements.
- You and your prospective spouse must be at least 18 when applying, have met face to face as adults since turning 18 and know each other personally.
- Genuinely intend to marry each other before the visa period ends and establish a shared married life.
- Be outside Australia when applying, along with family members applying with you.
- Meet health, character, identity and other applicable requirements. Any accompanying dependent family members must meet their own criteria.
What this visa allows
- Come to Australia for the approved temporary period and marry your prospective spouse.
- Work and study in Australia while holding the visa, subject to its conditions.
- Travel while the visa is valid and include eligible dependent family members under the relevant rules.
- Consider a separate onshore partner application after marriage, if eligible.
Evidence to prepare
- Evidence that you have met face to face as adults and know each other personally.
- A genuine relationship history, communication, visits and relevant social recognition.
- Evidence of intended marriage arrangements and plans to establish a shared married life.
- Sponsor, identity, immigration-history and relevant dependent-family documents. The evidence focus differs from proving an existing de facto relationship.
How the process works
- Assess sponsor eligibility, meeting in person, genuine marriage intentions and application-location requirements.
- Prepare evidence of the relationship, intended wedding and proposed shared life.
- Lodge the subclass 300 application from outside Australia and arrange the required sponsorship documentation.
- After grant, check the entry and expiry dates and comply with the visa conditions while completing marriage plans.
- If eligible after marriage, lodge the separate 820/801 application in Australia before the 300 expires, with the required evidence and charge.
How we actually help
- Assess the proposed marriage pathway rather than assuming engagement establishes eligibility.
- Review evidence of meeting personally, genuine intentions and sponsor eligibility.
- Prepare the visa and sponsor documentation and plan the subsequent onshore application timing where appropriate.
Related pathway
The usual onward option is a separate onshore 820/801 application after marriage, subject to eligibility. Subclass 300 itself does not provide permanent residence, and getting married does not extend the visa or replace a required application.
General information, not an individual eligibility assessment. Requirements, charges and processing times change and are not promised. Official sources:
About the 300
You need to demonstrate a genuine intention to marry and meet the other criteria. A formal engagement alone is not decisive.
Yes. You must have met face to face as adults since turning 18 and know each other personally. An exclusively online relationship does not satisfy that requirement.
The approved period is 9 to 15 months from grant, as specified in your grant notice. Check the actual expiry and any first-entry requirements rather than assuming a 15-month stay.
No. The usual onward 820/801 pathway requires a separate valid application, applicable charges and its own eligibility assessment. Marriage does not extend the 300 visa.
The wedding location is not the only consideration. Check the visa’s entry and expiry requirements, marriage timing and eligibility for the intended onshore partner application before making plans. Obtain advice for your particular travel and marriage arrangements.
No. A separate charge applies. Eligible applicants may qualify for a reduced charge if they meet the current conditions and relevant timing requirements.
Your matter:
Prospective Marriage Visa (300).
Selected service · Prospective Marriage Visa (300)
A consultation assesses your circumstances, discusses realistic options and outlines possible next steps. It is not a visa or review application and not a representation agreement. Any further work, its scope and fees are agreed separately.
- 01Book your appointment
Choose an available appointment time and check the details before confirming.
Book appointment (opens booking page in a new tab) - 02Complete the visitor registration form
After booking, add your details and circumstances for your prospective marriage visa (300) consultation.
Complete registration form (opens in a new tab) - 03Attend your consultation
Appointments are normally by phone, via Zoom, or in person at our Melbourne office. Follow your appointment confirmation for the arrangements.
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