What Is the Australian Fiancee Visa? Costs, Timeline, Rules

The Australian fiancé(e) visa—formally the Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300)—is a temporary visa for people who plan to marry an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. In plain terms, it lets you stay in Australia for a set period to hold your wedding with your sponsor, and then apply for a partner visa toward permanent residency. To qualify, you must have met each other in person, be free to marry, and show a genuine intention to marry within the visa’s validity. This visa is lodged offshore, and you must be outside Australia both when you apply and when a decision is made.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly who the fiancé(e) visa is for, what sponsors must meet, and the applicant criteria that matter most. We’ll cover where you must be at each stage, the evidence to prove you’ve met and intend to marry, and key rules for those applying from the Philippines, including civil status, translations, and CFO guidance. You’ll also see current costs, processing timelines, a step-by-step ImmiAccount process, document checklists, health and police checks, common mistakes to avoid, what happens after grant, your pathway to partner visas, options for dependent children, alternatives if this visa isn’t right for you, and answers to frequently asked questions—so you can plan with confidence.

Who the Australian fiancé(e) visa is for

Choose the Australian fiancée visa (Prospective Marriage visa, subclass 300) if you’re engaged to an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, you’ve met each other in person since turning 18, and you both genuinely intend to marry within the visa’s validity. It’s designed for couples who want time in Australia to plan their wedding, enter and re-enter freely while the visa is valid, and then move onto a partner visa after marriage. You must apply from outside Australia and also be outside Australia when a decision is made.

• Best fit if: You plan to marry your Australian partner, you’re free to marry, and you want a clear path to a partner visa after the wedding.
• Not for you if: You’re already married or in a de facto relationship (consider Partner visas 309/100 or 820/801), you’re currently in Australia (offshore lodgement required), or you haven’t met in person.

Sponsor eligibility and limits

Your sponsor must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen who is at least 18 years old. For the Australian fiancée visa (Prospective Marriage visa, subclass 300), the visa applicant lodges first; the sponsor then submits a sponsorship application through the Department of Home Affairs. Home Affairs will assess the sponsor’s character and history, and can refuse sponsorship approval, which can lead to the visa being refused.

• Eligible status: Sponsor must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ citizen.
• Age: Sponsor must be 18+ at time of sponsorship.
• Character checks: Home Affairs can request police checks; serious or relevant criminal records can block sponsorship, especially offenses involving children.
• Previous sponsorships: Limits can apply if the sponsor has previously sponsored a partner or prospective marriage applicant.
• Other bars: Certain specific circumstances can prevent sponsorship (for example, some prior visa categories or protection-related issues).
• Accuracy duty: Sponsors must provide truthful information and advise the Department of any changes in circumstances promptly.

Applicant eligibility and key criteria

As the applicant, you must meet specific rules to qualify for the Australian fiancée visa (Prospective Marriage visa, subclass 300). The Department of Home Affairs focuses on your age, your relationship with an eligible sponsor, proof you’ve met in person, genuine intention to marry within the visa’s validity, and standard health and character checks. Meeting these essentials up front helps keep your case on track.

• Age 18+: You must be at least 18 when you apply.
• Eligible sponsor: You’re engaged to an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, and will be formally sponsored.
• Met in person: You and your sponsor must have met face‑to‑face since turning 18 and know each other personally.
• Free to marry: Both of you must be legally free to marry each other under Australian law.
• Intend to marry within validity: You must genuinely intend to marry your sponsor within the visa’s validity period; the wedding can be in Australia or overseas.
• Apply offshore: You must be outside Australia when you apply (location at decision is covered in the next section).
• Health requirement: Complete health examinations as requested and meet the health criteria.
• Character requirement: Provide police clearances, including from any country where you’ve lived 12 months or more; Home Affairs may also request an Australian check.
• No outstanding debts: Repay or arrange to repay any debts to the Australian Government.
• Potential ineligibility: You might not be eligible if you’ve had a visa cancelled or refused while in Australia.
• Including children: You can include dependent children in your application; if granted, they hold the same temporary visa.

Where you must be when you apply and when a decision is made

For the Australian fiancée visa (Prospective Marriage visa, subclass 300), location matters. You must lodge your application while you are outside Australia, and you must also be outside Australia at the moment Home Affairs makes its decision. You can be in any country outside Australia for both events—there’s no requirement to be in your home country—but the grant cannot occur if you are onshore.

• Apply offshore: You must be outside Australia to submit the subclass 300 application.
• Granted offshore: You must also be outside Australia when the visa is decided.
• If you enter Australia on another visa: Home Affairs can’t grant the subclass 300 until you depart again, so plan travel carefully while the application is processing.

Proving you’ve met in person and intend to marry

Home Affairs must be satisfied that you and your sponsor have met face‑to‑face since turning 18 and that you genuinely intend to marry within the Prospective Marriage visa’s validity. For the Australian fiancée visa (subclass 300), strong, date‑anchored evidence that fits together logically is key. Aim to show a clear relationship timeline, consistent travel history, and concrete wedding plans (in Australia or overseas).

• To prove you’ve met in person:

  • Boarding passes, e‑tickets, and passport stamps that match your meeting dates
  • Photos together across different visits, places, and with family/friends
  • Hotel bookings, receipts, or location-tagged records during your time together

• To show a genuine intention to marry:

  • Messages or emails discussing engagement and wedding arrangements
  • Venue and supplier enquiries, tentative bookings, or deposits (if any)
  • Correspondence with a marriage celebrant or civil registrar about proposed dates
  • Draft guest lists, outfit or ring purchases, and planning spreadsheets
  • Personal statements from both partners explaining your plans and timing

• Quality matters:

  • Keep dates consistent across documents and explain any gaps
  • Translate non‑English documents into English
  • Label files clearly (for example, 2024-08-15_Cebu_to_Sydney_ticket.pdf) and provide short captions for photos

A clear, well-organized bundle makes it easier for the case officer to see the real story of your relationship and your concrete plans to marry.

Being “free to marry” and Philippine-specific considerations

To qualify for the Australian fiancée visa (Prospective Marriage visa, subclass 300), both you and your sponsor must be legally free to marry under Australian law. That means any prior marriage for either party must have legally ended before the wedding—by divorce or because a previous spouse has died. If you are already married to your sponsor, you cannot apply for a prospective marriage visa; this visa is for couples who are not yet married and intend to marry during the visa’s validity.

For applicants with Philippine civil records, expect close attention to your current marital status. Provide clear, official evidence that you are single, divorced, or widowed and ensure details are consistent across your forms and passports. If any supporting documents are not in English, lodge certified English translations. Remember, the marriage itself must be valid under Australian law and both parties must be 18 or older.

• Show you’re free to marry: Official proof your last marriage has ended, or that you have never been married.
• Keep details consistent: Names, dates, and status must align across passports, forms, and supporting records.
• Translate where needed: Non‑English documents should be translated into English before upload.

Getting legally married in Australia: NOIM, celebrants, and timing

If you plan to marry in Australia on a Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300), your ceremony must be conducted by an authorized marriage celebrant and your marriage must be valid under Australian law. You can marry in Australia or overseas, but you must enter Australia by the first-entry date on your grant letter and marry your sponsor before the visa expires. The visa is temporary (commonly around 9–15 months), so align your wedding plans with the visa’s validity.

• Work with a celebrant early: Contact a registered Australian marriage celebrant as soon as practical. They will guide you on lodging the Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM), acceptable identity documents, proof you’re free to marry, and any required translations into English.
• Plan around the grant letter: After grant, check your first‑entry date and visa expiry, then schedule your ceremony with enough buffer. Avoid non‑refundable bookings until your visa is granted.
• If marrying overseas: Ensure the marriage is legally valid where it occurs and under Australian law, keep clear evidence (certificates, translations), and return to Australia while your subclass 300 remains valid.

Staying organized—celebrant engagement, NOIM timing, and document readiness—helps you marry on time and transition smoothly to a partner visa after the wedding.

What you can and can’t do on a subclass 300 visa

The subclass 300 Australian fiancée visa is a temporary, multiple‑entry visa usually valid for about 9–15 months. You must enter Australia by the first‑entry date on your grant letter, marry your sponsor before the visa expires, and then apply for a partner visa to stay longer.

What you can do

You have broad, practical rights while the visa is valid.

• Travel freely: Enter and leave Australia as often as you want during validity.
• Work in Australia: You may work, though some employers may hesitate because it’s a temporary visa.
• Study in Australia: You can study, but you won’t get government funding for tertiary study.
• Include children: Approved dependent children share the same visa conditions.

What you can’t do

There are important limits to plan around.

• No Medicare (generally): Most holders aren’t eligible for Medicare while on the 300.
• No overstay: You must marry before expiry and apply for the next visa in time, or depart.
• No onshore lodgement/decision: This visa must be applied for and granted while you are outside Australia.

Costs and fees to expect

Budgeting early will save stress. Costs for the Australian fiancée visa (Prospective Marriage visa, subclass 300) include the Department of Home Affairs application charge (indexed and updated regularly), plus a range of third‑party expenses. Fees also apply later when you lodge your Partner visa after the wedding. Amounts change, and extra charges apply if you include dependent children.

• Department visa application charge (VAC): Payable at subclass 300 lodgment; updated periodically by Home Affairs.
• Additional applicant charges: Extra VACs apply for each dependent child included.
• Partner visa fee after marriage: A separate application charge when you lodge the onshore Partner visa following your wedding. Some PMV holders pay a reduced amount compared to first‑time partner applicants.
• Health examinations: Panel‑doctor medicals for the applicant (and any dependants).
• Police clearances: From Australia (if requested) and any country you’ve lived in for 12+ months; sponsors may also be asked for checks.
• Biometrics: If requested by Home Affairs.
• Translations and document procurement: Certified English translations; PSA civil documents in the Philippines (e.g., CENOMAR/Advisory on Marriages), marriage certificates, and courier costs.
• Wedding and celebrant costs: NOIM witnessing, celebrant fees, certificates, and venue deposits.
• Travel and insurance: International flights to enter Australia by the first‑entry date, and private health cover (Medicare is generally not available on a 300).
• Professional help (optional): Registered migration agent or lawyer fees.

Tip: Fees often change around 1 July; always check current charges in your ImmiAccount before paying.

Processing time and overall timeline

Processing times for the Australian fiancée visa (Prospective Marriage visa, subclass 300) vary with case complexity and document readiness. Recent guidance indicates around 75% of applications are finalized within 12 months and 90% within 17 months. After grant, the visa is typically valid for about 9–15 months, during which you must enter Australia by the first-entry date, marry your sponsor, and then lodge a partner visa. Home Affairs updates global processing times regularly, and incomplete or inconsistent evidence, security checks, or sponsor history can slow decisions.

A practical way to plan is to map the full journey—from filing to your wedding and the partner visa that follows—so you can book dates and travel sensibly.

1. Prepare evidence, gather civil status records, and line up health exams and police checks early.
2. Lodge the subclass 300 via ImmiAccount while offshore; the sponsor submits their sponsorship.
3. Wait for assessment; respond quickly to any requests for further information.
4. Decision made while you are offshore; if granted, validity starts from the grant date.
5. Make first entry to Australia by the date in your grant letter.
6. Hold your wedding in Australia or overseas within the visa validity (keep proof if overseas).
7. Lodge the onshore Partner visa (820/801) in Australia before the 300 expires.

Submitting a decision-ready application with clear wedding plans helps keep the clock moving and reduces avoidable delays.

Step-by-step: how to apply through ImmiAccount

The subclass 300 is an online-only application. You must be outside Australia to lodge and also when a decision is made. The process has two parts: the applicant submits the Prospective Marriage visa application first, then the Australian sponsor completes a sponsorship application assessed by Home Affairs. Strong, consistent evidence at lodgment helps avoid delays.

1. Create or sign in to ImmiAccount.
2. Start a new application and select Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300).
3. Complete all questions carefully: identity, travel history, relationship details, proof you’ve met in person since turning 18, and your genuine intention to marry within the visa’s validity.
4. Upload clear scans (with English translations where needed): passports, birth/civil status records (showing you’re free to marry), evidence of meeting in person, intention-to-marry documents, photos, and relationship statements.
5. Review for consistency (names, dates, locations), then submit and pay the visa application charge online.
6. Sponsor lodges their sponsorship online after your application is submitted; Home Affairs may request the sponsor’s police checks and further information.
7. Monitor ImmiAccount for messages. Provide any requested police certificates, health examinations, and biometrics promptly.
8. Keep your contact details current and update the Department about material changes (e.g., new passport, address).
9. Remain outside Australia for the decision. If you travel on another visa during processing, you must depart before grant can occur.

Tip: No paper applications are accepted; all communication and document requests will come through ImmiAccount.

Documents checklist for applicants and sponsors

A clear, decision‑ready upload set speeds assessment. Provide color scans of original documents, plus certified English translations for anything not in English. Names, dates, and civil status must be consistent across all files. Home Affairs may request extra evidence at any time; keep your ImmiAccount contact details current.

For applicants (primary and any dependants)

• Identity and travel: Passport biodata page; previous passports if relevant; birth certificate.
• Civil status (free to marry): Proof you’ve never married or that any prior marriage ended (e.g., divorce decree or death certificate). For the Philippines, PSA records such as CENOMAR/Advisory on Marriages are commonly used.
• Name changes: Change‑of‑name or marriage certificates that explain any differences.
• Evidence you met in person: Passport stamps, e‑tickets/boarding passes, dated photos with captions, hotel bookings/receipts.
• Intention to marry: Correspondence with a celebrant or registrar, venue/supplier emails, deposit receipts (if any), ring/attire invoices, draft guest lists, and personal statements from both partners outlining wedding plans and timing.
• Relationship evidence: Communications history and visit timeline tying together dates and locations.
• Children (if included): Passports, birth certificates naming parents, proof of dependency, and any required parental consents/court orders.
• Translations: Certified English translations for any non‑English documents.

For sponsors

• Citizenship/residency proof: Australian passport, citizenship certificate, or evidence of permanent residency; eligible New Zealand citizenship evidence if applicable.
• Identity and name changes: Passport/birth certificate and any change‑of‑name documents.
• Sponsor history: Details of prior partner/prospective marriage sponsorships and outcomes.
• Character information: Police checks if requested by Home Affairs, plus any court/outcome documents where relevant.
• Sponsor statement: A clear written statement confirming the relationship history and genuine intention to marry within the visa validity.

Tip: Use descriptive filenames (for example, 2024-06-10_passport_Ana-Reyes.pdf) and add short captions to photos so the timeline is obvious at a glance.

Health checks, police clearances, and biometrics

Home Affairs will assess health and character for every Australian fiancée visa (Prospective Marriage visa, subclass 300) case. Expect instructions via ImmiAccount after lodgment telling you what to do, when, and where. Respond quickly—delays in medicals, police certificates, or biometrics are a common reason timelines stretch.

• Health examinations: Complete medicals only when requested, and only with an approved panel physician/clinic instructed by Home Affairs through ImmiAccount. Each included applicant must attend their own exam.

• Police clearances: Provide official police certificates for Australia (if requested) and for every country where you have lived for a significant period (for example, 12 months or more). If a certificate isn’t in English, upload a certified English translation.

• Biometrics (if requested): You may be asked to provide fingerprints and a facial image at an approved collection center. Follow the appointment and document instructions provided in ImmiAccount.

• Sponsors and children: Sponsors can be asked for police checks. Any dependent child included may also need health exams and, where applicable, police or guardianship documents.

• Keep evidence organized: Upload clear scans, label files, and track expiry dates of clearances so you can refresh them promptly if the Department asks.

Tips to strengthen your application

Case officers look for a coherent, decision‑ready story. For the Australian fiancée visa (Prospective Marriage visa, subclass 300), organize your evidence so it clearly shows you’ve met in person, are free to marry, and genuinely intend to wed within the visa’s validity. Aim for consistency across names, dates, and places, and explain any gaps up front.

• Lead with a timeline: Create a dated relationship timeline that ties travel, photos, chats, and receipts together.
• Prove you met, clearly: Use passport stamps, boarding passes, and multi‑visit photos with short captions.
• Show intent to marry: Include celebrant correspondence, venue/supplier emails, and any deposits or planning notes.
• Document “free to marry”: Upload official civil status records (e.g., PSA CENOMAR/Advisory on Marriages) and any divorce/death certificates with translations.
• Keep everything consistent: Match names and dates across passports, forms, and evidence; add a brief cover note to explain anomalies.
• Label like a pro: Use descriptive filenames and group uploads by topic (identity, meeting, intent, sponsor).
• Respond fast to requests: Complete health, police checks, biometrics, and RFIs promptly via ImmiAccount.
• Plan travel wisely: Stay offshore for grant and avoid non‑refundable bookings until you have the decision.
• Support from others: Add short statements from friends/family who know you as a couple.
• Think ahead to children: Include birth certificates and required consents for any dependents from day one.

Common mistakes and reasons for refusal

Most refusals on the Australian fiancée visa (Prospective Marriage visa, subclass 300) come down to threshold rules not being met or weak, inconsistent evidence. Many are avoidable with careful preparation, clear timelines, and fast responses through ImmiAccount.

• No in‑person meeting since 18: Failing to prove you’ve met face‑to‑face with dated, cross‑checked evidence.
• Not “free to marry”: Missing divorce/death records or inconsistencies between passports, forms, and PSA civil status (e.g., CENOMAR/Advisory on Marriages).
• Weak intent to marry: Vague plans, no celebrant/registrar contact, no proposed timeframe within visa validity.
• Wrong location at key moments: Applying onshore or being in Australia when the decision is made.
• Sponsor ineligible or limited: Sponsor not an Australian citizen/PR/eligible NZ citizen, prior sponsorship limits, or adverse character history.
• Character/health issues unmanaged: Missing police clearances, delayed health exams, or unpaid government debts.
• Inconsistent or untranslated documents: Contradictory dates/names, unlabeled photos, or no certified English translations.
• Ignoring Department requests: Late or incomplete responses to RFIs, biometrics, or extra documents.
• Questionable documents: Misrepresentation or bogus evidence can lead to refusal and further consequences.
• Children without legal permissions: Missing parental consent or court orders for dependants.

Submit a decision‑ready file, explain anomalies up front, and keep your details current to reduce risk.

While you wait: updates, requests for information, and travel planning

After you lodge the Australian fiancée visa (Prospective Marriage visa, subclass 300), most activity happens in ImmiAccount. Processing can take months, so keep your file “decision‑ready” and respond quickly to any requests. Plan travel carefully: you must be outside Australia when the decision is made, and grant can’t occur while you’re onshore.

• Monitor ImmiAccount: Check messages often and keep email/phone and address up to date.
• Respond fast to RFIs: Submit any requested documents, health exams, police checks, or biometrics by the deadline.
• Keep documents current: Refresh expiring passports and civil records; upload replacements promptly.
• Travel with care: If you visit Australia on another visa, you’ll need to depart before grant. Avoid non‑refundable bookings.
• Update material changes: New passport, relationship updates, or sponsor details should be reported through ImmiAccount.
• Stay consistent: Ensure dates, names, and your wedding plans align across all evidence and statements.

After grant: travel, wedding plans, and deadlines

Grant day isn’t the finish line—it’s when your visa clock starts. Your subclass 300 is temporary and multiple‑entry, typically valid for about 9–15 months from grant. You must make your first entry to Australia by the date shown in your grant letter, marry your sponsor before the visa expires, and keep clear evidence if you marry overseas.

• Read your grant letter: Note the first‑entry date and visa expiry; set calendar reminders.
• Plan travel early: Book flights to meet the first‑entry deadline; ensure passports stay valid.
• Lock wedding logistics: Confirm celebrant/registrar and ceremony date comfortably before expiry.
• If marrying overseas: Ensure the marriage is legally valid there and under Australian law; keep certified copies and translations.
• Keep records: Save boarding passes, photos, invoices—helpful for your partner visa.
• Children included: Dependants share the same entry/expiry dates—plan travel together.
• Think ahead: Arrange private health cover and prepare your onshore partner visa before the 300 expires.

Your pathway after marriage: partner visas 820/801 or 309/100

Once you’re married, the Prospective Marriage visa is your launchpad into Australia’s partner program. You must apply for a Partner visa before your subclass 300 expires. If you’re in Australia, that’s the onshore subclass 820 (temporary) leading to 801 (permanent). If you’re outside Australia and plan to stay offshore during processing, apply for the offshore subclass 309 (temporary) leading to 100 (permanent).

Which stream to choose

• If in Australia: Lodge the onshore Partner visa 820/801 after you’ve entered on your 300 and married. Apply before your 300 expires.
• If outside Australia: Lodge the offshore Partner visa 309/100 if you intend to remain offshore while it’s decided.
• Married overseas: Your marriage can be overseas or in Australia. You can re‑enter on your 300 and apply 820/801 onshore, or remain outside Australia and apply 309/100.

What to prepare next

• Marriage proof: Certified marriage certificate and ceremony details; English translations if required.
• Ongoing relationship evidence: Joint leases/bills, shared finances, travel records, photos with family/friends, and updated relationship statements since your 300 lodgment.
• Identity and character: Current passports, any requested police clearances and health checks for you (and included dependants).
• Sponsor documents: Sponsor’s citizenship/PR evidence and any character information requested.
• Children: Include eligible dependants on your Partner visa with their identity, dependency, and consent documents.

Plan the handover early—marry within your 300’s validity and lodge the Partner visa in time—to keep your pathway to permanent residency moving without interruption.

Including dependent children

You can include eligible dependent children in your Australian fiancée visa (Prospective Marriage visa, subclass 300) application. If granted, they hold the same temporary visa as you, with the same validity and conditions (for example, multiple entry, ability to study, and the need to enter Australia by the first‑entry date). Make sure each child meets health and character requirements and that you hold the legal right to take them abroad.

• Prove the relationship: Birth certificates naming parents; adoption/guardianship or step‑child legal papers where relevant.
• Parental permissions: Written consent from any non‑accompanying parent or a court order permitting travel/relocation.
• Identity and travel: Passports for each child; clear, consistent names/dates across documents.
• Health and character: Health exams for each child and, where applicable, police/clearances per Home Affairs requests.
• Translations: Provide certified English translations of any non‑English documents.
• Keep the Department updated: Report changes (e.g., a newborn) through ImmiAccount promptly.
• Next step: Include children again on your Partner visa after marriage (820/801 onshore or 309/100 offshore).

If your application is refused or withdrawn

If the Australian fiancée visa (Prospective Marriage visa, subclass 300) is refused, read the decision letter carefully—this sets out the reasons and any review rights and deadlines. In many cases there is a merits review avenue at the Tribunal, but time limits are strict and start from the date of decision notification. If you withdraw your application before a decision, the Department generally does not refund the visa application charge.

• Know your rights: Your refusal letter will explain if you (or your sponsor) can seek review at the Tribunal and by when.
• Fix and reapply: You can lodge a fresh application after addressing the issues (for example, better proof you met in person or are free to marry). New fees apply.
• Sponsor refusal: If sponsorship is refused, the visa will usually be refused as well; the refusal letter will outline any review options.
• Be honest and consistent: Correct inconsistencies and provide certified English translations where required before reapplying.

If you cannot meet the subclass 300 requirements now, consider the alternatives outlined next.

Alternatives to the fiancé(e) visa

If the Australian fiancée visa (Prospective Marriage visa, subclass 300) isn’t the best fit, you still have viable pathways—your choice depends on whether you’re already married or in a de facto relationship, where you’re located, and your work/study goals. Many couples skip the 300 by marrying first or by qualifying as de facto and going straight to a Partner visa that leads to permanent residency.

• Partner visa 309/100 (offshore): Best if you’re married or de facto and will lodge from outside Australia.
• Partner visa 820/801 (onshore): For couples already in Australia on another valid visa who are married or de facto.
• Marry first, then Partner visa: If you can legally marry sooner (in Australia or overseas), apply directly for a Partner visa.
• De facto route (12 months): If you’ve lived together for about 12 months, consider Partner visas instead of the 300.
• Visitor visa for short visits: Short stays, no work; must meet visit intent rules.
• Student visa: Study-focused option if you meet enrollment and financial requirements.
• Employer-sponsored (e.g., 482/186): With an eligible job offer and sponsoring employer.
• Skilled migration (e.g., 189/190/491): If your occupation and points profile are competitive.

Special notes for applicants from the Philippines (CFO, translations, exit requirements)

If you’re applying from the Philippines for the Australian fiancée visa (Prospective Marriage visa, subclass 300), a few Philippine-specific steps can make or break your timeline. All Australian visa applications are lodged online via ImmiAccount—no paper submissions—so prepare clean scans and certified English translations early. Expect to prove you’re legally free to marry using PSA civil records, and plan for Philippine exit requirements such as the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) guidance process before departure to join or marry your partner abroad.

• PSA civil records: Secure a PSA CENOMAR or Advisory on Marriages to show you’re free to marry; ensure names and dates match your passport and forms.
• Translations: Translate any non‑English documents into English with certified translations; details must be consistent across all files.
• Police clearance: You may be asked for a Philippine police certificate (for example, NBI). Start early and follow the format requested in ImmiAccount.
• CFO guidance: Before leaving the Philippines to marry or join your sponsor on a 300 visa, complete CFO guidance requirements and obtain the current CFO proof/certificate as directed by CFO.
• Airport exit checks: Airlines/immigration may ask for your visa grant letter, CFO proof, and civil documents. Carry originals plus clear copies and arrive early.
• Children traveling: Prepare parental consent or court orders where required, along with each child’s PSA birth certificate and passport.
• ImmiAccount only: Apply and upload through ImmiAccount, monitor for messages, and respond quickly to any requests.

Should you use a registered migration agent or lawyer?

The Australian fiancée visa is rule‑heavy and evidence‑driven. If your case is straightforward and you’re confident with ImmiAccount, you can DIY. But professional help is valuable where there are past refusals, sponsor limits, health/character issues, complex Philippine civil status, children needing consent orders, or tight timelines between grant, first entry, wedding, and the partner‑visa handover.

• Build a decision‑ready file: Structure evidence of meeting in person, being free to marry, and genuine intent.
• Manage RFIs and checks: Coordinate health exams, police clearances, and biometrics on time.
• Navigate sponsor issues: Address prior sponsorships and character concerns.
• Map the timeline: Align grant, first entry, wedding, and onshore partner visa lodgment.
• Review options: Explain refusal rights and Tribunal pathways if needed.

Tip: Use a registered practitioner (check MARN on the OMARA register), get a written costs agreement, and remember—no one can guarantee a visa outcome. You’re responsible for truthful, consistent information.

Frequently asked questions

Below are quick answers to the questions couples ask most about the Australian fiancée visa (Prospective Marriage visa, subclass 300). Use these to sanity‑check your plans, then refer back to the sections above for detail on evidence, timing, and next steps after your wedding.

• How long is the visa valid? Usually around 9–15 months from grant. Check your grant letter for exact dates.
• Where must I be to apply and at decision? You must be outside Australia both when you lodge and when a decision is made.
• Do we have to marry in Australia? No. You can marry in Australia or overseas, but the marriage must be valid under Australian law.
• Can I work and study on a 300 visa? Yes, you can work and study, but you won’t get government funding for study and most holders aren’t eligible for Medicare.
• Do we need to have met in person? Yes. You must have met face‑to‑face since turning 18 and know each other personally.
• Can I include my children? Yes. Eligible dependent children can be included and will hold the same temporary visa.
• How long does processing take? Recent guidance indicates about 75% are finalized within 12 months and 90% within 17 months.
• What happens after we marry? Apply for a Partner visa before the 300 expires: onshore 820/801 or offshore 309/100.
• Can I apply if we’re already married? No. If you’re already married or de facto, consider Partner visas instead of the 300.

Glossary: key terms and acronyms

Use this quick glossary to decode the essentials of the Australian fiancée visa process and related Philippine requirements. Short, plain-English definitions help you check you’re meeting the right rule at the right time.

• Prospective Marriage visa (PMV, subclass 300): Temporary fiancé(e) visa to marry your sponsor.
• Sponsor: Australian citizen/PR/eligible NZ citizen who supports your visa.
• Partner visas 820/801 and 309/100: Temporary-to-permanent partner pathways after marriage.
• ImmiAccount: Home Affairs online portal to apply, upload, and receive messages.
• VAC (Visa Application Charge): Government fee paid at lodgment (and later for Partner).
• RFI (Request for Information): Department request for extra documents or actions.
• Health requirement: Medical examinations with approved panel clinics.
• Character requirement: Police certificates for countries lived in 12+ months.
• Biometrics: Fingerprints and photo if the Department asks.
• Grant letter/first-entry date: Email setting visa validity, entry deadline, and conditions.
• NOIM (Notice of Intended Marriage) and celebrant: Required notice and authorized officiant for a valid Australian wedding.
• PSA/CENOMAR (Philippines): Civil records proving you’re free to marry.
• CFO (Philippines): Pre-departure guidance and documentation for partners/spouses.
• Dependent child: Eligible child included on your visa with the same conditions.

Final thoughts

The Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300) is a clear, rule‑based path: you must apply and be granted offshore, prove you’ve met in person, be free to marry, and genuinely plan a wedding within the visa’s validity—then move to a Partner visa. Strong, consistent evidence and quick responses in ImmiAccount are what keep timelines on track.

If you want a second set of expert eyes on your plan—or a hands‑on partner to shape a decision‑ready file—speak with Simon Mander Consulting. With decades in migration law and thousands of successful outcomes, we’ll map your dates, documents, and next steps so you can focus on the wedding and your life together in Australia.