Fiance Visa Australia (Subclass 300): How It Works

For fiancés of Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens, the Subclass 300 Prospective Marriage visa lets you enter Australia, marry your partner and enjoy up to fifteen months of unrestricted work, study and travel. It’s the essential first step toward building your life together down under—and Simon Mander Consulting P/L, with over 22 years of migration law experience, has guided thousands of couples safely through every requirement.

In the pages ahead, you’ll find a clear, step-by-step roadmap: from confirming who qualifies and gathering the right documents, to lodging your application in ImmiAccount, meeting health and character checks, and planning your wedding timeline. Whether this is your first visa application or you need clarity on complex rules, this guide will help you move forward with confidence and peace of mind.

Step 1: Understand the Subclass 300 Fiancé Visa and Its Benefits

The Subclass 300 Prospective Marriage visa is a temporary entry permit designed for engaged partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens. It lets you travel to Australia, marry your fiancé(e) within a prescribed period and then apply for an onshore partner visa—setting you on the path to permanent residency.

Once granted, the Subclass 300 visa unlocks several key benefits:

• Stay in Australia for 9 to 15 months from the date of grant
• Travel in and out of Australia as many times as you need
• Work full-time or part-time without restriction
• Enrol in study or training (private and public)
• Lay the groundwork for a Partner visa (subclasses 820/801) after marriage

Here’s a quick overview of the Subclass 300’s main features:

By marrying your partner within the visa period, you become eligible to lodge a combined Partner visa application (subclass 820 temporary and subclass 801 permanent). To check official requirements and processing times, see the Home Affairs page for Subclass 300.

Who Should Consider the Subclass 300 Visa

This visa is aimed squarely at engaged fiancés of:

• Australian citizens
• Australian permanent residents
• Eligible New Zealand citizens

If you’re planning a future together, the Subclass 300 provides a bridge from offshore to onshore—enabling family unification and uninterrupted progress toward permanent residency.

When and Where You Can Marry

You must marry your sponsor within the visa’s 9–15 month validity. The ceremony can take place in Australia or overseas—but your marriage must be legally recognised under Australian law. Whether you choose a beachfront chapel in New South Wales or a hometown celebration abroad, just be sure all paperwork aligns with Australian legal standards.

Step 2: Confirm Applicant Eligibility Criteria

Before you start gathering documents or booking flights, make sure you tick every box on the Subclass 300 checklist. If any requirement isn’t met at lodgement, your application can be delayed or even refused. Review the criteria carefully—and consider these quick-win tips to shore up your evidence as you prepare.

Here’s what you need to satisfy when you apply:

• Age requirement: Both you and your sponsor must be at least 18 years old.
• Location: You must be outside Australia when you lodge your application. The visa decision, however, can occur while you’re in or outside Australia.
• Face-to-face meeting: You and your partner must have met in person, after both turning 18, and know each other personally.
• Genuine intent to marry: You must genuinely intend to marry within the 9–15-month visa period.
• No legal impediment: Any previous marriages or de facto relationships must be legally finalised—provide divorce certificates or death certificates where needed.
• Health and character checks: You’ll need to meet minimum health standards (via chest X-ray, blood tests, etc.) and pass character requirements (police certificates from every country you’ve lived in for 12+ months since age 16).

Actionable tip:
• For the “genuine intent” test, book your celebrant early and get a dated confirmation letter (see next section).
• If you met at an overseas event, keep boarding passes or hotel invoices to prove your arrival and stay dates.
• Finalise any outstanding divorce or custody orders well before you apply—official seals and translations can take time.

Demonstrating a Genuine Intent to Marry

Immigration won’t accept a “we’ll sort it out later” approach. You need concrete proof that your wedding plans are underway. The best way is a signed letter from the authorised marriage celebrant who will conduct the ceremony. That letter should confirm:

• Your names, the proposed ceremony date and location
• That you’ve lodged a Notice of Intention to Marry (NOIM) at least one month before the ceremony—and no more than 18 months ahead

Actionable tip: lodge your NOIM online or with your celebrant as soon as you’ve fixed the date. Keep a PDF—or even a screenshot—of the NOIM lodgement confirmation for your application.

Proving You’ve Met in Person

You’ll need to show you and your partner know each other beyond social media. Acceptable evidence includes:

• Dated photographs together at events, family gatherings or holidays
• Travel itineraries, boarding passes or passport stamps showing shared trips
• Statements from friends or family (Form 888) confirming when and where you met

Actionable tip: ask two trusted witnesses (over 18) to fill out Form 888 early. They’ll need to describe their relationship with both of you and attest that they’ve seen you together as a couple.

Step 3: Verify Sponsor Eligibility Requirements

Choosing the right sponsor is just as important as your own eligibility. Your sponsor—the person you’re engaged to—must meet certain criteria before they can officially back your visa application. Any slip-up here can stall your plans to marry and settle in Australia, so double-check these requirements before moving on.

Key sponsor criteria:

• Citizenship or residency: Must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.
• Age: At least 18 years old at the time of your visa lodgement.
• No sponsor bans: Cannot be subject to a sponsorship bar (for example, unresolved debt to the Australian Government or having sponsored two non-citizens in the past five years).
• Genuine relationship: Must be your intended spouse—proving they’re personally invested in your partnership.

Your sponsor is responsible for lodging a formal sponsorship application in ImmiAccount at the same time you submit your Subclass 300 visa. This is more than just ticking a box—immigration authorities need to know your sponsor will stand by you during the process, providing financial and social support if needed.

Sponsorship Undertaking Explained

When your sponsor submits their sponsorship form, they are signing a legal undertaking to assist you. This document outlines:

• Financial and social support: Your sponsor agrees to help with your living costs and make sure you won’t rely on government welfare.
• Ongoing contact: They’ll stay in touch with you and the Department, updating any major changes (like a change of address).
• Duration of commitment: For the Subclass 300, the undertaking runs from the date of visa lodgement until a decision is made.

Breaching the undertaking can lead to sponsorship cancellation—and that usually means your visa application is refused. So, it’s vital that your sponsor understands and is fully committed to these responsibilities.

Common Sponsor Pitfalls

Even well-intentioned sponsors can trip up. Watch out for these stumbling blocks:

• Unresolved debts to government: Any outstanding debts or undischarged bankruptcy can disqualify a sponsor. Encourage them to clear debts well before submission.
• Sponsor bans from prior sponsorships: If they’ve sponsored two other non-citizens in the last five years, or had a previous sponsorship revoked, they may be ineligible.
• Withdrawal of sponsorship: A sponsor can withdraw support at any point before a visa decision. If family or financial circumstances change—like sudden unemployment—they might no longer feel able to support you.

Tip: Have your sponsor review their personal circumstances and government obligations early on. It’s better to uncover potential issues before you start filling in forms. A clear sponsor application builds confidence in your overall visa submission and helps keep things on track.

Step 4: Gather and Organise All Required Documents

Before you hit “submit,” make sure every piece of evidence is at your fingertips. A well-organised document set not only speeds up processing but also shows Home Affairs that you’re serious and thorough. Break your paperwork into clear categories, label each file, and keep an index so nothing gets lost in the shuffle.

Here’s a handy checklist to get you started:

• Applicant Identity
  • Passport biodata page
  • Birth certificate (showing both parents)
  • If applicable, name change documents (marriage certificate, deed poll, etc.)
• Relationship Evidence
  • Form 888 supporting statements from two independent witnesses
  • Dated photographs of you together
  • Chat logs, emails or travel itineraries proving you’ve met in person
• Wedding Plans
  • Letter from your authorised marriage celebrant confirming your ceremony date and venue
  • Evidence of NOIM lodgement (Notice of Intention to Marry)
• Sponsor Proof
  • Australian citizenship certificate, passport or PR visa pages
  • If eligible NZ citizen, proof of status (passport, birth certificate)
• Dependant Documents (if applicable)
  • Custody orders or consent forms for minors
  • Evidence of financial dependency (bank transfers, school enrolment)

Actionable tip: name your files with a consistent format, for example:
ApplicantName_DocumentType_Date.pdf
This makes it easy to cross-reference your index and avoids duplicates.

Translating and Scanning Your Documents

All documents not in English must be translated. In Australia, translators should be accredited by NAATI; overseas translators must include their full name, contact details and qualifications on each translation. Always:

• Scan or photograph in colour
• Ensure text and photos are legible
• Combine multi-page documents into a single file

Avoid last-minute rescans by checking each PDF before you upload—blurry pages or missing covers can trigger a request for re-submission and delay your application.

Secure Storage and Version Control

Working with personal IDs and legal papers calls for careful handling. To keep everything under control:

• Maintain an encrypted folder (e.g., in a password-protected cloud service) for originals and working copies
• Use version numbers or dates in file names (_v1, _v2, _final) to track changes
• Back up your documents on a secondary device or service—hard drives fail, and you don’t want to recreate your entire set

With a robust filing system in place, you’ll breeze through the upload process in ImmiAccount and spend less time hunting for missing pages—and more time planning your big day.

Step 5: Complete Mandatory Health and Character Assessments

Before your Subclass 300 application can proceed, you must clear two non-negotiable hurdles: health checks and character clearances. Start these well in advance—both can take weeks (or even months) to finalise—and keep your certificates valid through to the visa decision.

Meeting the Health Requirements

All applicants must undergo medical examinations performed by Department-approved panel physicians. These checks protect public health and help manage Australia’s healthcare costs. Typical requirements include:

• Chest X-ray to screen for tuberculosis
• Blood tests (HIV, hepatitis, full blood count, electrolytes, eGFR)
• Physical examination covering height, weight and general observations
• Additional tests if you’re pregnant or have a pre-existing condition

How to get it done:

1. Locate a panel physician in your country via the Home Affairs website.
2. Book an appointment—expect to pay around AUD 300–500, depending on your location.
3. Attend the exam with your passport and any medical history.
4. The doctor will lodge results electronically; you’ll receive a copy valid for 12 months.
5. If the medical officer requests a health undertaking (for follow-up treatment), sign and return it promptly to avoid delays.

Actionable tip: Schedule your appointment as soon as you’ve lodged your visa application. If your results expire (after 12 months), you’ll need a fresh exam—so plan around your expected decision date.

Meeting the Character Requirements

Australian immigration requires proof that you pose no unacceptable risk to the community. This means obtaining:

• Police certificates from every country you’ve lived in for 12 months or more in the last 10 years (since turning 16)
• A complete disclosure national police check if you’ve lived in Australia for 12+ months
• Military service records or discharge papers if you’ve served in any armed forces
• A completed Form 80 (“Personal particulars for assessment including character assessment”)

Tips for a smooth process:

• Visit the Australian Federal Police website for your domestic certificate—only “complete disclosure” checks are accepted.
• For overseas checks, contact the relevant embassy or consulate; processing can take 2–6 weeks.
• Keep each certificate’s issue date in mind: they expire 12 months after issue.
• Scan and label each PDF clearly (e.g., Surname_Country_PoliceCert_YYYYMMDD.pdf).

By tying down your health and character clearances early—and making sure they remain valid—you’ll avoid a last-minute scramble and keep your visa on track.

Step 6: Set Up ImmiAccount and Appoint an Authorised Recipient

Before you lodge your Subclass 300 application, you need an ImmiAccount—the secure online portal of the Department of Home Affairs. This is where you’ll start your application, upload your documents, pay your fees and track every update from immigration.

Creating Your ImmiAccount

1. Go to the ImmiAccount registration page and select “Create an ImmiAccount.”
2. Use a unique email address you check regularly—this becomes your login and notification hub.
3. Choose a strong password (minimum 12 characters with letters, numbers and symbols). Store it safely in a password manager.
4. Enable any available security features and keep your contact details (email, phone, mailing address) up to date.

Treat your ImmiAccount credentials like banking details: never share them, update them if you suspect a breach, and log in periodically to check for messages. Missing an email about a health assessment or character clearance can delay your whole application.

Appointing an Authorised Recipient or Migration Agent

If you prefer someone else to receive correspondence on your behalf—whether a trusted friend, family member or professional advisor—you’ll need to lodge one of two forms in ImmiAccount:

• Form 956A – Appointment or withdrawal of an authorised recipient
  • Use this when you want someone (like your sponsor or a family friend) to get emails and letters about your visa. They can’t give you legal advice, but they’ll see every departmental update.
• Form 956 – Appointment of a registered migration agent, legal practitioner or exempt person
  • Use this if you’re engaging a migration agent or lawyer. They can provide advice, submit documents, respond to requests and act fully on your behalf.

Both forms are downloadable from the Home Affairs website. After upload, you’ll see your authorised recipient listed under the “Authorised Recipient” tab in ImmiAccount. From that moment, any communication they send is treated as though it came directly from you—so choose someone reliable.

With your ImmiAccount live and your recipient appointed, you’re set to move on to lodging your Subclass 300 application. Next: filling out your forms and attaching those neatly organised documents.

Step 7: Lodge Your Subclass 300 Application Online

With your documents at the ready and your ImmiAccount set up, it’s time to actually lodge your Subclass 300 application. Follow this step-by-step process to ensure you don’t miss anything—and remember, a clean, complete submission speeds up processing.

1. Login to ImmiAccount
   Use the email and password you registered. If someone else is your authorised recipient or migration agent, they’ll need to log in with their own credentials to access your application.

2. Start a New Application

   • Click “New application”
   • Choose “Family”
   • Select “Stage 1 – Partner or Prospective Marriage visa” (this covers the Subclass 300 entry)

3. Complete Applicant and Relationship Details

   • Fill in your personal details exactly as they appear on your passport.
   • Answer relationship questions truthfully—dates you met, evidence you’ve gathered, engagement details, and wedding plans.
   • Be precise: any inconsistencies (even small typos) can trigger follow-up queries.

4. Enter Sponsor Information and Upload Sponsorship Form

   • Provide your sponsor’s full name, date of birth and TRN (Transaction Reference Number) if they’ve already lodged their sponsorship.
   • Attach the completed sponsorship form (screenshot or PDF of Form 40) as one of your supporting documents.

5. Attach Supporting Documents

   • Click “Attach documents” and upload your files in the correct categories: identity, relationship, health, character, wedding paperwork, sponsor proof, etc.
   • You can upload up to 100 files per person—combine multi-page PDFs to avoid hitting the limit.
   • Accepted formats: .pdf, .jpg, .png, .gif; maximum 10 MB per file.

6. Review and Confirm Declarations

   • Use the “Preview” function to scroll through each section. Ensure you haven’t duplicated attachments or missed any mandatory field.
   • Read each declaration carefully—once you tick “I declare,” it’s legally binding.

7. Pay the Visa Application Charge

   • After submission, you’ll be prompted to pay (or generate an invoice). Follow the on-screen instructions; note that some payment methods carry a surcharge.
   • Keep a screenshot or PDF of your payment receipt for your records. For a detailed breakdown of fees, see our fiancé visa cost guide.

8. Submit and Note Your Transaction Reference Number (TRN)

   • Once you hit “Submit,” ImmiAccount will display your TRN.
   • Share this TRN with your sponsor so they can link their sponsorship to your visa application.

Actionable Tips:

• Double-check file names before upload (e.g., Surname_DocumentName_Date.pdf) to keep things organised.
• If you run out of attachment slots for one person, spread remaining documents across other applicants in the same application.
• Once lodged, don’t book travel until you receive your visa grant letter—and always monitor ImmiAccount for any “Requests for More Information.”

By methodically working through each screen in ImmiAccount, you’ll lodge a thorough Subclass 300 application that’s ready for processing—bringing you one step closer to marrying your partner and starting your new life in Australia.

Step 8: Pay the Visa Application Charge and Plan for Additional Costs

Once your Subclass 300 application is lodged, the next critical step is settling the visa application charge (VAC) and preparing for the extra expenses that come with health checks, character clearances and professional help. Budgeting early helps you avoid surprises and keeps your timeline on track.

Visa Application Charges

The core VAC for the Prospective Marriage visa is set by the Department of Home Affairs. As of 2025, the fees are:

• Main applicant: AUD 9,095
• Additional applicant under 18: AUD 2,280
• Additional applicant 18 or over: AUD 4,550

You can pay online via credit card, BPAY or international money transfer. Note that some payment methods may incur a surcharge—typically 1.5%–2% for credit cards. Always save your payment receipt and note the transaction ID in case you need to verify your payment later.

To estimate your total VAC—including any family members—you can use the Visa pricing estimator. This tool lets you select your visa subclass, add dependents and see the full charge before you commit.

Planning for Additional Costs

Beyond the VAC, here’s what else you should factor into your budget:

• Health examinations: AUD 300–500 per person (varies by country and required tests).
• Police certificates: AUD 50–100 each, depending on issuing agency and processing time.
• Document translation: AUD 30–60 per page for NAATI-accredited translators, less overseas.
• Biometrics: AUD 60–80 per person, only if requested.
• Migration agent or lawyer fees: AUD 800–2,500 for professional assistance (optional but often worth the investment).

Actionable tip: pay for and schedule health and character checks as soon as possible—many certificates expire after 12 months, so planning ensures you don’t repeat costly tests.

Keep Records and Receipts

Create a simple spreadsheet to track:

• Payment date, amount and reference number for each VAC instalment
• Invoices for health checks, police certificates and translations
• Receipts for professional service fees

Storing scanned copies of all receipts in your secure document folder means you have proof of payment on hand if Home Affairs raises any queries.

By clearing your visa charge promptly and accounting for these ancillary costs, you’ll maintain momentum in your Subclass 300 application and focus on the exciting part—marrying your partner and starting life together in Australia.

Step 9: Respond to Department Requests and Provide Further Information

Once you’ve lodged your Subclass 300 application, the Department of Home Affairs may get back to you for extra information. Prompt, accurate responses keep your application moving and help avoid refusals for “insufficient documentation.” Here’s how to handle these requests like a pro.

Common Types of Department Requests

• Biometrics: You may be asked to visit a visa application centre for fingerprints and a photograph.
• Additional documents: This can include missing identity pages, updated police certificates, translations or more wedding evidence (e.g., updated Form 888 statements).
• Health follow-ups: If a panel physician flags a condition, you might need to sign a Health Undertaking or attend specialist tests.
• Character clarifications: Sometimes Home Affairs will want more detail on your Form 80 or military service records.

Each request will specify exactly what’s missing, with a deadline for submission. Treat these deadlines seriously—late or incomplete responses often lead to application refusal.

How to Attach Further Information in ImmiAccount

1. Log in to your ImmiAccount and select your Subclass 300 application.
2. Open the “Messages” tab to read the Department’s request.
3. Click “Attach documents”, choose the correct document category (e.g., “Character documents” or “Health”), and upload your file.
4. Give each file a clear name, such as Surname_BioData_PassportPage.pdf or Surname_PanelPhysician_HealthUndertaking.pdf.
5. Use the “Submit” button to send your attachments. You’ll get an on-screen confirmation—take a screenshot or download it for your records.

Tip: don’t zip files or embed documents inside other documents. Home Affairs reviewers prefer individual PDFs or images that they can open directly.

Meeting Deadlines and Avoiding Delays

The Department usually allows 28 days (sometimes less) to provide extra information. To make sure you never miss a cut-off:

• Check your ImmiAccount every 2–3 days—some requests come with tight timelines.
• Set calendar reminders on your phone or email for all outstanding requests.
• Prioritise urgent requests (for example, biometrics bookings often need to be scheduled weeks in advance).
• If you need more time, contact Home Affairs before the deadline to explain why—occasionally they’ll grant a brief extension.

Failing to meet deadlines or sending the wrong documents forces the Department to make a decision based on what they already have—which can mean refusal.

Proactive Tips for Smooth Follow-Up

• Keep an Issue Log: track each request, its deadline and date of submission in a simple spreadsheet.
• Save all correspondence (requests and confirmations) in your secure folder—this proves you’ve complied if any question arises.
• Where possible, over-prepare: send both the original requested document and any closely related items (e.g., if they ask for one police certificate, include all relevant ones).
• If you’ve appointed an authorised recipient or migration agent, ensure they’re set up to receive ImmiAccount messages—your response could hinge on their inbox access.

By responding swiftly and thoroughly to every Department request, you’ll keep your Subclass 300 application on track and maintain momentum toward your wedding day—and eventually, permanent residency in Australia.

Step 10: Monitor Your Application Progress and Understand Processing Times

Once your Subclass 300 application is lodged, it’s only natural to want updates—but balance is key. Too many enquiries can delay the process, while missing important messages can leave you scrambling. Here’s how to keep tabs on your application and make sure you’re in step with the Department’s pace.

Regularly Check ImmiAccount

• Log in at least once a week to see any status changes. The key sections are:
  • Dashboard: shows overall status (e.g., “In progress”, “More information requested”).
  • Messages: lists requests for additional documents or biometrics bookings.
  • Documents: confirms what you’ve already lodged.

Don’t rely on email notifications alone—sometimes messages land in spam folders, or your authorised recipient’s details need updating. A quick ImmiAccount check ensures you spot any alerts as soon as they arrive.

Understand Global Processing Benchmarks
Processing times for the Prospective Marriage visa can vary widely, depending on application complexity and departmental workload. As a rough guide:

• 50 percent of applications: finalised in around 9 months
• 90 percent of applications: finalised in around 20 months

For the most current figures, consult the Home Affairs Global visa processing times tool. Remember, these are benchmarks—not guarantees—and can shift if your case requires extra checks or if the Department prioritises certain streams (for example, aged persons or humanitarian cases).

When (and When Not) to Contact Home Affairs

• Wait it out if your application is still within the published timeframe and you haven’t received any specific requests. Calling or emailing too early can actually slow down processing, as staff divert time to address routine enquiries.
• Reach out if:
  • Your application has exceeded the 90 percent processing time for Subclass 300.
  • You’ve received a formal deadline (for example, a request for health or character documents) and need an extension.
  • You encounter a significant change in circumstances—such as a medical emergency or legal issue—that could affect your application.

Use the appropriate channels:

• For general status checks outside published times, submit an enquiry through the Department’s online enquiry form rather than phoning.
• If you’ve appointed a migration agent, they can often secure faster, clearer updates on your behalf.

By striking the right balance—staying informed without overloading the system—you’ll give your fiancé visa the best chance of a smooth, timely decision. And once you see that “Granted” status in ImmiAccount, you’ll be ready to plan your big day and the next steps toward onshore Partner visas (820/801).

Step 11: Travel to Australia and Meet Your Visa Conditions

Once you receive your visa grant letter, it’s time to plan your journey to Australia. This letter confirms that your Subclass 300 visa is approved and specifies the first entry date by which you must arrive. Missing that deadline will void your visa, so double-check the date and book your flight accordingly. Because your visa is digitally linked to your passport, you won’t get a physical label—immigration officers will verify your visa electronically when you land.

Your First Entry Date and Digital Visa

Your grant letter includes the initial entry arrival date, which is your deadline for first travelling to Australia. Make sure you travel on or before that date. It’s wise to carry a printed copy of your grant letter and use the same passport you registered with in ImmiAccount. Any mismatch between your travel document and the visa record can lead to delays or even denial of boarding.

Rights on Arrival

When you step off the plane, your Subclass 300 visa gives you:

• Unrestricted work rights: You can start full- or part-time employment immediately—no extra permits needed.
• Study access: Enrol in private or public courses (note: government-funded places are not available under this visa).
• Multiple entries: Leave and re-enter Australia as many times as you like during your visa’s 9–15-month validity.

Keep your Australian contact details current in ImmiAccount—authorities may send important notifications or requests during your stay.

Obligations in Australia

Holding the Subclass 300 visa comes with responsibilities:

• Marry within the visa period: You must wed your sponsor before your visa expires. Whether you marry in Australia or overseas, adhere to the expiry date on your grant letter.
• Observe Australian laws: Criminal convictions can jeopardise your visa and any subsequent Partner visa (820/801) application.
• Maintain adequate health insurance: Although not mandatory, comprehensive cover helps protect you from high medical costs—especially if you require specialist treatment.

Meeting these conditions ensures a smooth transition to your onshore Partner visa (subclass 820/801) and keeps your path to permanent residency open. Enjoy your time in Australia, and best wishes as you take this significant step toward your future together!

Step 12: Marry Your Prospective Spouse and Transition to Permanent Residency

By now your Subclass 300 visa is approved and your wedding plans are in full swing. The clock is ticking on your 9–15-month visa validity, so this is the moment to seal the deal—legally—and kick-start your pathway to permanent residency.

Where and How to Marry

You can choose to marry either in Australia or overseas, but your marriage must be valid under Australian law. If you wed in Australia, your authorised celebrant will lodge the Notice of Marriage with the relevant state registry. If you marry overseas, check that your marriage certificate meets Australian recognition requirements (for example, apostille-stamped and officially translated if not in English).

No matter where you tie the knot, keep certified copies of your:

• Marriage certificate
• Celebrant’s registration or licence
• Apostille or embassy legalisation documents (if applicable)

Having these on hand means you can easily attach them to your next visa application.

Lodge Your Onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801)

Once you and your spouse have exchanged vows—and before your Prospective Marriage visa expires—you need to file a combined application for:

• Subclass 820 (Temporary Partner visa)
• Subclass 801 (Permanent Partner visa)

This single lodgement keeps you lawfully in Australia while the Department assesses your permanent residency claim. Key requirements mirror those of the Subclass 300:

• You’re genuinely in a married relationship
• You continue to meet health and character obligations
• You provide updated evidence of your shared life (joint finances, household arrangements, social proof)

Submit your application online via ImmiAccount. You and your spouse will each pay a portion of the partner-visa charge and upload the necessary forms and documents in the “Partner” category.

Partner Visa Fees and Processing Timeline

Budgeting for the Partner visa is critical—here’s a quick breakdown of the main charges (as at 2025):

Processing follows a two-stage pathway:

1. Temporary visa (820): You’ll usually get a decision within 12–18 months. Once granted, you can stay and work in Australia while the 801 application is underway.
2. Permanent visa (801): Assessed about two years after lodgement of your combined application. The Department reviews whether your relationship remains genuine and continuing.

Throughout this period, keep your ImmiAccount details current and retain evidence of your shared life—joint bank statements, lease agreements, utility bills and photos help demonstrate the ongoing nature of your marriage.

By marrying within your visa window and promptly lodging the Partner visa, you’ll move seamlessly from temporary entry to permanent residency—ready to build your future in Australia together.

Looking for expert guidance on your Partner visa application? Visit Simon Mander Consulting P/L to download free guides or book a one-on-one consultation. We’ve helped thousands of couples make Australia home—let us help you next.

Step 13: Demonstrate a Genuine and Continuing Relationship

Marriage alone doesn’t guarantee a smooth move from your Subclass 300 visa to permanent residency—you must also prove your relationship is genuine and continuing. The Department of Home Affairs applies the same test used for the offshore Partner (Provisional) visa, evaluating the real-world nature of your partnership. By assembling clear evidence across financial, social, household and commitment dimensions, you’ll give your application the depth it needs.

What Is a Genuine and Continuing Relationship?

Under Australian migration law, a “genuine and continuing” relationship means you and your spouse share a committed, exclusive partnership that remains ongoing. This mirrors the requirements for the Partner (Provisional) visa (subclass 309). In practical terms, you need to show you:

• Are financially interdependent or share financial responsibilities
• Present yourselves socially as a couple to friends, family and the community
• Live together—or, if apart, do not reside separately on a permanent basis
• Have made a long-term commitment to each other

A cohesive collection of documents in each of these areas helps Home Affairs see the full picture.

Evidence Categories and Examples

Gather documentation under these four pillars:

1. Financial
   • Joint bank or credit card statements
   • Shared insurance policies, loans or mortgages
2. Social
   • Wedding invitations and event photographs with family or friends
   • Statutory declarations from mutual acquaintances
3. Household
   • Lease or property ownership deeds in both names
   • Utility or council bills addressed to both partners
4. Commitment
   • Travel itineraries or joint memberships (gym, clubs)
   • Joint wills, powers of attorney or evidence of name changes

Organise these items in clearly labelled folders or PDF bookmarks so that reviewers can quickly understand the strength and authenticity of your bond.

Special Considerations for Cultural or Religious Relationships

Not all partnerships follow a Western template. If your relationship includes cultural or religious traditions, use alternative evidence to demonstrate authenticity:

• Letters from community or religious elders confirming engagement or traditional ceremonies
• Photos, programs or certificates from cultural rites of passage that involve both of you
• Affidavits explaining the significance of rituals and how they reflect your ongoing commitment

Adapting your evidence to reflect both your heritage and Australian legal standards ensures your application resonates with immigration officers and accurately represents your life together.

Step 14: Handle Refusals and Appeals through the Administrative Appeals Tribunal

Getting a refusal on your fiance visa australia application can feel like a roadblock—but there’s still a route forward. The primary avenue is a merits review with the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT), where an independent Tribunal Member re-examines your case and can overturn the Department’s decision.

Common Refusal Grounds

Visas are most often refused because of:

• Insufficient relationship evidence (weak Form 888 statements, unconvincing photos or travel logs)
• Health or character issues (incomplete medical results, expired police certificates or adverse findings)
• Sponsor disqualifications (unresolved government debts, prior sponsorship bars)
• Technical errors (incorrect forms, typos in personal details, unlabeled documents)

Appeal Process at the AAT

If your refusal letter grants merits review rights, you generally have:

• 21 calendar days from the refusal date (in Australia)
• 28 days if you’re offshore

Key steps to lodge your AAT review:

1. Gather your refusal notice and case file (request these via Freedom of Information or direct from Home Affairs).
2. Complete Form RT-1 (Application for review) on the AAT website.
3. Pay the lodgement fee (currently around AUD 1,700—confirm on the AAT site).
4. Assemble a review bundle: fresh evidence (updated relationship statements, new health checks) plus written submissions.
5. Attend a directions hearing, where the Tribunal sets deadlines for any further documents or witness statements.

Possible outcomes:

• Confirmation: the Tribunal upholds the refusal
• Reversal: your visa is granted
• Remittal: your case is sent back to Home Affairs with directions to reconsider

When an AAT Review Isn’t Available

Not every refusal can be appealed at the AAT. If you lack merits-review rights, you might explore:

• Ministerial intervention: petitioning the Minister to exercise discretion on compelling or compassionate grounds
• Judicial review: seeking relief in the Federal Circuit and Family Court on procedural fairness or jurisdictional issues
• Reapplication: addressing deficiencies and lodging a fresh Subclass 300 application

Deadlines here are strict. Missing your window for AAT review usually closes off that path, so act promptly. Engaging a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer with AAT experience can help you navigate procedural traps and keep your plans for married life in Australia on track.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

You’ve got the complete roadmap for securing your fiancé visa Australia (Subclass 300)—from confirming eligibility to gathering documents, lodging your application and planning your wedding. With each milestone clearly mapped out, you can move forward with confidence and focus on the exciting part: building your life together.

Simon Mander Consulting P/L combines over 22 years of migration law expertise with personalised support. Whether you need help refining your relationship evidence, navigating ImmiAccount or preparing for health and character checks, our team is here to streamline the process. Take advantage of:

• A complimentary skilled migration booklet with practical checklists
• Detailed guides on partner visas and sponsorship obligations
• One-on-one consultations to tailor your strategy and answer your questions

Ready to make your Subclass 300 application as smooth as possible? Visit simonmander.com to download your free resources or book a consultation. Let’s turn your fiancé visa Australia journey into a success story—together.

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