Australia, known for its vibrant cities, stunning landscapes and high quality of life, has become a sought-after destination for many aspiring to build a new life. Among the numerous visa options available, the Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300) is particularly appealing for those looking to join their spouse-to-be in Australia.
This visa offers a pathway not only to live and work in Australia but also to eventually secure permanent residency through the Partner Visa (subclass 820 and 801).
In this post we will explore the details of the Prospective Marriage Visa, including eligibility, benefits, costs and the application process.
Benefits of the Prospective Marriage Visa
The Prospective Marriage Visa allows you to:
- Live, Work and Study in Australia: You can reside in Australia for 9 to 15 months from the date your visa is granted. During this period, you have the freedom to work and study without restrictions.
- Travel Flexibility: You can travel to and from Australia as many times as you wish while your visa is valid, making it convenient for any necessary trips abroad.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency: After getting married and before your Prospective Marriage Visa expires, you can apply for the Partner Visa (subclass 820 and 801) which eventually leads to permanent residency.
Duration of Stay
The Prospective Marriage Visa is temporary, allowing you to stay in Australia for 9 to 15 months from the date it is granted.
This period is specified in your visa grant letter.
Including Family Members
You can include family members in your application. This includes:
- Family members listed when you lodge your visa application.
- Dependent children added after lodging your application but before the decision on your temporary visa is made.
To be eligible, family members must:
- Be part of your family unit.
- Meet health and character requirements.
- Be outside Australia at the time of application.
Family members who are not traveling to Australia might also need to meet health and character requirements.
Newborn Children
If your child is born after you apply for the visa, there are specific guidelines to follow, detailed in the “You had a baby” section on the official website.
Visa Costs
The cost for the main applicant is AUD9,095.00. Additional fees apply for family members included in your application. These fees must be paid to process your application. You might also incur costs for health checks, police certificates and biometrics. To estimate your total visa cost, including additional family members, use the Visa Pricing Estimator.
Note that this tool does not account for health checks, police certificates or biometrics costs.
When applying for the Partner Visa (subclass 820 and 801), you will also incur additional fees. However, if you marry your prospective spouse and apply for the Partner Visa before your Prospective Marriage Visa expires, you will pay a reduced fee.
Applying for the Visa
To apply for the Prospective Marriage Visa, you must be outside Australia at the time of application and so must any family members included in your application.
Obligations and Conditions
As a visa holder, you and your family members must adhere to all visa conditions and obey Australian laws. Failure to comply with these conditions can lead to visa cancellation.
Health Insurance
It is strongly recommended that you obtain health insurance to cover any unforeseen medical treatment you might need while in Australia. While in Australia, you are personally liable for all healthcare costs. Adequate health insurance can help mitigate these costs.
Australia has reciprocal healthcare agreements with some countries. To check if your country is included, visit the Services Australia website for more details on reciprocal health care agreements.
Marriage Requirements
To comply with the visa conditions:
- Enter Australia before the date specified in your grant letter.
- Marry your prospective spouse before the visa expires.
You can get married in any country, provided your marriage is valid under Australian law.
Travel Flexibility
You can travel to and from Australia as many times as you want while your visa is valid. However, if you are outside Australia when your visa is granted, you must enter Australia before the initial arrival date specified in your grant letter.
Visa Label
The Prospective Marriage Visa is digitally linked to your passport. You will not receive a physical label in your passport.
Steps to Apply for the Prospective Marriage Visa
- Gather Required Documents: Ensure you have all necessary documents, including identity, relationship and health and character documents.
- Lodge Your Application: Submit your application online through the Department of Home Affairs website. Ensure all information is accurate and complete to avoid delays.
- Pay the Visa Application Charge: Pay the required fee using the Visa Pricing Estimator to calculate the total cost.
- Health and Character Checks: Complete health examinations and obtain police certificates as required. These checks ensure you meet Australia’s health and character standards.
- Await a Decision: After submitting your application, you will need to wait for the Department of Home Affairs to process it. This period can vary, so be prepared for a waiting time.
- Receive Your Visa: If your application is successful, you will receive a visa grant letter with details on your visa conditions and entry requirements.
Transitioning to a Partner Visa
Once married, you should apply for the Partner Visa (subclass 820 and 801) before your Prospective Marriage Visa expires. This visa has two stages:
- Temporary Partner Visa (subclass 820): This allows you to stay in Australia until a decision is made on your permanent Partner Visa.
- Permanent Partner Visa (subclass 801): Granted two years after the temporary visa, this provides permanent residency status.
The Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300) offers a unique opportunity for engaged couples to start their life together in Australia. It provides the flexibility to live, work and travel while paving the way to permanent residency. Understanding the requirements, costs and obligations associated with this visa is crucial for a successful application.
By following the guidelines and meeting all conditions, you can embark on your journey to Australia with confidence and ease.
For more detailed information and assistance with your application, visit the official Department of Home Affairs website. Ensure you stay informed about any changes in visa policies or requirements to facilitate a smooth application process.