Yes. After entering Australia on a Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300) and marrying your sponsor within the required timeframe, you should be eligible to apply for a Partner Visa. Understanding the process and timing can help ensure your visa journey continues smoothly.
Key takeaways
- The Prospective Marriage Visa is designed as a pathway to a Partner Visa.
- You must marry your sponsor before applying for a Partner Visa.
- Meeting the marriage requirement does not automatically guarantee Partner Visa approval.
- You will still need to meet all Partner Visa eligibility requirements and provide supporting evidence.
- Understanding the process early can help you prepare a stronger Partner Visa application.
What happens after a Prospective Marriage Visa is granted?
The Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300) allows you to travel to Australia and marry your Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen fiancé.
Once you have married, you may then become eligible to apply for a Partner Visa to continue your pathway towards permanent residency.
The Prospective Marriage Visa is not itself a permanent visa but forms part of the overall relationship visa pathway.
Do you need to get married before applying for a Partner Visa?
Yes.
Applicants who entered Australia on a Prospective Marriage Visa are expected to marry their sponsor before lodging a Partner Visa application.
If the marriage does not take place within the required visa period, it will affect your ability to continue through the intended visa pathway.
Because every situation is different, applicants with changing circumstances should seek professional advice before making decisions about their application.
Which Partner Visa do you apply for?
After marrying your sponsor, eligible applicants generally apply for the Subclass 820 Partner Visa.
This begins the onshore Partner Visa process, which usually involves:
- lodging the application
- completing health and character requirements
- providing evidence of the relationship
- progressing towards permanent residency if all requirements continue to be met
Do you need to provide relationship evidence again?
Yes.
Although you previously obtained a Prospective Marriage Visa, a Partner Visa application still requires evidence that your relationship is genuine and ongoing.
Depending on your circumstances, evidence may include:
- marriage certificate
- financial documents
- shared household information
- photographs together
- communication records
- evidence of future plans
The Department of Home Affairs assesses each Partner Visa application on its own merits.
Can you stay in Australia while your Partner Visa is processed?
Applicants who lodge a valid onshore Partner Visa application are eligible for a bridging visa that allows them to remain in Australia while their application is being processed. There are no conditions attached to the bridging visa.
What if your circumstances change?
Life does not always go exactly as planned.
Changes such as:
- delayed wedding plans
- relationship changes
- health issues
- changes to personal circumstances
may affect your visa options.
If your situation changes before or after your marriage, it is important to obtain advice as early as possible to understand how this may affect your application.
Why preparation still matters
A Prospective Marriage Visa does not automatically lead to approval of a Partner Visa.
Applicants must still satisfy all eligibility requirements, provide appropriate supporting evidence, and demonstrate that the relationship continues to meet the requirements under Australian migration law.
Preparing a complete and well-organised application can help reduce unnecessary delays and requests for additional information.
Continuing your pathway to permanent residency
The Prospective Marriage Visa is intended to provide eligible couples with a pathway to a Partner Visa after they are married. Understanding the next steps before lodging your application can make the process more straightforward and help you avoid common mistakes.
If you are considering applying for a prospective marriage visa or a partner visa, book a free consultation to discuss your circumstances with a registered migration agent.
