Sub Class 300
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What is the Prospective Marriage Visa (Sub Class 300)
The Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300) is a temporary visa that allows you to enter Australia with the intention of marrying your Australian partner. This visa is specifically designed for individuals who are engaged but not yet married to an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. Once granted, you can travel to Australia, marry your partner, and then apply for a Partner Visa (subclass 820/801) to live in Australia permanently.
Eligibility Requirements for the Subclass 300 Visa
To be eligible for the Prospective Marriage Visa Subclass 300, you must meet specific criteria related to your relationship, identity, and health.
1. Relationship Requirements
- Genuine and Committed Relationship: You and your Australian partner must demonstrate that your relationship is genuine, ongoing, and committed. This can be proven through evidence such as photos, joint financial accounts, and communication records.
- Engagement: The Prospective Marriage Visa is designed specifically for engaged couples. You and your partner must be able to show that you are legally engaged and intend to marry within 9 months of the visa being granted.
- Australian Partner’s Eligibility: Your partner must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
2. Health and Character Requirements
- You must meet the healthand character requirements set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. This typically includes undergoing a medical examination and providing police clearances from all countries you have lived in for 12 months or more in the last 10 years.
- You must not have any significant criminal convictions or other legal issues that would prevent the granting of the visa.
3. Age and Marital Status
- Both you and your partner must be at least 18 years old.
- You must not be married to someone else at the time of the application. This visa is specifically for engaged couples intending to marry their Australian partner.
Benefits of the Subclass 300 Visa
The Prospective Marriage Visa Subclass 300 offers several benefits that help engaged couples begin their journey toward building a life together in Australia.
1. Ability to Enter Australia
- The visa allows you to travel to Australia to marry your Australian partner, even if you are not already in Australia when applying.
2. Pathway to Permanent Residency
After marrying your Australian partner, you are eligible to apply for a Partner Visa (subclass 820/801). This provides a clear pathway to permanent residency, which grants you the right to live and work in Australia indefinitely.
3. Bring Your Family
You can include your dependent children under 18 years of age in your application, allowing them to join you and your partner in Australia.
4. Work Rights
You may apply for work rights after obtaining the Subclass 300 visa, allowing you to support yourself while in Australia.
5. Temporary Stay with Your Partner
The visa allows you to live in Australia temporarily with your partner while you prepare for marriage and start your life together in the country.
Processing Time for Subclass 300 Visa
The processing time for the Prospective Marriage Visa Subclass 300 can vary, depending on several factors, including the complexity of your case, the number of applications being processed, and the accuracy of your documents.
On average, the processing time for the Subclass 300 visa is between 6 to 12 months. It is important to apply well in advance of your intended wedding date, as the visa must be granted before you marry.