Partner visa 820/309
Requires existing marriage OR 12-month de facto relationship (or registered relationship). Can be lodged offshore (309/100) or onshore (820/801). See partner visa overview.
820/309 vs Subclass 300 · Engaged Couples
Engaged couples often ask: partner visa or prospective marriage?
The answer depends on where you want to marry, how much evidence you have now, and your tolerance for processing time. There is no universally better option; each pathway suits different circumstances.
The two pathways
Married or about to marry?
The core difference is whether you are already married or planning to marry in Australia.
Prospective Marriage Visa 300
For engaged couples intending to marry in Australia. Grants a 9-month period during which the marriage must take place. Offshore only.
After the marriage on a 300
Once married on a 300, the applicant transitions to onshore partner visa 820/801. Two stages, two applications.
Direct to 820
Alternative: marry overseas first, then apply for 820 onshore or 309 offshore. One application instead of two.
Which to choose
Four decision factors.
Specific factors drive the pathway choice for most couples.
Where you want to marryIf you want to marry in Australia, the 300 is designed for this. If you want to marry overseas, lodge partner visa after marriage.
How much relationship evidence you haveIf you have less than 12 months together, de facto partner visa may not be available. 300 requires less relationship duration.
Partner visa cost and timing300 involves two fee stages (300 then 820). Partner visa 820 is one application, one fee. 309 is similar.
Onshore vs offshore preference300 is offshore only. If the applicant is onshore now, 820 may be more practical.
Common scenarios
Three typical cases.
Most couples fall into one of these three scenarios.
Engaged, applicant offshore, want to marry in Australia
300 is designed for this. Apply offshore, enter on 300, marry within 9 months, transition to 820 onshore.
Already married, applicant offshore
Partner visa 309/100. Apply offshore. Skip the 300.
De facto 12+ months, applicant onshore
820/801 onshore. Marriage not required if de facto test met.
The 300 carries total cost and time higher than a single partner visa.
Two applications, two fee stages, and two processing periods. For couples able to marry overseas first, the 309/100 pathway is often more efficient. The 300 is valuable when marrying in Australia is important to the couple.
Common questions
The questions we hear most.
For pathway selection, book with Neha Sharma or Pragya Gautam.
Can I apply for a 300 while I am in Australia on a visitor visa?
No. The 300 is offshore only. You must be outside Australia when applying and when granted.
Does the 300 guarantee my partner visa will be approved later?
No. The 300 is a temporary visa requiring marriage within 9 months. The subsequent 820 application is a separate application with its own evidence test.
What if we break up during the 300 period?
The 300 ends if the relationship ends before marriage. Return to original country. Fresh application required if relationship later restored.
Can I work on a 300?
Yes, in most cases. Work rights usually apply during the 9-month marriage window.
Some information on this page has been sourced from the Department of Home Affairs and has been interpreted and approved by Principal Migration Agent Sourabh Aggarwal (MARN 1462159). Last reviewed: May 2026.