Long-Distance Partner Visa Australia: Subclass 300 vs 309/100

A long-distance partner visa for Australia can go through the Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300) or the Partner visa (subclass 309/100). This covers who each route is for, the visa charges, sponsor limits, the evidence categories and Home Affairs processing times, as at October 2026. Figures as at October 2026.

Read the full guide, with official sources →

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Chapters

  1. 0:00 Long-distance partner visa: 2 routes
  2. 0:14 Subclass 300: Prospective Marriage
  3. 0:27 After the wedding: 820 and 801
  4. 0:41 Subclass 309 and 100
  5. 0:54 Visa costs: 300 vs 309/100
  6. 1:16 Sponsor limits
  7. 1:39 Evidence when you live apart
  8. 1:53 Form 888 witness statements
  9. 2:06 Processing times to 30 June 2026
  10. 2:20 The wrong-subclass mistake
  11. 2:34 Where to read more

Transcript

Long-distance partner visa for Australia: there are two main routes. One is for couples who plan to marry. The other is for couples who are already married or de facto.

A subclass 300 is for a couple who intend to marry. You can stay 9 to 15 months from the grant date, and Home Affairs asks for evidence you'll marry within 9 months of being granted the visa.

After you marry, you apply for the partner visa, subclass 820 and 801, before the subclass 300 ends. The marriage can take place in any country, but it must be valid under Australian law.

Subclass 309 and 100 are for couples who are already married or de facto. Applications are made from outside Australia, but the 309 can be decided while you're in or outside Australia.

For the main applicant, the charge from 1 July 2026 is $11,710 for the 300, then $1,955 for the 820 and 801 after you marry. That's $13,665. The 309 and 100 are one charge of $11,710.

Your Australian partner is the sponsor. Home Affairs may refuse a sponsorship in these cases.

For a subclass 300, Home Affairs requires that you've met in person as adults since turning 18. The subclass 309 and 100 pages state no separate in-person rule. The requirement there is a genuine relationship.

Living apart, you're still assessed on four categories: financial, household, social and commitment. Examples are transfers between you, flight records, call logs, chat exports and photos from visits.

Home Affairs asks for statements from 2 witnesses on Form 888. Each must be 18 or older and know both of you and your relationship. You may be asked for up to 3 statements.

Home Affairs' guide for decisions to 30 June 2026 shows half of subclass 300 applications decided within 14 months, and half of subclass 309 within 17 months. It's a guide only.

A common mistake is choosing the wrong subclass. The 300 is for couples who haven't married yet. The 309 and 100 are for couples already married or de facto. Each has its own charge.

The full guide, with the official sources, is on migratio.com.au. The link is in the description. And if you'd like to talk it through, you can compare registered migration agents there, and see their fees before you book anything.

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