The Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300) is a temporary visa that allows a non-Australian citizen to enter Australia to marry their Australian citizen or permanent resident partner. After arriving in Australia and marrying, the holder may then apply onshore for a Partner visa (subclass 820 and then 801 for permanent residence). The subclass 300 is valid for nine months from first entry to Australia on the visa, the marriage must take place within that period.
A central requirement of the subclass 300 application is demonstrating a genuine intention to marry, and a genuine relationship between the couple. The Department of Home Affairs assesses this carefully. Understanding what evidence best demonstrates genuine intention, and a genuine relationship, is essential for a successful application.
Basic Eligibility
To apply for the subclass 300, The sponsoring partner must be an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen.
What Evidence Demonstrates Genuine Intention to Marry?
The DHA looks for evidence of both the genuine intention to marry and the existence of a genuine relationship between the couple. The following types of evidence are commonly used:
Wedding plans and bookings: Evidence that a wedding has been booked, a venue booking confirmation, a date confirmed with a celebrant or religious official, or other arrangements, is powerful evidence of genuine intention. This can include deposits paid, venue contracts, or correspondence with wedding vendors.
Correspondence and communication: Evidence of ongoing communication between the couple, messages, emails, call logs, video call records, demonstrating a consistent and real relationship over time. The DHA looks at the volume, frequency, and content of communication.
Photographs: Photographs of the couple together across different times and locations, showing a genuine personal relationship. They should not all be from a single visit or a single event.
Evidence of in-person meetings: Documentation of visits, travel records, photographs, hotel bookings, visa records, showing that the couple has met in person and spent time together.
Financial ties: Joint accounts, financial support, or evidence of financial interdependence can support the genuineness of the relationship.
Statutory declarations: Personal statements from the applicant and the sponsor, and statutory declarations from people who know the couple, can provide context and support the application narrative.
Invitations, guest lists, and ceremony documentation: Even preliminary plans for a wedding, a guest list, preliminary invitations, planning correspondence, can demonstrate genuine intention to proceed.
Practical Advice
Start gathering evidence systematically and early. The more varied and consistent the evidence is, across time, location, and nature, the stronger the application. A single visit and a handful of photos is unlikely to satisfy the DHA on its own. Explain the development of the relationship chronologically in your personal statement. If there are any gaps in evidence (for example, a period where contact reduced due to work or study pressures), explain these in your statements.
The DHA may request an interview with either party. Be honest and consistent in all statements.
After the Wedding
Once the couple marries in Australia during the subclass 300 visa period, they can apply for the partner visa (subclass 820, temporary, then 801, permanent) onshore. The relationship evidence already gathered for the 300 application will form part of the partner visa evidence as well.
Conclusion
The subclass 300 visa requires compelling evidence of both the genuine intention to marry and the existence of a genuine relationship. Consistent, varied, and well-documented evidence of the relationship and the intention to marry supports a complete and well-prepared application. If you need guidance on preparing your subclass 300 application, contact Migration Guru for professional support. Ready to take the next step? Contact Migration Guru today. Call +61 7 3036 3800, email info@migrationguru.com.au or visit migrationguru.com.au. ### LINKEDIN POST
The Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300) is often misunderstood, particularly around what “genuine intention to marry” actually means and what evidence is expected.
The DHA does not just want a wedding date. It wants evidence of a real relationship and real plans to marry. That means:
- Concrete wedding plans (venue bookings, celebrant correspondence, deposits paid)
- Communication records showing a consistent, genuine relationship over time
- Photographs together across different occasions and locations
- Evidence of in-person visits (travel records, accommodation bookings)
- Personal statements, from both parties and people who know the couple
- Statutory declarations from friends and family who can speak to the relationship
Key points
After marrying, the couple can apply for the partner visa (820/801) onshore.
Couples often underestimate the evidentiary standard. Starting early and building a complete file is the best approach.
Migration Guru assists couples with subclass 300 and partner visa applications. Contact us for guidance.
Contact Us
Phone: +61 7 3036 3800
Email: info@migrationguru.com.au
Website: migrationguru.com.au
