Partner (Provisional) Visa Australia (Subclass 309) Guide
Understanding the Partner (Provisional) Visa
This Partner (Provisional) Visa allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia on a temporary basis. It is the first stage of the pathway to obtaining a permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 100).
Partner (Provisional) Visa Overview
Visa Name → Partner (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 309)
Common Name → Partner Visa 309 / Visa 309
Location → Offshore (Be outside Australia to apply)
Who Can Apply → spouse or de facto partner who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen
Stay Period → Temporarily until the Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 100) is completed
Work Rights → Full work rights in Australia
Study Rights → Full study rights in Australia
Include Family → Yes
Pathway to PR → Yes
Relationship Requirement → Be in a genuine relationship
Partner (Provisional) Visa Eligibility Requirements:
To apply for a Partner (Provisional) Visa Subclass 309, applicants generally must:
Not had a visa cancelled or an application refused
Be outside Australia when applying
Have a sponsor
Be the right age
Meet relationship requirements
Meet health requirement
Meet character requirement
Have no debt to the Australian Government
Sign the Australian values statement
Best interests of the child.
Eligibility requirements can vary depending on personal circumstances.
Check Your Eligibility With Us!
Documents Required for the Visa:
Common documents required for a 309 Visa application include:
Identity documents: passport
Birth certificate of both parents
National ID card (if available)
Evidence of relationship
Translate all documents to English
Scan all documents in colour (English and non-English)
Providing complete and accurate documentation may help reduce delays in Visa processing
Relationship Evidence Checklist:
Relationship with your partner: relationship history, relationship documents, evidence of your de facto relationship, finances, your household, social matters, commitment
Any former relationships: provide documents of previous relationships
Any dependants you have: dependants under and over 18
How to Apply for the Partner (Provisional) Visa:
Check your Eligibility for the Visa
Gather and prepare your documents
Apply for the Visa 309
Your application is assessed.
Your Visa 309 is granted
Apply to Your Permanent Partner Visa With Us!
Partner (Provisional) Visa Cost:
From AUD $9,365.00
*Visa costs do not include our fees.
What does the Department of Home Affairs need?
To be granted a Partner Visa (Subclass 309), you must satisfy the Department of Home Affairs that your relationship is genuine and continuing. The Department assesses your relationship across four key aspects: financial arrangements, the nature of your household, social aspects of the relationship, and the nature of your commitment to each other.
A strong Subclass 309 Visa application includes clear and well-organised evidence addressing each of these four aspects. Providing comprehensive evidence of your de facto relationship can strengthen your application and assist the Department in assessing whether your relationship meets the Visa requirements.
Partner (Provisional) Visa Processing Time:
Current processing times:
50% of applications are processed within 16 months
90% of applications are processed within 27 months
Processing times vary depending on application volumes and individual circumstances.
Processing may take time, particularly during periods of high demand or if additional information is requested.
Incomplete applications or missing documents can lead to delays.
Applicants should refer to the latest processing information from the Department of Home Affairs Processing Times.
Permanent Partner Visa Benefits:
How Can a Permanent Partner Visa Benefit You?
Live, work and study in Australia
You can travel in and out of Australia freely
Take free AMEP English classes if you qualify
Request access to public healthcare in Australia (if eligible)
Why Apply with our Registered Migration Agent?
Applying for a Partner Visa Australia requires meeting strict eligibility requirements and submitting strong evidence of your relationship.
Our Registered Migration Agent can help you:
Understand partner visa requirements clearly
Navigate the partner visa application process
Avoid common mistakes or delays
Improve your chances of a successful outcome
Professional guidance may help simplify the process and reduce unnecessary delays.
Partner (Provisional) Visa | Frequently Asked Questions
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Processing times vary, but many applications take around 16 to 27 months, depending on the complexity of the case and the evidence provided.
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The Department assesses evidence across four areas:
Finances
Household
Social matters
Commitment
Examples include joint bank accounts, lease agreements, photos, travel records, messages, and statements from friends and family.
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Yes.
The Subclass 309 is the offshore partner visa, meaning the applicant is generally outside Australia when applying and when the visa is decided.
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No.
You can apply as either married spouses or de facto partners.
De facto couples generally need to show they have been in a genuine de facto relationship for at least 12 months before applying, unless an exemption applies.
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The Subclass 309 is the temporary stage of the partner Visa process.
Eligible applicants are later assessed for the Subclass 100 Permanent Partner Visa.
Ready to apply for a Partner (Provisional) Visa?
Check your eligibility today and let our Registered Migration Agent guide you throughout your Partner Visa application.
Live & Love in Australia ♥