Australia is known for its multicultural society and a warm, welcoming attitude towards people from all over the world. With its rich cultural diversity, high standard of living, and world-class education and healthcare systems, it is no surprise that many people wish to make Australia their home. For individuals who are in relationships with Australian citizens or permanent residents, the Australian Partner Visa Subclass 309/100 offers a legitimate and well-structured pathway to live together in Australia. This visa enables partners to join their loved ones and eventually become permanent residents.
The Australia Partner Visa Subclass 309 is part of a two-stage application process. It starts with the temporary visa (Subclass 309), followed by the permanent visa (Subclass 100). Understanding the eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, application cost, and the processing timeline is essential to ensure a smooth and successful application. In this blog, we explore everything you need to know about the Australia Spouse Visa 309, based on the latest information from the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
Understanding the Partner Visa Subclass 309/100
The Partner Visa Subclass 309 is a temporary visa that allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia. This visa is intended for individuals applying from outside Australia. Once granted, the visa holder is permitted to live, work, and study in Australia while the Department of Home Affairs assesses their eligibility for the Subclass 100 permanent visa. This two-step process helps ensure that the relationship is genuine and continuing over a period of time.
After holding the Subclass 309 visa for at least two years and meeting all the necessary conditions, applicants become eligible for the Subclass 100 visa, which grants permanent residency in Australia. One of the key benefits of this pathway is that applicants submit a single combined application for both visas, paying the fee upfront, and are assessed over time.
Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 309/100 Visa
To apply for the Partner Visa Subclass 309, applicants must meet a number of specific criteria set by the Department of Home Affairs.
- First and foremost, the applicant must be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with their partner, who must be an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen. The relationship can be either marital or de facto. If married, there is no specific duration required for the relationship before applying. However, for de facto partners, it is generally expected that the couple has lived together for at least 12 months before lodging the application.
- Another crucial eligibility factor is the applicant’s health and character. The Department of Home Affairs requires all applicants to undergo a health examination to confirm that they do not have any medical conditions that may be a burden on Australia’s healthcare system. In addition, applicants must submit police clearance certificates from each country they have lived in for 12 months or more over the past 10 years. These measures help the department ensure that applicants meet Australia’s strict character requirements.
- While there is no fixed age requirement for applicants, both partners must be at least 18 years old at the time of application. In cases where either party is under 18, additional legal and parental consent documentation would be required, making the process significantly more complex.
- The Australian partner must act as a sponsor for the applicant and is required to meet specific sponsor criteria. This includes being at least 18 years old and not having previously sponsored more than two other partners. The sponsor must also be able to financially support the applicant during their temporary stay in Australia. Any history of domestic violence or prior sponsorships can result in restrictions, so sponsors must ensure they meet all conditions set forth by the department.
Evidence Required for a Genuine Relationship
One of the most important aspects of the Partner Visa 309 application is proving that your relationship is genuine and continuing. The Department of Home Affairs evaluates various aspects of your relationship to determine its legitimacy. These include financial aspects, such as joint bank accounts, shared financial commitments like mortgages or utility bills, and joint ownership of assets. The social aspect is also considered, which includes evidence of joint travel, social media interactions, and statements from family or friends confirming the authenticity of your relationship. In addition to financial and social elements, the department also reviews the nature of the household, such as evidence of living together or sharing domestic responsibilities. Furthermore, the couple’s mutual commitment is evaluated by examining the duration of the relationship, intentions for the future, and long-term plans. Providing photos, communication history, travel records, and statutory declarations can greatly strengthen the application.
Cost of Applying for Partner Visa Subclass 309/100
Applying for the Subclass 309/100 visa requires a significant financial commitment. As of 2025, the combined cost of the temporary Partner Visa 309 and the permanent Partner Visa 100 is AUD 9,095. This fee is paid at the time of submitting your application and covers the entire visa process, from temporary to permanent residency. In addition to the primary application fee, applicants may incur several other expenses. Medical examinations required for the visa typically cost between AUD 300 to AUD 500, depending on the approved clinic and the tests involved. Police clearance certificates from various countries may range from INR 500 to INR 2,000 per certificate. Documents not originally in English must be translated by certified translators, which could cost an additional INR 500 to INR 2,000 per page. It is essential to plan your finances in advance, considering all potential expenses to avoid delays in the application due to missing or incomplete documentation.
Processing Time for Subclass 309 and 100 Visas
The processing time for the Australia Spouse Visa Subclass 309 can vary significantly depending on multiple factors. On average, the processing time for the 309 visa is between 10 to 12 months. This time frame is influenced by the complexity of the application, the completeness of the documents provided, and the current backlog at the Department of Home Affairs. Once the Subclass 309 visa is granted, the applicant can travel to and reside in Australia. However, obtaining the permanent Subclass 100 visa typically takes longer. The applicant must generally wait for at least two years from the date of application before the Subclass 100 visa is processed. The average processing time for this second stage ranges from 12 to 18 months, depending on the circumstances and whether additional documentation is required to confirm the continuation of the relationship.
Therefore, the entire process, from the initial Subclass 309 application to receiving the permanent Subclass 100 visa, can take approximately two to three years. Applicants must remain patient and responsive to any requests from the Department of Home Affairs to ensure timely processing.
Applying for the Partner Visa Subclass 309/100
The application process for the Partner Visa Subclass 309 begins with gathering all necessary documents. This includes identity documents, proof of relationship, police clearances, and health examination results. Once all documentation is in place, applicants must submit their application online through the official Department of Home Affairs website. After submission, applicants may be asked to provide biometric data and attend a medical appointment. The Department may also request additional information or schedule an interview. Once the 309 visa is granted, the applicant can enter Australia, and after the required waiting period and reassessment, the permanent 100 visa can be granted.
It’s crucial to stay informed and up to date during this time and promptly respond to any correspondence from the Department. Delays in providing information can significantly extend the processing time.
Visiting Australia Before 309 Visa Approval
Given the lengthy processing time, many applicants wish to visit their spouse in Australia while the Subclass 309 visa is being processed. One of the most feasible options is to apply for a Visitor Visa Subclass 600. This visa allows applicants to stay in Australia temporarily and usually takes around 15 to 30 days to process for Indian nationals. While holding a Visitor Visa, applicants must abide by the conditions and are not allowed to work. This is a temporary solution but it can help couples stay together while waiting for the long-term partner visa.
Transition from Subclass 309 to Subclass 100
The transition from the Subclass 309 to the Subclass 100 visa is not automatic. Once the applicant has met the time requirement and other conditions, the Department of Home Affairs sends a notification requesting updated evidence to support the permanent visa assessment. At this point, couples need to provide fresh proof that the relationship is still genuine and ongoing. Importantly, no additional visa fee is required during this stage, as the payment was already made during the initial application.
Professional Help with the Partner Visa Process- West Highlander Immigration
Applying for the Australia Partner Visa can be complex and time-consuming, particularly if you’re unfamiliar with the process or unsure about the documentation requirements. In such cases, consulting a registered MARA agent can greatly improve your chances of a successful application. For instance, professionals like Ms. Parwinder Kaur at West Highlander Immigration have extensive experience handling Partner Visa applications. With over 19 years of expertise, they can help ensure your application is accurate, complete, and submitted promptly.