Partner Provisional Visa Subclass 309
Allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia temporarily while their permanent visa is processed. It provides full work, study, and travel rights, access to Medicare, and a clear pathway to permanent residency and citizenship.
Overview
The Partner (Provisional) visa (subclass 309) lets the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen live in Australia temporarily while their permanent Partner visa (subclass 100) is processed. Subclass 309 is applied for and decided while the applicant is outside Australia and is the first step toward permanent residency via subclass 100.
Do You Have What It Takes?
- ✔ Be the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ citizen
- ✔ Be in a genuine and continuing relationship (meet de facto length or marriage evidence requirements)
- ✔ Be sponsored by your eligible partner (who meets sponsorship criteria and limitations)
- ✔ Be outside Australia when you apply; accompanying family members must also be outside Australia
- ✔ Meet health and character requirements; provide police clearances and medicals as requested
- ✔ Meet relationship evidence requirements (cohabitation, financial, social, and commitment evidence)
- ✔ Not have had certain visas refused or cancelled (section 48 issues do not apply offshore)
- ✔ Pay any outstanding debts to the Australian Government and sign the Australian Values Statement
Why Choose This Path?
- Live, work and study in Australia while the permanent subclass 100 is processed
- Travel in and out of Australia freely while the 309 is valid
- Access Medicare once eligible
- Attend free AMEP English classes if eligible
- Include dependent children in your application
- Pathway to permanent Partner visa (subclass 100) and later Australian citizenship (if eligible)
Your Roadmap to Success
- Confirm relationship eligibility (married or de facto, sponsor eligibility).
- Gather relationship evidence (financial, household, social, commitment) and identity documents.
- Sponsor completes sponsorship application (linked in ImmiAccount).
- Lodge online subclass 309/100 combined application from outside Australia.
- Pay application charges and receive acknowledgement.
- Undergo health exams and provide police clearances for all relevant countries.
- Upload supporting documents; provide Form 888 statutory declarations from Australian witnesses.
- Respond to any Department requests (interviews, further evidence, biometrics).
- Receive subclass 309 grant; travel to Australia and reside with your partner.
- Subclass 100 assessment occurs later; provide additional evidence when requested for PR decision.
Visa Duration
Initial Duration
Temporary
Extension Duration
Valid until a decision
Permanent Residency
Around 2 years
Visa Pathways
Pathway to Permanent Residence
Subclass 309 is granted first; after sufficient time and evidence of a continuing genuine relationship, the permanent Partner visa (subclass 100) can be granted without a new application or additional base charge.
Processing times
Costs
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Base Application Fee | AUD9,365.00 | Primary application fee |
| Additional Applicant (18+) | AUD4,685.00 | For each additional applicant 18 years and over |
| Additional Applicant (Under 18) | AUD2,345.00 | For each additional applicant under 18 years |
Got Questions? We've Got Answers
What is the Partner (Provisional) Visa Subclass 309?
It’s a temporary visa for partners of Australian citizens, PR holders, or eligible NZ citizens to live in Australia while waiting for permanent residency.
Can I work or study on a 309 visa?
Yes, you can work and study in Australia without restrictions.
How long does it take to get the 309 visa?
Processing generally takes between 12 and 18 months.
Do I need to be outside Australia when applying?
Yes, both application and grant must occur outside Australia.
Can I include children in my 309 visa?
Yes, dependent children can be included in the same application.
What happens after my 309 visa is approved?
You can live in Australia and will be automatically assessed for the Partner Visa (Subclass 100) after 2 years.
What is the Partner (Provisional) Visa Subclass 309?
It’s a temporary visa for partners of Australian citizens, PR holders, or eligible NZ citizens to live in Australia while waiting for permanent residency.
Can I work or study on a 309 visa?
Yes, you can work and study in Australia without restrictions.
How long does it take to get the 309 visa?
Processing generally takes between 12 and 18 months.
Do I need to be outside Australia when applying?
Yes, both application and grant must occur outside Australia.
Can I include children in my 309 visa?
Yes, dependent children can be included in the same application.
What happens after my 309 visa is approved?
You can live in Australia and will be automatically assessed for the Partner Visa (Subclass 100) after 2 years.
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