When love crosses international borders, the process of uniting two hearts can become a bit more complicated. One of the most common ways to navigate this process in Australia is through the Prospective Marriage Visa. This visa allows individuals from outside Australia to enter the country to marry their prospective spouse.
The Prospective Marriage Visa, also known as the subclass 300 visa, is designed for individuals who are engaged to an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen. It allows the visa holder to travel to Australia and marry their fiancé within the visa’s nine-month validity period.
Once in Australia and married, the visa holder can then apply for a Partner Visa to remain in the country permanently. It’s important to note that the Prospective Marriage Visa is a temporary visa and does not grant permanent residency.
General Eligibility Criteria
There are several eligibility criteria that applicants must meet to qualify for a Prospective Marriage Visa. First and foremost, you must be engaged to an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen. You and your fiancé must also both be at least 18 years old.
Additionally, you must be able to prove that your relationship is genuine and continuing, and that you plan to live together as spouses once you are married.
You must also meet health and character requirements, and not have any outstanding debts to the Australian government.
Applying for a Prospective Marriage Visa
Applying for a Prospective Marriage Visa involves several steps and requires careful attention to detail.
The process begins with gathering all necessary documents to support your application, including proof of your relationship, identity documents, and health and character documents.
Once you have all your documents in order, you can submit your application online through the Department of Home Affairs’ website. It’s important to note that you must be outside Australia when you apply for and are granted the visa.
Life in Australia on a Prospective Marriage Visa
Once you’ve been granted a Prospective Marriage Visa, you’re free to enter Australia and start planning your wedding. During the visa’s nine-month validity period, you can travel in and out of Australia as often as you like.
You’re allowed to work and study in Australia, though you won’t have access to government funding for education. You can also enrol in Australia’s public healthcare system, Medicare.
After you’re married, you can apply for a Partner Visa to remain in Australia permanently. This involves another application process, with its own set of requirements and fees. However, once granted, a Partner Visa allows you to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely, and even apply for Australian citizenship if you meet certain criteria.
Applying for a Prospective Marriage Visa can be a complex process, however with careful planning and preparation, it can be a stepping stone towards a life together in Australia. Remember, love knows no borders, and with the right information and resources, you can navigate the immigration process and start your happily ever after in the Land Down Under. Contact our migration team today, to see how we can assist you.
