It is everyone’s wish to come to Australia for the purpose of staying with one’s loved one. The Australian Government facilitates this by way of the Partner Visa (subclass 309), which gives the Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible citizen of New Zealand the spouse or de facto partner of a visa for temporary stay in Australia. The visa has the potential of eventually giving permanency.
This post provides a step-by-step overview of the Partner Visa 309, such as what it entails, who it is for, how to file, the partner visa 309 checklist, and that all-critical partner visa 309 processing time.
What is Partner Visa 309
The Partner Visa subclass 309 is a provisional visa for those who are already in Australia. It is the bridge to being granted the permanent Partner Visa (subclass 100). The 309 visa allows the applicant to stay in Australia and come into the country while the permanent visa is pending.
This is a visa that is provided to the parties who actually have a relationship with an Australian citizen, resident, or authentic New Zealand citizen. Marriage and de facto partnerships are included in this
Who Can Apply for Subclass 309 of the Partner Visa?
If you fulfill the following criteria, you are qualified for the Partner Visa 309:
- Are outside Australia at the time of application.
- Be married to, or living in a de facto relationship with, an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Demonstrate your relationship to be real and continuing.
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Satisfy health and character requirements.
- Not owe the Australian Government money or have made appropriate arrangements for their payment.
Relationship Requirements
You will either:
- Be married to your sponsor in a valid marriage which is recognized under Australian law.
OR
- In an authentic relationship for at least 12 months prior to lodging unless you can present evidence of your relationship as being valid for formal registration in a state or territory of Australia where the legislation allows.
You will also need to provide evidence of a genuine relationship. The Department of Home Affairs will examine the character of your home life, social circumstances, finances, and commitment.
Partner Visa 309 Checklist
A well-researched application can make a very big difference to your outcome. The following is an exhaustive partner visa 309 checklist to guide you in the correct direction:
Applicant Documents:
- Passport bio page and recent passport photos.
- Birth certificate or equivalent proof of identity.
- National ID card (if relevant).
- Military service record (if relevant).
- Police clearance certificates issued by the police of every country where you have resided for more than 12 months over the last 10 years.
- Health certificate (department’s request).
- Marriage certificate or documentation of registered relationship (married persons).
- For de facto: documentation of joint finances, joint lease history, communication, joint travel, etc.
Sponsor Documents:
- Australian passport or certificate of citizenship or permanent residence documents.
- Statement of character of your relationship.
- Police checks in Australia and any other country that has been resided in for more than 12 months within the last 10 years.
Relationship Evidence (Married and de facto couples):
- Both the partners’ affidavits detailing the relationship (Form 888).
- Pictures together over time.
- Bank statements in each other’s name.
- Joint utility bills or lease agreements.
- Itineraries and holiday photographs.
- Statutory declarations by a friend or relative who witnessed the relationship.
- Keeping a well-planned partner visa 309 checklist avoids your missing out on something important and increases chances of success.
Benefits of the Partner Visa 309
The 309 visa when granted allows the applicant to:
- Stay in Australia temporarily.
- Study and work in Australia.
- Become eligible for Medicare, Australia’s health care system for everyone.
- Travel in and out of Australia with no restriction.
- Submit an application for the permanent subclass 100 visa after two years from the first visa application.
Partner Visa 309 Processing Time
How Long Does It Take?
The partner visa 309 processing time is primarily dependent on the completeness and complexity of your case and documents. Recent news:
Partner visa 309 processing time:
- 75% of cases finalised in 13 months
- 90% of cases finalised in 21 months
The following may affect processing time:
- Whether your documents are current and translated.
- Whether police checks and health checks are received on time.
- Whether additional information or interviews are required.
- Country of origin and volume of cases being processed at the time.
Having all documents required in advance (as outlined in the partner visa 309 checklist) can prevent undue delay.
Don’t Make These Mistakes with Your Partner Visa 309 Application
- Missing Documents: Inadequate documents or poor relationship documents are the primary reason for delay or refusal.
- Inconsistent Statements: Differences in information between applicant and sponsor can raise suspicion.
- Poor Scan and Photo Quality: Scanned documents need to be clear to read.
- Non-Conformity with De Facto Requirements: Failure to provide adequate evidence of 12 months living together (without officially registering) can lead to refusal.
- Insufficient Strong Relationship Evidence: Not providing combined financial commitments, social evidence, and statutory declarations can reduce your chances.
Post-Application for the Partner Visa 309
In this period, as the decision on the visa is being made, the applicants are welcome to:
- Stay in their country of origin.
- Be asked by the Department for an interview or additional information.
- Be asked to provide new documents if the processing time is lengthy.
Once approved for the visa, you are then able to proceed to Australia and settle there with your partner.
On to Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 100)
Within two years since when you originally lodged under 309, you qualify to be processed for permanent Partner Visa 100. You need not lodge a fresh application but will need to provide fresh evidence and information that the relationship continues to subsist and is genuine.
If your relationship collapsed due to family violence or your sponsor passed away, it is still possible to migrate to the permanent visa in certain circumstances.
Partner Visa Australia 309 – Legal and Financial Costs
Partner Visa Australia 309 is a fairly costly visa application, which speaks volumes about its significance and potential to result in permanent residence.
Visa Application Fees (from 2025):
- Principal applicant: Around AUD $8,850
- Second applicant over 18 years: AUD $4,430
- Second applicant under 18 years: AUD $2,215
Charges you will likely have to pay on top of these are:
- Medical examinations
- Police certificates
- Document translation
- Professional fees (if you are using an approved migration agent)
It is possible to do this yourself, but it is worthwhile if your application is complex or you have absolutely no idea which form to complete.
Is It Worth It
Absolutely. Worth every penny, despite time and cost involved, and sometimes extended partner visa 309 processing time. The advantages of being able to live life with your sweetheart in Australia and own them are life-altering. It all comes down to work, health care, and eventually, permanent residency and citizenship.
Final Thoughts
Partner Visa 309 is not a visa per se—it’s a path to being with your loved ones and building a new life in what is arguably the most livable nation on earth. While it might be daunting, preparation is key. Use the partner visa 309 checklist, stay organized, and provide authentic proof of the relationship.
Having information regarding the processing time of partner visa 309 can also enable you to have realistic expectations and reduce your level of stress. Irrespective of whether you are married or a de facto couple, this visa gives you an exceedingly valuable opportunity to stay and settle in Australia with your partner.
If you are to send your application in the near future, ensure that you comb it over on the official website or employ the services of a migration agent to have your documents properly organized. With meticulous preparation, you’ll be ready to turn the page in Australia.
Let love guide you, but allow bureaucracy to catch up with you.