A Simple & Friendly Guide to Help You Understand
🏠 What Is This Visa About?
The Partner Provisional Visa (Subclass 309) enables individuals in a genuine and committed relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to reside in Australia temporarily.
This is the first step towards getting a permanent partner visa (Subclass 100) later.
You apply for the 309 visa outside Australia, and once it’s approved, you can live, work, and stay in Australia with your partner while waiting for your permanent visa.
✅ Who Can Apply?
👉 You (the applicant):
- You must be outside Australia when you apply and when the visa is granted
- Must be in a real relationship (married or de facto – living together for at least 12 months)
- Must meet health and character standards
- Must not have had any serious visa problems in the past
👉 Your Partner (the sponsor):
- Must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ citizen
- Must support you financially and emotionally
- Must not have sponsored a partner recently (within the last 5 years, with some exceptions)
📋 What Immigration Looks At (Selection Criteria)
Immigration wants to make sure your relationship is genuine. They’ll check:
- How long have you been together
- If you live together
- If you share money or bills
- If your friends and family know about your relationship
- What are your plans as a couple
Tip: The more proof you provide, the better!
🪜 Steps to Apply (Made Simple)
Step 1: Get Your Documents Ready
Collect ID proof, relationship documents, and papers from your sponsor.
Step 2: Apply Online
You apply through ImmiAccount, and you must be outside Australia at the time of application.
Step 3: Your Partner Sponsors You
They fill out a form (Form 40SP) and submit their documents.
Step 4: Wait for the Result
While you wait, you may be asked to provide additional documents or attend an interview.
Step 5: Move to the Permanent Visa (Subclass 100)
After around 2 years, if your relationship is still going strong, you’ll be granted permanent residency.
📁 What Documents You’ll Need
👤 Identity:
- Passport copy
- Birth certificate
- National ID (if any)
💑 relationship:
- Marriage certificate or proof that you live together
- Shared bills, rent papers, or bank accounts
- Photos together (travel, family events, etc.)
- Chat records, emails, call logs
- Letters from friends and family supporting your togetherness (Form 888)
🧍 Sponsor Info:
- Their passport or citizenship certificate
- Proof of job or income
- Sponsorship form (Form 40SP)
👮 Character & Health:
- Police checks
- Medical check-up from an approved doctor
💰 Visa Fees & Waiting Time
| Who | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | $8,850 (approx.) |
| Additional adult (18+) | $4,430 |
| Child (under 18) | $2,215 |
⏳ Processing Time:
- Most visas take 12 to 28 months
- It depends on how complete your documents are
💵 Do You Need to Show Funds?
There’s no strict amount of money you need to show. But it helps if you show:
- Your partner can support you
- You both have savings or a job
- You share finances (like a joint bank account)
🎁 What You Get with This Visa
- You can live in Australia
- You can work and study
- You’ll get Medicare (public healthcare)
- You can travel in and out of Australia
- You can include your kids in your application
- You’ll be able to apply for permanent residency later
⚠️ Things to Keep in Mind
- You must apply and be outside Australia when the visa is granted
- You can’t get Centrelink (welfare payments) on this visa
- If your relationship ends, the visa could be cancelled
- Processing takes time — be patient and organised
🌐 Where to Get Help
| Service | Link |
|---|---|
| Department of Home Affairs | immi.homeaffairs.gov.au |
| Online Application Portal | ImmiAccount |
| Get Help from a Trusted Immigration Consultant | Visas Adviser |
| Contact Details | +91 8744852222; info@VisasAdviser.com |
📂 Sample Document Formats
| Document | Format |
|---|---|
| Relationship statement | Typed and signed (PDF) |
| Letters from friends | Use Form 888 (PDF) |
| Bills and bank records | Scanned PDF copies |
| Identity proof | Clear, certified scans |
| Photos | JPEG or combine into a PDF |
📌 Tip: Label your files with clear names and dates.
❓ Common Questions
Q: Can I work in Australia with this visa?
Yes, you can work and study freely.
Q: Do I have to be married?
No, a de facto relationship is also accepted.
Q: Can I include my children?
Yes, if they are dependent on you.
Q: What if my relationship ends?
You may still be able to stay — especially if there are serious reasons. Get legal help.
Q: What’s the difference between 309 and 100?
309 is temporary. 100 is the permanent partner visa. You apply for both at once.
💡 Expert Tips
✔️ Start collecting relationship proof early
✔️ Get letters (Form 888) from people who know you as a couple
✔️ Be honest — never fake documents
✔️ Use a migration agent if your case is complex
✔️ Stay calm and patient — it takes time, but it is worth it
💖 Final Thoughts
The Partner Provisional Visa (Subclass 309) is your chance to live in Australia with your loved one. It’s not just paperwork — it’s a path to a shared life.
Stay organised. Tell your story truthfully. Take your time to gather substantial evidence. Your love deserves this journey.