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If you’re in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, and you’re currently living outside Australia, the Partner Visa 309 might be your path to living together Down Under.
This visa is the first step in Australia’s partner visa pathway, offering temporary residency while you wait for the permanent Partner Visa Subclass 100. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Partner Visa Australia 309, including the eligibility requirements, application process, partner visa 309 checklist, and average partner visa 309 processing time.
Apply for Partner Visa Subclass 309 is a temporary visa that allows the spouse or de facto partner of an eligible Australian citizen or permanent resident to live in Australia while waiting for the permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 100) to be approved.
You apply for both visas (Subclass 309 and 100) at the same time, but they’re processed in two stages. Once you’re granted the 309 visa, you can live, work, and study in Australia until your Subclass 100 is assessed.
To qualify for the partner visa 309, you must:
Be outside Australia when you apply and when the visa is granted
Be in a married or de facto relationship with your sponsoring partner
Show that your relationship is genuine, exclusive, and ongoing
Be sponsored by an eligible Australian citizen, permanent resident, or New Zealand citizen
Meet health and character requirements
For de facto couples, you must generally have been in the relationship for at least 12 months before applying, unless you’ve registered your relationship with a state or territory in Australia.
Once you receive the Partner Visa 309, you’ll be allowed to:
Live in Australia temporarily while awaiting the Subclass 100
Work and study in Australia
Travel in and out of the country freely
Access Medicare, Australia’s public health system
Attend English language classes (if eligible)
This visa offers you the opportunity to build a life in Australia while progressing toward permanent residency.
One of the most important parts of applying is submitting the correct documentation. Below is a helpful partner visa 309 checklist to guide you:
Current passport (bio page)
Birth certificate
Passport-sized photograph
National ID (if applicable)
You’ll need strong evidence your relationship is real and committed:
Marriage certificate (if married)
Proof of shared finances: joint bank accounts, shared expenses
Evidence of living together: lease agreements, utility bills
Photos together over time
Statements from friends/family about your relationship
Travel history or holiday bookings together
Written personal statements from both partners about your relationship history
Form 888: Statutory declarations from two Australian citizens or permanent residents supporting your relationship
Any joint insurance, superannuation nominations, or wills
Passport or proof of Australian citizenship/permanent residence
Proof of employment or financial status
Police clearance (if requested)
Police certificates from every country you’ve lived in for more than 12 months in the last 10 years
Health examination results from approved doctors
All non-English documents must be translated by an accredited translator.
Processing times can vary, but the average partner visa 309 processing time is currently:
75% of applications processed in around 14–17 months
90% of applications processed in 18–24 months
Several factors can impact the processing speed, including:
Whether all documents were submitted correctly
The complexity of your case
How quickly you respond to requests for more information
Current application backlog with the Department of Home Affairs
To avoid unnecessary delays, make sure your documents are complete and accurate.
Even genuine couples make simple mistakes that delay the process or cause rejection. Here’s what to avoid:
Submitting incomplete documentation
Failing to include a strong personal statement
Missing translations for non-English documents
Providing inconsistent information across forms
Waiting too long to respond to immigration requests
A thorough review of your application before submission can make a big difference.
Want to boost your chances of approval? Keep these in mind:
Start gathering evidence early. The more consistent your timeline and documentation, the stronger your case.
Be honest. Do not exaggerate or make up relationship milestones.
Use Form 888s wisely. Choose people who have known you both well and can clearly describe your relationship.
Keep records. Save screenshots of chats, flight tickets, call logs, and joint purchases.
Although not mandatory, hiring a registered migration agent can be incredibly helpful—especially if your relationship has unusual circumstances or you’re worried about paperwork.
An experienced agent can:
Review your documents for accuracy
Help write or refine your relationship statements
Submit your application to immigration on your behalf
Reduce chances of refusal or delays
Once you’ve held the Subclass 309 visa for about two years, you become eligible for assessment for the Partner Visa Subclass 100 (permanent residency).
You will need to provide updated evidence that your relationship is still genuine. If successful, you’ll be granted permanent residency in Australia—unlocking a whole new chapter of opportunities.
The partner visa 309 application is your gateway to a new life in Australia with your loved one. While the process may seem complex and time-consuming, preparing well using the partner visa 309 checklist, understanding your rights, and being thorough can make all the difference.
If you’re serious about starting a life together in Australia, this visa is the first step—and it’s worth every bit of effort. Take the time to organize your application properly, and consider getting professional help if you’re unsure. A smooth application today means a strong foundation for your future tomorrow.