If you are in a continuing and genuine de facto relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and you're looking to build your life together in Australia, the partner visa subclass 309 is your pathway. 

This visa lets the partner / spouse of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen live in Australia temporarily. 

This short but comprehensive guide will help you understand the key aspects of applying for a partner visa 309 from outside Australia.

What is Partner Visa 309 Australia?

The Partner Visa 309 is a provisional visa granted to the spouse (married) or de facto partner (unmarried) of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to enter and stay in Australia until a decision is made about their permanent partner visa (subclass 100) application. 

The subclass 309 visa serves as the first step towards a permanent residency under the partner visa stream. It allows you to live, work, and study in Australia and also enrol in Medicare, Australia's health care scheme.

Eligibility Requirements for 309 Partner Visa Australia

To be eligible for the Partner Visa 309, applicants must meet specific criteria, namely:

Relationship status

You must be the spouse or de facto partner of an AUS citizen, permanent resident, or a qualified New Zealander. If unmarried, you must have been in a serious de facto relationship for at least 12 months unless there are special circumstances, such as if you hold or are applying for a permanent humanitarian visa.

Health and character

The Department wants to make sure all applicants are of excellent health and of good moral character. You may therefore be required to undergo medical checks and submit police certificates from countries you've lived in for 12 months or more over the last ten years to prove the integrity of both your health and character.

Sponsorship

One fundamental requirement is that your Aussie partner must sponsor you for the visa. This sponsorship must be approved by the Australian government. Your partner must also agree to support you financially and help you settle in Australia. This likewise applies to couples of the same sex.

Genuine relationship

It’s not enough to say you’re in a relationship. You must prove its genuineness and continuity. This includes providing evidence of your commitment, such as joint bank accounts, billing accounts, shared property ownership, and/or statutory declarations from friends and family attesting to the authenticity of your romantic relationship.

How to Apply for Australia Partner Visa 309

Lodging an application for partner visa subclass 309 is considered as the first stage. Here’s the streamlined process to apply:

Gather your documents: Collect all necessary documents that support your application, including genuine relationship evidence, identity documents, and character and health assessments.

Complete the application: You must apply online offshore. Fill out the application form on your ImmiAccount. Select ‘New Application,’ ‘Family,’ and ‘Stage 1 – Partner or Prospective Marriage Visa,’ respectively.

Pay the visa application fee: As of this writing, the base application charge is AUD8,850, exclusive of fees for dependents and other associated application costs, such as for character and health checks.

Finish the application: After paying the fee and officially lodging your application, you'll receive a confirmation and a Transaction Reference Number (TRN). Keep this number safe as you will need it for future references.

Wait for a decision: Australia partner visa 309 processing time ranges from 13 to 39 months depending on individual case complexity and application volume. You may also be asked to provide additional information so watch out.

Seeking Expert Help From an Australian Immigration Agent

Applying for a subclass 309 partner visa can be stressful, overwhelming, and even exhausting. Escape these moments of worry by engaging an experienced Australian immigration agent who can provide you with dedicated visa assistance. 

At Parish Patience Immigration Lawyers, we can help you better understand the legal process, prepare your application, and ensure you have the best possible chance of success at the soonest possible time. 

We offer you only the most qualified partner visa specialist who’s particularly useful if your case involves intricate legal issues or if you're unsure about the documentation.

Take the first major step by booking a consultation with one of our top registered migration agents today!