How Long Does a Prospective Marriage Visa Take?

Where can I find the current Subclass 300 processing time?

The current Subclass 300 processing time is published by the Department of Home Affairs on its global visa processing times page, which shows how long recently decided applications took. These figures describe past decisions, not a guaranteed time for a new application, and they are updated regularly. Our article on partner visa processing times explains how to read the published figures.

What slows down a prospective marriage visa?

The things that most often slow down a prospective marriage visa are missing documents, health examinations or police certificates that are not yet completed, inconsistencies with earlier visa applications, character issues and requests for further information that take time to answer. Checks with overseas authorities can also add time. Our article on partner visa processing delays explains what applicants can do when a case stalls.

How can we make the Subclass 300 application faster?

A Subclass 300 application is usually decided faster when it is decision-ready at lodgement, meaning the identity documents, relationship evidence, wedding evidence, health examinations and police certificates are complete and consistent. Answering any Department request fully and on time also avoids delay. Our partner visa checklist lists the documents that are commonly needed.

Can we ask the Department to prioritise our application?

A couple can ask the Department to prioritise a prospective marriage visa application, but the Department decides whether to do so, and priority is generally given only for compelling and well-evidenced reasons such as serious illness. Wedding bookings alone are not usually treated as urgent. Our article on partner visa priority processing explains what a request should contain.

Should we book the wedding before the visa is granted?

Couples should be careful about booking a fixed wedding date before the visa is granted, because the decision date cannot be predicted and the visa period only begins at grant. Plans that can be moved, or a provisional booking, are usually safer. The intention to marry still needs evidence, so some planning is expected. Our page on the Subclass 300 visa explains how the visa period works.

What happens if the Department asks for more information?

If the Department asks for more information on a Subclass 300 application, the applicant must respond within the time given, and the decision is generally not made until the response is received or the time to respond has passed. A request under section 56 is a chance to strengthen the case, while an invitation to comment under section 57 concerns adverse information. Our articles on the section 56 request and the section 57 natural justice letter explain each one.

How does My Migration Lawyers keep a fiancé visa moving?

My Migration Lawyers keeps a fiancé visa moving by lodging it decision-ready, with health and character steps started early and any earlier visa history already explained, so the Department has fewer reasons to pause. During processing, the firm monitors the application, uploads updated evidence and answers requests within their deadlines. Couples can speak with our partner visa lawyers before they lodge.