If you're in a committed relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen and currently living outside of Australia, the Partner Visa Subclass 309 could be your pathway to a new life together. This visa allows you to live temporarily in Australia while your permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 100) is being processed.
Navigating the visa process can feel overwhelming, but that's where Nexus Migration Services steps in. In this article, we’ll walk you through the essential steps — from the initial application to final approval — all in a friendly, easy-to-follow way.
What Is Partner Visa 309?
The Partner (Provisional) Visa Subclass 309 is designed for partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens who are outside of Australia at the time of applying. This visa is the first stage of a two-step process that leads to permanent residency through the Subclass 100 visa.
Once granted, the 309 visa allows you to:
Live in Australia temporarily
Work and study in Australia
Access Medicare (Australia’s public health system)
Travel in and out of Australia
Later apply for the permanent Partner Visa 100
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for a 309 visa, you must:
Be married to or in a de facto relationship with an eligible sponsor
Be outside of Australia when applying and when the visa is granted
Prove that your relationship is genuine and continuing
Meet health and character requirements
Be sponsored by your Australian partner
Tip from Nexus: Many applications get delayed due to insufficient evidence of the relationship. Take your time to prepare solid documentation and relationship proof.
Partner Visa 309 Checklist (What You’ll Need)
A well-prepared application makes all the difference. Here's a simplified checklist of documents you’ll need:
For the Applicant:
Valid passport
Birth certificate
Police clearance certificates from all countries lived in for 12+ months
Medical examination results
Relationship evidence (photos, chat logs, joint accounts, travel tickets)
For the Sponsor:
Proof of Australian citizenship or residency
Form 40SP (Sponsor form)
Sponsor’s police clearance if applicable
Statement about your relationship from the sponsor
For the Relationship:
Marriage certificate (if married)
Proof of living together (rental agreements, shared bills)
Joint finances (bank accounts, insurances)
Social aspects (photos, travel, declarations from friends/family)
Pro Tip from Nexus: Submit Form 888, which are statutory declarations from friends or family members vouching for your relationship. These can be powerful supporting documents.
Application Process
Gather Your Documents
Make sure everything is certified and translated into English if needed.Apply Online
Create an ImmiAccount on the Australian Government’s immigration website and submit your visa application along with supporting documents.Pay the Application Fee
As of now, the Partner Visa 309 application fee starts at around AUD 8,850.Submit Sponsor Documents
Your partner (sponsor) must also lodge their part of the application through their own ImmiAccount.Health and Character Checks
You’ll receive instructions to complete your medical exam and submit police clearances.Wait for a Decision
While waiting, you may be asked to provide more information or attend an interview.
Partner Visa 309 Processing Time in 2025
Processing times for the 309 visa can vary depending on your circumstances. According to recent trends:
75% of applications are processed within 14–18 months
90% of applications are completed within 20–24 months
Factors affecting the timeline include the completeness of your application, how quickly you respond to additional requests, and any changes in your relationship status.
Nexus Tip: The better your documentation, the smoother your journey. Incomplete applications often face significant delays.
Why Choose Nexus for Your Partner Visa?
At Nexus Migration Services, we’ve helped hundreds of couples just like you navigate the visa journey confidently and successfully. Here's what sets us apart:
✅ Expert knowledge of immigration law
✅ Personalized advice tailored to your relationship and background
✅ Document review and checklist assistance
✅ Honest feedback to boost your application's strength
✅ Support throughout both 309 and 100 visa stages
With Nexus, you’re never alone in the process. We understand how important this step is in your life and relationship.
1. What is the Partner Visa 309?
The Partner Visa 309 is a temporary visa that allows the partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia while waiting for permanent residency (Subclass 100).
2. Can I apply for Partner Visa 309 if I’m already in Australia?
No, the 309 visa is for applicants living outside Australia. If you are inside Australia, you may apply for the Partner Visa 820 instead.
3. How long does the Partner Visa 309 processing take?
Processing times vary but typically range from 14 to 24 months, depending on application completeness and individual circumstances.
4. What documents do I need for the Partner Visa 309 application?
You need identity documents, relationship proof (like photos, joint finances), police clearances, health checks, and sponsor documents. Nexus can help you prepare a full checklist.
Final Thoughts
The Partner Visa Subclass 309 is the beginning of your journey to building a future in Australia with your loved one. While the process can be complex, having the right guidance can make all the difference. From gathering documents to understanding processing times, Nexus is here to make the visa process smoother and less stressful.
If you're ready to take the next step, contact Nexus Migration Services today. Let’s turn your long-distance story into a shared life in Australia — one step at a time.
