Partner Visa Subclass 309 is an temporary visa that allows an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or the eligible New Zealand citizen’s spouse or real partner to live in Australia. This visa is the first step towards the permanent residence, which is once the partner visa subclass 100 after the eligibility is completed.
This visa is ideal for couples who want to start their lives together in Australia but are currently living outside the country.
Benefits of Partner Visa Australia 309
- Live, work, and study in Australia while waiting for the permanent visa.
- Access to Medicare (Australia’s public healthcare system).
- Travel in and out of Australia fraely while the visa is valid.
- Pathway to permanent residency (Subclass 100) and eventually Australian citizenship.
Who Can Apply?
You can apply for the Partner Visa Australia 309 if you:
- Are outside Australia at the time of application and visa decision.
- Are married or in a de facto relationship with an eligible Australian partner.
- Meet health and character requirements.
- Can provide genuine relationship evidence to the Department of Home Affairs.
Partner Visa 309 Checklist
Here’s a full Partner Visa 309 Checklist to help you prepare your application:
✅ Relationship Evidence
- Marriage certificate (if married).
- Evidence of de facto relationship (12-month cohabitation or registered relationship).
- Joint lease or property ownership documents.
- Photos together, travel itineraries, joint bills.
✅ Identity Documents
- Passport bio page.
- Birth certificate.
- National ID (if available).
- Passport-sized photos.
✅ Sponsor Documents
- Passport bio page of Australian sponsor.
- Proof of citizenship/residency (e.g., Australian passport, PR visa).
- Form 40SP – Sponsorship for a Partner to Migrate to Australia.
✅ Character and Health Checks
- Police clearance certificates for all countries lived in for more than 12 months.
- Medical examination reports arranged through an approved panel physician.
✅ Additional Forms
- Form 47SP – Application for migration to Australia by a partner.
- Statutory declarations from friends/family confirming your relationship is genuine.
Partner Visa 309 Processing Time
The Partner Visa 309 processing time varie’s depending on the case, documentation, and workload at the Department of Home Affairs.
As of 2025, the average processing times are:
- 75% of applications: Processed in about 13–18 months.
- 90% of applications: Processed in 20–24 months.
Factors Affecting Processing Time:
- Completeness of your application.
- How quickly you respond to additional requests from immigration.
- Background checks and medical exam delays.
- Volume of applications being processed.
Tip: To reduce delays, submit a decision-ready application with all documents from the start.
Step’s to Apply for Partner Visa 309
- Create an ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website.
- Fill in Form 47SP and attach all required documents.
- Your partner (sponsor) completes Form 40SP.
- Pay the visa application fee (AUD $8,850 as of 2025).
- Attend medical exams and police checks.
- Wait for processing and respond to any requests from the department.
What happens after receiving partner visa 309?
Once your 309 visa is provided, you can enter Australia with your partner and live. After about 2 years of your application, you can be eligible for infection in partner visa subclass 100 – which is a permanent residence.
You will need to submit more evidence that your relationship continues, and then the department will assess your eligibility for permanent residence.
final thoughts
The application process for partner Visa 309 serves as an essential step to establish your future life in Australia together with your partner. The application procedure remains complicated and lengthy but submitting proper documentation and a well-structured application makes a substantial impact.
If you feel confused or stressed seek assistance from a registered migration agent to help you navigate the partner visa 309 checklist and develop your application documentation.
About The Author
