Subclass 309 of the Partner Visa: How to Join Your Spouse in Australia

Australia is known for its multicultural society, quality of life, and strong family values. If you are in a committed relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, and want to live together in Australia, the Partner Visa Subclass 309 is your first step. This visa allows spouses or real partners to temporarily stay in Australia, waiting for permanent residence.

In this guide, we need to know about Partner Visa 309 - Eligibility Criteria, Document Checklist, Processing Time, Application Process, and more.

What is a partner visa subclass 309?

The Subclass 309 Partner Visa has been given to a temporary visa to an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or the husband of a New Zealand citizen of New Zealand or the real partner. It is applied to the outside of Australia and is the first stage in the process of two-part process that leads to permanent residence through a subclass 100 visa.

Once given 309 visas, you can enter and live with your partner, while the Department of Home Affairs processes your permanent visa (Subclass 100).

Who can apply for Partner Visa 309?

To be eligible for a partner visa 309, you need:

Be in a Genuine Relationship

You should stay or stay together for a wedding or a real relationship with your sponsor partner (at least 12 months, or some states in some states.

Be Outside Australia at the Time of Application
The 309 visa must be applied for while you are outside Australia. You also need to be offshore when the visa is granted.

Have a Sponsoring Partner

Your partner should be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or character of New Zealand and agree to sponsor you.

Meet Health and Character Requirements
You and any dependent applicants must pass health examinations and provide police clearances.

What Rights Does the 309 Visa Grant?

Once given, the partner visa 309 allows you:

Live temporarily in Australia until your permanent partner visa (subcutaneous 100) is not decided

Work and study in Australia

Access Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system

Travel in and out of Australia freely

Include dependent children in your application

Document checklist for partner Visa 309

A strong application depends on thorough documentation. 

Here is a simplified checklist to start you:

Identity and Relationship Evidence

Valid passport

Birth certificates

Marriage certificate (if married)

Evidence of de facto relationship (joint lease, shared bills, joint bank account)

Genuine Relationship Evidence
You need to prove your relationship is genuine and ongoing through:

Photos together over time

Travel history

Shared financial responsibilities

Statements from friends and family

Social evidence (program, gathering, etc.)

personal statement
Applicants and sponsors should provide a relationship statement that explains your relationship history, how you met, how the relationship developed, and your future plans.

sponsor documents

Proof of citizenship or residency

Police checks (mandatory for sponsors)

Sponsorship form (Form 40SP)

Health and Character
Police certificates from every country you've lived in for 12+ months

Health exam results from approved medical providers

Application Process: Step by step
Step 1: Collect all the documents
Relationship evidence, identity documents, translation and collect the required forms.

Step 2: Submit the online application
Create an immigcount and lodge your application online. The fee for the joint subclass 309/100 application begins with AUD $ 8,850 (as 2025).

Step 3: Sponsor completes sponsorship
Your partner has to complete sponsorship form (Form 40SP) through your own immioaccount.

Step 4: Wait for evaluation
Once recorded, your application enters the queue for evaluation. You may be contacted for additional documents or interviews.

Step 5: Visa Grant
If approved, you’ll be granted the Subclass 309 visa. You must be outside Australia when it is granted.

Partner Visa 309 Processing Time (2025)
Processing time for partner visa 309 may be different. By mid -2025:

75% of applications: Processed within 13–18 months

90% application: processed within 20-24 months

Timelines may vary depending on the completion of your application, relationship evidence and change in immigration policy.

Go to Subclass 100 (Permanent Visa)

After having a subclass 309 visa for about 2 years, the Home Affairs Department will assess your eligibility for the subclass 100 visa - the permanent phase of the partner visa. You do not need to lodge a new application; The 100 visa is evaluated as part of your original joint application.

You must still be in a real and ongoing relationship at the time of the subclass 100 evaluation and may need to present updated evidence.

Tips for a successful application
Provide strong, consistent evidence of your relationship in many fields (financial, social, emotional, and domestic).

Arrange your documents clearly and label them properly when uploading to the ImiaCount.

Write detailed personal relationship statements—don’t leave this generic.

Use certified translations for all documents not in English.

For more information, keep in touch with your case officer when requested.

Consider professional assistance- Migration agents can help reduce delays and increase accuracy.

final thoughts

Partner Visa Subclass 309 is an important route for couples wishing to create a life together in Australia. While the process can be involved in time-consuming and emotionally, preparing well and presenting strong evidence can greatly improve your chances of success. Once given, the visa opens the door of a new life in Australia - then.