Are you in a committed relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident and looking to move to Australia? The Partner Visa Subclass 309 may be your path to building a life together in Australia. Whether you’re married or in a de facto relationship, this visa helps couples reunite and stay together. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essentials what the visa is, who’s eligible, the partner visa 309 checklist, and the current processing time.
What is Partner Visa 309?
The Partner Visa 309 is a temporary visa granted to the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. It’s part of a two-stage process, where the 309 visa leads to a permanent Partner Visa Subclass 100 after a waiting period typically two years.
The key requirement for this visa is that you must be outside Australia at the time of application and when the visa is granted. Once approved, the visa allows you to live, work, and study in Australia while your permanent visa is processed.
Who Can Apply for Partner Visa Subclass 309?
To be eligible for the partner visa Australia 309, you must meet the following criteria:
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Be in a genuine, ongoing relationship (marriage or de facto).
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Be outside Australia when lodging your application.
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Be sponsored by your Australian partner.
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Meet health and character requirements.
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If in a de facto relationship, show you’ve been together for at least 12 months, unless you have registered the relationship in an Australian state or territory.
Partner Visa 309 Checklist
To ensure a smooth application process, it’s essential to prepare all your documents in advance. Below is a simplified partner visa 309 checklist covering both the applicant and the sponsor.
Personal Documents:
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Valid passport and birth certificate
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National ID cards (if applicable)
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Passport-size photographs
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Police clearance certificates for every country lived in for 12+ months
Relationship Evidence:
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Marriage certificate (if married)
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Proof of cohabitation: rental agreements, joint bank accounts, utility bills
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Travel history together (flights, photos)
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Communication logs: emails, texts, call records
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Social proof: declarations from friends and family confirming the relationship
Sponsor Documents:
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Proof of Australian citizenship or permanent residency
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Completed Form 40SP (sponsorship form)
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Character documents (including police checks if required)
Providing detailed, consistent, and truthful evidence is crucial to getting your application approved. Weak or incomplete documents can cause significant delays.
How to Apply for the Partner Visa 309
The process for applying is straightforward but detailed. Here’s how to go about it:
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Gather documents for both applicant and sponsor using the 309 visa checklist.
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Apply online through the Department of Home Affairs website while outside Australia.
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Submit the sponsorship application shortly after the main application.
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Pay the visa fee and upload your supporting documents.
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Wait for a request to complete health checks and police clearances.
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Wait for your application to be assessed.
Once your Subclass 309 visa is approved, you can travel to and live in Australia while you wait for the permanent visa (Subclass 100).
Partner Visa 309 Processing Time
As of 2025, the partner visa 309 processing time can vary based on individual circumstances. On average:
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75% of applications are processed in 13–18 months
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90% of applications are processed within 24 months
Factors that can affect processing times include:
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Application completeness and document quality
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How quickly you respond to requests for additional information
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Background checks and the complexity of your case
Applying early and submitting a thorough, well-documented application can help you avoid unnecessary delays.
Benefits of the Partner Visa 309
Once granted, the Partner Visa 309 allows you to:
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Live, work, and study in Australia
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Access Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system
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Include dependent children in your application
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Travel freely to and from Australia
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Apply for permanent residency (Subclass 100) after two years
This visa is a stepping stone to full settlement and eventually even Australian citizenship, if you choose to pursue it.
Final Thoughts
The Partner Visa Subclass 309 is a powerful option for couples who want to live together in Australia. Though the application can be time-consuming, being organized and following the partner visa 309 checklist carefully will set you up for success.
Understanding the partner visa 309 processing time is equally important, so you can plan your move with realistic expectations. And while you can certainly apply on your own, many applicants choose to consult a registered migration agent for peace of mind and professional guidance.
