Planning to reunite with your partner in Australia? The Partner Visa Subclass 309 is often the first step for couples looking to build a future together Down Under. Whether you're married or in a de facto relationship, this visa allows you to live in Australia temporarily while your permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 100) is processed.
In this guide, we’ll break down the processing time, cost, and eligibility criteria for the 309 Partner Visa in 2025. Whether you're just starting the process or need clarification on timelines and fees, this article has you covered.
What Is the Partner Visa Subclass 309?
The Partner Visa Subclass 309 is a temporary visa granted to the partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. It allows you to live in Australia while waiting for the permanent Partner Visa Subclass 100 to be approved.
Key features of this visa:
Live, work, and study in Australia
Travel in and out of Australia freely
Access to Medicare
Paves the way to the permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 100)
Who Can Apply for the 309 Partner Visa?
You can apply for the Subclass 309 visa if you’re outside Australia and are in a genuine and continuing relationship with your Australian partner. This includes:
Married couples
De facto partners (including same-sex couples)
To apply, your relationship must be legally recognized under Australian law. If you’re in a de facto relationship, you must usually have been together for at least 12 months, unless you register your relationship in certain Australian states.
Partner Visa 309 Eligibility Criteria (2025)
To be eligible for a Partner Visa 309 in 2025, both the applicant and the sponsor must meet several requirements:
Applicant Requirements:
Must be outside Australia when applying and when the visa is granted
Must be in a genuine and continuing relationship with your sponsor
Must meet health and character requirements
Must provide sufficient documentation to support your relationship (see checklist below)
Sponsor Requirements:
Must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
Must not have sponsored another partner in the last 5 years (with some exceptions)
Must provide police checks and agree to sponsorship obligations
Partner Visa 309 Document Checklist
Here are some key documents you’ll need when applying for the 309 visa:
Identity & Personal Documents:
Passport bio page
Birth certificate
Police clearance certificates (from every country you've lived in for 12+ months)
Relationship Evidence:
Marriage certificate or relationship registration (if applicable)
Statements about how your relationship began and developed
Photos together, travel records, messages/emails
Joint bills, lease agreements, or bank statements
Sponsor Documents:
Proof of Australian citizenship or permanent residence
Police checks
Sponsorship form (Form 40SP)
Providing genuine evidence of your relationship is one of the most important aspects of a successful application.
Partner Visa 309 Processing Time in 2025
As of 2025, the average Partner Visa 309 processing time is:
75% of applications processed in 10–13 months
90% of applications processed in 14–18 months
Keep in mind, several factors can affect your processing time:
Completeness of your application
Complexity of your relationship history
Background checks and health assessments
Whether additional information is requested
Tip: Submitting a decision-ready application with all supporting documents can help speed things up.
How Much Does the Partner Visa 309 Cost in 2025?
Applying for the Partner Visa 309 isn’t cheap, so it's important to be financially prepared. The visa application charge in 2025 is:
Main applicant: AUD 8,850
Additional dependent child: AUD 2,200 (per child)
Additional dependent over 18: AUD 4,430
These costs are paid at the time of application and cover both the 309 and 100 visa stages.
Other potential costs:
Medical checks: approx. AUD 300–500 per person
Police certificates: varies by country
Translation and certification of documents (if applicable)
Can You Work on a Partner Visa 309?
Yes, once granted, the Subclass 309 visa allows full work rights. You can also study in Australia (though you won’t have access to government subsidies or HECS-HELP).
Medicare Access on 309 Visa
While you wait for your permanent visa, you can apply for Medicare, Australia's public healthcare system. This is a great benefit as it helps reduce medical expenses and provides access to essential health services.
What Happens After the 309 Visa?
Once your 309 visa is granted, you can enter and live in Australia. You’ll then wait for the Department of Home Affairs to process your permanent Partner Visa Subclass 100.
The waiting time between getting the 309 and the 100 visa can range from 12 to 24 months, but much of your earlier documentation and relationship history will support this next stage.
Final Thoughts: Is the Partner Visa 309 Right for You?
The Partner Visa Subclass 309 is a pathway to reunite with your loved one in Australia and eventually gain permanent residency. While the process involves strict documentation, long waiting times, and a hefty cost, the reward is worth it if you’re serious about building a life together in Australia.
