The subclass 300 is a temporary prospective marriage (fiancé) visa; the applicant must be outside Australia both when the application is lodged and when the visa is granted, must marry before the visa period ends, and must then apply onshore for the subclass 820/801. The 309 is the temporary partner visa and the 100 is its permanent counterpart; this pathway is also a two-stage process, but with a single application and a single charge. The subclass 300 is not harder — the difference lies in the nature of the relationship and the number of steps involved.
Dr Cyrus Ahmadi, an Australian migration lawyer with registration number MARA 0854826, treats this distinction as the starting point of every family migration consultation, because so much of what worries applicants stems from treating these three visas as one and the same. The 309/100 pathway is for couples who are formally married or whose de facto relationship can be established. On that pathway, assessment of the permanent stage (the subclass 100) generally occurs around two years later, supported by updated evidence of the relationship, unless the relationship was already “long-term” at the time of application — that is, three years or more, or two years with a child of the relationship (clause 100.221(5)).
The fact that the 309 features more prominently in general discussion simply reflects its position as the principal, best-known pathway for married or de facto couples outside Australia; it says nothing about the strength of your own case. If your application has been lodged as a subclass 300, your next step after marrying in Australia is the subclass 820/801, not the 309. Australian migration law also provides no mechanism for “converting” a subclass 300 application into a 309/100; the Department’s procedural guidance (PAM3: Sch2Visa300) is explicit that those who intend to marry outside Australia must lodge a separate 309/100 application from offshore.
The subclass 300 carries its own specific requirements that go beyond the type of relationship evidence required: a minimum age of 18 for the applicant (300.212A) and for the sponsoring prospective spouse (300.213); the couple must have met in person after both turned 18 (300.214(1)); intention to marry must be established, usually through a letter from the authorised marriage celebrant confirming the ceremony date and the lodgement of the NOIM; and there must be a genuine intention to marry within the visa period and to live together as spouses (300.215 and 300.216).
As to costs, the structure works like this: the base charge for the subclass 300 is paid first, and the subclass 300 holder then benefits from a reduced charge at the 820/801 stage. The precise figures must be taken, as at the date of lodgement, from the official Visa Pricing Estimator and the fees regulations. Processing times are also published separately for the 300 and the 309, with the Global visa processing times page as the authoritative source.
If you would like to understand exactly what road map your current subclass 300 application offers you through to permanent residence, a short conversation with a registered migration lawyer can give you the calm and clarity this journey deserves.
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This answer reflects the law and policy as verified on October 8, 2026. Immigration rules change frequently — confirm the current position before acting.
Dr. Sirous Ahmadi Registered Migration Agent 0854826
This article is general information only, current at the date shown, and is not legal advice. Do not rely on it for your own situation — immigration law and policy change frequently. Seek advice from a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer about your circumstances.