VisaChief 309 / 100 vs 300: which Australian visa is right for you?
Two offshore partner routes: the 309 partner visa is for couples already married or in a de facto relationship, the 300 Prospective Marriage visa is for fiances planning to marry in Australia.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Partner visa (offshore) (309 / 100) | Prospective Marriage visa (300) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Permanent / PR | Temporary (9-15 months) |
| Who it's for | Partners or spouses applying from outside Australia. Same relationship basis as the onshore partner visa. | People engaged to an Australian citizen, PR or eligible NZ citizen, who intend to marry then apply for a partner visa. |
| Government cost | ~$9,365 (covers both stages) | ~$9,365 |
| Processing time | ~12-24+ months for the 309 stage | ~12-24 months |
| Length of stay | 309 (temporary) then 100 (permanent) | 9-15 months to marry, then apply onshore (820) |
| Where to apply | Offshore | Offshore |
| Work rights | Unlimited (once granted and in Australia) | Yes |
| Pathway to PR | The 100 stage is permanent residence, usually assessed around 2 years later. | Not directly - you marry within the visa period, then lodge an onshore partner visa (820/801) toward PR. |
Which is right for you?
Partner visa (offshore) (309 / 100)
Partners or spouses applying from outside Australia. Same relationship basis as the onshore partner visa.
Full 309 / 100 guide →Prospective Marriage visa (300)
People engaged to an Australian citizen, PR or eligible NZ citizen, who intend to marry then apply for a partner visa.
Full 300 guide →Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, 309 / 100 or 300?
On indicative 2025-26 government costs, Partner visa (offshore) (309 / 100) is the lowest at ~$9,365 (covers both stages). Government fees change periodically - confirm before applying.
Which is processed faster, 309 / 100 or 300?
Indicatively Partner visa (offshore) (309 / 100) is the quickest at ~12-24+ months for the 309 stage. Actual timeframes depend on caseload and how complete your application is.
Which of these leads to permanent residence?
309 / 100 is permanent. 309 / 100: The 100 stage is permanent residence, usually assessed around 2 years later. 300: Not directly - you marry within the visa period, then lodge an onshore partner visa (820/801) toward PR.
What's the main difference between 309 / 100 and 300?
Partner visa (offshore) (309 / 100) is for partners or spouses applying from outside Australia. Same relationship basis as the onshore partner visa. Prospective Marriage visa (300) is for people engaged to an Australian citizen, PR or eligible NZ citizen, who intend to marry then apply for a partner visa.