Are you looking to reunite with your spouse or de facto partner in Australia? The Partner Visa Subclass 309 is the gateway to building a life together in Australia for couples separated by borders. Whether you’re planning to join your partner permanently or beginning your journey toward Australian residency, understanding the visa process is crucial. In this 2025 guide, we break down the processing time, cost, and eligibility requirements of the partner visa 309, and explain why consulting an experienced Immigration Agent can make the process smoother.
What is Partner Visa Subclass 309?
The Partner Visa 309 is a temporary visa for spouses or de facto partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. It allows applicants to live in Australia while waiting for the permanent Partner Visa Subclass 100 to be granted.
The Subclass 309 visa is the first step in a two-stage process:
- Stage 1: Grant of the temporary Subclass 309 visa.
- Stage 2: After 2 years (from the date of application), eligibility for the permanent Subclass 100 visa is assessed.
You must apply for the visa from outside Australia, and it enables you to:
- Stay in Australia temporarily
- Work and study
- Travel in and out of Australia
- Access Medicare (Australia’s public healthcare system)
Partner Visa 309 Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Partner Visa 309, applicants must meet the following requirements:
1. Relationship Requirements
- You must be the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- If married: The marriage must be legally recognized under Australian law.
- If in a de facto relationship: You must have been living together for at least 12 months, or have your relationship registered under Australian law.
2. Genuine Relationship
- The relationship must be genuine and continuing.
- You need to show shared finances, joint responsibilities, emotional support, and commitment to a shared life.
3. Health and Character
- You must meet health and character requirements. Health examinations and police clearance certificates will be required.
4. Sponsorship
- Your partner must sponsor your visa application and must not have sponsored anyone else for a partner visa within the last 5 years.
Documents Required for Partner Visa 309
The application process is document-intensive. Key documents include:
- Identity proof (passport, birth certificate)
- Relationship evidence (photos, joint bills, bank accounts)
- Marriage certificate or relationship registration
- Character documents (police checks)
- Health examinations
- Sponsor’s documents (proof of citizenship/residency, financial status)
Partner Visa 309 Processing Time (2025)
As of 2025, the processing time for the Subclass 309 visa varies depending on the completeness and complexity of the application.
- 75% of applications: Processed in approximately 14 to 19 months
- 90% of applications: Processed in approximately 23 to 26 months
Several factors influence processing times:
- Accuracy of submitted documents
- Number of applications being processed
- Security and background checks
- Health and character clearance delays
Tip: An experienced Immigration Agent can help organize your documents properly and reduce unnecessary delays.
Partner Visa 309 Cost in 2025
The Partner Visa Australia is one of the more expensive visa options. As of 2025, the visa application fee is:
- AUD 8,850 for the main applicant
Additional charges may apply for:
- Dependent children included in the application
- Medical exams
- Police certificates
- Translation of documents (if required)
Although the cost is high, it covers both Subclass 309 and Subclass 100 assessments, so you don’t need to pay twice.
Why Hire an Immigration Agent for Partner Visa 309?
Applying for a partner visa in Australia can be overwhelming due to the volume of documents and strict eligibility criteria. Here’s how a registered Immigration Agent can help:
1. Expert Assessment
They assess your eligibility and ensure you meet all the legal requirements before applying.
2. Correct Documentation
An agent helps prepare and review your documents, ensuring nothing critical is missed.
3. Efficient Application Process
They handle the technical aspects of lodging your application, reducing the chances of delays or refusals.
4. Regular Updates
Agents keep you informed about your visa status and communicate with the Department of Home Affairs on your behalf.
5. Higher Approval Chances
Statistically, applications submitted through agents have higher success rates due to professional handling and error-free submissions.
Common Reasons for 309 Visa Delays or Rejections
- Incomplete or incorrect documents
- Lack of genuine relationship evidence
- Missing health or character certificates
- Previous visa breaches or overstays
- Sponsor ineligibility (e.g., past sponsorships or legal issues)
To avoid these issues, early consultation with a qualified Immigration Agent is highly recommended.
Final Thoughts
The Partner Visa 309 Australia is a vital pathway for couples to start a new life together in Australia. While the process can be lengthy and costly, proper preparation and expert guidance can make all the difference. In 2025, the stakes are higher due to increased scrutiny and evolving immigration rules. That’s why working with an experienced Immigration Agent can help you submit a stronger application, avoid delays, and ensure you’re on the right path to permanent residency.
