Thinking about joining your partner in Australia? The Partner Visa 309 might be the ideal route to help you take that next step in life. This visa allows the partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live temporarily in Australia while their permanent visa is being processed.
In this 2025 guide, we’ll walk you through the full partner visa 309 checklist, eligibility criteria, and current processing times so you can be better prepared and avoid unnecessary delays.
What Is the Partner Visa Subclass 309?
The Partner Visa Subclass 309 is a temporary visa for applicants who are outside Australia at the time of application. It is the first stage of a two-part partner visa process. Once granted, it allows you to live in Australia temporarily while you wait for the second stage—the Partner Visa Subclass 100, which grants permanent residency.
Who Can Apply?
To apply for the Partner Visa 309 Australia, you must:
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Be outside Australia when applying and when the visa is granted.
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Be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with your partner.
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Have a sponsor who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
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Be married or in a de facto relationship for at least 12 months.
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Meet health and character requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs.
Partner Visa 309 Checklist—What You’ll Need
Organising your documents well can save you a lot of stress down the line. Here’s your comprehensive Partner Visa 309 checklist for 2025:
1. Identity Documents
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Valid passport
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Birth certificate
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National ID (if applicable)
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Passport-sized photos
2. Relationship Proof
You must show your relationship is genuine and stable. Examples include:
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Marriage certificate (if married)
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Joint lease agreements or mortgage
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Shared bills (utilities, phone, internet)
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Joint travel itineraries and photos
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Chat history or emails over time
3. Financial Aspects
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Joint bank account statements
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Evidence of shared expenses
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Insurance policies with each other as beneficiaries
4. Social Evidence
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Invitations addressed to both partners
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Social media interactions (if relevant)
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Photos with family and friends
5. Commitment Evidence
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Future plans together
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Letters explaining your relationship journey
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Correspondence with each other over the years
6. Character Documents
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Police clearance certificates from each country you’ve lived in for 12+ months
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Completed Form 80 (personal particulars)
7. Health Checks
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You’ll be asked to undergo a health examination with a panel physician
8. Sponsor’s Documents
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Proof of citizenship or permanent residency
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Identity proof
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Form 40SP (Sponsor application)
Make sure to translate any non-English documents using a certified translator.
How to Apply for Partner Visa 309
Step 1: Set Up an ImmiAccount
Create an account on the Australian immigration portal to manage your application.
Step 2: Gather Documents
Use the checklist above to collect all the necessary documents before beginning your application.
Step 3: Apply Online
Fill in your Subclass 309 visa application and upload the supporting documents. Your partner must also complete the sponsorship form (Form 40SP).
Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee
The current fee (as of 2025) is approximately AUD $8,850, but check the official fee calculator for the latest.
Step 5: Wait for a Decision
You can track your application via your ImmiAccount. Be prepared for follow-up questions or requests for more evidence.
Partner Visa 309 Processing Time in 2025
Visa processing times can vary depending on your application’s completeness, background checks, and overall demand. As of 2025:
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75% of applications are processed in around 13 to 17 months.
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90% of applications are processed within 20 months.
To avoid delays:
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Submit complete and well-organised evidence.
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Upload documents clearly and in the right categories.
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Stay responsive to any additional requests from the Department.
What Happens After 309 Is Granted?
Once your Partner Visa Subclass 309 is approved, you can:
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Travel to and live in Australia.
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Work and study in Australia.
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Access Medicare (Australia’s public health care).
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Include eligible children in your visa application.
Your 309 visa remains valid while the permanent Subclass 100 visa is processed. Usually, around 2 years after your original application date, the Department will begin assessing your eligibility for the permanent Partner Visa 100.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Not providing enough relationship evidence
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Submitting incomplete forms
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Forgetting to translate non-English documents
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Not updating change of circumstances (e.g., address, relationship status)
Always double-check everything before submitting and make sure your sponsor is also on top of their paperwork.
Final Thoughts
The Partner Visa Subclass 309 is a key step toward building a life together in Australia. While the process can seem long and complex, staying organised and following the proper steps can make a big difference. By using a detailed partner visa 309 checklist and understanding the current processing time, you’ll have a much smoother journey to being with your loved one in Australia.
If needed, don’t hesitate to seek help from a registered migration agent—they can guide you through the process and reduce the risk of errors.
