Processing times · Subclass 300
How long does the subclass 300 visa take? (November 2026)
Reviewed by a registered migration agent ·
MARN 1795282
Updated
As at 2 November 2026, Home Affairs reports that 75% of Prospective Marriage visa (Subclass 300) applications were finalised within 22 months, and 90% within 31 months. In September 2026 the 75% figure was 20 months. These are official global processing times for applications decided in the previous month, not a promise for any individual case.
Subclass 300 processing times by stream
| Stream | 75% of applications | 90% of applications | 75% in September 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| All applications | 22 months | 31 months | 20 months |
What to expect when you apply for the subclass 300
How the application moves
- The Australian partner acts as sponsor; you lodge from outside Australia with evidence that you have met in person, intend to marry within the visa period and are free to marry.
- Home Affairs assesses the genuineness of the relationship and the sponsor's eligibility, then health and character, and you must be outside Australia when the visa is granted.
What most often slows a 300 application
- Relationship evidence that is thin on contact and future plans, prompting requests for more information or an interview.
- Sponsor character checks, which are part of partner-category sponsorship assessments.
- A notice of intended marriage that is out of date by the time the case is decided.
What to have ready before lodging
- A timeline of the relationship with photos, messages, travel records and statements from people who know you both.
- Evidence you are both free to marry (divorce or death certificates where relevant) and a letter from a celebrant or registry.
What the 75% and 90% figures mean
Home Affairs publishes the time within which it finalised 75% and 90% of the applications decided in the previous month. Three in four applicants got a decision faster than the 75% figure; one in ten waited longer than the 90% figure, almost always because the application was incomplete, needed health or character follow-up, or sat outside the current processing priorities. The figures move every month, which is why we keep a history on the processing-times tracker.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the 300 visa take to process in November 2026?
Home Affairs reports that 75% of Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300) applications were finalised within 22 months and 90% within 31 months, as at 2 November 2026.
What do the 75% and 90% figures mean?
They are the times within which Home Affairs finalised 75% and 90% of the applications it decided in the previous month. Three in four applications were decided faster than the 75% figure; one in ten took longer than the 90% figure, usually because the application was incomplete or needed extra checks.
Can a 300 visa be processed faster?
There is no paid priority service for the 300. The things that reliably shorten processing are lodging a complete, decision-ready application (identity, health, character and every eligibility document attached at lodgement), responding to any request for information quickly, and avoiding avoidable requests for further information.
Related visas: processing times and costs
- Partner visa (Subclasses 820/801 & 309/100): processing times · fees
- Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (Subclass 870): processing times · fees
- Visitor visa (Subclass 600): processing times · fees
Source: Department of Home Affairs — global visa processing times, as at 2 November 2026. Cost: subclass 300 visa fees. Eligibility and steps: 300 Prospective Marriage (Fiancé) Visa: Rules & Fee. General information only, not migration advice.