Planning to Marry in Australia in 2025: What to Expect with Visa 300 Processing Time?

Getting engaged to an Australian citizen or permanent resident is a huge milestone—and if you’re ready to take the next step and apply for the Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300), timing is everything. At IME Advisors, we help couples like you get through this process every day. As experienced Australian partner visa agents and partner visa lawyers, we understand how stressful waiting can be.  

If you plan to apply in 2025, this guide will give you a clear picture of how long it might take, what affects the timeline, and what you can do to help move things along.  

How Long Does the Subclass 300 Visa Take in 2025?

Processing times for the Prospective Marriage Visa can vary a lot. Here’s a rough breakdown based on recent trends:

• 25% of applications are done in around 6 months
• 50% in about 10 to 12 months
• 75% can take 14 to 18 months
• 90% may go up to 24 months or more

So, yes—it can be a long wait. But the good news? There are steps you can take to avoid delays and help your application get processed faster.

What Affects the Visa Processing Time?

Each application is different, but we’ve seen a few key things that can slow things down. Here's what to keep in mind:

1. Incomplete or unclear applications

• Missing documents  
• Incorrect details  
• Outdated forms

2. Where are you applying from  

• Some countries have longer internal checks.  
• Local processing capacity can impact timing.

​​​​​​​3. High demand

• If a lot of people apply at once, it can cause a backlog.

4. ​​​​​​​Health and police checks

• Delays in getting medical reports or police clearances  

• Incomplete results  

5. Relationship evidence

• Weak or unclear relationship proof  
• If more interviews or documents are needed, it slows things down.

6. Background checks

• Security clearances can take longer for certain applicants.  

7. Extra information requests

• If immigration needs more details and you reply late, it stalls progress.  

How can you speed up the Process?

While you can’t control every part of the process, you can make your application stronger from the start. Here are a few ways to help move things along:

Send a well-prepared application.

• Make sure all required documents are included.  
• Double-check everything before submission.  
• Use the online ImmiAccount to track progress.  

Show strong proof of your relationship

• Photos together, chat logs, shared travel, joint bank accounts  
• Letters from family or friends confirming the relationship  

Do your checks early

• Get your medical and police reports done before applying.  
• This avoids last-minute hold-ups.  

Respond quickly to requests

• If immigration asks for more info, reply as soon as possible.  

Need help putting everything together? That’s where our team at IME Advisors comes in. As trusted Australian partner visa agents and partner visa lawyers, we make sure your application is clear, complete, and ready to go.

Why Start Now?

The sooner you get your paperwork sorted, the better. This visa only lasts between 9 to 15 months once granted, so your wedding has to happen within that time. After you’re married, you can apply for an onshore Partner Visa, but only if your current visa hasn’t expired.

We’ve helped many couples avoid stress by starting early and planning. Our job is to guide you step-by-step and ensure everything’s in place so you’re not stuck waiting longer than necessary.

Ready to apply or still have questions? Get in touch with IME Advisors today. Our team of partner visa lawyers and Australian partner visa agents is here to support you through every part of the Subclass 300 process. Let’s make sure your plans stay on track.