Subclass 309 visa – Can you earn a spot in the Partner visa approval list in 2021?

In 2021, 72,300 partner visas are set to be granted by the Australian Government. 75% of them (54,225 visas)  are for the Subclass 820/801 visa. So for the other 18,075 visas grant, how many of them will be Subclass 309?

So what should you do to get yourself a Subclass 309 approval? Keep reading this article to hear what a 10-year-of-experienced migration consultant has to say about this.

 

 

What is a Partner visa – Subclass 309/100?

Subclass 309 visa

Subclass 309 visa is a provisional visa that allows you to stay in Australia until you are granted a Subclass 100 visa.

 

 

Subclass 100 visa

It’s a Partner (Migrant) visa for couples that have already held a temporary Partner visa (Subclass 309). This visa allows you to build a permanent life in Australia with your spouse.

Additionally, a Subclass 100 visa application can also be lodged at the same time as a Subclass 309. So that’s why people usually call it under a different name “A Subclass 309/100”

The benefits of a Subclass 309 visa

 

	Subclass 309	Subclass 100
Residence benefits	Live with your spouse in Australia while the Subclass 100 is being processed.	Become an Australian permanent resident. Have an opportunity to become an Australian citizen if eligible.
Free entries benefits	Getting multiple travels between your country and Australia.	Travel in and out of Australia as many times as you want.
Studying and working benefits	Having unlimited hours to work in Australia. Studying in Australia (with school fee exemptions). Attend free English language classes that are provided by the Adult Migrant English Program up to 510 hours.
Sponsor family member benefits	Include immediate family members  (must be in Australia) if they meet all the DHA requirements.
Social security benefits	Receive an Australian’s medicare and other social security programs.

 

 

The requirements of a Subclass 309 visa

 

For the applicant	Must be 18 years old or older. Must be outside of Australia during the application time and when the visa is granted.
For the sponsor	Must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. Have not sponsored more than 1 other person for a Partner visa or Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300). Have not sponsored another person on a Partner visa or Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300) in the last 5 years. The last time you were granted a Partner visa or Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300) was less than 5 years. Meet the health requirements No criminal background
For both	Your marriage must be valid under Australian Law Your relationship with your partner must both be committed to a shared life together, be honest and carry on. Your relationship must be over 12 months (if not yet married). Must meet the health requirements. Must meet the character requirements. Must be free of debt to the Australian government. Not have had a visa cancelled or application refused.

 

After getting to know each other, you realize the other person is the one and you want to spend the rest of your life with them. VEM knows that a Subclass 309/100 will complete your happiness together.

 

However, we’d also like you to understand that even though the feeling is genuine, the possibilities of getting a visa rejection are quite high.

 

If you and your spouse can’t be together right now due to COVID-19 then how can you apply for a Subclass 309?

Or if you’ve provided evidence of your relationship, the Australian government may find it not persuasive enough. What should you do when this situation happens?

All you need to do is contact VEM for accurate and specific advice for your case.

Your romantic lives are precious and special and worthwhile. That’s why we want to assist you in overcoming the visa application process so that you and your spouse can soon reconcile.

The cost of a of Subclass 309 visa

Australia requires you to apply for both Subclass 309 and Subclass 100 visas at the same time, therefore, this following fee is for both visas.

 

Types of charges and fees	The amount of money (AUD)
For the visa applicant	7,715
For the accompany member	Over 18 years old: 3,860 Under 18 years old: 1,935
Others: health, criminal record, biometrics	Approximately AUD300 per person

Note: The fees listed above do not include a 1.4% surcharge.

 

You won’t get a refund if your visa application is refused. Not to mention that all of your time and effort would go to waste. Therefore, you must prepare your documents with extra care to avoid this situation.

Processing times of Subclass 309 visa

Your visa processing times will depend greatly on the accuracy of your documents and papers. Specifically,

 

	Subclass 309	Subclass 100
75% of applications are processed within	22 months	17 months
90% of applications are processed within	24 months	21 months

 

Problems relating to papers are the main reasons why couples can’t be together. For more than 10 years of working in Australian migration services, VEM has been approached by several customers with a variety of cases.

 

VEM sees that those mistakes in the visa documents can be avoidable. But if not fixed immediately, it can prolong the processing times. After working with VEM, many clients have said choosing VEM was the right decision. Their waiting time is usually shorter than the standard time on the official Australian Government website.

 

During COVID-19, the Australian Government has stopped visa grants for Subclass 600 visa. They start approving long-term visas such as Partner visas instead.

Mr Phong Cao (CEO of VEM) who is a member of the Australian Migration Institute (MIA) and he’s also licensed by the Australian Government (MARA) has advised clients to apply for Partner visas as soon as possible.

As a result, these clients have received their visas sooner than expected.

Step by step of a Partner visa – Subclass 309

 

 

• Step 1: Checking whether you meet the requirements.
• Step 2: Preparing the required documents.
• Step 3: Applying for a Subclass 309/100 visa.
• Step 4: Being granted a Subclass 309 visa.

 

 

What documents and papers are required when it comes to a Partner visa – Subclass 309/100

 

Types of documents
Identification papers	Copies of your certified birth certificate Copies of your certified identification papers Copies of your certified passport (within 6-month period starting from the beginning of your visa application) Copies of your certified marriage certificate (if married) Proofs that you had changed name before (if you have one) 2 card images Medical checkup
Proofs of financial commitment between you and your partner	Satisfy the financial requirements such as: using a joint bank account, regularly transferring money or sending gifts to each other, etc.
Proofs of relationship between you and your partner	Live together as spouses Share responsibilities if having kids Share household works
Proofs of social commitment between you and your partner	Proofs that your relationship has been made public to your families and friends (photos with friends, hanging out with families, etc).
Proofs of long-term commitment between you and your partner	Discussion about the future such as: having kids, working plans, etc.
Application forms	VEM will provide these forms and instruct you

 

Common reasons for a Subclass 309/100 visa rejection

Knowing these mistakes would reduce the risk of your Subclass 309/100 visa being rejected. In most cases, the application for a Partner visa is refused due to:

 

Documents inaccuracy	Not submitting a proper application and sufficient documents Unclear and inaccurate documents Inaccurate translation in papers
Inaccurate relationship proofs	Unrealistic financial proofs Unconvincing proofs of family and social commitment There is an arrangement in your marriage You met your partner as a child and the marriage was arranged You meet your partner online and do not have any commitments
Interview	Give false answers during interview Unable to give answer during interview Both of you and your partner’s answers don’t match up

 

Client’s story

“Me and my spouse chose VEM to assist us in applying for a Partner visa – Subclass 309. The process was very quick, detailed. I’m really pleased with the visa services provided by VEM”, said Mr. Minh Phuong Pham.

Knowing how difficult and complex the visa procedure is, the couple has introduced VEM’s services to several family members, relatives as well as friends. As they are absolutely satisfied with the professionalism and dedication of VEM’s services.

Check out Mr. Minh Phuong Pham thoughts and experiences for more information about a Partner visa.

 

 

Frequently asked questions

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We hope you find this article helpful to your migration pathway to Australia. Besides, the Australian Government will increase the approval rate for Partner visas. Thus, you need to act fast and start applying today.

To increase your possibilities of visa approval, you should contact VEM for professional advice and dedicated support.