Subclass 309 visa – Can you earn a spot in the Partner visa approval list in 2022?

In the past (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 what should you do to get yourself a Subclass 309 approval in 2022? Keep reading this article to hear what a 10-year-of-experienced migration consultant has to say about this.
Table of Contents
What is a Partner visa – Subclass 309/100?
The benefits of a Subclass 309 visa
The requirements of a Subclass 309 visa
The cost of a of Subclass 309 visa
Processing times of Subclass 309 visa
Step by step of a Partner visa – Subclass 309
What documents and papers are required when it comes to a Partner visa – Subclass 309/100
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. |
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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 |
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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 |
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For the sponsor |
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For both |
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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 | AUD7,850 |
For the accompany member |
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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 | 21 months | 19 months |
90% of applications are processed within | 31 months | 29 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.
But Prime Minister Scott Morrison has just announced all international visitors, including tourists, would be allowed to return to Australia from 21st February, 2022!
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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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Inaccurate relationship proofs |
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Interview |
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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.
“We thought it would be maybe 6 or 12 months before we’re together again. But VEM facilitated everything really quickly, really simply”, said Mr. Macpherson James Sumner, VEM’s newest client.
After getting the Subclass 309 visa and settling down in Queensland, Australia, they sent a message to anybody who is going to apply for a Partner visa. Check out their experience that may be useful for you!
Frequently asked questions
Absolutely. You can visit Australia by applying for a Subclass 600 visitor visa.
Here at VEM, we’ll provide free services for Visitor visa if you use our services for a Subclass 309/100 visa.
Yes, you can. You’re able to study in every Australian Institution with some school fees exemptions.
You need to prove that your relationship is genuine and developing by meeting the 4 aspects of the relationship: financial, domestic, social and long – term commitment aspects.
Contact VEM for a consultancy session. One of our migration consultants will assist you with your application.
With a Subclass 309 visa, you can stay in Australia until a Subclass 100 is granted. In most cases, you can stay for 15 to 24 months in Australia.
However, after receiving a Subclass 309 visa, if the government finds your relationship committed together, they can immediately grant you a permanent resident visa.
Yes, you can. However, there are a few requirements that you and that person have to fulfil:
- Meet the DHA requirements
- Must be offshore while applying for a visa
- Meet the health and character requirements
You must return to Australia before the date provided in your visa approval letter. You have one year to move to Australia starting from the date the visa is granted.
With a Subclass 100 visa, you have 5 years to travel in and out of Australia as many times as you’d like. After 5 years, you must ask for an extension of the Resident Return – RRV.
This extension is really important. Due to the busy lifestyle in Australia, many people had forgotten this task. We can guarantee that VEM’s clients are not one of them. We make sure to remind you to complete required documents in time.
Unfortunately, this cannot happen. When you’ve already paid the fee, whether the visa can be approved or not, you still can’t get a refund. To avoid wasting your precious time and money, make sure you contact VEM for support.
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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.
Find out more about other Australian visa: