Requirements
- 1
Married to, or in a registered or de facto relationship with, an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen
- 2
The relationship is genuine and continuing, and you live together or do not live apart permanently
- 3
Sponsor is approved and has not sponsored more than two partners in their lifetime, with five years between sponsorships
- 4
Health and character requirements for the applicant; character checks for the sponsor
Most Indian partner applications are spouses of Australian citizens or permanent residents, often after an arranged marriage with a short cohabitation history. The department tests a genuine and continuing relationship on four pillars: finances, household, social recognition and commitment. Evidence that is thin on any pillar is the usual reason for delay or refusal.
Questions
How long does the 309 take from India?+
Processing varies widely by case and quarter. Our processing-times page shows the department's latest published 50 and 90 percent figures with the month they refer to.
Can I visit Australia while the 309 is being processed?+
You can apply for a visitor visa, but you must be outside Australia when the 309 is decided. We plan the travel around that rule.