What is a Prospective Marriage Visa?

A Prospective Marriage Visa (also known as a fiancé visa) is a visa that is granted offshore (i.e. outside of Australia) to a fiancé of an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident living in Australia. The visa is granted for nine months, and allows the visa holder to travel to Australia and marry their partner. Once the marriage takes place, the visa holder may apply for a regular  Subclass 820/801 onshore partner visa. It is therefore a pathway to permanent residence, for someone who has met an Australian partner overseas and who wishes to move to Australia.