From the Australian government web site at http://www.immi.gov.au/facts/30partners.htm

Fiancé(e)s overseas
A person overseas who wishes to marry their Australian fiancé(e) may apply for a Prospective Marriage visa.

It is a requirement of a Prospective Marriage visa that the parties have met and be known to each other in person.

Fiancé(e)s who apply successfully for a Prospective Marriage visa receive a temporary visa which is valid for nine months from the date of the visa grant. They must travel to Australia and marry their sponsor within that period and, if they wish to, then apply for a Spouse visa.

If all legal requirements are met, applicants will be granted a temporary Spouse visa, followed by a permanent Spouse visa if the relationship is still continuing at the end of two years after lodgement of the Spouse visa application.


Fiancé(e)s in Australia
People already in Australia on temporary visas are unable to extend their stay in Australia by applying for a visa as a fiancé(e). There is no visa category available to cover this situation.

However, if the marriage takes place during the period of authorised stay, the person may be eligible to apply in Australia for a Spouse visa.