Partner Visa Lawyers

The Department assesses your relationship across four pillars: financial aspects (joint accounts, shared expenses), household aspects (living together, shared duties), social aspects (recognition by friends and family), and the nature of your commitment (future plans, length of relationship).

We provide detailed guidance on compiling strong evidence in each category.

Generally, yes — de facto partners must demonstrate they have been in a genuine de facto relationship for at least 12 months before applying. However, exceptions exist: if you have a child together, if your relationship is registered in an Australian state/territory, or if there are compelling and compassionate circumstances.

Married couples do not have this 12-month requirement. Prospective Marriage Visa (300) applicants only need to show genuine intention to marry.

Yes. For onshore applicants (820/801), once you lodge a valid application, you'll receive a Bridging Visa A with full work and study rights. For offshore applicants (309/100), you won't have Australian work rights until your visa is granted, but once it is, you can work without restrictions.

If your relationship ends before the permanent visa is decided, your application will generally be refused. However, exceptions exist: if the relationship ended due to family violence, or if there are children of the relationship.

These provisions allow you to continue your application in certain circumstances. We can advise on your specific situation.

Schedule 3 criteria apply if you were unlawful in Australia at any time since your last entry, or if you held certain visas. If Schedule 3 applies, you must demonstrate compelling reasons why the criteria should be waived and that the relationship existed before you became unlawful.

These are complex matters, but not impossible — we have specific experience in these cases.

Absolutely. Australian migration law fully recognises same-sex marriages and de facto relationships for all partner visa purposes. The requirements and process are the same regardless of the genders of the partners involved.

We proudly support LGBTIQ+ couples and understand the unique considerations that may apply to your evidence.

The government application fee is currently $8,850 (subject to change). This is paid directly to the Department. Professional legal fees vary depending on complexity — we provide a clear quote after assessing your situation.

We offer staged payments and payment plans. Our consultation fee ($330) is credited toward your matter if you proceed.

If you hold a Bridging Visa A (from an onshore application), you can apply for a Bridging Visa B before travelling. This allows you to leave and return to Australia while maintaining your lawful status. Without a BVB, your bridging visa will cease when you leave Australia.

We help plan travel carefully to avoid complications.

Onshore (820/801): You must be in Australia when you apply and when the temporary visa is granted. You receive a bridging visa with work rights immediately.

Offshore (309/100): You must be outside Australia when you apply and when the visa is granted. No work rights until the visa is granted, but you can wait anywhere in the world.

Yes, statutory declarations from people who know your relationship are an important part of the evidence. You typically need two Form 888 statutory declarations from Australian citizens or permanent residents who can speak to the genuineness of your relationship.

We provide guidance on what to include and how to structure these declarations effectively.

There are limitations on how many times someone can sponsor a partner. Generally, a person can only sponsor two partners in their lifetime, and there must be at least 5 years between sponsorships. Previous sponsorships that led to visa refusals may also be considered.

We assess sponsorship history carefully during consultation.

Yes, dependent children under 18 (and some dependent children over 18) can be included in your partner visa application. Each child must meet health and character requirements, and additional fees apply. Children included in the application will receive the same visa as the main applicant.

If you lodge a valid onshore partner visa application before your current visa expires, you'll receive a Bridging Visa A that allows you to stay in Australia lawfully while your application is processed. Timing is critical — we can help you understand your options and ensure lodgement happens before your visa expires.

Not always. If your application is strong and the evidence is clear, you may not be interviewed. However, the Department can request an interview at any time, particularly if they have questions about the genuineness of your relationship or if there are inconsistencies in your evidence.

If an interview is requested, we help you prepare.

If your partner visa is refused, you usually have the right to appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). Time limits are strict — typically 21 days for onshore applicants. The AAT conducts a fresh review of your case, and you can submit additional evidence.

We handle partner visa appeals and can advise on prospects after refusal.

We reject the industry standard: no pressure tactics, no urgency manipulation, no same-day sign-up expectations. You receive complete information before deciding, a mandatory cooling-off period, and transparent staged fees.

We also prioritise existing clients over new intake — if capacity is stretched, we pause growth rather than compromise service delivery.

Yes. We offer payment plans that spread costs across key stages of your matter, with no interest charges, processing fees, or admin penalties. Migration legal services shouldn't be accessible only to those who can pay large sums upfront.

Instalment arrangements are documented clearly in your engagement letter.