Partner Visa ART Appeal Chances: What Decides Your Case

Partner visa appeal chances depend on the reasons for refusal, the evidence that can be put before the Administrative Review Tribunal, and how well the case is prepared and presented at the hearing. Partner visa appeal chances are not a fixed number. Two refusals that look similar on paper can have very different prospects at review, because the Tribunal decides each case afresh on its own evidence. The most useful question is not "what are my chances?" but "what will decide my case, and what can I do about it before the hearing?"

This guide explains what decides partner visa appeal chances at the ART, how to read a refusal decision, which refusal grounds are most often overcome on review, what weakens a review, and what to do within the time limit. It is written for couples who have received a partner visa refusal and are still within the time to apply for review. For an overview of the review process, see our partner visa refusals page and our guide to partner visa refused appeal options.

What are my partner visa appeal chances?

Partner visa appeal chances depend on the specific reasons for refusal and on whether those reasons can be answered with evidence and argument at the ART. No lawyer can honestly give a percentage for an individual case, and published statistics about overall outcomes say little about any one matter. What can be assessed is whether each reason for refusal is a reason the Tribunal is likely to see differently once it has the full evidence.

A refusal based on a lack of evidence about a genuine relationship that the couple can now prove with documents, witnesses and their own oral evidence is in a very different position from a refusal based on a validity problem that no evidence can fix. A refusal because a document was missing is in a different position again. Assessing partner visa appeal chances is therefore a matter of reading the decision closely, understanding the law that applies, and working out what the Tribunal will need to see.

Why there is no reliable percentage for partner visa appeal chances

There is no reliable percentage for partner visa appeal chances because every review turns on its own facts, its own evidence and its own hearing. Published figures about Tribunal outcomes group together very different matters: strong relationships refused for a missing document, weak relationships refused for good reason, reviews where the applicant did not attend, and reviews withdrawn before hearing. An average across all of them says almost nothing about one couple's case.

Any statement of partner visa appeal chances as a number should be treated with caution. What a couple need is an assessment of their own refusal: which findings can be answered, what evidence will answer them, what risks remain, and what can be done before the hearing to reduce those risks. That assessment is more useful than any percentage, because it leads to action.

It is also important to be honest about weak cases. Where a refusal rests on a validity problem, a serious integrity finding or a relationship that has ended, partner visa appeal chances may be low, and the couple should know that before they decide how to proceed. A realistic assessment protects the couple from spending time and money on a review that cannot succeed, and points them to the option that can.

Partner visa appeal chances for onshore and offshore refusals

Partner visa appeal chances are assessed in the same way for onshore and offshore refusals, but the practical position differs. For an onshore refusal of the Subclass 820 visa, the applicant is usually in Australia on a bridging visa and can attend the hearing in person. For an offshore refusal of the Subclass 309 visa, the Australian sponsor is the review applicant, and the overseas partner may give evidence by video or telephone.

In offshore reviews, the sponsor's evidence often carries much of the weight. The sponsor should be ready to describe the relationship in detail, including visits, communication, financial support and plans to live together. The overseas partner's evidence should be arranged in advance, with an interpreter if needed. Our Subclass 820 partner visa guide explains the onshore visa, and our Subclass 309 page explains the offshore pathway.

How the ART decides a partner visa review

The ART decides a partner visa review by considering the matter afresh. It stands in the shoes of the original decision maker and makes the correct or preferable decision on the evidence before it at the time of its own decision. It is not limited to the evidence the Department had, and it does not simply check whether the Department made a mistake.

This is the single most important point for partner visa appeal chances. Evidence that was missing at the Department can be provided to the Tribunal. Circumstances that have changed since the refusal, such as the couple marrying, the birth of a child, a longer period of living together, or the end of a sponsorship limitation period, can be taken into account. The couple and their witnesses can give oral evidence, and the Tribunal member can ask questions and test the evidence directly.

What the Tribunal can decide

The Tribunal can affirm the refusal, vary it, or set it aside. In partner visa matters, where the Tribunal finds that a key criterion is met, it commonly remits the matter to the Department with a direction that the applicant meets that criterion. The Department then continues processing and considers the remaining criteria, such as health and character. A remittal is a favourable outcome, but it is not itself a visa grant. Our guide to what to expect at ART review explains the process in more detail.

The time limit: the first requirement for any partner visa appeal

The first requirement for any partner visa appeal is to apply within time. For a partner visa refusal, the application for review must generally be made within 28 days after the day the person is notified of the decision. Under section 347 of the Migration Act 1958, that time limit cannot be extended. An application made after the time limit is not properly made, and the Tribunal has no jurisdiction to consider it.

The time runs from notification, not from the date the couple read the letter. A decision sent by email is usually taken to be received soon after it is sent. The notification letter states the time limit and who can apply. It should be read immediately, and the review application lodged well before the last day. Where the refusal is made on character grounds under section 501, different and shorter time limits apply.

Who can apply for review

For an onshore partner visa refusal, the visa applicant applies for review. For an offshore partner visa refusal, the Australian sponsor applies for review. The notification letter states who has the right to apply. An application made by the wrong person may not be valid.

The ART application fee

The ART charges an application fee for review of a migration decision. From 1 July 2026, the fee for review of a reviewable migration decision is $3,727. A 50% reduction may be granted on financial hardship grounds. The fee is set by regulation and changes from time to time, so the current amount should be checked when applying. The fee is a cost to weigh when assessing partner visa appeal chances, but it is usually small compared with the cost of starting again.

Reading the refusal decision to assess partner visa appeal chances

Reading the refusal decision is the starting point for assessing partner visa appeal chances. The decision record sets out the criteria the decision maker found were not met, the evidence considered, and the reasons. Each reason should be identified and analysed separately.

Identify every criterion that was not met

Some refusals turn on a single criterion, such as whether the relationship is genuine and continuing. Others identify several. The review must address every one. A review that answers the relationship concern but overlooks a separate finding about a missing document or a sponsorship problem may still fail.

Identify the evidence the decision maker relied on

The decision record usually lists the documents considered. Where the decision maker relied on something the couple did not know about, such as an earlier visa application, an interview record or information from a third party, it should be identified and obtained, because the Tribunal will see it too.

Identify the reasoning

The reasoning shows what the decision maker found unpersuasive. A finding that there was "insufficient evidence" of joint finances points to a gap that may be filled. A finding that the couple's accounts were inconsistent points to a credibility issue that must be explained. A finding based on an assumption that is not supported by the evidence points to an argument that can be made at review.

The Department's file and partner visa appeal chances

The Department must give the Tribunal the documents relevant to the decision under review. That file may include material the couple have never seen, such as earlier visa applications, interview notes, information from third parties and internal records. Partner visa appeal chances can depend on what is in that file, because the Tribunal will read it.

Where the refusal decision refers to information the couple do not recognise, or where earlier applications may contain statements that conflict with the relationship history, it is wise to obtain the file before preparing the evidence. Knowing what the Tribunal will see allows the couple to explain it in advance rather than being surprised at the hearing.

Partner visa appeal chances by refusal ground

Partner visa appeal chances vary significantly with the ground of refusal. The common grounds are set out below, with what usually decides each one at review.

The relationship was not accepted as genuine and continuing

Most partner visa refusals are based on a finding that the decision maker was not satisfied that the relationship is genuine and continuing, or that the couple have a mutual commitment to a shared life to the exclusion of all others. This is also the ground on which the Tribunal's fresh consideration matters most. The Tribunal hears from the couple directly, can assess their evidence in person, and can consider evidence of the relationship up to the date of its decision. Where the couple are in a genuine relationship and can show it, partner visa appeal chances on this ground depend largely on the quality of the evidence and the preparation for the hearing.

Missing or insufficient documents

Some refusals are based on a missing document, such as a police certificate, a health examination, a sponsorship form or evidence that an earlier marriage ended. These refusals can often be addressed by providing the missing item to the Tribunal. Partner visa appeal chances on this ground depend on whether the document can actually be obtained, and whether there is any other problem behind the request.

Schedule 3

Onshore applicants who did not hold a substantive visa when they applied must meet Schedule 3 criteria, unless there are compelling reasons for not applying them. Refusals under Schedule 3 depend on whether compelling reasons can be shown. The Department's policy treats the relationship and the hardship of separation as generally not enough on their own. Partner visa appeal chances on this ground depend on the specific circumstances, such as children, serious illness or circumstances beyond the applicant's control. Our guides to the Schedule 3 criteria and the Schedule 3 partner visa waiver explain the test.

Sponsorship limitations

Refusals can be based on the sponsor having sponsored another partner within a limitation period, or having been granted their own partner visa within a limitation period. These rules can be waived in compelling circumstances, and in some cases the limitation period ends while the review is pending. Partner visa appeal chances on this ground depend on dates and on the sponsor's circumstances. The partner visa sponsorship limitations page explains the rules.

Character, health and integrity

Refusals based on character, health or public interest criterion 4020 involve different tests. Character refusals under section 501 follow a different review process with shorter time limits. Health refusals depend on medical assessments. Refusals under public interest criterion 4020 depend on whether information was false or misleading in a material particular, and whether a waiver should apply. Each requires specialist preparation.

What improves partner visa appeal chances

Partner visa appeal chances improve when the Tribunal is given a clear, consistent and well documented case that answers every reason for refusal. In practice, the factors that make the most difference are within the couple's control.

New and better evidence

The Tribunal considers the evidence before it at the time of its decision. Evidence that was missing at the Department, or that has come into existence since, can be provided. In a relationship refusal, that may include further evidence of living together, joint finances, social recognition and commitment, together with more detailed statements and Form 888 statements. Our guides to partner visa relationship evidence and preparing evidence of a genuine relationship explain the evidence for each aspect of the relationship.

Evidence that answers the decision maker's specific concerns

Evidence is most effective when it answers the specific concerns in the refusal. If the decision maker doubted that the couple lived together, the evidence should focus on the shared household. If the decision maker found the couple's accounts inconsistent, the evidence should explain each inconsistency. A large volume of general evidence that does not address the actual concern does little for partner visa appeal chances.

Written submissions

A written submission sets out the legal criteria, the evidence and the argument in an organised way. It helps the Tribunal member understand the case before the hearing and identifies the issues to be decided. It should address each reason for refusal and each criterion in issue, and refer to the evidence that answers it.

Preparation for the hearing

The hearing is where many partner visa reviews are decided. The Tribunal member will ask the couple about their relationship, often separately, and will compare their answers with each other and with the written evidence. Couples who have reviewed their own statements, the documents and the Department's file are able to give accurate and consistent evidence. Couples who arrive unprepared risk creating new inconsistencies. Preparation is not rehearsal. It is making sure each person's memory of the facts is refreshed.

Credible witnesses

Witnesses who know the couple well and can describe the relationship from their own observation can give oral evidence at the hearing. A witness whose evidence is specific and consistent with the couple's account can carry real weight. A witness who gives vague or contradictory evidence can harm the case. Witnesses should be chosen carefully.

Consistency across the whole record

The Tribunal will see the Department's entire file, including earlier visa applications and interview records. Partner visa appeal chances improve where the couple's evidence at review is consistent with that record, or where any inconsistencies are openly explained.

What reduces partner visa appeal chances

Partner visa appeal chances are reduced by factors that are often avoidable.

Applying out of time

An application made after the time limit cannot be considered. There is no discretion to extend it.

Relying on the same evidence

A review that simply resubmits the evidence the Department rejected, without addressing the reasons, gives the Tribunal little reason to reach a different conclusion.

Failing to attend the hearing

If the review applicant does not attend a scheduled hearing without good reason, the Tribunal may decide the review without them, or dismiss the application. Attendance is essential.

New inconsistencies

Evidence at the hearing that conflicts with earlier statements, or between the partners, can undermine an otherwise strong case.

A relationship that has ended

The Tribunal considers the relationship at the time of its decision. Where the relationship has ended, the review will generally fail on the relationship criteria, unless a special provision applies, such as the family violence provisions or the provisions that apply where the sponsor has died. Our page on the family violence provisions explains when a visa may still be granted after a relationship ends because of family violence, and our guide to what happens if the relationship breaks down explains the wider position.

Unaddressed secondary issues

Some reviews focus on the main reason for refusal and overlook a secondary issue, such as an expired police certificate or an outstanding health examination. The Tribunal must be satisfied of every criterion it is considering, so loose ends should be tied up.

Partner visa appeal chances where the refusal involved inconsistencies

Partner visa appeal chances where the refusal involved inconsistencies depend on whether the inconsistencies can be explained credibly. Many refusals rest on differences between the partners' accounts, between the application and earlier visa applications, or between interview answers and written statements. The Tribunal will see the same record and will usually raise the same concerns.

A review in these matters should identify each inconsistency precisely, explain it honestly, and support the explanation with documents. Each partner should provide their own statement. At the hearing, each partner should be ready to explain the inconsistency in their own words. Where the Department sent a natural justice letter before refusing, the response and the decision's treatment of it should be reviewed carefully. Our guides to the section 57 natural justice letter for a partner visa and to responding to a section 56 request for more information explain those letters.

Partner visa appeal chances after a Department interview

Where the refusal followed an interview, the interview record is usually central. The decision may quote answers that the decision maker found inconsistent or unpersuasive. Partner visa appeal chances in these matters depend on understanding exactly what was said and why. Where an interpreter was used, the quality of interpreting may be relevant. Where a question was misunderstood, that should be explained.

The Tribunal hearing gives the couple a fresh opportunity to give evidence, and it is often more thorough than a Department interview. Preparation should focus on the topics the interview covered and on any answers that caused concern, so that the couple can give accurate and consistent evidence at the hearing.

Statements and Form 888 evidence at review

Updated statements and Form 888 statements are among the most useful evidence in a partner visa review. Each partner should provide a new statement that responds to the refusal, explains the relationship in detail, and addresses each concern. Form 888 statements from people who know the couple should describe what each witness has personally seen, including events since the original application.

Our guides to the partner visa relationship statement, Form 888 for partner visas and Form 888 example answers and common mistakes explain these documents, and the partner visa document checklist and 820 partner visa evidence checklist list the supporting documents. Witnesses who provide written statements may also be asked to give oral evidence at the hearing, so they should be willing and available.

Changed circumstances and partner visa appeal chances

Changed circumstances can transform partner visa appeal chances, because the Tribunal decides the matter at the time of its own decision. Several kinds of change are common in partner visa reviews.

Marriage after the refusal

Where a prospective marriage visa was refused and the couple have since married, the review may be decided on a different basis. The Department's policy and published Tribunal decisions show that, where the couple have validly married before the review is determined, the application may be taken to be for a permanent partner visa and remitted for assessment on that basis. Our page on the Subclass 300 prospective marriage visa explains that visa.

A longer relationship

A relationship that was short at the time of the Department's decision may have grown by the time of the hearing. Further evidence of living together, finances and social recognition since the refusal can be powerful.

Children

The birth of a child to the couple, or a growing role in caring for each other's children, is evidence of the relationship and may also be relevant to compelling reasons under Schedule 3 or sponsorship limitations.

The end of a limitation period

Where a refusal was based on a sponsorship limitation period, the period may have ended while the review was pending. Published decisions show that the Tribunal can take that into account.

Documents that have become available

A police certificate, a divorce order or another document that could not be obtained before the Department's decision may now be available.

Partner visa appeal chances where the relationship was short

Where the decision maker refused because the relationship was short when the application was made, partner visa appeal chances often improve with time. The Tribunal considers whether the relationship is genuine and continuing at the time of its decision, and a relationship that has continued, deepened and become more established since the application provides evidence that did not exist before. Further months of living together, shared finances, family events and travel can answer the concern directly.

The review should present the relationship as it is now, while being consistent with what was said at the time of application. Evidence of the period since the refusal is particularly valuable, because it shows the relationship continuing despite the uncertainty of the refusal. The couple's statements should explain how the relationship has developed, and witnesses should be able to describe what they have seen over time.

Partner visa appeal chances where the couple have lived apart

Where the refusal rested on the couple living apart, partner visa appeal chances depend on whether the separation can be shown to be temporary. The law requires a couple to live together or not live separately and apart on a permanent basis. The Department's policy, reflecting a binding Full Federal Court decision, recognises that a couple cannot be refused on that requirement solely because they were not living together at the time of application or decision, but the reasons for the separation and the couple's intention to live together must be shown.

The review should explain why the couple were apart, such as work, study, family obligations or visa restrictions, how they maintained the relationship during the separation, and when and where they intend to live together. Evidence of communication, visits, financial support and concrete plans is essential. Where the couple are now living together, evidence of that change can be decisive.

Bridging visas during a partner visa review

For most onshore applicants, the bridging visa granted with the partner visa application continues while a valid review is on foot. That is one reason the review must be lodged within time. If no valid review is lodged, the bridging visa usually ends a short period after the refusal, and the applicant may become unlawful. Our guides to Bridging Visa A, bridging visas in Australia and work rights while waiting for a Subclass 820 visa explain the main bridging visas. Applicants who need to travel during the review should obtain advice before doing so, because travel can affect both the bridging visa and the review.

What Tribunal decisions show about partner visa appeal chances

Published Tribunal decisions show the kinds of factors that decide partner visa appeal chances in practice. The decisions below were remitted, which means the Tribunal sent the matter back to the Department for reconsideration on the basis that a criterion was met or needed to be reassessed. A remittal is not a visa grant, and each decision turned on its own facts and evidence. They are described by the issue each raised, not by outcome statistics.

• Bateman (Migration) [2019] AATA 394. A Subclass 820 matter in which the Tribunal had more information available to it than the delegate, including credible witnesses, in assessing a genuine relationship.
• Jagdeep Kaur (Migration) [2021] AATA 475. A Subclass 309 matter in which significantly more evidence was received from the parties at review about the genuine spousal relationship.
• Tang (Migration) [2023] AATA 1244. A Subclass 820 matter in which the Tribunal considered evidence of events after the date of the visa application, together with the financial and social aspects of the relationship.
• Jeong (Migration) [2020] AATA 1820. A Subclass 820 matter involving a valid marriage, substantial corroborative evidence and a truthful and credible witness.
• Rogers (Migration) [2020] AATA 4743. A Subclass 309 matter in which a sponsorship limitation period had not lapsed at the time of the application but lapsed during the review.
• Cooper (Migration) [2023] AATA 2974. A Subclass 300 matter in which the parties had married since the primary decision, and the application was taken to be an application for a permanent partner visa.
• Martine (Migration) [2023] AATA 690. A Subclass 309 matter in which the sponsorship form had not been provided to the Department and was provided at review.

Taken together, these decisions show what decides partner visa appeal chances: more and better evidence, credible oral evidence, changed circumstances, and the correction of gaps in the original application.

The ART hearing and partner visa appeal chances

The ART hearing is where partner visa appeal chances are most often decided. Hearings are usually conducted by a single Tribunal member, in person or by video. The review applicant and other witnesses give evidence, usually after making a promise or oath to tell the truth. An interpreter is provided where needed. The member asks questions about the relationship and the issues in the case, and may ask each partner questions separately.

The Tribunal will usually set a date by which documents and submissions must be provided before the hearing. Material provided late may not be considered, or may lead to an adjournment. Every document relied on should be provided in good time, organised and labelled, with English translations where needed.

At the hearing, the review applicant can make submissions about the law and the evidence. Where the Tribunal has information that may be adverse to the applicant, it will generally put that information to the applicant and invite comment. That is an opportunity to explain, and the response should be considered carefully.

Representation and partner visa appeal chances

A lawyer cannot guarantee an outcome at the Tribunal, and representation is not required. However, partner visa appeal chances are affected by preparation, and preparation is what representation provides. A lawyer can read the Department's file and the refusal decision, identify every issue, advise on the evidence needed, prepare written submissions, prepare the couple and witnesses for the hearing, and make legal submissions at the hearing.

Our guides to finding a visa appeal lawyer, comparing a partner visa lawyer with doing it yourself, explaining when you need an immigration lawyer for a partner visa and setting out the difference between a migration agent and an immigration lawyer explain the choices. Where the refusal is recent and the time limit is running, our guide to urgent immigration lawyer advice explains what to have ready.

How long a partner visa review takes

There is no fixed time for a partner visa review. The time depends on the Tribunal's caseload, the complexity of the matter and whether further information is needed. Couples should plan for the review to take some time and should continue to build their relationship evidence while it is pending. Evidence of the relationship continuing during the review can itself improve partner visa appeal chances, because the Tribunal decides on the evidence at the time of its decision.

Changes in circumstances during the review, such as a change of address or the birth of a child, should be notified. Our guide to Form 1022 explains how changes are notified to the Department.

Partner visa appeal chances where the relationship ended because of family violence

Where a relationship has ended during the process because of family violence, partner visa appeal chances depend on different questions. The applicant must generally show that the relationship was genuine and continuing before it ended, and that family violence was committed by the sponsor, under the special provisions in the Migration Regulations 1994. The Tribunal can consider those provisions at review. Published Tribunal decisions include matters where the Tribunal considered whether the relationship was genuine before family violence occurred.

Evidence in these matters is sensitive and must be handled carefully. It may include court orders, police records, medical evidence and statements from professionals. Our page on the family violence provisions explains how they work. Anyone in danger should contact police on 000.

Common myths about partner visa appeal chances

Several myths about partner visa appeal chances lead couples to make poor decisions.

The Tribunal simply agrees with the Department

The Tribunal is independent of the Department and decides the matter afresh. It is not bound by the Department's findings and regularly reaches different conclusions where the evidence supports them.

New evidence is not allowed

New evidence is allowed. The Tribunal considers the evidence before it at the time of its decision, including evidence that did not exist when the Department decided.

The time limit can be extended if there is a good reason

The time limit for review of most partner visa refusals cannot be extended, whatever the reason for delay. Couples should never assume that a late application will be accepted.

An appeal guarantees a visa

A review does not guarantee a visa. Even a favourable outcome is usually a remittal, after which the Department continues processing and assesses the remaining criteria.

Withdrawing and starting again is always better

Sometimes a new application is the better course, particularly where the original application had a validity problem. But a new application has its own costs, delays and risks, and an onshore applicant may not be able to make one in Australia. The choice should be made on advice, after considering partner visa appeal chances at review.

After the ART decision

After the ART decides, what happens next depends on the outcome.

If the matter is remitted

If the Tribunal remits the matter, the Department continues processing in accordance with the Tribunal's directions. Under the Department's policy, it must not revisit the criteria the Tribunal found to be satisfied, but it will assess any remaining criteria, such as health and character, and any criteria affected by new circumstances. The couple should respond promptly to any request from the Department after remittal.

If the refusal is affirmed

If the Tribunal affirms the refusal, the options narrow. Where the Tribunal's decision contains a legal error, an application for judicial review may be made to a federal court within a strict time limit. Judicial review does not reconsider the facts. It asks whether the decision was made according to law. Other options may include a new application, often from outside Australia, depending on the circumstances. Our guide on applying for a partner visa after a visa refusal and our visa refusals page explain the wider position.

Partner visa appeal chances and earlier refusals or cancellations

Earlier refusals, cancellations and visa conditions can affect partner visa appeal chances even where the relationship is strong. Where the applicant had condition 8503, had a visa cancelled, or had an earlier visa refused in Australia, the Tribunal will consider whether the partner visa application was validly made and whether any other bar applies. A review cannot cure an application that was never valid. Our guides to the no further stay condition 8503, applying for a partner visa after a tourist visa and our visa cancellations page explain these issues.

Where the applicant's visa history includes earlier statements that conflict with the relationship history, the Tribunal will consider those too. Partner visa appeal chances in these matters depend on a full and honest explanation of the history.

Getting a second opinion on partner visa appeal chances

A second opinion on partner visa appeal chances is worthwhile where the couple are unsure whether to seek review, where they have been told their case is hopeless or certain, or where they prepared the original application themselves. An initial immigration lawyer consultation can review the refusal decision and identify the issues. Our guides to getting a second opinion from an immigration lawyer and hiring an immigration lawyer after lodging your own visa application explain how the firm steps into a matter. Our articles on why partner visas get refused and the most common Subclass 820 refusal reasons explain the refusal grounds that most often reach the Tribunal.

A second opinion should be obtained quickly. The time limit for review continues to run, and the review application should be lodged within time even if the strategy is still being settled.

Steps to take now to protect your partner visa appeal chances

Steps taken in the first days after a refusal shape partner visa appeal chances. The essential steps are:

• note the date of notification and calculate the last day to apply, leaving a margin;
• read the refusal decision and identify every reason for refusal;
• confirm who has the right to apply for review;
• lodge the review application within time, with the fee or a fee reduction request;
• obtain a copy of the Department's file if it may contain material you have not seen;
• start gathering evidence that answers each reason for refusal;
• arrange updated police certificates or health checks if they may be needed;
• identify witnesses who can give useful evidence; and
• obtain legal advice on the strategy for the review.

Each of these steps protects partner visa appeal chances in a different way, and none should be left until the hearing is listed. Lodging the review application is the step that cannot wait. Evidence and submissions can be prepared after lodgement, but the review cannot proceed if the application is late.

How My Migration Lawyers assesses and improves partner visa appeal chances

My Migration Lawyers acts for couples at the Administrative Review Tribunal after partner visa refusals. The firm deals with complex partner visa reviews and acts in many matters of this exact type, including refusals based on the genuineness of the relationship, missing documents, inconsistencies, Schedule 3, sponsorship limitations and changed circumstances. It is capable of handling these matters from the day the refusal arrives through to the Tribunal's decision and any remittal.

The work on a partner visa review usually includes:

• Assessing partner visa appeal chances. Reading the refusal decision and the Department's file, identifying every issue, and advising honestly on what the Tribunal is likely to need to see.
• Lodging within time. Lodging the review application correctly and on time, with the right person as applicant.
• Building the evidence. Identifying new evidence that answers each reason for refusal, including evidence of changed circumstances.
• The couple's own account. Presenting updated statements from each partner, in their own words and reviewed and corrected by them, together with witness evidence.
• Written submissions. Preparing submissions that address each criterion, the evidence and the law.
• Hearing preparation and representation. Preparing the couple and witnesses for the hearing, and appearing at the hearing to make submissions.
• After the decision. Assisting with the Department's processing after remittal, or advising on judicial review and other options if the refusal is affirmed.

The firm is led by Weiwei Zhang, Principal Lawyer. You can read more about My Migration Lawyers and our work as immigration lawyers in Australia. We act for couples throughout Australia, including through our partner visa lawyers in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, the Gold Coast, Canberra, Hobart and Parramatta, and our immigration lawyers in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, the Gold Coast, Canberra, Hobart and Parramatta.

The firm's assessment of partner visa appeal chances is candid. Where a review has strong prospects, the firm says so and explains what will make the difference at the hearing. Where the prospects are weak, it says that too, and explains the alternatives. Either way, the couple know where they stand before they commit to a course.

If your partner visa has been refused and you are within time, the next step is to understand what will decide your review. Book a consultation with My Migration Lawyers online, or call 1300 040 300.