Partner Visa Cultural Differences

Partner visa cultural differences are the customs, religious practices and family expectations that shape how a couple meet, marry and live together, and that may differ from what an Australian decision maker expects. Partner visa cultural differences do not prevent a partner visa from being granted. However, when they are not explained, they can be misread as signs that a relationship is not genuine. An arranged introduction, a short courtship, a wedding before living together, money managed through parents, or little public affection may all be normal in the couple's community, and still prompt questions from a case officer.

This guide explains how the law treats partner visa cultural differences, which customs most often attract questions, how marriages performed under religious or customary law are recognised, and how to present the couple's culture as context for a genuine relationship. For the wider picture, read our complete guide to partner visas in Australia. For advice on your own relationship, our partner visa lawyers can review your evidence.

Do partner visa cultural differences affect eligibility?

No. Partner visa cultural differences do not, on their own, affect eligibility. The criteria for the Subclass 820, Subclass 801, Subclass 309 and Subclass 100 visas require the applicant to be the spouse or de facto partner of the sponsor, and the definitions of those relationships apply to every couple in the same way, whatever their culture, religion or country.

For a married couple, section 5F of the Migration Act 1958 requires a valid marriage, a mutual commitment to a shared life as a married couple to the exclusion of all others, a genuine and continuing relationship, and a couple who live together or do not live separately and apart on a permanent basis. Section 5CB contains equivalent requirements for unmarried couples. None of these requirements assumes a Western model of courtship, cohabitation or family life.

What partner visa cultural differences can affect is how the evidence is read. The Department must consider the financial aspects of the relationship, the nature of the household, the social aspects of the relationship and the nature of the commitment, under regulation 1.15A or regulation 1.09A of the Migration Regulations 1994. If the couple's customs mean that one of these aspects looks unusual, the decision maker needs to understand why. That understanding comes from the evidence the couple provide.

Why partner visa cultural differences can raise questions

Partner visa cultural differences can raise questions because decision makers assess relationships against patterns they recognise. A relationship that began with an introduction by parents, involved a short engagement, and led to marriage before the couple lived together may be ordinary in the couple's community. To a decision maker who is unfamiliar with that community, the same facts can look like a relationship that was arranged quickly for a visa.

The Department's policy directs decision makers to consider all of the circumstances of the relationship. That includes the cultural context, but only if the context is in the evidence. A decision maker cannot be expected to know the customs of every community, and cannot rely on assumptions about them. The couple must explain their customs and show how they apply to their relationship.

The risk is greatest where partner visa cultural differences combine with other features, such as a significant age gap, limited time together, a previous visa refusal or a relationship that began online. In those cases, the cultural explanation must be especially clear and supported, because the decision maker will be looking for reasons to doubt the relationship.

Common misreadings of partner visa cultural differences

The same partner visa cultural differences are misread again and again. Knowing the common misreadings helps couples address them before they arise.

A short courtship read as a rushed relationship

A marriage that follows a short courtship can be read as a relationship arranged for a visa. In many communities, a short courtship after family approval is normal. The correct reading depends on how the decision was made and what happened afterwards.

No cohabitation before marriage read as no relationship

The absence of cohabitation before marriage can be read as a lack of commitment. Where custom or faith prohibits living together before marriage, the absence of cohabitation shows adherence to those values, not a lack of commitment.

Family-managed finances read as no financial interdependence

The absence of joint accounts can be read as a lack of financial interdependence. Where the family manages money, or partners contribute in different ways, the financial aspect is present but takes a different form.

Limited public affection read as a lack of intimacy

Few photographs of the couple together, or no social media presence, can be read as a lack of a real relationship. Where custom discourages public affection, other social evidence carries the weight.

Family involvement read as pressure

Strong family involvement in the relationship can be read as a sign that the couple did not choose each other. Family involvement and personal choice are not mutually exclusive, and the statement should show both.

Each of these partner visa cultural differences has a correct reading that supports the relationship. The couple's task is to give the decision maker the information needed to reach that reading.

Arranged and introduced marriages

Arranged and introduced marriages are the most common source of questions about partner visa cultural differences. The Department's policy is clear that the fact that a marriage was arranged by relatives, friends or a marriage broker does not of itself affect whether the marriage is recognised. What matters is that both parties gave real consent to the marriage, and that the relationship meets the other requirements in section 5F.

The policy also says that, although an arranged marriage may meet the requirement of a valid marriage, decision makers are expected to take particular care in assessing whether the couple have a mutual commitment to a shared life as a married couple to the exclusion of all others, and whether the relationship is genuine and continuing. In practice, that means the evidence must go beyond the marriage certificate and show the shared life that followed.

Real consent

A marriage requires the real consent of both parties. A forced marriage, where one party did not freely consent, is not valid. Where a marriage was arranged, the evidence should show that both partners chose to marry. That can be shown through the relationship statement, through evidence of the couple's communication before the marriage, and through statements from family members describing how the decision was made. Where one party was initially reluctant and later came to consent, the statement should say so honestly.

Introductions through family or community

Many relationships begin with an introduction by a parent, a relative, a family friend, a religious leader or a community network. An introduction is not an arrangement. The couple may have met, spoken and decided for themselves after being introduced. The relationship statement should explain who made the introduction, how the couple then got to know each other, and when and how they decided to marry.

Introductions through agencies

Some couples meet through a commercial introduction or matchmaking service. That is lawful and does not of itself suggest that a relationship is not genuine. It should be disclosed and explained. An introduction service that is concealed and later discovered can damage credibility far more than the introduction itself.

Dowry, bride price and wedding gifts

In some cultures, the families exchange money or gifts as part of an engagement or marriage, such as a dowry or bride price. These customs can concern a decision maker unfamiliar with them, because a payment connected with a marriage may look like a commercial arrangement.

Where a dowry, bride price or significant gift formed part of the marriage, it should be disclosed and explained. The explanation should describe the custom, who paid what to whom, and what it signified for the families. The relationship statement should make clear that the payment was a customary part of the marriage and that the couple's relationship rests on their own commitment. Partner visa cultural differences of this kind are best explained openly. A payment that is concealed and later discovered can raise questions that an open explanation would have answered.

Courtship, chaperoning and short engagements

In some cultures, couples do not spend time alone together before marriage, or do so only with family present. Courtship may take place mainly through family visits, telephone calls and messages, or religious and community events. Engagements may be short, and the wedding may follow soon after the families agree.

These partner visa cultural differences can make the early stage of the relationship look thin to a decision maker. The relationship statement should explain the customs that applied, how the couple communicated, what contact they had, and how their families were involved. Evidence of the communication, such as call logs and messages, and evidence of family meetings and ceremonies, helps fill the picture. A short engagement is not a reason for refusal, but the reasons for it should be stated.

Living together before and after marriage

The law requires the couple to live together or not live separately and apart on a permanent basis. It does not require the couple to have lived together before marriage. In many cultures, couples do not live together until after the wedding, and the statement should say so where that applies.

After marriage, couples may live with one partner's parents or extended family. That is common in many communities. It is still a shared household. The evidence should show that the couple live together within that household, that they are treated by the family as a married couple, and how household responsibilities are shared. Our guide to partner visa relationship evidence explains how the household aspect is assessed.

Separate finances and family-managed money

In some cultures, money is managed by the family rather than by the couple, or each partner keeps separate finances and contributes to the household in different ways. A husband may give money to his parents, who manage the household. A wife may contribute through work in a family business rather than through a salary. Remittances may be sent to extended family.

These partner visa cultural differences can make the financial aspects of the relationship look weak, because there may be no joint account and few documents in both names. The answer is to explain how money actually works in the household, and to provide the evidence that exists, such as transfers between the partners, payments of household costs, support for each other's families, and any legal arrangements such as wills or insurance nominations. The Department's policy accepts that some couples maintain separate accounts. What matters is evidence of financial interdependence in a form that fits the couple's life.

Public affection and social life

In some cultures, couples do not show affection in public, do not post photographs of each other on social media, or socialise mainly in separate groups of men and women. A decision maker looking for photographs of the couple at parties or on holiday may find few.

The social aspects of the relationship can still be shown. Evidence that the couple are recognised as married by their families and community, that they attend family and religious events together, that invitations are addressed to both, and that community members know them as a couple all establish the social aspects. Form 888 statements from community members, religious leaders and family friends can be particularly valuable where partner visa cultural differences limit other evidence.

Religious, customary and traditional marriages

Religious, customary and traditional marriages raise a legal question as well as an evidence question: is the marriage recognised as valid? The answer depends on where and how the marriage took place.

Marriages solemnised outside Australia

Under the Department's policy, a marriage solemnised outside Australia is generally recognised if it was valid under the law of the place where it took place, subject to the exceptions in the Marriage Act 1961. A marriage that is not recognised in the country where it was solemnised will not be recognised in Australia either. In many countries, a religious or customary ceremony is legally valid only once it has been registered with the civil authorities. In others, a religious ceremony is itself a legal marriage. The couple should provide evidence of the ceremony and of any registration required by local law.

Marriages solemnised in Australia

A marriage solemnised in Australia must comply with the Marriage Act 1961, including the requirements for an authorised celebrant, notice and the prescribed form. A religious ceremony in Australia that was not conducted under the Marriage Act, such as a ceremony performed by a religious leader who is not an authorised celebrant, may not be a valid marriage in Australian law, even though the couple and their community regard it as a marriage.

When a marriage is not recognised

Where a marriage is not recognised as valid, the couple are not spouses for the purposes of section 5F. Under the Department's policy, the relationship should then be considered against the definition of an unmarried relationship in section 5CB, which has its own requirements. The couple may also choose to marry again in a form that is legally recognised. Partner visa cultural differences of this kind should be identified and addressed before the application is lodged, because they can change which requirements apply.

Marriages that are never recognised

Some marriages are not recognised in Australia regardless of local law. These include marriages where either party was already married to someone else, marriages between people within a prohibited degree of relationship, and marriages where either party did not give real consent. Polygamous marriages are not recognised for partner visa purposes. Where a previous marriage has not been legally ended, the new marriage is not valid, even if a religious divorce has occurred. Evidence that a previous marriage ended, such as a civil divorce order, is essential.

Faith, conversion and interfaith relationships

Partner visa cultural differences can include differences of religion between the partners. Interfaith relationships are common and genuine. Where one partner has converted to the other's faith, or the couple practise different faiths, the statement should explain how they have handled that difference, how their families reacted, and how they plan to raise any children. Evidence of conversion, religious ceremonies and community recognition supports the account.

Faith can also explain other features of the relationship. A couple who did not live together before marriage for religious reasons, who married quickly once their families agreed, or who observe particular practices in their household, should explain the religious basis for those choices. The decision maker then has a reason for what might otherwise look unusual.

Family roles and gender roles

Partner visa cultural differences often show up in how the couple divide responsibilities. In some households, one partner works outside the home and the other manages the home and family. In others, extended family members carry significant responsibilities. The law does not prescribe any division of roles. What matters is that the couple share a life and support each other.

The relationship statement should describe the roles each partner plays, why, and how decisions are made. Where the couple's arrangement reflects their culture, the statement should say so. Evidence of each partner's contribution, whether financial, practical or emotional, shows the shared life that the law requires.

Language and communication differences

Many couples affected by partner visa cultural differences do not share a first language. They may communicate in a third language, in a mix of languages, or with the help of translation tools, and one or both may be learning the other's language. That is common and is not a reason for refusal.

The statement should explain how the couple communicate and how that has changed over time. Evidence that one or both partners are learning the other's language, such as enrolment in classes, shows commitment. Where messages between the partners are in a language other than English, a selection should be translated into English. At an interview, each partner is entitled to an interpreter in a language they speak well. An interpreter who does not speak the person's dialect should be raised at once, because misunderstandings can create conflicts in the record.

Names, dates and documents across cultures

Partner visa cultural differences also appear in documents. Naming conventions vary. Some people have a single name, some use a family name first, and some change names on marriage while others do not. Dates of birth may be recorded differently, or may be unknown for older family members. Events may be dated in a religious or lunar calendar. Documents may be issued by religious or local authorities rather than a national registry.

These differences can create apparent inconsistencies between documents and forms. Every name used, including spellings in different scripts, should be listed in the application. Dates should be given in the Gregorian calendar, with the original calendar date explained where relevant. Where a document comes from a religious or local authority, its source and purpose should be explained. Our Form 80 guide explains the personal history form where many of these details are recorded, and our guide to creating an ImmiAccount explains where the application is lodged.

Partner visa cultural differences when the couple live in different countries

Partner visa cultural differences often combine with distance. Where the applicant lives overseas, the couple may have spent most of their married life in the applicant's family home during visits, or apart, with the sponsor travelling back and forth. In some cultures, a married woman lives with her husband's family while he works elsewhere, or a newly married couple remain with their families until they can establish a home.

These arrangements must be explained against the legal requirement that the couple live together or do not live separately and apart on a permanent basis. Under the Department's policy, a separation must be temporary, and the couple must intend to live together in the future. The relationship statement should explain why the couple are apart, how long the separation is expected to last, how they maintain the relationship, and where and when they intend to live together. Evidence of visits, communication and financial support is essential. Our Subclass 820 partner visa guide and the offshore pathway explained on our Subclass 309 page cover the application process for each situation.

Partner visa cultural differences and children

Partner visa cultural differences can also affect how children are raised and where they live. In some families, grandparents or other relatives care for young children while the parents work, or children live with extended family in the home country for a period. Children from a previous relationship may be raised within one partner's extended family.

The nature of the household includes responsibility for children, so these arrangements should be described accurately. Where children live elsewhere for cultural or practical reasons, the statement should explain why and how both partners remain involved in their care. Every child must be declared in the application, whether or not they are included. Partner visa cultural differences in child-rearing are common, and an honest description of the family's arrangements is far better than an account that does not match the documents.

Explaining partner visa cultural differences in the relationship statement

The relationship statement is where partner visa cultural differences are explained. Our guide to the partner visa relationship statement explains its structure. For couples whose relationship reflects customs that may be unfamiliar to a decision maker, the statement should:

• describe the relevant customs plainly, without assuming the reader knows them;
• explain how those customs applied to this couple, with dates and specific events;
• describe each partner's own choice and consent at each stage;
• explain how the couple's daily life works now, including finances, household and social life;
• describe the families' involvement and attitudes;
• explain any feature that might otherwise look unusual, such as a short engagement or living with parents; and
• set out the couple's plans for the future.

The statement should be written in the couple's own words. It should not read like a description of a culture in general. A decision maker needs to understand this couple, not a community.

Avoid generalisations

Statements that say "in our culture, everyone does this" are less persuasive than statements that explain what the couple did and why. Generalisations can also be inaccurate, because customs vary within every community. The statement should describe the couple's own experience, with cultural context where it helps.

Evidence that supports partner visa cultural differences

Evidence that supports partner visa cultural differences includes the documents any couple would provide, together with evidence specific to the customs involved. Useful evidence includes:

• marriage certificates, religious certificates and evidence of civil registration where required;
• photographs and video of engagement and wedding ceremonies, with the people present identified;
• invitations and guest lists for ceremonies;
• letters or statements from religious leaders or community organisations;
• Form 888 statements from community members and family friends;
• evidence of communication before and after marriage;
• evidence of the shared household, including where the couple live with family;
• evidence of financial support between the partners and to each other's families; and
• evidence of joint attendance at family and religious events.

Our partner visa document checklist, 820 partner visa evidence checklist and guide to preparing evidence of a genuine relationship list the documents usually provided. Documents not in English should be translated into English.

Form 888 statements and community evidence

Form 888 statements are a valuable way to show partner visa cultural differences in context. A statement from a religious leader who conducted the ceremony, a community elder who knows both families, or a family friend who attended the wedding can explain the customs that applied and confirm that the couple are recognised as married. Our article on Form 888 example answers and common mistakes explains what each statement should contain.

Form 888 witnesses must be Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens. Where the most knowledgeable witnesses live overseas, their letters can still be provided as supporting evidence, though they are not Form 888 statements.

Partner visa cultural differences at interview

Partner visa cultural differences can create misunderstandings at interview. A question about when the couple started dating may not fit a relationship that began with a family introduction. A question about whether the couple lived together before marriage may be answered no, and then misread. A partner who has been taught not to speak about intimate matters may give short answers that appear evasive.

Preparation helps. Each partner should understand the kinds of questions likely to be asked and be ready to explain the customs that apply. Where a question does not fit their situation, they should say so and explain. Where an interpreter is used, each partner should check that they understand the interpreter. After the interview, any answer that was misunderstood should be clarified in writing promptly.

Cross-cultural couples

Partner visa cultural differences also arise where the partners come from different cultures. An Australian sponsor raised in one tradition and an applicant raised in another may have met while travelling, through work, through study or online. Their relationship may combine customs from both backgrounds, and each family may have different expectations.

Cross-cultural couples should explain how they have bridged their differences. The statement should describe how they met, how each family responded, which customs they followed for any engagement or wedding, how they communicate, and how they have decided to live. Evidence that each partner has engaged with the other's culture, such as attending religious or family ceremonies, learning the language or visiting the other's home country, shows a commitment that goes beyond the visa.

Where one family disapproved of the relationship because of cultural or religious differences, the statement should say so honestly and describe how the situation has developed. Disapproval does not mean the relationship is not genuine. It may show that the couple have chosen each other despite pressure.

Partner visa cultural differences and engaged couples

Couples who are engaged but not yet married may apply for the Subclass 300 prospective marriage visa, which allows the applicant to come to Australia to marry the sponsor. Partner visa cultural differences often arise here, because some couples have had a traditional or religious engagement or ceremony that their community regards as a marriage, but that is not a legally valid marriage.

The Department's policy notes that a Subclass 300 applicant must have met the sponsor in person since both turned 18 and must know them personally, including where the marriage was arranged before they turned 18. Where the couple have had a ceremony that is not a valid marriage, the application should explain what the ceremony was, why it is not a legal marriage, and when and how the couple intend to marry in a legally recognised way.

Partner visa cultural differences and forced marriage

Partner visa cultural differences must never be confused with forced marriage. A marriage entered into without the real consent of both parties is not valid, and forced marriage is a serious offence in Australia. The Department's policy notes that cases may arise where one party indicates that a marriage is proceeding only because of family duress or cultural pressure, or that they would prefer it not to proceed.

Anyone who is being pressured into a marriage, or into sponsoring a partner they do not wish to sponsor, should seek help. Where a relationship has ended because of family violence, the family violence provisions may allow a partner visa applicant to continue. In an emergency, contact police on 000.

Same-sex couples and cultural pressures

Same-sex couples from communities where same-sex relationships are not accepted may be unable to be open about their relationship with family or in their community. That is a cultural difference that affects the evidence of the social aspects of the relationship. Same-sex couples are assessed under the same law as any other couple, as our page on the LGBTI partner visa explains.

The statement should explain who knows about the relationship, who does not, and why. The evidence of the social aspects should come from the people who do know the couple, such as friends, colleagues and community groups. A decision maker should not draw an adverse inference from a couple's decision not to disclose their relationship to people who would reject it, but the couple must explain the situation so that the decision maker understands it.

When a decision rests on assumptions about culture

A decision maker must decide a partner visa on the law and on the evidence about the couple. A refusal that rests on a general assumption about how relationships should look, rather than on the evidence about this couple, may be open to challenge. For example, a finding that a relationship is not genuine because the couple did not live together before marriage, where the couple explained that their faith prohibited it, may show that the explanation was not properly considered.

Partner visa cultural differences that were explained in the application, but ignored or misunderstood in the decision, can be raised at review as part of the merits case. The ART decides afresh, so the couple can present the explanation again, with further evidence and witnesses. Where the Tribunal itself affirms a refusal and its decision contains a legal error, judicial review may be available. The strongest protection, however, is an application that explains the customs clearly from the start, so that the decision maker has no room for assumptions.

Requests and natural justice letters about partner visa cultural differences

If a case officer has questions about partner visa cultural differences, they may request more information under section 56 of the Migration Act 1958, or send a natural justice letter under section 57 inviting comment on adverse information. Our guides to responding to a section 56 request for more information and to the section 57 natural justice letter for a partner visa explain these letters.

A response that addresses partner visa cultural differences should explain the specific customs the decision maker appears to have misunderstood, with evidence. Where the decision maker has drawn an inference from the absence of cohabitation before marriage, the absence of a joint account or the speed of the engagement, the response should explain the cultural reason and point to the evidence of the shared life that followed. Where helpful, statements from religious leaders or community members can explain the customs from an authoritative source.

Partner visa cultural differences at ART review

If a partner visa is refused because the decision maker was not satisfied that the relationship is genuine, and partner visa cultural differences were part of the reasoning, the refusal can usually be reviewed by the Administrative Review Tribunal. The application for review must generally be made within 28 days after the day the person is notified of the decision, and that time limit cannot be extended. Our partner visa refusals page, our guide to partner visa refused appeal options and our guide to what to expect at ART review explain the process.

The ART decides the matter afresh and usually hears oral evidence. That is an opportunity to explain partner visa cultural differences in person, with witnesses who can describe the customs and the couple's relationship. An interpreter can be provided. Preparation should include identifying exactly which features of the relationship the Department misunderstood, and the evidence that explains them.

What Tribunal decisions show about partner visa cultural differences

Published Tribunal decisions show that relationships shaped by cultural and religious practice can be accepted as genuine where the evidence explains the customs and shows a real shared life. The decisions below were remitted, which means the Tribunal sent the matter back to the Department for reconsideration. A remittal is not a visa grant, and each decision turned on its own facts and evidence.

• Danquah (Migration) [2023] AATA 1378. A Subclass 309 matter involving a rapid inception of the relationship that was consistent with cultural beliefs, together with money transfers.
• Touri (Migration) [2021] AATA 4570. A Subclass 309 matter involving a valid marriage, limited financial arrangements, and social aspects of the relationship that were culturally appropriate.
• Nguyen (Migration) [2022] AATA 185. A Subclass 309 matter involving cultural engagement and a marriage registered in the home country, daily communication during travel restrictions, and the nature of the commitment.
• Hachem (Migration) [2024] AATA 472. A Subclass 300 matter in which the parties had a Nikkah ceremony and the Tribunal accepted that they continued genuinely to intend to be married.
• Phan (Migration) [2022] AATA 251. A Subclass 300 matter following a Federal Circuit Court remittal, involving a genuine intention to marry and live together, and a traditional, unregistered marriage in the home country.
• Jaohara (Migration) [2018] AATA 4541. A Subclass 820 matter in which the couple met through mutual family members, socialised with family and had joint finances.

These decisions illustrate that the Tribunal considers cultural context when it is explained and supported. The couple's own evidence of their shared life remains the centre of the case.

Partner visa cultural differences at the permanent stage

The partner visa process has two stages. The permanent Subclass 801 or Subclass 100 visa is assessed later, on whether the relationship is continuing. Our guide to Subclass 820 and Subclass 801 explains the stages. At the permanent stage, the couple should show how their shared life has developed. Where the first stage relied heavily on cultural explanations for limited evidence, such as no joint finances or few photographs, the second stage is an opportunity to show the relationship as it has grown, with more evidence of the household, finances and social life.

Onshore applications and validity

Where the applicant is in Australia, partner visa cultural differences are not the only issue. The applicant's visa conditions, such as condition 8503, and whether the applicant holds a substantive visa, can affect whether an onshore application can be made. Our guides to the no further stay condition 8503, the Schedule 3 criteria and moving from a tourist visa to a partner visa explain these issues. Our Subclass 820 visa and Subclass 309 visa pages explain the onshore and offshore pathways.

Getting advice on partner visa cultural differences

Advice on partner visa cultural differences is most useful before lodgement, while the explanation can be built into the application from the start. Where a couple have prepared their own application, a second opinion from an immigration lawyer can identify features that a decision maker may misread. Our article on the difference between a migration agent and an immigration lawyer explains the professional options.

Our articles on why partner visas get refused and the most common Subclass 820 refusal reasons show how misunderstood relationships lead to refusals. Where the sponsor has sponsored a partner before, the partner visa sponsorship limitations page explains the separate rules. Changes in circumstances after lodgement, such as a move or the birth of a child, are notified with Form 1022. Where the Tribunal has affirmed a refusal and its decision may contain a legal error, judicial review may be available, and our visa refusals page explains the wider options.

Partner visa cultural differences are not a reason to expect refusal. They are a reason to prepare carefully. A couple who explain their customs, show their shared life and support both with evidence give the decision maker every reason to accept the relationship.

How My Migration Lawyers helps with partner visa cultural differences

My Migration Lawyers acts in partner visa matters where partner visa cultural differences shape the relationship and the evidence. The firm deals with complex partner visa cases and acts in many matters of this exact type, including arranged and introduced marriages, religious and customary ceremonies, couples who lived with family after marriage, couples with family-managed finances and cross-cultural couples. It is capable of handling these matters from the first assessment through to review.

The work in a partner visa cultural differences matter usually includes:

• Recognition of the marriage. Checking whether a religious, customary or overseas marriage is legally recognised, and advising what to do if it is not.
• Understanding the customs. Taking detailed instructions from both partners about the customs that applied to their relationship, so that nothing is left to assumption.
• The couple's own account. Presenting the couple's account of their relationship, including the cultural context, in the form the law requires. The statement remains the couple's own account, which they review and correct before it is lodged.
• Evidence that fits the culture. Identifying evidence that shows the four aspects of the relationship in a form that fits the couple's life, including family, community and religious evidence.
• Community witnesses. Advising on Form 888 statements and letters from religious leaders and community members.
• Interview preparation. Preparing each partner to explain their customs clearly, with an interpreter where needed.
• Responses and review. Responding to requests and natural justice letters, and representing the couple at the ART if a refusal has been made.

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. Our articles on when you need an immigration lawyer for a partner visa, comparing a partner visa lawyer with doing it yourself and what to expect from an immigration lawyer consultation explain how the firm can help.

The firm does not ask couples to make their relationship look like someone else's. It presents the relationship as it is, with the customs and faith that shaped it, and shows the decision maker how that relationship meets the law. That approach respects the couple and gives the decision maker what it needs to decide.

Partner visa cultural differences should be explained before a decision maker misreads them. Book a consultation with My Migration Lawyers online, or call 1300 040 300.