Four subclasses, what each costs, current processing times, and the evidence the Department expects.
The onshore partner visa. Who is eligible, the $11,710 charge, processing times and evidence.
Lodged from outside Australia. Eligibility, the $11,710 charge, processing times and evidence.
The Prospective Marriage visa. The $11,710 charge, the nine month window to marry, and the evidence.
For partners of New Zealand citizens. Cost, the five year validity, evidence, and paper lodgement.
Which visa applies, the evidence expected, and how to apply when you could not be open at home.
When criteria 3001, 3003 and 3004 apply, what counts as compelling reasons, and the Waensila principle.
Who can access them, the evidence required, the 2024 changes, and continuing your visa after leaving.
The two sponsorship limit, the five year rule, criminal record bars, and the regulation 1.20J waiver.
28 calendar days to apply to the ART. Success rates, deadlines by subclass, and what to do first.
Who qualifies, the refugee and complementary protection tests, the $50 charge, and the interview.
Eligibility, the refugee and complementary protection tests, the $50 charge, and how to apply.
Section 36(2)(aa). The five types of significant harm, the real risk test, and the exclusions.
What the delegate asks, how the interpreter works, what happens on the day, and how to prepare.
The particular social group ground, the S395 discretion principle, and how these claims are proved.
Converts, minorities and apostasy claims, how genuineness of belief is tested, and what evidence works.
28 days to apply to the ART. Time limits, success rates, and what happens if the Tribunal affirms.
Appeal deadlines by visa type, what the Tribunal does, why appeals fail, and what happens if you are late.
NOICC responses, the grounds for cancellation, review rights, and what happens if you do nothing.
The 35 day limit under section 477, what jurisdictional error means, and which court hears it.
Sponsorship, Skills in Demand nominations, labour agreements, DAMAs, and permanent residence pathways.
Partner Visa Questions and Answers
Clear answers on spouse, de facto and fiancé visas, from eligibility and evidence to section 57 letters, refusals and Tribunal review. Choose a topic or scroll the full list.
Partner Visa Basics
What a partner visa is, which subclass fits you, and what the government charges.
De Facto Relationships and the 12-Month Rule
How Home Affairs decides whether you are de facto partners, and how the 12-month rule and relationship registration work.
Evidence and the Four Pillars
The four pillars Home Affairs assesses: financial, household, social and commitment. What to provide and how much.
Talk to a partner visa lawyer
Not sure your evidence is strong enough?
We review your relationship evidence against what Home Affairs assesses before you lodge, so gaps are dealt with upfront.
Spouse and Marriage Visas
Marriage evidence, marrying in Australia or overseas, arranged marriages and applying while a divorce is pending.
Fiancé and Prospective Marriage Visas
The subclass 300 visa for couples who plan to marry in Australia within nine months of arriving.
Sponsors, Children and Family
Who can sponsor, sponsor limits, and including children in your application.
WHEREVER YOU’RE APPLYING FROM
Applying from overseas or bringing your partner to Australia?
We act for couples whether the applicant is in Australia or overseas, with consultations by video.
Partner Visa Processing
Applying from another visa, bridging visas, processing times and what happens while your application is assessed.
Section 56 Requests and Section 57 Letters
What to do when Home Affairs asks for more information or puts adverse information to you before deciding.
PARTNER VISA REFUSALS & REVIEWS
Refused, Invalid or Received a Section 57 Letter?
Deadlines in these matters are short and some cannot be extended. Send us the letter and we will tell you where you stand.
Refusals, the Tribunal and Judicial Review
Your review rights after a refusal, the Administrative Review Tribunal and judicial review.
Complex Cases
Character, Schedule 3, section 48, no further stay conditions, family violence, invalid applications and other difficult matters.
Talk to a partner visa lawyer
Talk to a partner visa lawyer
Complex partner visa matters need a clear strategy before anything is lodged. Tell us your situation and we will advise on your options.
Choosing a Partner Visa Lawyer
What to look for in a partner visa lawyer, and how My Migration Lawyers works.
SPEAK WITH OUR TEAM
Ready to Talk to a Partner Visa Lawyer?
Send us your details and we will come back to you by email to arrange a video consultation.
Partner Visa Lawyers by Location
We act for clients across Australia by video consultation.
Bringing Your Partner From Overseas, by Country
Partner visa help for Australians bringing a spouse or partner from overseas.
SPEAK WITH OUR TEAM
Ready to Talk to a Partner Visa Lawyer?
Send us your details and we will come back to you by email to arrange a video consultation.
About the Reviewer
Who Reviewed This Page
Weiwei Zhang is an Australian lawyer practising exclusively in Australian migration law and is the Principal Lawyer at My Migration Lawyers. She reviews the firm's published legal guidance for accuracy.
Weiwei Zhang
Managing Director and Principal Lawyer, My Migration Lawyers
Weiwei Zhang
Principal Lawyer
Weiwei Zhang is an Australian lawyer practising exclusively in Australian migration law and is the Principal Lawyer at My Migration Lawyers. She reviews the firm's published legal guidance for accuracy.
Last Reviewed
16 September 2026
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