Can a Lawyer Prepare Me for a Partner Visa Interview?

Why does the Department hold partner visa interviews?

The Department holds partner visa interviews when a case officer wants to test whether the relationship is genuine and continuing, clarify information in the application, or resolve differences between the couple's accounts or between the application and other records. Not every applicant is interviewed. An invitation does not mean the application will be refused, but it does mean the case officer has questions that matter to the decision. Our article on partner visa interview questions explains the usual topics.

What does a lawyer do to prepare me for a partner visa interview?

A lawyer preparing an applicant for a partner visa interview goes through the application, the relationship statement, the Form 888 statements and earlier visa applications to find dates, events or details that may be questioned. The lawyer then explains the format, the likely topics and how to deal calmly with a question the applicant cannot answer. Where an inconsistency already exists, the lawyer advises on how to explain it truthfully. Our article on conflicting statements explains how differences are treated.

What questions are asked at a partner visa interview?

The questions asked at a partner visa interview usually cover how the couple met, how the relationship developed, the living arrangements, daily routines, finances, family and friends, and plans for the future. Sponsors and applicants are sometimes interviewed separately so that their answers can be compared. Small honest differences in memory are normal, but major differences on basic facts can raise doubts. Our guide to the partner visa four pillars of evidence shows the areas these questions come from.

Should I memorise answers for a partner visa interview?

An applicant should not memorise answers for a partner visa interview. Rehearsed answers often sound unnatural, and identical wording from both partners can suggest coaching rather than a shared life. The better approach is to re-read what was lodged, refresh memory about key dates and events, and answer each question honestly in plain words. If an answer is not known, it is better to say so than to guess.

What happens after a partner visa interview?

After a partner visa interview, the case officer considers the answers together with the evidence already lodged. If the interview raises adverse information that would be part of the reason for refusing the visa, the Department may need to invite comment on it under section 57 before deciding. Further evidence can also be uploaded to address concerns. Our article on the section 57 natural justice letter explains how to respond if one arrives.

How does My Migration Lawyers prepare couples for a partner visa interview?

My Migration Lawyers prepares couples for a partner visa interview by reading the whole file as the case officer would, listing the points most likely to be tested and holding a preparation session by video with the applicant and sponsor. The firm explains the process, deals with any known inconsistency before the interview and follows up with further evidence or submissions where the interview raises a concern. Couples can speak with our partner visa lawyers once an invitation arrives, and where a refusal follows, our page on partner visa refusals explains the review options.