Can You Recommend a Good Partner Visa Lawyer?

How do I check that a partner visa lawyer is qualified?

A client can check that a partner visa lawyer is qualified by confirming that the lawyer holds a current practising certificate, which can be verified on the public register kept by the law society or legal regulator in the lawyer's state or territory. Lawyers with an unrestricted practising certificate can give immigration assistance without registering as migration agents. Our guide to choosing Australian migration lawyers explains the checks in more detail.

Why does a migration law focus matter for a partner visa?

A migration law focus matters for a partner visa because the rules on validity, Schedule 3, condition 8503, section 48, sponsorship limits and PIC 4020 are technical, and they change. A lawyer who works mainly in migration law is more likely to recognise these issues before lodgement, when they are easiest to deal with. Our article on the partner visa lawyer role explains the work involved at each stage.

What should a good partner visa lawyer explain at the start?

A good partner visa lawyer should explain at the start which subclass suits the couple, whether any risk could make the application invalid or lead to refusal, what evidence is needed across the four aspects of the relationship, and what the professional fee covers. The advice should be specific to the couple, not a general checklist. A fixed scope of work agreed in writing before work starts is a sign of a well-organised practice. Our article on partner visa lawyer versus DIY explains what this early advice usually changes.

How can I judge how a lawyer handles refusals and complex cases?

A client can judge how a lawyer handles refusals and complex cases by asking how the lawyer would approach the specific risk in the client's file, such as an earlier refusal, a short relationship or a character issue, and whether the lawyer also acts at the Administrative Review Tribunal. A clear and candid answer, including about the weaknesses in the case, is more useful than reassurance. A lawyer should never promise that a visa will be granted. Our page on partner visa refusals explains the review work involved.

Does it matter whether I see a lawyer or a migration agent?

It matters less whether a couple sees a lawyer or a registered migration agent than whether the adviser is qualified, focused on migration and clear about the scope of work. Both can lodge visa applications. A lawyer is regulated by the legal profession bodies under a practising certificate, and a registered migration agent is regulated by the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority. Our article on whether to use a migration agent or a lawyer sets out the factual differences.

What does My Migration Lawyers offer couples choosing a partner visa lawyer?

My Migration Lawyers offers couples a paid first consultation in which the partner visa pathway, the risks in their history and the evidence needed are assessed, followed by a written fixed fee for each stage of the work. The firm is led by Principal Lawyer Weiwei Zhang, can consult in Mandarin, and works from Level 1, 60 Martin Place, Sydney with clients across Australia and overseas. Couples can read about My Migration Lawyers and our partner visa lawyers, then decide whether the firm is the right fit for them.