Family violence
provisions
Australian law protects partner visa applicants who experience family violence - the pathway to permanent residence can continue even if the relationship has ended.
You should not have to stay in a violent relationship to protect your visa. The Migration Regulations contain specific family violence provisions for exactly this situation.
If you have applied for a partner visa (such as the 820/801 or 309/100) and the relationship ends because of family violence committed by your sponsor, you may still be granted permanent residence. The provisions recognise that no one should be forced to choose between their safety and their migration status.
Evidence the Department Accepts
- ●Judicial evidence: court orders (IVOs/ADVOs), convictions or injunctions against the sponsor.
- ●Non-judicial evidence: a combination of statutory declarations and reports from prescribed professionals - doctors, psychologists, social workers, family violence support services - together with your own declaration.
Strict Confidentiality
Information you provide to the Department about family violence is not shared with the sponsor. Our own handling of these matters is trauma-informed and strictly confidential - communications go only to contact details you tell us are safe.
Timing matters: the provisions apply at specific stages of the partner visa process, so getting advice early protects your options.
If you are in danger now
Call 000 in an emergency. For confidential counselling and support, 1800RESPECT is available 24/7 on 1800 737 732. Your safety comes first; the visa strategy follows.
Your safety first. Your status protected
Book a private consultation with an Australian migration lawyer - everything you tell us stays confidential.
Book a private consultation