Reuniting families with legal certainty
Partner visa applications face forensic scrutiny of your relationship history. We build decision-ready applications for subclasses 820/801, 309/100 and 300 — evidence audited, declarations drafted, lodged once and lodged properly.
Three partner pathways, one evidence standard
Subclass 820/801
For partners already in Australia. A combined temporary + permanent application with bridging rights and work access while it is assessed.
Visa details → OffshoreSubclass 309/100
For partners outside Australia. A two-stage route managed through Australian missions abroad, built for global relocation planning.
Visa details → Prospective marriageSubclass 300
For couples intending to marry in Australia, then transition to the 820/801 at a reduced government fee.
Visa details →The 4 pillars of evidence
The Department assesses relationship genuineness across four specific criteria. We audit each pillar before lodgement.
- ✓ Financial co-mingling
- ✓ Shared domestic life
- ✓ Public recognition
- ✓ Mutual commitment
Financial
Joint accounts, pooled resources and shared liabilities — the paper trail of a shared life.
Household
Joint leases, utilities and the division of domestic responsibilities under one roof.
Social
How family, friends and institutions see you — Form 888 declarations, invitations, travel.
Commitment
Long-term plans, mutual knowledge of each other’s lives and the history of your union.
The Department now expects decision-ready applications
Home Affairs’ April 2026 partner processing update changed the game: lodge complete, or expect a refusal. There is typically only one opportunity to respond before a decision is made.
One s 56 request
Applicants should expect a single request for further information — not an ongoing dialogue. Gaps at lodgement now drive refusals.
ImmiAccount only
Online lodgement through ImmiAccount is the only accepted channel. Paper-era habits and partial uploads are out.
Evidence freshness
Stale relationship evidence, expired police checks and out-of-date health checks are now common refusal triggers. We calendar validity windows.
Onshore vs offshore
Choosing the right stream is the first strategic decision. Onshore applications (820/801) provide bridging rights and work access while you wait; offshore applications (309/100) allow for global relocation planning and are assessed through Australian missions abroad. The wrong choice can cost months — or a refusal.
Request a briefingWhy hire a partner visa lawyer?
The government application charge — paid directly to the Department of Home Affairs — is substantial, and it is not refunded if you are refused. A refusal typically means years at the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) plus a further government review fee. Getting it right the first time is everything.
We manage the entire process: drafting statutory declarations, auditing and certifying documents, checking sponsorship eligibility and managing the file with the Department of Home Affairs until decision.
Estimate the current government charges for your pathway with our visa fee calculator, or confirm at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
The full family practice
Family violence provisions
A pathway to permanent residence if a relationship ends because of family violence.
Your legal rights → Subclass 143 / 103 / 804 / 864Parent visas
Contributory and non-contributory streams, the balance-of-family test and assurance of support.
Explore options → Subclass 101 / 802 / 445Child visas
Permanent reunion for dependent children of Australian citizens and permanent residents.
Explore options → Conferral & descentAustralian citizenship
Residence requirements, the citizenship test and review of refusals at the ART.
Explore options → PIC 4007Health waivers
Strategy for family members who do not meet the health requirement at first instance.
Legal strategy → Free toolPartner eligibility screen
A two-minute screening of sponsorship, relationship status and evidence strength.
Start screening →Partner visa FAQs
How long does a partner visa take to process?
Processing times vary with the quality of the application and departmental volumes. As at February 2026, the median for the provisional partner stage was around 17 months. A decision-ready application — complete evidence, current police checks and health examinations at lodgement — is the single biggest factor within your control.
How much does a partner visa cost in 2026?
There are two separate costs. The government visa application charge is set by, and paid directly to, the Department of Home Affairs — it is not a fee charged by Rise Migration Lawyers, and it changes each 1 July. You can estimate the current charge for your pathway with our visa fee calculator or confirm it at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. Our professional fees are separate, fixed in writing, and quoted after a consultation.
Do we need to be married to apply?
No. You can apply as a de facto couple if you have lived together for at least 12 months, or if you have registered your relationship in a participating Australian state or territory. Married and de facto applicants face the same four-pillar evidence assessment.
Can I work while the application is processed?
Most onshore applicants are granted a Bridging Visa A with full work rights, which takes effect when the current substantive visa expires. Medicare access is also typically available once an onshore application is lodged. Offshore applicants wait outside Australia and do not receive bridging rights.
What happens if the application is refused?
Most partner visa refusals can be reviewed at the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART), subject to strict lodgement deadlines and a government review fee. Since the April 2026 processing changes, prevention matters more than ever: there is typically one s 56 request before a decision, so the application must be complete when lodged.
One application. One chance to get it right
Book a consultation with an Australian migration lawyer and have your evidence audited before the Department sees it.
Book a consultationor call +61 411 807 172