Licensed & Registered Migration Law Practice
Licensed & Registered Migration Law Practice

Our Services

Which Partner Visa Situation Applies to You?

We handle every partner visa pathway and complex situation. Find yours below.

Client Reviews

What Our Clients Say

  • My protection visa journey was one of the hardest experiences of my life. The lawyers guided me through every stage, from my initial submission to my interview preparation. They kept me informed the entire time. No pressure tactics, other firms I had consulted all had tried to pressure me to sign on the spot. Best migration law firm in Australia.

    Lin Wei

  • I came to Australia fleeing a situation I cannot speak about publicly. These lawyers took my case seriously from day one. The legal submissions were detailed and professional. Interview preparation was thorough and I felt ready. Work done first, invoice after. Honest advice throughout. Protection visa approved. Forever grateful.

    Mariam Khalil

  • My protection visa was approved and I still cannot believe it. Coming from a country where being myself was dangerous, I needed lawyers who understood the seriousness of my situation. They prepared me thoroughly for my interview and handled every legal submission with care. No upfront fees, no pressure. Best firm in Australia.

    Omar Basyir

  • They are the best immigration lawyers in Australia

    Kararina Horvat

  • Great people and highly recommend!

    Maria Santos

Licensed & Registered Migration Law Practice

Plain English Explainer

How the Partner Visa Works

A plain-English overview of the partner visa pathways, what's involved, and how MML handles your matter end to end.

One partner may be on a temporary visa with a clear expiry date while the other watches the timeline approach.

One partner may be on a temporary visa with a clear expiry date while the other watches the timeline approach.

One partner may be on a temporary visa with a clear expiry date while the other watches the timeline approach.

Major life decisions such as buying a home, starting a family, or committing to long-term plans often remain on hold while the application is pending.

Major life decisions such as buying a home, starting a family, or committing to long-term plans often remain on hold while the application is pending.

Major life decisions such as buying a home, starting a family, or committing to long-term plans often remain on hold while the application is pending.

A single unlawful period can trigger Schedule 3 issues, turning a straightforward application into a far more complex legal matter.

A single unlawful period can trigger Schedule 3 issues, turning a straightforward application into a far more complex legal matter.

A single unlawful period can trigger Schedule 3 issues, turning a straightforward application into a far more complex legal matter.

Work rights, visa conditions, and lawful status must be managed carefully throughout the process.

Work rights, visa conditions, and lawful status must be managed carefully throughout the process.

Work rights, visa conditions, and lawful status must be managed carefully throughout the process.

Missing documents or poorly prepared evidence can create problems that only become visible once the Department has already formed concerns.

Missing documents or poorly prepared evidence can create problems that only become visible once the Department has already formed concerns.

Missing documents or poorly prepared evidence can create problems that only become visible once the Department has already formed concerns.

A refusal is not simply an inconvenience. It can result in separation while review or new visa options are explored.

A refusal is not simply an inconvenience. It can result in separation while review or new visa options are explored.

A refusal is not simply an inconvenience. It can result in separation while review or new visa options are explored.

Sponsors take on significant legal obligations that are often not properly explained at the outset.

Sponsors take on significant legal obligations that are often not properly explained at the outset.

Sponsors take on significant legal obligations that are often not properly explained at the outset.

Many firms treat partner visas as a routine administrative process. In reality, the consequences of mistakes fall entirely on the couple involved.

Many firms treat partner visas as a routine administrative process. In reality, the consequences of mistakes fall entirely on the couple involved.

Many firms treat partner visas as a routine administrative process. In reality, the consequences of mistakes fall entirely on the couple involved.

Suitability first, always

We assess your situation carefully before you commit to significant fees. If a partner visa pathway is not suitable, we will tell you, even if that means turning away the work.

Risks identified before lodgement

Potential Schedule 3 issues and other legal risks are identified early and addressed before an application is lodged, not discovered after the Department raises concerns.

Visa status planned in advance

Your bridging visa pathway is planned from the outset to reduce the risk of unlawful status or loss of work rights at any point during the process.

Staged fees, no large upfront cost

Professional fees are structured in stages so you are not required to pay the full amount upfront for a process that may take several years to complete.

Regular updates at defined intervals

You receive updates at defined intervals so you are never left wondering about the progress of your matter. Communication standards are committed to in writing before you sign.

Two-day cooling-off period on every engagement

Every engagement includes a two-business-day cooling-off period after signing, giving you time to reconsider your decision without any pressure whatsoever.

What Is at Stake

A Partner Visa Refusal Can Have Serious Consequences

A refusal is not simply an inconvenience. These are the real outcomes couples face when an application goes wrong.

  • 01

    Separation

    Partners may be separated while an appeal, review, or new visa strategy is prepared. There is no guaranteed timeline for reunion.

    02

    Section 48 Bar

    A Section 48 bar may prevent re-lodging onshore. The pathway to permanent residence can be delayed by years.

    03

    Work Rights Lost

    Work rights may be lost during certain bridging visa periods, creating immediate financial pressure and uncertainty.

    04

    $9,000+ Not Refunded

    Government visa charges exceeding $9,000 are generally not refundable if an application fails. Additional legal costs arise from review proceedings.

    05

    Travel Restricted

    Travel outside Australia can become risky or impossible while visa status is unresolved, affecting employment and family obligations.

    06

    Permanent Record

    Immigration records created by a refusal affect how all future visa applications are assessed by the Department.

    01

    Separation

    Partners may be separated while an appeal, review, or new visa strategy is prepared. There is no guaranteed timeline for reunion.

    02

    Section 48 Bar

    A Section 48 bar may prevent re-lodging onshore. The pathway to permanent residence can be delayed by years.

    03

    Work Rights Lost

    Work rights may be lost during certain bridging visa periods, creating immediate financial pressure and uncertainty.

    04

    $9,000+ Not Refunded

    Government visa charges exceeding $9,000 are generally not refundable if an application fails. Additional legal costs arise from review proceedings.

    05

    Travel Restricted

    Travel outside Australia can become risky or impossible while visa status is unresolved, affecting employment and family obligations.

    06

    Permanent Record

    Immigration records created by a refusal affect how all future visa applications are assessed by the Department.

The Process

The Partner Visa Process With MML

From your first consultation through to the grant of your permanent visa, here is exactly how we work with you at every stage.

Step 1

Initial Consultation & Assessment

Initial Consultation & Assessment

Initial Consultation & Assessment

We review your circumstances, identify any issues like Schedule 3, and give you a clear picture of your options, costs, and realistic prospects. You leave knowing exactly where you stand.

Step 2

Evidence Gathering & Preparation

Evidence Gathering & Preparation

Evidence Gathering & Preparation

We provide a detailed document checklist and help you compile evidence across the four pillars: financial, social, household, and commitment. We review everything before lodgement.

Step 3

Application Lodgement

Application Lodgement

Application Lodgement

We prepare and lodge your application with the Department of Home Affairs. Onshore applicants receive a Bridging Visa A with full work and study rights from day of lodgement.

Step 4

Processing & Updates

Processing & Updates

Processing & Updates

We monitor your application throughout, respond to all Department requests, and provide regular updates at defined intervals. You are never left wondering.

The MML Guarantee

Visa refused? Full professional fee refund.

Covers standard 820 partner visa applications

Covers standard 309 partner visa applications

Covers Prospective Marriage Visa 300 applications

Professional fees refunded in full if visa refused

Government fees paid to Department — non-refundable

Applies to standard applications

This guarantee applies to straightforward partner visa applications without Schedule 3 issues, character concerns, or health complications. Complex matters are assessed individually. Full terms provided at engagement.

LGBTIQ+ Partner Visas

Same-sex marriages and de facto relationships recognised

Evidence requirements tailored to your circumstances

Sensitive handling of country-of-origin complications

Discreet and respectful service throughout

Family Violence Provisions

Application can continue after relationship breakdown

Evidence requirements differ from standard applications

Statutory declarations and professional reports accepted

Your safety and wellbeing are the priority

Schedule 3 Matters

Applies if unlawful at any time since last entry

Compelling reasons required to waive criteria

Relationship must have existed before unlawful period

Ministerial intervention may be an option

Why Choose Us

Why Choose My Migration Lawyers

Book Your Assessment

Partner Visa Assessment

45 minutes with a migration lawyer. Clear advice. No pressure to proceed. Credited in full if you engage us.

Detailed eligibility assessment for your situation

Clear explanation of visa options and pathways

Identification of risks — Schedule 3, character, health

Transparent fee estimate with no hidden costs

No pressure to proceed — the decision is always yours

$300

45-minute consultation via Zoom

Available nationally — Credited in full towards your matter if you proceed - $30 separate booking fee applies

Licensed & Registered Migration Law Practice

Book Your Assessment

Partner Visa Assessment

45 minutes with a migration lawyer. Clear advice. No pressure to proceed. Credited in full if you engage us.

Detailed eligibility assessment for your situation

Clear explanation of visa options and pathways

Identification of risks — Schedule 3, character, health

Transparent fee estimate with no hidden costs

No pressure to proceed — the decision is always yours

$300

45-minute consultation via Zoom

Available nationally — Credited in full towards your matter if you proceed - $30 separate booking fee applies

Licensed & Registered Migration Law Practice

What is the difference between the 820 and 309 partner visa?

How long does the partner visa process take?

What evidence do I need to prove my relationship is genuine?

What is Schedule 3 and does it apply to me?

Can I apply if I have overstayed my visa or was unlawful?

Are same-sex relationships recognised for partner visas?

What happens during the $330 consultation?

What does the No Visa No Fee Guarantee cover?

How much does a partner visa cost in total?

My Migration Lawyers is a law firm regulated by the Legal Services Board. This page contains general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Your individual circumstances may differ. Immigration law is complex — obtain personalised legal advice before making any decisions.

Level 1, 60 Martin PI

Sydney, MSW 2000

© 2026 My Migration Lawyers.

My Migration Lawyers is a law firm regulated by the Legal Services Board. This page contains general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Your individual circumstances may differ. Immigration law is complex — obtain personalised legal advice before making any decisions.

© 2026 My Migration Lawyers.

My Migration Lawyers is a law firm regulated by the Legal Services Board. This page contains general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Your individual circumstances may differ. Immigration law is complex — obtain personalised legal advice before making any decisions.

Level 1, 60 Martin PI

Sydney, MSW 2000

© 2026 My Migration Lawyers.