Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

General FAQ

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1. Who is Partner Pathways?

Partner Pathways is an Australian immigration law firm specialising in partner visa Australia and family visas. We guide Australian citizens, permanent residents, and their foreign partners or family members through each step of the partner visa application process. Our goal is to make the journey smoother by offering partner visa consultation, dedicated support, and transparent fixed fees.​

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2. What types of visas do you handle?

We focus on partner and family-related visas, including:

• Partner visas (subclasses 820/801 and 309/100)

• Prospective Marriage visas (subclass 300)

• Parent visas (both contributory and non-contributory)

• Child visas (subclasses 101 and 802)

• Other family stream visas

 

If you’re unsure which visa best suits your relationship, we can help identify the right pathway—whether it’s a marriage visa Australia or a de facto visa Australia.

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3. What is your “No Visa, No Fee” policy?

For all visas we assist with, we offer a “No Visa, No Fee” guarantee on our professional fee. This means if your visa application is refused for reasons beyond your control, we will refund our professional fee in full. However, if the refusal is due to your own actions or omissions—such as submitting false information or failing to provide required documents—the guarantee does not apply.

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4. Are there any exceptions to the “No Visa, No Fee” guarantee?

 

Yes. The guarantee does not apply if:

• You provide misleading information or fraudulent documents.

• You fail to provide documents or details the Department requests, causing refusal.

• You do not follow legal requirements (e.g. health checks, character checks, deadlines).

 

If the refusal happens for reasons beyond your control—such as a discretionary Department decision—our policy still applies, and you will receive a refund of our professional fee.

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5. How are your fees structured?

We charge a fixed professional fee for each visa type, so you know your costs upfront. Our fees typically cover:

• Eligibility assessments and initial partner visa advice Australia

• Document checklists and guidance

• Completing and lodging your partner visa application

• Handling requests from the Department of Home Affairs

• Ongoing support until a decision is reached

 

Government charges and external costs (e.g. medicals, police checks, translations) are not included in our professional fee. We advise on these likely costs at the outset.

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​​​​​​​​​​​6. Can you give an indication of professional fee ranges?

 

Below is our fee table for a “No Visa, No Fee” service:

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“No Visa, No Fee” Guarantee Terms and Conditions

 

We provide a conditional guarantee that if your visa application is refused, our professional fee will be refunded, subject to the terms below. This is not a guarantee of visa approval—only a promise to refund your fee if the outcome is unsuccessful under certain conditions.

 

Scope of Guarantee

 

Applies only to our professional fees for this visa application. Does not cover disbursements, government charges, or third-party costs. If your application is refused despite us providing all agreed services—and none of the exclusion conditions apply—you are entitled to a full refund.

 

Exclusions

 

No refund applies if:

• You provide false or misleading information.

• You fail to provide documents within a reasonable timeframe.

• You do not comply with legal requirements or our guidance.

• You change your mind or fail to proceed with the application.

If the refusal occurs for reasons beyond your control—e.g. a sudden change in law—the guarantee still applies.

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7. Do you guarantee a successful visa outcome?

No. Only the Department of Home Affairs can grant or refuse a visa. We do everything within our professional ability to prepare and lodge a strong partner visa application. If the refusal is for reasons beyond your or our control, our “No Visa, No Fee” policy applies.

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8. What if my visa is refused?

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• We review the refusal reasons to determine if it falls under our guarantee.

• If you are entitled to a refund, we return our professional fee in full, typically within 14 days.

• We can discuss whether appealing or reapplying is in your best interest, including the AAT process for appeal partner visa refusal Australia.

 

9. How long does the visa process take?

Timeframes vary by visa subclass and individual circumstances. For instance, partner visa 820 to 801 processing time and stages can range from several months to over a year. We keep you updated on typical processing times and how best to present a complete application.

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10. How do you maintain confidentiality and privacy?

We are legal practitioners bound by professional and ethical obligations. Your personal information and documents are treated with strict confidentiality. Details are only shared as needed, for example with the Department of Home Affairs.

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11. Do I need to provide original documents?

Most applications are lodged with certified or clear scanned copies. However, you should have originals on hand if the Department requests further checks. We guide you on which documents need certification or special formatting.

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12. What if my circumstances change during the application?

Please notify us immediately about any changes—marriage plans, pregnancy, passport changes, or new addresses. We’ll advise if updates need to be submitted to the Department to keep your application valid.

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13. I’m not sure which visa is right for my relationship circumstances. How do I start?

Contact us for an initial consultation. We’ll assess whether you qualify for a spouse visa Australia, a de facto visa Australia, or a marriage visa Australia and recommend the most suitable pathway. We’ll also discuss eligibility and any potential issues.

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14. How do I get started?

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• Book an initial consultation via our website or by calling 1800 315 199.

• Submit an online inquiry form with basic details about you and your partner/family. We’ll respond promptly with next steps, indicative costs, and how we work.

 

15. Where can I find more details about your terms and conditions?

 

Our full “No Visa, No Fee” Terms and Conditions are on our website and form part of our costs agreement with you. We recommend reviewing them to understand the scope of our services, exclusions, and your responsibilities.

 

16. How can I contact Partner Pathways for more information?

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• Website: www.partnerpathways.com.au

• Phone: 1800 315 199

• Email: help@partnerpathways.com.au

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Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801 Onshore and 309/100 Offshore)

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17. Why are Partner visa applications commonly refused?

Partner visas are frequently refused due to insufficient evidence of a genuine and committed relationship, especially for de facto visa Australia where a 12-month relationship period must be shown (unless registered). Another issue is not meeting Australian spouse visa requirements, including having an eligible sponsor. Inconsistencies in forms, health or character issues, or undisclosed sponsor convictions can also lead to refusal.

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18. How can I maximise my chances of a successful Partner visa application?

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• Provide comprehensive evidence of a genuine relationship, such as proof of shared finances and living arrangements.

• Ensure consistency and honesty across all documents and statements.

• Address health and character requirements early.

• Promptly respond to any requests for further information.

• Seek professional guidance if you’re unsure how to prove genuine relationship for partner visa Australia.

 

19. What evidence does the Department of Home Affairs look for in Partner visa applications?

They look for proof of shared finances (joint accounts, bills), cohabitation (lease agreements), social recognition (photos, statements from friends and family), and mutual commitment (future plans). You must also submit identity documents, sponsor’s Australian citizenship or permanent residency proof, police clearances, and health checks.

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20. What documents does Partner Pathways require from me for a Partner visa application?

We need identity documents (passports, birth certificates), marriage or de facto registration evidence, shared financial documentation, lease or mortgage records, statutory declarations, sponsor’s documents, and any relevant travel or communication logs. We’ll guide you using a detailed Australian partner visa document checklist 2025 to ensure you’re prepared.​

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Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300)

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21. Why are Prospective Marriage visa applications refused?

Common reasons include failing to meet the basic condition of having met in person, or one party not being free to marry. Insufficient evidence of a genuine relationship, inconsistent information, or sponsor ineligibility are also factors. Health and character requirements can lead to refusal as well.

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22. How can I maximise my chances of a successful Prospective Marriage visa application?

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• Show concrete evidence you have met in person.

• Provide proof of a genuine relationship (photos, travel receipts, chat logs).

• Demonstrate intention to marry with wedding plans or a Notice of Intended Marriage.

• Make sure your sponsor meets eligibility criteria.

• File a complete and consistent application, responding promptly to Department requests.

 

23. What evidence does the Department of Home Affairs look for in Prospective Marriage visa applications?

They need proof of in-person meetings, genuine intentions to marry within nine months, and a sponsor who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident. You should provide photographs, passport stamps, booking receipts, a Notice of Intended Marriage, and sponsor eligibility documents.

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24. What documents does Partner Pathways require from me for a Prospective Marriage visa application?

We’ll request identity documents, evidence of having met in person (travel itineraries, hotel receipts), letters from a celebrant, statutory declarations, sponsor police checks, and more. Our experience as partner visa experts Australia ensures we guide you through each requirement.

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Parent Visas (Contributory and Non-Contributory)

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25. What are common reasons for Parent visa refusals?

Refusals often occur due to failing the Balance of Family test, health issues without waivers, incomplete family information, or sponsor eligibility problems (e.g. Assurance of Support not met).

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26. How can I maximise my chances of a successful Parent visa application?

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• Ensure accurate family listings to pass the Balance of Family test.

• Confirm your sponsor is settled in Australia.

• Address health issues early.

• Prepare financially for Assurance of Support requirements.

• Respond quickly to any requests for additional information.

 

27. What evidence does the Department of Home Affairs look for in Parent visa applications?

Proof of the parent-child relationship (birth or adoption certificates), Balance of Family test compliance, sponsor eligibility, and adequate Assurance of Support. Health and character checks are also required.

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28. What documents does Partner Pathways require from clients for Parent visa applications?

We need identity documents, birth certificates, marriage or partnership proofs, sponsor residency and citizenship evidence, relevant forms (47PA, 40, 47A), medical exams, police clearances, and financial support documentation.

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Child Visa (Subclass 101 Offshore / 802 Onshore)

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29. Common Reasons for Child Visa Refusals

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• Failing age or dependency criteria.

• Missing consent (Form 1229) from non-migrating parents.

• Insufficient relationship evidence (e.g. DNA mismatches).

• Health or character concerns.

• Sponsor ineligibility.

 

30. Maximising Your Child Visa Application Success

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• Confirm eligibility regarding age, dependency, and full-time education.

• Obtain formal consent or court orders.

• Provide comprehensive evidence of the parent-child relationship.

• Address medical conditions upfront and ensure forms are completed accurately.

 

31. Evidence the Department of Home Affairs Requires for Child Visas

Identity verification, proof of the parent-child relationship, sponsor’s Australian citizenship or permanent residency, consent documentation, and health and character checks.

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32. Documents Partner Pathways Requires for Child Visa Applications

We request passports, birth certificates, sponsor citizenship proof, consent forms (Form 1229), financial or dependency evidence (for older children), and relevant court or previous visa records.

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Other Family Visas (Remaining Relative, Carer, Aged Dependent, Orphan Relative)

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33. Common Reasons for “Other Family” Visa Refusals

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• Remaining Relative Visa: Another close family member lives outside Australia or undisclosed details.

• Carer Visa: Medical assessment does not support the need for constant care.

• Aged Dependent Relative: Insufficient proof of long-term financial dependence or age ineligibility.

• Orphan Relative: Child is not genuinely orphaned or sponsor cannot provide a safe environment.

 

34. Maximising Success for “Other Family” Visa Applications

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• Remaining Relative: Document the entire family tree accurately.

• Carer Visa: Provide robust medical reports confirming the care requirement for at least two years.

• Aged Dependent Relative: Demonstrate consistent financial support for at least three years.

• Orphan Relative: Prove parents are deceased, missing, or incapacitated, and show the sponsor’s ability to care.

 

35. Evidence Required by the Department of Home Affairs for Other Family Visas

They typically require identity documents, relationship proofs, health checks, character assessments, and sponsor eligibility documentation relevant to each visa subclass.

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36. Documents Partner Pathways Requires for “Other Family” Visa Applications

We gather identity documents, birth and marriage certificates, court or legal records establishing relationships, financial statements (for dependency), and specialist medical evidence where relevant. Sponsor checks (citizenship, police clearances) are also essential.

We look forward to assisting you to achieve a successful visa outcome—whether you’re pursuing a marriage visa Australia, exploring a de facto visa Australia pathway, or seeking other family visa Australia (partner) options.

Tourist Visa (Subclass 600) FAQ

37. Can I work in Australia on a Tourist Visa?

 

No. The Tourist Visa does not allow work.

 

38. How much money do I need to show for my application?

 

You must show enough to cover your stay. This varies by length of stay and personal circumstances.

 

39. Can I extend my Tourist Visa?

 

Extensions are typically not allowed, but in some cases you may apply for a new visa if you meet eligibility criteria.

 

40. What if my Tourist Visa is refused?

 

We can review the refusal reasons and advise on remedies or alternative visas.

Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300) FAQ

41. How soon do we need to marry after I arrive in Australia?

 

You must marry within the visa’s validity period, usually nine months.

 

42. Can I work in Australia on this visa?

 

Yes, you can.

 

43. What happens after we get married?

 

You should then apply for a Partner Visa to remain in Australia.

 

44. Can we apply while in Australia?

 

No, you must be outside Australia to apply for Subclass 300.

Partner (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 309) & Partner (Migrant) Visa (Subclass 100) FAQ

45. What is the difference between Subclass 309 and Subclass 100?

 

Subclass 309 is temporary, granted first. Subclass 100 is permanent and granted later if eligibility is maintained.

 

46. How long until the permanent visa (Subclass 100) is granted?

 

Typically, around two years from your Subclass 309 application date.

 

48. Do I need to be married to apply for a Partner Visa?

 

No. De facto couples can apply if they’ve lived together for at least 12 months.

 

49. Can I work on these visas?

 

Yes, both visas permit work in Australia.

Partner Visa (Temporary) (Subclass 820) & Partner Visa (Permanent) (Subclass 801) FAQ

50. What’s the difference between Subclass 820 and 801?

 

Subclass 820 is a temporary visa granted first; Subclass 801 is permanent if you continue to meet the requirements.

 

51. Can I include my children?

 

Yes. Dependent children can be included in the application.

 

52. How long until I get the permanent visa (Subclass 801)?

 

Generally about two years after you apply for Subclass 820.

 

53. Can I travel overseas while waiting?

 

You can, but you’ll need a Bridging Visa with travel rights if applying onshore.

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