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Partner Visa Melbourne Lawyers

Apply for a Partner Visa in Melbourne with Experienced Migration Lawyers

Our experienced partner visa lawyers in Melbourne assist couples across Victoria with partner visa Australia applications, including Subclass 820, 801, 309 and 100 visas. Whether you are applying onshore or offshore, our migration lawyers provide strategic advice and professional support to prepare a strong application and ensure your relationship evidence is presented in line with Australian migration requirements. Eligible sponsors include an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. For complex cases or to improve your chances of success, it is recommended to seek legal advice from experienced immigration lawyers.

Ranked Best Lawyers
2026 & 2027

Winner of the
Australian Law Awards

Ranked Best Law
Firms Australia 2027

Ranked in Doyle’s
Guide Leading Immigration
Lawyers 2023-26

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Types of Partner Visa

The Australian Migration Lawyers difference

Meet With Our Melbourne Partner Visa Lawyers

Our Melbourne partner visa lawyers provide detailed legal guidance to partner visa applicants and couples navigating the partner visa process. We understand that each relationship is unique, and we focus on ensuring your application accurately reflects the genuine and continuing nature of your relationship in accordance with migration law.

We assist partner visa applicants with assessing eligibility, structuring relationship evidence, and preparing submissions that address the legal requirements of the Department of Home Affairs. Our team also provides ongoing support throughout the application process, including responding to requests for further information and managing complex or sensitive cases.

If you are considering applying for a partner visa, Australian Migration Lawyers can provide clear and strategic legal assistance tailored to your circumstances as a partner visa applicant. Contact our Melbourne team to discuss your situation and explore your options.

Melbourne

Level 45/600 Bourke St, Melbourne
VIC 3000, Australia

Southbank

117 Queens Bridge St, Southbank
VIC 3006, Australia

Phone

Call us on
1300 150 745

Business hours

Monday – Friday:
9am – 6pm

Saturday – Sunday:
9am – 1pm

Payment options

Bank transfer, credit card
(VISA, Mastercard, or AMEX).

3–6 monthly instalments
available in some cases

Postal address

PO Box 13118
Law Courts 8010

Visa Services from Trusted Melbourne Migration Lawyers

Protection Visa

Protection Visa

We provide sensitive and professional legal support for protection visa applicants.

Protection Visa
Employer-Sponsored Visa

Employer-Sponsored Visa

We assist employers and employees with sponsorship and visa applications.

Employer-Sponsored Visa
Skilled Migration Visa

Skilled Migration Visa

We advise on skilled migration pathways, including state-nominated and points-tested visas.

Skilled Migration Visa
Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) Appeal

Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) Appeal

Our lawyers represent clients in Administrative Review Tribunal proceedings.

ART Appeal
Visa Refusal Appeal

Visa Refusal Appeal

We provide representation and advice for visa refusal matters and review options.

Visa Refusal Appeal
Australian Citizenship

Australian Citizenship

We assist eligible applicants with citizenship applications and requirements.

Australian Citizenship
Family Visa

Family Visa

Our team provides guidance on family migration options to support family reunification.

Family Visa
Parent Visa

Parent Visa

We assist with parent visa applications, including contributory and non-contributory pathways.

Parent Visa
Migration Court Review

Migration Court Review

We assist with judicial review applications in the Federal Circuit and Family Court, helping identify legal errors and prepare a well-supported case for review.

Migration Court Review
Visa Cancellation

Visa Cancellation

We assist with judicial review applications in migration matters.

Visa Cancellation
Visitor Visa

Visitor Visa

We assist with visitor visa applications, including complex and refusal matters.

Visitor Visa

50+ years

years of combined experience

100% success rate

for Partner visas for genuine and continuing spousal relationships

Experienced

migration lawyers and migration agents representing clients at tribunal and court level

Award winning

law firm, recognised as leading migration lawyers and migration agents

Our Melbourne Success Stories

a boy standing in fron of tents

ART Appeals

Protection Visa (866)

Melbourne

, Victoria

Protection Visa: ART Appeal Victory

Timeline: 

1 year

Benjamin Magill

August 26, 2025

Read more

Skills in Demand (482)

Melbourne

, Victoria

Employer Visa Brings Whole Family to AU

Timeline: 

5 months

Dr Cindy Zhao
Read more

Partner Visa (820/801)

Melbourne

, Victoria

Schedule 3 Overcome: Double Partner Visa

Timeline: 

2 years and 11 months

Dr Cindy Zhao
Read more

Partner Visa (820/801)

Melbourne

, Victoria

Partner Visa (820/801) Resilience & Success

Timeline: 

17 hours (after lodgement)

Hannah Warner Headshot
Hannah Warner

June 25, 2026

Read more

Partner Visa (820/801)

Melbourne

, Victoria

Ireland to AU: LGBTQI+ Partner Visa Success

Timeline: 

14 months

headshot of yasmin hicks
Yasmin Hicks

June 11, 2026

Read more
View all success stories

Regional locations

Find your destination:

Expert Migration Law Services Across Australia

Our legal expertise in migration law extends far beyond assisting clients in Australia's capital cities. We provide comprehensive support to individuals, families, and businesses in many locations across the country.

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Partner Visa Eligibility Requirements

Genuine and continuing relationship requirement

Applicants must demonstrate that they are in a genuine relationship that is ongoing and meets the requirements set out under Australian migration law. The Department of Home Affairs requires significant evidence to satisfy that a relationship is genuine and ongoing.

Marriage or de facto relationship requirements

The relationship must meet legal definitions of marriage or de facto partnership, depending on the visa pathway.

Health and character requirements

All applicants must satisfy Australia’s health and character requirements, including medical and police checks.

Sponsor eligibility requirements

Sponsors must meet eligibility criteria, including being an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, and compliance with sponsorship obligations. If the sponsor is not eligible or has a criminal history, the partner visa application may be refused.

Evidence Required for a Partner Visa Application

Financial aspects of the relationship

Evidence may include shared financial responsibilities, joint accounts, or financial interdependence.

Household arrangements

Applicants may need to demonstrate shared living arrangements and domestic responsibilities.

Social recognition of the relationship

Evidence can include statements from family and friends, social documentation, and public acknowledgment of the relationship.

Commitment to each other

Applicants must demonstrate mutual commitment, often supported by communication records and relationship history.

Partner Visa Application Process

1

Consultation and engagement

The process begins with a detailed assessment of your relationship and visa eligibility to determine the most appropriate pathway.

2

Preparation of relationship evidence

Comprehensive evidence is prepared to demonstrate the genuine and continuing nature of the relationship in accordance with migration requirements.

3

Lodgement of the partner visa application

The application is formally lodged with the Department of Home Affairs, supported by relevant documentation and submissions.

4

Communication with the Department and ongoing support

Ongoing support is provided throughout the assessment process, including responding to Departmental requests and managing case updates.

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Benefits of using Melbourne based migration Lawyers

Partner visa applications require careful preparation and a strong evidentiary foundation to demonstrate the authenticity of the relationship. Engaging a migration lawyer can assist in ensuring that your application is structured correctly and supported by relevant documentation.

Legal assistance can also help identify potential issues early, reduce the risk of delays, and ensure compliance with evolving migration requirements.

Australian Migration Lawyers provide tailored legal support to assist couples throughout the partner visa process. Contact our Melbourne team to discuss your circumstances.

  • High success rate
  • Saves you time
  • Legal advice when you need it and representation in court
  • Providing the most up-to-date knowledge on visa policies, including those for employer sponsored visas
  • Tailor advice to your personal circumstances
  • A Melbourne Migration Lawyer can meet with you in person to discuss your application
Australian Migration Lawyers team

Costs Involved When Applying for a Partner Visa in Melbourne

Government partner visa application fees

The combined Subclass 820/801 (onshore) or Subclass 309/100 (offshore) pathway carries a government charge of $11,710 for the primary applicant, $5,860 for each additional applicant aged 18 or over, and $2,935 for each additional applicant under 18, effective 1 July 2026. These charges are set by the Department of Home Affairs and reviewed annually.

Legal and professional service fees

Professional fees depend on the complexity of the application and the level of legal assistance required.

Additional documentation and translation costs

Additional costs may apply for document preparation, certified translations, and supporting evidence.

Partner Visa Processing Times in Melbourne

Factors affecting processing times

Processing times can vary depending on application completeness, relationship complexity, and Departmental workload.

Typical partner visa timelines

Partner visa applications are generally assessed over an extended period, particularly where additional information or relationship verification is required.

Migration lawyer working at desk

Common Reasons Partner Visa Applications Are Refused

Insufficient relationship evidence

A refusal can result if the evidence provided doesn't clearly establish that the relationship is genuine and ongoing.

Inconsistent information in the application

Where documents or statements don't line up with each other, this can work against the application.

Sponsor eligibility issues

If the sponsor doesn't meet the eligibility requirements, the application may be refused as a result.

Character or health concerns

Applicants need to clear the health and character requirements for the visa to be approved.

Melbourne migration lawyers working at their desks

Why Choose Our Melbourne Partner Visa Lawyers

Our Melbourne partner visa lawyers provide clear, detailed, and strategic legal support tailored to relationship-based visa applications. We focus on ensuring your application is properly structured, supported by strong evidence, and aligned with current migration law requirements.

If you are seeking to apply for a partner visa, Australian Migration Lawyers can assist you with professional legal guidance and end-to-end support throughout the process.

 Award-winning Immigration Lawyers in Melbourne 

Our Southbank office brings nationally recognised immigration law expertise directly to Melbourne and Victoria clients. Every award listed below was earned through independent assessment — peer review, client feedback, and workplace audits. When you work with our immigration lawyers in Melbourne, you are working with a firm whose quality has been verified from the outside.

2026
|
Doyle's Guide
Leading Immigration Law

Perry Q. Wood is ranked as a Leading Immigration Lawyer in Victoria in Doyle's Guide 2026. Four consecutive years of inclusion in Doyle's Guide establishes a verified, long-term record of excellence and peer recognition in Australian immigration law.

Read More
2027
|
Best Lawyers
Best Law Firms Australia

Australian Migration Lawyers is ranked in the 2027 Best Law Firms - Australia edition by Best Lawyers. Firm rankings are determined through client feedback, peer nominations, and overall market reputation. Inclusion confirms the firm delivers top-tier legal services in immigration law at a national level.

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2027
|
Best Lawyers
Best Lawyers in Australia™ Immigration Law

Perry Q. Wood is recognised in the 2027 Best Lawyers in Australia™ edition for Immigration Law. This ranking is awarded exclusively through confidential peer review by senior lawyers in the same practice area. It is the leading global legal directory benchmark.

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View all awards

Costs involved when applying for an Australian visa in Melbourne

The government costs vary for each visa type, and you also need to factor in the cost of living while you await the outcome of your visa application. Consulting a reliable Melbourne immigration lawyer can clarify details relating to specific visas and guide you on professional fees, Department of Home Affairs fees and other associated costs.

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Meet our expert team in Melbourne

Our immigration lawyers in Melbourne are available to meet you by appointment 7 days a week at our Melbourne office. When you work with us, you will deal directly with a lawyer from the first consultation through to the conclusion of your matter.
Perry Q Wood

Perry Q Wood

Partner

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Madeleine Scanlon

Partner

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Nicholas Merlin Esq.

Senior Associate - Senior Australian Migration Lawyer

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A glimpse of Melbourne

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Can you WORK on a Partner Visa?

History of migration in Melbourne

Melbourne’s vibrant history of migration can be traced back to the 19th century when European settlers arrived during the Victorian gold rush. This influx of immigrants, primarily from Europe and China, transformed Melbourne into a thriving multicultural hub. The subsequent waves of migration included Italians, Greeks, and Eastern Europeans after World War II, followed by migrants from Asia, the Middle East, and Africa in the latter half of the 20th century. Read more

In recent years, Melbourne's migration patterns have continued to evolve, with an increasing number of skilled migrants, international students, and refugees calling the city home. This ongoing migration has brought a wealth of cultural traditions, languages, and culinary delights to Melbourne.
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Melbourne’s vibrant history of migration can be traced back to the 19th century when European settlers arrived during the Victorian gold rush. This influx of immigrants, primarily from Europe and China, transformed Melbourne into a thriving multicultural hub. The subsequent waves of migration included Italians, Greeks, and Eastern Europeans after World War II, followed by migrants from Asia, the Middle East, and Africa in the latter half of the 20th century.

In recent years, Melbourne's migration patterns have continued to evolve, with an increasing number of skilled migrants, international students, and refugees calling the city home. This ongoing migration has brought a wealth of cultural traditions, languages, and culinary delights to Melbourne.

We have experience working with LGBTIQ+ visas across Australia

FAQs About Partner Visa Melbourne

Costs vary depending on the visa subclass and government application charges, along with any additional professional or documentation expenses.

Processing times vary significantly depending on individual circumstances and Departmental workload.

In many cases, applicants may apply while in Australia, subject to eligibility and visa conditions.

Certain partner visa holders may have work rights depending on the stage and subclass of the visa.

Depending on your circumstances, you may have options to seek review or explore alternative visa pathways. Legal advice can assist in determining the most appropriate next steps.

This page provides general legal information, not legal advice, and doesn't take into account your individual circumstances. If your situation is time-sensitive, we'd encourage you to book a consultation with our team as soon as possible to get advice specific to you.

About the content author

Perry Q Wood
Perry Q Wood
Partner

Perry Q Wood is Immediate Past President of the Australian Institute of Administrative Law and one of Australia’s leading administrative, immigration and human rights lawyers.

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Important Information Regarding the Use of the Term 'Partner'

We are an incorporated legal practice which is a corporation for the purposes of the Corporations Act 2001. The use of the title ‘Partner’ by a lawyer in this practice is used to denote seniority and does not and is not intended to signify that the practice is contracting otherwise than as a corporation. For the avoidance of doubt, any such title does not and is not intended to signify that a partnership within the definition of the Partnership Act exists at law.