Australia’s Partner Visa is one of the most sought-after migration pathways, allowing spouses and de facto partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live together in Australia. However, it is also one of the most scrutinised visa categories, with a high refusal rate compared to many other visas.
A refusal can be emotionally devastating, financially costly, and time-consuming. Understanding why Partner Visas are refused and how to avoid those pitfalls, can significantly improve your chances of success.
This article explores the most common reasons Australia Partner Visas are refused and provides practical strategies to avoid refusal.
1. Failure to Prove a Genuine and Continuing Relationship
The number one reason Partner Visa applications are refused is insufficient evidence that the relationship is genuine, continuing, and exclusive.
The Department of Home Affairs assesses relationships under four key pillars:
- Financial aspects
- Nature of the household
- Social aspects
- Nature of the commitment
If your evidence is weak, inconsistent, or superficial, the case officer may conclude the relationship exists solely for migration purposes.
How to avoid it
- Provide long-term evidence, not just recent documents
- Include joint financial records (bank accounts, bills, leases)
- Show shared responsibilities (children, pets, joint purchases)
- Submit strong personal statements explaining the relationship history
- Include statutory declarations from friends and family who genuinely know you
Quality and consistency matter more than quantity.
2. Inconsistent or Contradictory Information
Case officers cross-check every detail across:
- Application forms
- Relationship statements
- Supporting documents
- Previous visa applications
Even minor discrepancies (e.g., different dates of meeting, addresses, or relationship milestones) can raise credibility concerns.
How to avoid it
- Carefully review all forms before submission
- Ensure both partners’ statements align chronologically
- Explain inconsistencies proactively (e.g., cultural reasons, memory gaps)
- Keep a timeline of your relationship for reference
Consistency builds trust with the decision-maker.
3. Insufficient Cohabitation Evidence (for De Facto Couples)
For de facto relationships, applicants must generally show at least 12 months of living together (unless an exemption applies). Many refusals occur because couples:
- Lived together informally without proof
- Lived apart for long periods
- Provided only short-term accommodation evidence
How to avoid it
- Provide leases, rental receipts, or landlord statements
- Show mail addressed to both partners at the same address
- Explain unavoidable periods of separation (e.g., work, COVID, visas)
- If eligible, register your relationship with a state or territory authority
Documenting shared residence is essential.
4. Weak or Generic Relationship Statements
Generic, copied, or overly brief statements suggest the relationship has not been thoughtfully explained. Case officers expect personalised, detailed narratives, not templates.
How to avoid it
- Write in your own words
- Include emotional depth, challenges, and milestones
- Explain cultural differences and how they were managed
- Discuss future plans together
Authenticity is critical, case officers are trained to detect fabricated stories.
5. Failure to Meet Health or Character Requirements
Applicants may be refused if they:
- Have significant criminal history
- Fail police checks
- Do not meet Australia’s health requirements
- Have undisclosed past convictions or visa issues
Character refusals can also occur if the sponsor has a relevant criminal record (e.g., family violence offences).
How to avoid it
- Declare everything honestly, even if you think it is minor
- Obtain police certificates early from all required countries
- Seek advice if you have health conditions or convictions
- Provide supporting submissions where risk factors exist
Non-disclosure is often worse than the issue itself.
6. Inadequate Sponsorship Evidence
The Australian partner (sponsor) must meet sponsorship obligations. Refusals occur when:
- The sponsor has sponsored too many partners previously
- Sponsorship limitations apply (e.g., serial sponsorship rules)
- Sponsor fails to provide sufficient identity or residency evidence
How to avoid it
- Confirm sponsor eligibility before applying
- Provide clear proof of citizenship or permanent residency
- Address any prior sponsorship history upfront
- Include a detailed sponsor statement
Sponsor credibility is as important as the applicant’s.
7. Applying at the Wrong Time or on the Wrong Visa
Many applicants apply:
- Too early (before meeting de facto requirements)
- After their visa has expired
- Without meeting onshore/offshore criteria
- While holding a visa with restrictive conditions
This can lead to refusal or invalid applications.
How to avoid it
- Confirm visa eligibility before lodging
- Check visa conditions carefully
- Seek advice if your status is complex
- Avoid rushing due to emotional pressure
Timing can be the difference between approval and refusal.
8. Lack of Evidence of Social Recognition
If your relationship appears “hidden” or unknown to others, the Department may question its legitimacy.
How to avoid it
- Provide photos across different stages of the relationship
- Show joint invitations, travel, or events
- Include messages and social media evidence
- Submit Form 888 declarations from people who know you as a couple
A genuine relationship is usually visible to others.
9. Ignoring Requests for Further Information (RFI)
Failure to respond to Department requests within deadlines can result in refusal, even if the relationship is genuine.
How to avoid it
- Monitor your ImmiAccount regularly
- Respond fully and on time
- Seek professional help if requests are complex
- Provide structured, clear responses
Never assume silence means approval.
10. Attempting a DIY Application Without Understanding the Law
Many applicants underestimate the complexity of Partner Visas. The legislation, policy, and evidentiary expectations are strict and unforgiving.
How to avoid it
- Thoroughly research visa requirements
- Seek professional advice if your case is complex
- Avoid copying online templates blindly
- Treat the application like a legal submission, not a formality
A Partner Visa is not just paperwork, it is a legal assessment. Most importantly, seek professional advice from a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer, especially if your case involves previous refusals, visa complications, time spent apart, health or character issues, or sponsorship limitations.
Final Thoughts: Prevention Is Better Than Appeal
Partner Visa refusals can often be avoided with proper preparation, honest disclosure, and strong supporting evidence. While appeals may be available in some cases, they are often expensive, stressful, and time-consuming, with no guarantee of success.
Using a Partner Visa checklist before lodging your application can help ensure nothing is missed and that your evidence meets the Department of Home Affairs’ expectations.
A well-prepared application from the start:
If your relationship is genuine, your goal is to prove it clearly, consistently, and convincingly. Following a comprehensive Partner Visa checklist—and seeking professional guidance where needed—can make the difference between approval and refusal.
