How a Migration Agent Can Help With Partner Visas (Australia)

Applying for a partner visa in Australia can be one of the most emotionally charged and complex immigration processes. Whether you’re planning to live with your partner in Australia, or you’re already here and looking to stay together, the partner visa process can be daunting.

That’s where a registered migration agent can play a critical role.

In this blog, we’ll explore:

• What is a partner visa?
• Types of partner visas in Australia
• Why the application process is complex
• How a migration agent can help, step by step
• Common mistakes applicants make
• Real-world examples and scenarios
• How to choose the right migration agent

What Is a Partner Visa?

A partner visa allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia.

Depending on the visa type, this can eventually lead to permanent residency and even citizenship. However, the process is not straightforward. It often involves two stages: a temporary visa followed by a permanent visa after a 2-year waiting period.

Types of Partner Visas in Australia

There are a few pathways to consider:

1. Onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801)

• Applied for when the applicant is already inside Australia.
• Temporary visa (820) followed by a permanent visa (801).

2. Offshore Partner Visa (Subclass 309/100)

• Applied for when the applicant is outside Australia.
• Temporary visa (309) followed by a permanent visa (100).

3. Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300)

• For those engaged to an Australian partner.
• Allows the applicant to enter Australia, get married, and then apply for a partner visa.

Why the Application Process Is Complex

Many people assume that being in a genuine relationship is enough to secure a partner visa. Unfortunately, that’s not the case.

Here are just a few reasons the process is difficult:

• Strict documentary evidence requirements
• High application fees with no refund if refused
• Long processing times, sometimes over 2 years
• Complex regulations and frequent policy changes
• Risk of visa refusal or delays due to insufficient evidence, inconsistent statements, or errors

How a Migration Agent Can Help – Step by Step

Hiring a registered migration agent can make a significant difference in your application’s success. Here’s how they help at each stage:

Step 1: Initial Consultation and Eligibility Assessment

A migration agent will:

• Assess whether you’re eligible to apply
• Recommend the right visa subclass
• Identify potential risks or issues
• Map out a timeline for your application

They’ll ask about:

• Length and nature of your relationship
• Prior visas or immigration history
• Time spent living together
• Financial interdependence
• Family or cultural complications

➡️ This step ensures you don’t waste time or money on an application that has little chance of success.

Step 2: Strategic Planning and Advice

A migration agent isn’t just a form-filler. They’re a strategist.

They’ll help you:

• Understand what evidence is required
• Build a strong narrative around your relationship
• Choose the right statutory declarations and supporting documents
• Advise on timing, especially if bridging visas or travel plans are involved

This is crucial for de facto couples who must prove 12 months of living together, or explain why they don’t meet that rule (e.g., compassionate or cultural reasons).

Step 3: Document Collection and Preparation

The agent will give you a checklist tailored to your situation. This can include:

• Proof of joint finances (bank accounts, leases, bills)
• Photos and messages
• Travel history and flight tickets
• Statements from friends and family
• Social media proof
• Joint responsibilities (pets, children, shared assets)

They’ll review and organise the documents so they clearly show your relationship across all four legal categories:

1. Financial
2. Social
3. Household
4. Nature of commitment

Step 4: Writing Personal Statements

Your personal statement is your chance to tell your love story, but many applicants write statements that are inconsistent, too short, or too vague.

Migration agents help you:

• Stay consistent across both partner’s statements
• Include important milestones
• Avoid red flags (e.g., different dates, vague timelines)
• Express your relationship in a way that aligns with Department expectations

Step 5: Online Lodgement and Technical Accuracy

Agents:

• Upload and submit your documents through ImmiAccount
• Ensure all forms are filled correctly
• Keep everything within the required file size and format limits
• Double-check your identification documents, statutory declarations, and translations

Even small errors, like using the wrong date format or missing a mandatory document, can delay your application or even lead to a refusal.

Step 6: Communication with Immigration

Migration agents act as your authorized representative, which means:

• They receive correspondence from the Department on your behalf
• They respond to Requests for Further Information (RFIs) quickly and professionally
• They can escalate or follow up if your application is stuck or delayed

If issues arise, for example, you need to travel, or your Bridging Visa has conditions, your agent can guide you on how to stay compliant and safe.

Step 7: Follow-Up for the Permanent Stage

After 2 years, you’ll need to provide updated evidence for the permanent visa (Subclass 801 or 100).

A migration agent:

• Helps prepare for the second stage
• Ensures you meet all ongoing relationship criteria
• Manages deadlines and communication with the Department

Common Mistakes That Lead to Partner Visa Refusal

Here are just a few common pitfalls:

• Not meeting the de facto requirement of 12 months living together
• Inconsistent relationship stories or timelines
• Missing or weak documentary evidence
• Not submitting Form 888s (statutory declarations from friends and family)
• Inadequate translations for documents in other languages
• Applying for the wrong visa subclass
• Letting a visa expire or breaching visa conditions

A migration agent is trained to avoid all of these mistakes.

Real-Life Example: A Case Study

Sophie (UK) and James (Australian citizen)

• They lived together in the UK for 2 years.
• Sophie came to Australia on a tourist visa.
• They wanted to lodge a Subclass 820 partner visa while onshore.

Challenges:

• Sophie’s visa was expiring soon.
• They didn’t have joint finances in Australia yet.
• They weren’t sure if their UK evidence would count.

Solution:

They hired a migration agent who:

• Lodged the 820 visa while Sophie was still lawful in Australia
• Helped them collect UK-based evidence (joint lease, council tax, bills)
• Helped draft strong personal statements and Form 888s from family
• Managed the Bridging Visa A transition and work rights

➡️ The application was granted 8 months later with no RFIs.

How to Choose the Right Migration Agent

Not all agents are created equal. Look for:

• MARA registration (You can check at www.mara.gov.au)
• Positive reviews and testimonials
• Experience with partner visas specifically
• Clear fee structure and service inclusions
• Willingness to provide a free or low-cost initial consultation
• Strong communication and empathy

Avoid agents who:

• Promise guaranteed outcomes (no one can!)
• Charge very low or suspiciously high fees
• Don’t listen to your personal story or concerns

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Hiring a Migration Agent?

A partner visa is one of the most expensive and emotionally significant visas you’ll apply for. While you can do it yourself, the risk of rejection is real, and the stakes are high.

A migration agent can give you:

• Peace of mind
• Strategic advice
• Practical support
• Faster, stronger application
• Help with navigating the legal maze

In many cases, the value of a good migration agent far outweighs the cost.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re planning to apply for a partner visa or are unsure where to start, booking a consultation with a registered migration agent can make all the difference.

Ask the right questions, gather your documents early, and don’t leave it until the last minute. Your relationship deserves a smooth path to staying together in Australia.