How to Apply for a Partner Visa in Australia — A Step-by-Step Guide

Australia's partner visa process is one of the most document-intensive — and emotionally demanding — in the immigration system. Whether you're applying onshore or offshore, the requirements are strict and the processing times can be lengthy. This step-by-step guide covers what you need to know.

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. There are two main types: the Subclass 820/801 (onshore, for applicants already in Australia) and the Subclass 309/100 (offshore, for applicants outside Australia). Both visas are processed in two stages — a temporary visa first, followed by a permanent visa once the relationship has been established for a sufficient period (generally two years from the initial application).

Am I eligible?

To be eligible, you must be in a genuine, ongoing relationship with your sponsor, who must be an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen. For de facto couples, you generally need to demonstrate at least 12 months of cohabitation before applying, with some exceptions.

Step 1 — Gather your evidence

The partner visa lives and dies on evidence. You need to demonstrate the genuine nature of your relationship across four categories:

Financial — joint accounts, shared expenses, joint loans or leases.

Social — family and friends know about the relationship, photos together, shared social activities.

Household — evidence of living together, shared utilities, shared household responsibilities.

Commitment — communication when apart, travel history together, long-term plans.

The more evidence across each category, the stronger your application.

Step 2 — Prepare your forms and documents

You'll need: the completed application form (47SP) and sponsorship form (40SP), identity documents, relationship evidence across the four categories, health examinations, police clearance certificates from every country where you've lived for 12 or more months in the past 10 years, and the sponsor's proof of citizenship or residency.

Step 3 — Lodge the application

Applications are lodged online through ImmiAccount. The visa application charge is currently over $8,000. Once lodged, make sure your current visa doesn't expire before a decision is made — if you've applied for a Subclass 820, you should be protected by a bridging visa.

Step 4 — Two-year wait for the permanent visa

After the initial visa is granted, DOHA monitors the relationship for a further two years before granting the permanent component. You may be required to update your evidence of the relationship during this period.

What if my application is refused?

A refused partner visa can be devastating — but it's not always the end. You generally have the right to appeal a refusal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). The AAT process is complex and time-sensitive, and having legal representation significantly improves your prospects.

Getting help

Partner visa applications are complex, and the consequences of errors or omissions can mean years of delay or permanent refusal. Pasha Legal has been helping Melbourne families navigate the Australian immigration system — including partner visa applications and appeals — for more than 25 years.

If you're applying for a partner visa, contact us before you lodge. Getting the application right the first time is always better than appealing a refusal.

A Practice Built on Purpose

When Pasha Legal opened its doors, the goal was never to be the biggest firm in Melbourne.

It was to be the most trusted one in the community it serves.

For more than 25 years, we've grown steadily expanding our practice areas, building a skilled team, and developing

deep expertise across some of the most important areas of law for Australian families and businesses.

We handle everything from complex immigration appeals to first home purchases, and we approach every matter — big or small — with the same level of care and preparation.

Each year, we take on a number of pro bono cases for individuals who have experienced injustice and need a

voice. Because access to justice shouldn't be determined by how much money you have.

Law & Order

Justice For All

Community Matters

Whatever you're facing,

you don't have to face it alone.

Legal problems can feel overwhelming

Pasha Legal has been helping everyday Australians with immigration, family law, criminal matters, conveyancing, and more for more than 25 years. Based in Doncaster East — here when you need us most.

Legal problems can feel overwhelming — especially when you don't know where to start. At Pasha Legal, we

make the process straightforward. Our principal, Hina Pasha, has over 25 years of experience handling c

omplex, real-life cases — including landmark matters that changed lives. But what sets us apart isn't ju

st our track record. It's the way we treat you: with respect, clarity, and without judgement.

From there, we take the time to craft something that's truly yours. No shortcuts, no rushing. Just intentional work designed to look beautiful now and grow even better over time.

Hina and Iman Pasha, Melbourne 2026

Our Process

1. Get in touch

Call us, email us, or fill in the form, whichever feels easiest for you.

You don't need to have it all figured out. Just tell us what's going on.

There's no judgement, no pressure, and no commitment of any kind.

2. Consultation

We'll arrange a chat in person, by phone, or by video, whatever suits you.

We take the time to properly understand your matter before advising you.

Most clients say this first conversation alone brings enormous relief.

3. Advice

Once we understand things, we'll explain where you stand and what we'd advise.

We speak in plain English no legal jargon and no vague, hedged answers.

You'll leave knowing exactly what's happening and what comes next.

4. The Work

If you decide to proceed, we take care of absolutely everything for you.

We keep you updated throughout and respond promptly whenever you reach out.

From start to finish, you'll know your matter is in capable hands.

Why Pasha Legal?

25 years of real experience

Pasha Legal has been practising for more than 25 years and in that time, we've handled thousands of matters across immigration, family law, criminal defence, conveyancing, and more.

We don't learn on the job with your case.

We bring experience that's been built over more than a quarter century of showing up for clients when it mattered most.

We treat you like a person, not a file number.

Our principal Hina Pasha has handled landmark cases that changed lives including playing a central role in the Farah Jama wrongful conviction matter, which attracted national attention.

She's been featured on ABC's Australian Story, in The Age, and across Melbourne media for her commitment to justice.

When you choose Pasha Legal, you're backed by a lawyer with a proven record at the highest levels.

Competitive rates and no surprises.

We believe everyone deserves access to quality legal help — not just those who can afford premium city rates.

We keep our fees competitive, we're upfront about costs from the start, and we'll always talk through options if cost is a concern.

You'll never open an invoice from us and wonder how it got that high.

We cover everything under one roof.

Immigration, family law, criminal matters, conveyancing, wills, commercial disputes, VCAT, insurance claims, business consulting we handle it all.

That means you don't need a different lawyer every time something new comes up.

Once you're a Pasha Legal client, you have a team you can call for any legal matter, for life.

Rooted in the community we serve

Pasha Legal isn't a firm that parachutes in from the city we're based in Doncaster East and we've been here for 25 years.

We know this community, we understand the people in it, and we take our responsibility to them seriously.

Every year, we take on pro bono cases for individuals who need a voice but can't afford one because access to justice has always been more than a slogan to us.

Recognised by the media for a reason

When ABC's Australian Story dedicates an episode to your principal lawyer, it's not by accident.

Hina Pasha has been featured on national radio, in print, and on television because her work has genuinely made a difference not just to individual clients, but to the legal system itself.

That level of recognition reflects the standard we hold ourselves to every single day.

Legal Services

We handle a wide range of legal matters.

From first-time visa applications to court proceedings, we've seen it all and we're ready to help.

Visas, residency, citizenship, partner applications and appeals. We guide you through Australia's complex immigration system with clarity and without jargon.

Divorce, parenting orders, property settlements and DVO applications. We help families navigate difficult times with compassion, care and real legal expertise.

Charged with an offence or facing a police interview? We stand by your side from the first call through to the final outcome in court.

Visas, residency, citizenship, partner applications and appeals. We guide you through Australia's complex immigration system with clarity and without jargon.

Divorce, parenting orders, property settlements and DVO applications. We help families navigate difficult times with compassion, care and real legal expertise.

Charged with an offence or facing a police interview? We stand by your side from the first call through to the final outcome in court.

Visas, residency, citizenship, partner applications and appeals. We guide you through Australia's complex immigration system with clarity and without jargon.

Divorce, parenting orders, property settlements and DVO applications. We help families navigate difficult times with compassion, care and real legal expertise.

Charged with an offence or facing a police interview? We stand by your side from the first call through to the final outcome in court.

About Us

Hina founded Pasha Legal in 2010 with a clear purpose: to provide high-quality legal help to people who need it, regardless of their background or means.

She's appeared on ABC's Australian Story, been featured in The Age, and played a central role in the landmark Farah Jama wrongful conviction case.

Every year, the firm takes on pro bono cases, because doing justice isn't just a slogan.

It's what we're built on.

Common Questions

Also feel free to chat with our messenger or call our phone

How much does it cost to speak to a lawyer?

We offer an initial consultation so you can speak with us about your matter without committing to anything. We're upfront about our fees from the start — there are no hidden costs, and we'll always discuss fee arrangements that suit your situation before any work begins.

I'm not sure if I even have a legal problem. Should I still call?

Absolutely. One of the most common things people say to us is "I wasn't sure if this was worth calling about." If something is worrying you, it's worth a conversation. We'll tell you honestly whether you have a legal issue and what your options are — even if the answer is that you don't need us right now.

How quickly can you see me?

We do our best to accommodate urgent matters as quickly as possible. For non-urgent consultations, we typically have availability within a few business days. Contact us and we'll find a time that works for you.

Do you offer payment plans?

We understand that legal costs can be a concern, and we're always willing to have an honest conversation about fees and payment arrangements. Depending on the type of matter, we may be able to offer staged billing or payment plans. Ask us — we won't make you feel uncomfortable for raising it.

Can I bring someone with me to my consultation?

Of course. Many of our clients find it helpful to have a support person with them — especially for family law or criminal matters. Just let us know in advance so we can accommodate everyone comfortably.

Do you speak languages other than English?

Yes. Our team works with clients from a wide range of cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Please contact us to discuss language needs and we'll do our best to accommodate.

I've been charged with something. What should I do first?

Contact us immediately — before speaking to police if possible. You have the right to silence in Victoria, and exercising it until you've spoken to a lawyer is almost always the right decision. The earlier we can speak to you, the more we can do.

My visa has been cancelled. Can you help?

Yes. A visa cancellation is serious, but it's not always the end of the road. Depending on the circumstances, you may have grounds to appeal the decision or to apply for a different visa. Contact us urgently — visa cancellation matters are usually time-sensitive.

How long does conveyancing take?

In Victoria, a standard residential settlement typically takes between 30 and 90 days from exchange of contracts, depending on what's been agreed between the parties. We'll give you a clear timeline once we know the details of your transaction.

Do I really need a will?

Yes — everyone over 18 who has any assets, relationships, or responsibilities should have a valid, up-to-date will. Without one, the law decides what happens to your estate, who cares for your children, and who administers your affairs — and the result may be nothing like what you would have wanted.

Location

We're located in Doncaster East with a cafe below where we can have a chat and talk about your legal concerns.

We're here to help

Need assistance, or someone to speak to. Fill out our enquiry form and a paralegal will attend to you as soon as possible.

Pasha Legal has been helping everyday Australians with immigration, family law, criminal matters, conveyancing, and more for more than 25 years. Based in Doncaster East — here when you need us most.

4/1004 Doncaster Rd, Doncaster East Victoria 3109

(03) 9848 7275