VISA APPEALS

Partner Visa Refusals – How to Respond & Protect Your Future in Australia

A refusal of your Partner Visa application can feel devastating — especially when your future with your partner in Australia is on the line.

At Salvo Migration, we understand how personal and high-stakes these situations are. Our role is to guide you through your options, timeframes, and the strongest strategies to fight the decision.

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Why Partner Visas Get Refused

An ART appeal allows you to request an independent review of a visa refusal or cancellation by the Department of Home Affairs. You may be eligible to appeal if:

  • Insufficient evidence of your relationship (e.g., limited joint documents or conflicting statements)Insufficient evidence of your relationship (e.g., limited joint documents or conflicting statements)

  • Failure to meet de facto relationship requirements (length of relationship, living arrangements)

  • Concerns about relationship genuineness (inconsistencies between forms, interviews, or supporting statements)

  • Character concerns (criminal history, incorrect disclosures)

  • Previous visa compliance issues (overstays, visa cancellations)

  • Errors or omissions in your application (missing forms, incorrect information)

What Happens After a Refusal?

An ART appeal allows you to request an independent review of a visa refusal or cancellation by the Department of Home Affairs. You may be eligible to appeal if:

  • You will receive a Refusal Decision Letter explaining the reasons for refusal and your appeal rights.

  • In most cases, you have 21 days (in Australia) or timeframes set for offshore applicants to lodge an ART appeal.

  • The ART does not accept late appeals, so acting quickly is essential.

Your Options After a Partner Visa Refusal

  • 1. Appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (ART)

  • 2. Lodge a Fresh Application (only possible in certain circumstances)

  • 3. Ministerial Intervention

Why Professional Representation Matters

Tight Deadlines

Missing the appeal date usually ends your chances.

Targeted Evidence

We identify and supply only the most persuasive evidence for your specific refusal grounds.

Clear Legal Arguments

We address the Department’s concerns using legislation, case law, and policy.

Hearing Preparation

We prepare you thoroughly for questions and cross-examination.

Common Problems in Partner Visa Refusals

  • Decision based on minor inconsistencies in interview answers

  • Lack of joint financial, household, and social evidence

  • Doubts about the timeline or development of the relationship

  • Sponsor ineligibility (previous sponsorships, criminal history)

Need Expert Help?

Whether this is your first visa refusal or you’re facing an ongoing migration challenge, Salvo Migration can give you the clarity and legal strategy you need.

We’ve successfully helped couples overturn refusals and secure their future together in Australia.

Book Your Free Partner Visa Consultation and get immediate guidance on your next step.

  • Rare and discretionary. Only applies in exceptional, compassionate, or compelling circumstances.

  • May be preferable if refusal reasons can be resolved quickly and you meet application requirements.

  • Review the Department’s decision and present new evidence.

  • Opportunity to attend a hearing and respond to refusal concerns.

Conditions apply — valued up to $350.

What Happens in the Partner Visa Refusal Consultation?

Our consultations are conducted by experienced Australian migration lawyers who specialise in helping clients overturn partner visa refusals. You’ll receive personalised legal guidance tailored to your relationship circumstances, evidence, and the legal criteria for approval.

Our consultations are conducted by experienced Australian migration lawyers who specialise in helping clients overturn partner visa refusals. You’ll receive personalised legal guidance tailored to your relationship circumstances, evidence, and the legal criteria for approval.

During your consult, we’ll:

  • Review your refusal decision letter in detail and explain why the Department refused your visa

  • Identify key evidence gaps, errors in the decision, or procedural issues that can be challenged

  • Recommend the most effective pathway forward — whether through an ART appeal or a new partner visa application

  • Provide guidance on compiling strong relationship evidence, statutory declarations, and supporting documentation

  • Answer all your questions about timelines, costs, success rates, and what to expect during the process

Who You’ll Be Speaking With

When you book with Salvo Migration, you’ll speak directly with Martin Salvo, a leading Brisbane-based migration lawyer with deep expertise in partner visas, refusals, and appeals.

  • 99% success rate on partner visa applications

  • Skilled in refusals, appeals, complex assessments & ART representation

  • Hundreds of successful partner visa outcomes achieved for couples across Australia and overseas

  • Trusted by couples of all backgrounds — including married, de facto, same-sex, and long-distance relationships

Consultations are available via Zoom or phone, making it easy to access expert legal support no matter where you’re located.

🛡️ No Visa. No Fee. Guarantee 🛡️

The Salvo Migration Difference

Trusted by Couples Nationwide – Powered by Legal Expertise and Innovation

Work Directly with a Partner Visa Expert

From your first consultation to your visa outcome, you’ll work directly with a qualified migration lawyer — not just a case officer.

Clear, Ongoing Communication

We provide consistent updates and detailed explanations throughout your journey — you’ll never be left guessing.

Nationwide & International Access

We can connect with you via phone, whatsapp or Zoom Call - no matter where you are.

99% Success Rate Guarantee

Our proven track record speaks for itself. With a 99% success rate, we only take on cases we know we can win.

Fixed & Transparent Pricing

No hidden fees, ever. Every service comes with a clear, fixed-price agreement so you know exactly what to expect — no surprises.

🛡️No Visa, No Fee Guarantee🛡️

To underscore our commitment to client success, Salvo Migration offers a No Visa, No Fee Guarantee. This means that if your partner visa application is not approved, and certain conditions are met, our professional fees will be refunded. This guarantee reflects our confidence in delivering positive outcomes for our clients.

How Much Does Your Partner Visa Refusal Appeal Cost?

Done for you by an Australian Immigration Lawyer

Free Partner Visa Refusal Strategy Session

Initial guidance to check your review rights, deadlines, and the strength of your appeal — plus the best next steps to fight your refusal.

  • Price: FREE

  • Value: Up to $350

  • Duration: 30 mins

Full Legal Representation

End-to-end appeal support including strategy, evidence plan, written legal submissions, and representation by a registered migration lawyer at the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) for your partner visa refusal case.

  • Price: $5,997 (inc GST)

  • Value: Priceless

  • Duration: Until your ART appeal is hearing-ready and concluded

Note: The official ART application fee is a separate government/tribunal charge and is paid directly to the ART.

Ready to get started?

Need expert help?

Every situation is different. At Salvo Migration, we help individuals and couples navigate complex migration scenarios with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re worried about a visa expiry, missing documents, or relationship concerns, we’ll help you take the right next step.

Valued up to $350

Partner Visa Refusals in Australia

A refusal of your Partner Visa can have serious consequences for your future in Australia, but it does not have to be the end of your journey.

At Salvo Migration, we help you understand why your visa was refused, your rights to appeal, and the best strategies to overturn the decision or reapply successfully.

What Causes a Partner Visa Refusal?

Here are the most common reasons the Department may refuse your Partner Visa:

  • Insufficient Evidence of Relationship – Lack of documents showing shared finances, household, or social connection.

  • Failure to Meet De Facto or Spouse Criteria – Relationship length, living arrangements, or legal requirements not met.

  • Inconsistencies in Statements – Differences between application forms, interviews, or statutory declarations.

  • Sponsor Ineligibility – Past sponsorship bans, criminal history, or failing sponsor requirements.

  • Character Concerns – Criminal record, non-disclosure of past offences, or failing police checks.

  • Visa History Issues – Previous cancellations, overstays, or non-compliance with visa conditions.

Why Acting Quickly Matters

A refusal decision will include strict appeal deadlines:

  • Onshore applicants – usually 21 days to lodge an Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) application.

  • Offshore applicants – timeframe varies based on location and refusal type.

Missing this deadline usually ends your chances of appeal. Early action ensures you have enough time to gather new evidence and prepare a strong case.

Why Professional Help is Critical

Partner visa refusals are highly technical and often based on fine details in your evidence.

Working with a migration lawyer means:

  • Your refusal reasons are addressed with targeted, relevant evidence.

  • Legal arguments are supported by legislation, case law, and policy.

  • You’re fully prepared for AAT hearings or new applications.

  • Your chances of success are maximised by avoiding repeat mistakes.

Common Questions About Partner Visa Refusals

Expert guidance from Salvo Migration to help you navigate appeal challenges with confidence.

Problem: My Partner Visa was refused — what can I do?

If your Partner Visa is refused, you may have the right to appeal the decision to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) within strict time limits. Acting quickly is critical. A migration lawyer can review the refusal reasons, prepare legal arguments, and help you lodge a strong appeal.

Problem: How long do I have to appeal my Partner Visa refusal?

If you were in Australia when the refusal was made, you typically have 21 days to lodge your appeal. Offshore applicants may have different timeframes depending on the refusal type and location. Missing the deadline usually means you lose the right to appeal.

Problem: Why would a Partner Visa be refused?

Common reasons include:

 

-Not providing enough evidence of your relationship

-Inconsistencies between your statements and your partner’s statements

-Not meeting the de facto or spouse criteria

-Sponsor ineligibility

-Past visa cancellations or overstays

-Failing character requirements

Problem: Can I reapply after a Partner Visa refusal?

In some cases, yes — but you may be subject to restrictions such as section 48 bar if you’re onshore. Reapplying without fixing the issues from your first application often leads to another refusal, so professional advice is strongly recommended before starting again.

Problem: What happens if my appeal is successful?

If the AAT sets aside the refusal decision, your application is sent back to the Department of Home Affairs for processing, often leading to visa grant — provided you still meet the eligibility requirements.

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Wherever you are in Australia, Salvo Migration is here to help. While our headquarters are in Brisbane, we serve clients in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Darwin, Hobart, and all regional areas. Our team is equipped to handle consultations remotely, ensuring national coverage for couples seeking partner visa assistance.

FREE Partner Visa Strategy Call with a Migration Lawyer

Skip the confusion — get expert advice, a tailored visa plan, and clarity on your next steps.

Book Your FREE Visa Strategy Call Now

Connect with a migration lawyer & get clarity on your visa application.

FREE Strategy Visa Consultation

(Valued at $350)

Get expert legal advice, eligibility assessment & a tailored strategy for your visa — all with a licensed migration lawyer.

Licensed lawyer, not a sales consultant

Legal eligibility review & personalised advice

Clear roadmap & risk guidance

Important: Your consultation will be cancelled if the pre-consultation questionnaire is not completed before your scheduled time.

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Was your visa refused or cancelled? Our legal team can assess your case, explain your appeal options, and represent you at the AAT or court if needed.

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Looking to settle in Australia long-term? We assist with the PR process through partner, skilled, or employer pathways — including eligibility and documentation.

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