Partner & Family Visas
Securing futures.
Relationships built on genuine commitment deserve recognition
Few applications carry more emotion, or complexity, than a Partner visa. At Katsaros & Associates, we have guided hundreds of couples through every stage of this process, ensuring that relationships built on genuine commitment are recognised under Australian law.
We act for both married and de facto partners, whether they are applying from within Australia (subclass 820/801) or outside Australia (subclass 309/100). Our work is meticulous, evidence-driven, and deeply respectful of the personal nature of each relationship.
A successful Partner visa turns on the quality and consistency of evidence. We prepare, review, and curate every component, linking your evidence directly to Regulation 1.15A criteria.
Partner visa options
Onshore Partner Visa
Subclass 820/801
For couples already in Australia. Apply while living together, receive a bridging visa with full work rights and Medicare, and transition to permanent residency after two years.
Offshore Partner Visa
Subclass 309/100
For partners outside Australia. The application must be lodged offshore. Join your sponsor in Australia and build your life together.
Prospective Marriage Visa
Subclass 300
For engaged couples. Enter Australia on a 9-month visa, marry your sponsor, then apply for a Partner visa (subclass 820/801) while onshore.
Section 5CB criteria
Section 5CB of the Migration Act 1958 defines the criteria for de facto relationships. The Department assesses your relationship against these factors.
Duration of relationship
At least 12 months immediately before application, unless registered or compelling circumstances exist.
Common residence
You must live together, or not live separately and apart on a permanent basis.
Financial interdependence
Joint bank accounts, shared expenses, joint ownership of property, or mutual financial commitment.
Nature of household
Shared domestic responsibilities and living arrangements that demonstrate a genuine domestic partnership.
Social recognition
Joint social activities, travel together, and recognition by friends and family as a couple.
Mutual commitment
A genuine commitment to a shared life together, to the exclusion of all others.
Building your case
We prepare comprehensive legal submissions that link your evidence directly to Regulation 1.15A criteria, ensuring the delegate can trace every fact to a legislative requirement.
Required documents
- Relationship statements for both partners
- Proof of shared residence and financial interdependence
- Joint assets, bank accounts, and insurance documents
- Photos, travel records, and social evidence of the relationship
- Statutory declarations (Form 888) from friends and family
- Marriage Certificate in English (or certified translation)
- Health examinations and police clearances
The four factors
Under Regulation 1.09A(3), the Department assesses your relationship across four factors: financial aspects, nature of the household, social aspects, and the nature of your commitment to each other.
No generic templates. Every relationship is documented to reflect its real story, with evidence carefully curated to address each criterion.
We prepare relationship statements, statutory declarations, and legal submissions that demonstrate the genuine and continuing nature of your relationship.
Two-stage pathway
Temporary Stage
Subclass 820 (onshore) or 309 (offshore)
Permits the applicant to live, work, and study in Australia while awaiting the permanent stage. You receive full work rights and Medicare access.
Permanent Stage
Subclass 801 or 100
Usually assessed two years after the initial application. Grants permanent residency if the relationship remains genuine and continuing.
After lodgement
We monitor processing times, prepare clients for Requests for Further Information, submit updated relationship evidence before permanent stage review, and advise on travel rights and bridging visa conditions.
How we work.
From initial consultation to permanent residency, we guide you through every stage.
Initial
consultation
We assess your relationship, eligibility, and the best pathway for your Partner visa application.
Initial
consultation
Every relationship is unique. We review your circumstances, visa history, and relationship evidence to determine the strongest pathway. Whether onshore or offshore, married or de facto, we identify the approach that gives your application the best prospects.
Evidence
strategy
We develop a tailored evidence strategy addressing all four relationship criteria.
Evidence
strategy
Evidence wins Partner visas. We prepare a comprehensive evidence strategy covering financial aspects, household arrangements, social recognition, and commitment. No generic templates. Every document is chosen to demonstrate your genuine relationship.
Application
preparation
We prepare and lodge your complete application with supporting submissions.
Application
preparation
Completeness prevents delays. We prepare relationship statements, statutory declarations, legal submissions, and all supporting documentation. Your application is lodged complete, minimising Requests for Information and processing delays.
Ongoing
support
We monitor your application and prepare you for the permanent stage assessment.
Ongoing
support
We stay with you until permanent residency. We respond to Department requests, prepare updated evidence for the permanent stage, and advise on travel and work rights. Two years after lodgement, we ensure your permanent visa is granted smoothly.
