Partner Visas allow Australian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens to sponsor their spouse or de facto partner for Permanent Residence in Australia.
With more than 35 years of experience in Australian immigration, Interstaff is a trusted advisor to individuals navigating Partner Visa complexities.
This case study highlights how our strategic expertise helped a couple overcome specific immigration challenges to remain together in Australia while staying compliant.
The Case:
Complex and Time-Sensitive Onshore Partner Visa
Interstaff’s client faced a complex and time-sensitive immigration challenge. With only 28 days remaining before their visa expiry, the client requested an urgent submission of a Subclass 820 801 Partner Visa application, which carried additional complexities.
The applicant was ‘Section 48 barred’ due to a previous visa refusal and the fact that they did not hold a substantive visa. The circumstances brought risk and uncertainty for the applicant and her family.
Applicants who are Section 48 barred need to demonstrate compelling reasons for the visa to be granted. This is a high bar and can be difficult for applicants to establish without careful and wide-ranging evidence of their claims.
Seeking urgent advice on the regulatory framework, the client was overwhelmed by the volume of documentation and evidence required to demonstrate the genuineness of her relationship.
In addition, as the primary income earner for a large family and the operator of a small business in the community sector, maintaining work rights was critical.
Actions Taken: Section 48 Bar Partner Visa
- Reviewed legislation thoroughly and assessed the client’s individual circumstances to determine eligibility.
- Identified high-risk factors and ensured the application met validity requirements within the tight 28-day timeframe.
- Uncovered key evidence by exploring the situation in detail and aligning it with legislative criteria as part of a detailed submission addressing the criteria.
- Provided tailored document guidance by clearly explaining what was needed and assisting her with manageable steps for gathering it quickly.
- Navigated language and tech barriers effectively, supporting the couple through culturally and linguistically diverse challenges. The Interstaff team worked collaboratively with the client and her partner to streamline document collection and clarify complex requirements.
- Prioritised the case urgently, recognising the time-sensitive nature and ensuring accuracy to avoid delays or errors.
- Maintained constant updates, keeping the applicant informed throughout the process and breaking tasks into manageable steps to reduce overwhelm.
- Lodged the Partner Visa application within the 28-day deadline to ensure securing a Bridging Visa without work rights initially.
- Acted swiftly to request work rights, with evidence recognising their role as the main income earner for a large family operator of a community service.
Resolution: 820 801 Visa
Interstaff successfully lodged the client’s Partner Visa application within the critical 28-day window before the temporary visa expired, overcoming significant legal complexities, language and tech barriers, and the applicant’s initial sense of overwhelm.
Had the application not been submitted accurately and on time, the applicant would have faced the prospect of departing Australia and applying from offshore — resulting in separation from her partner and children in Australia.
Within 24 hours of the Bridging Visa being granted, Interstaff secured the applicant’s work rights to ensure she remained lawful and could continue operating her business. This was essential not only for the household’s financial stability as the primary income earner but also for the families who relied on care services.
Interstaff continues to support the client in preparing a detailed submission to address the criteria and remains committed to guiding the couple through the process toward securing Permanent Residence and family unity in Australia.
Talk to Interstaff to explore a strategy for your Partner Visa application.
Experience & Insights
Explore more about Partner Visa pathways, how we work, our experience and insights.
Partner and Family Visas
Partner Visas 820 801
Subclasses 820, 801
Partner Visas 309 100
Subclasses 309, 100
300 Prospective Marriage Visa
Subclass 300
About Interstaff
Interstaff has delivered Australian immigration solutions since 1988, with over 35 years of expertise in Partner Visa Migration.
Headquartered in Perth, Western Australia, our team combines local insight with global reach. We are committed to a customer-centric approach—supporting individuals throughout every stage of the immigration process.
Speak with Interstaff’s Registered Migration Agents about Partner Visa pathways.
