AUSTRALIAN PARTNER AND FAMILY VISAS
PARTNER VISAS FOR AUSTRALIA
Zest Legal is an independent Australian immigration law firm. We prepare partner visa applications end to end, the 820/801, 309/100 and 300, including matters that have already been refused. Fixed prices quoted upfront, and every application is reviewed by Rosa personally.
60 second assessment. No obligation.
SEE WHICH VISA APPLIES TO YOU
Answer a few quick questions. Takes about 60 seconds.
15 minute assessment, $99 free this September.
Free introductory call. No obligation.
RECOGNISED BY
WHERE TO START
WHAT DO YOU NEED HELP WITH?
A partner visa lets the partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen live in Australia. Pick the closest match and we will point you to the right next step.
HOW WORKING WITH ZEST WORKS
Your sponsor is assessed
Your Australian partner is assessed as a sponsor, including sponsorship limits and character requirements. We prepare and lodge the sponsorship alongside your application.
Your relationship is evidenced
This is where applications are won or lost. We draft both relationship statements and build your evidence across all four pillars the Department assesses, so the file is complete on the day it is lodged.
We run it through both stages
We manage Department correspondence and your bridging visa through to the first decision, then prepare and lodge the second stage application when it falls due.
Zest Legal is an independent law firm, not a document service.
We give legal advice, prepare and lodge your visa application, and represent you if things go wrong. We do not obtain government documents for you - passports, birth certificates and police checks are issued by the relevant authorities, and we will tell you which ones you need and how to request them yourself. The Department of Home Affairs decides every application.
See which step you are at in 60 seconds.
THE FOUR PILLARS
WHAT THE DEPARTMENT ASSESSES
By law, a decision maker assessing a partner visa must consider four aspects of your relationship. Most refusals come down to one of them being thin.
Applications now need to be complete on the day they are lodged.
Since April 2026 the Department of Home Affairs expects partner visa applications to be complete at lodgement. Follow up requests for missing evidence are no longer routinely issued. A gap that would once have earned a second chance can now sit in your file until decision.
Current as at the date of publication. Requirements change, so confirm with your lawyer.
We will tell you which pillar your file is thin on.
COMMON PROBLEMS
COMMON PARTNER VISA PROBLEMS
Rosa acts in complex partner visa matters every week, including appeals at the Administrative Review Tribunal. If your situation appears below, it's worth a conversation before you assume the door is closed.
Your visa expires in weeks
Lodging a valid partner visa application before your current visa expires generally secures a Bridging Visa A, which lets you stay lawfully while the application is assessed. Timing matters more than almost anything else here.
Your application was already refused
A refusal is not automatically the end. Merits review at the Administrative Review Tribunal has strict time limits, often measured in days rather than weeks. Rosa handles refusal and appeal matters regularly.
Your visa was cancelled, or Schedule 3 applies
Partner visa applications are exempt from the section 48 bar, so a cancellation does not necessarily block you. Where Schedule 3 applies you will need to show compelling reasons, and how that case is put makes the difference.
You've been together under 12 months
The 12 month cohabitation requirement can be met another way. Registering your relationship with a state or territory removes it, and compelling or compassionate circumstances can also apply.
Your partner is overseas and the wait is long
Offshore processing times vary enormously between posts. Choosing the right pathway, and lodging with complete evidence from day one, is the only real lever you have on how long you wait.
Your evidence looks thin
Long distance periods, cultural marriages, separate finances and living with family are all common and all workable. What matters is how the evidence is assembled and explained, not that it fits a template.
Tell us where you are up to and we will tell you what can be done.
PARTNER AND FAMILY VISA SERVICES
EVERY PARTNER VISA PATHWAY
Onshore partner visa (subclass 820 and 801)
Lodged while you are in Australia, with a bridging visa while it is assessed. Two stages, ending in permanent residency.
Offshore partner visa (subclass 309 and 100)
Lodged from outside Australia. Long term couples may be granted both stages together.
Prospective marriage visa (subclass 300)
For couples engaged to marry in Australia. Nine months from grant to marry, then the onshore partner visa.
New Zealand citizen family relationship visa (subclass 461)
For non New Zealand family members of a New Zealand citizen living in Australia on a subclass 444.
Visa subclasses and requirements are set by the Department of Home Affairs and change without notice. Zest Legal is an independent law firm and is not affiliated with the Australian Government.
We will confirm which pathway fits your circumstances.
THE DIFFERENCE
A LAW FIRM, NOT AN AGENT
Anyone can lodge a form. A partner visa is a legal process, and the moment something goes wrong, a refusal, a Schedule 3 issue, a review at the Tribunal, you want a lawyer. With Zest you get legal advice that is genuinely protected, the ability to run a refusal all the way through review, and someone who has seen how these cases are actually decided.
Or book your clarity call and we will talk it through.
A good agent can handle a simple, low risk application. The moment there is a refusal risk, a tight deadline or a relationship that does not fit the template, legal advice is what protects you.
WHAT YOU GET
EVIDENCE THAT HOLDS UP
We draft both relationship statements and build your evidence across all four pillars the Department assesses. Your file is complete on the day it is lodged, with nothing left to come back for.
PREFER TO TALK IT THROUGH?
SPEAK TO A PARTNER VISA LAWYER TODAY
Fifteen minutes on the phone will tell you more than an afternoon of reading. Free this September, normally $99.
Monday to Friday, Sydney time. Same day response on urgent matters.
MEET YOUR LAWYER
ROSA NOBARANI
Principal Lawyer, Zest Legal
"So many of our clients come to us feeling overwhelmed, often after a refusal or bad advice. My role is to bring clarity to complex situations and guide them with care and strategy. Every case matters, because behind every visa is a person trying to build a life."
Rosa leads Zest Legal's partner and family visa work, from straightforward onshore applications through to Schedule 3 matters and reviews at the Administrative Review Tribunal. Clients describe her as clear, proactive and genuinely in their corner. You deal with Rosa directly, not a call centre.
Every application is reviewed by Rosa personally before it is lodged.
CLIENT RESULTS
TRUSTED BY COUPLES AND FAMILIES
Rated 5.0 by clients on Google.
Common questions, answered
Tap a question.
General information only, not legal advice.
"I had the best experience working with Zest Legal. My lawyer Rosa was so helpful and supportive, she made sure everything was perfect for my partner visa application. I am forever grateful, thank you to the Zest Legal team."
Royce Aguilon Reyonda
"Rosa Nobarani and the team at Zest Legal were fantastic. Rosa's expertise and attention to detail gave me confidence that I was in good hands and she went above and beyond to successfully help our family. We cannot thank you enough."
Belle Tripodi
"Rosa Nobarani and the team at Zest Legal are incredible. Not only is Rosa professional, efficient and excellent at what she does but she is also very empathetic and easy to communicate with. I highly recommend Zest Legal to anyone looking to get immigration advice and other legal matters."
Nariya Hakimzadah
"Zest Legal is a rare find. I am absolutely blown away by their service. I would recommend Zest Legal to anyone who is looking for a down to earth, professional, outcomes driven, and personable law firm."
Alexandra Perdikaris
"Really grateful to Rosa and Zest legal for services provided, which resulted in visa being granted. Rosa took time to research my case, finding the best solution and handled the whole thing, keeping me informed throughout."
Dave Martinez
"The service from Zest Legal was nothing short of exceptional. Our lawyer Rosa was empathetic, knowledgeable, and incredibly helpful. She provided great advice and was able to navigate the difficult process with clear direction."
Mari S
"I had the best experience working with Zest Legal. My lawyer Rosa was so helpful and supportive, she made sure everything was perfect for my partner visa application. I am forever grateful, thank you to the Zest Legal team."
Royce Aguilon Reyonda
"Rosa Nobarani and the team at Zest Legal were fantastic. Rosa's expertise and attention to detail gave me confidence that I was in good hands and she went above and beyond to successfully help our family. We cannot thank you enough."
Belle Tripodi
"Rosa Nobarani and the team at Zest Legal are incredible. Not only is Rosa professional, efficient and excellent at what she does but she is also very empathetic and easy to communicate with. I highly recommend Zest Legal to anyone looking to get immigration advice and other legal matters."
Nariya Hakimzadah
"Zest Legal is a rare find. I am absolutely blown away by their service. I would recommend Zest Legal to anyone who is looking for a down to earth, professional, outcomes driven, and personable law firm."
Alexandra Perdikaris
"Really grateful to Rosa and Zest legal for services provided, which resulted in visa being granted. Rosa took time to research my case, finding the best solution and handled the whole thing, keeping me informed throughout."
Dave Martinez
"The service from Zest Legal was nothing short of exceptional. Our lawyer Rosa was empathetic, knowledgeable, and incredibly helpful. She provided great advice and was able to navigate the difficult process with clear direction."
Mari S
"The Zest Legal team helped my brother bring his fiance to Australia. It was a tricky case, but the team did a fantastic job and we succeeded on our first go. Very responsive, professional service. Thank you."
Sandrah M
"The Zest legal have been amazing. I used them to sponsor my in-laws and they were absolutely amazing. Very professional, detailed and organized. I highly highly recommend Zest legal team."
Omid Sadeghpour
"From my very first call with Rosa, I felt relieved. She listened carefully, understood our situation, and was very clear about what needed to be done. She didn't overpromise, but she gave us hope in a realistic and professional way."
Maggie Hernandez
"If you are looking for a stress-free, straight-forward, and dedicated immigration lawyer, Zest Legal is the best in the industry. Rosa was excellent in taking the time to provide me tailored advice and recommendations. In the end I was successfully granted a visa."
Leonardo Ribeiro De Melo Goncalves
"Rosa has been great in helping me organise and submit everything needed for my PR application. The process went smoothly and she's always been really contactable when needed. Would definitely recommend."
Tom Considine
"The Zest Legal team helped my brother bring his fiance to Australia. It was a tricky case, but the team did a fantastic job and we succeeded on our first go. Very responsive, professional service. Thank you."
Sandrah M
"The Zest legal have been amazing. I used them to sponsor my in-laws and they were absolutely amazing. Very professional, detailed and organized. I highly highly recommend Zest legal team."
Omid Sadeghpour
"From my very first call with Rosa, I felt relieved. She listened carefully, understood our situation, and was very clear about what needed to be done. She didn't overpromise, but she gave us hope in a realistic and professional way."
Maggie Hernandez
"If you are looking for a stress-free, straight-forward, and dedicated immigration lawyer, Zest Legal is the best in the industry. Rosa was excellent in taking the time to provide me tailored advice and recommendations. In the end I was successfully granted a visa."
Leonardo Ribeiro De Melo Goncalves
"Rosa has been great in helping me organise and submit everything needed for my PR application. The process went smoothly and she's always been really contactable when needed. Would definitely recommend."
Tom Considine
"I had the best experience working with Zest Legal. My lawyer Rosa was so helpful and supportive, she made sure everything was perfect for my partner visa application. I am forever grateful, thank you to the Zest Legal team."
Royce Aguilon Reyonda
"The Zest Legal team helped my brother bring his fiance to Australia. It was a tricky case, but the team did a fantastic job and we succeeded on our first go. Very responsive, professional service. Thank you."
Sandrah M
"Rosa Nobarani and the team at Zest Legal were fantastic. Rosa's expertise and attention to detail gave me confidence that I was in good hands and she went above and beyond to successfully help our family. We cannot thank you enough."
Belle Tripodi
"The Zest legal have been amazing. I used them to sponsor my in-laws and they were absolutely amazing. Very professional, detailed and organized. I highly highly recommend Zest legal team."
Omid Sadeghpour
"Rosa Nobarani and the team at Zest Legal are incredible. Not only is Rosa professional, efficient and excellent at what she does but she is also very empathetic and easy to communicate with. I highly recommend Zest Legal to anyone looking to get immigration advice and other legal matters."
Nariya Hakimzadah
"From my very first call with Rosa, I felt relieved. She listened carefully, understood our situation, and was very clear about what needed to be done. She didn't overpromise, but she gave us hope in a realistic and professional way."
Maggie Hernandez
"Zest Legal is a rare find. I am absolutely blown away by their service. I would recommend Zest Legal to anyone who is looking for a down to earth, professional, outcomes driven, and personable law firm."
Alexandra Perdikaris
"If you are looking for a stress-free, straight-forward, and dedicated immigration lawyer, Zest Legal is the best in the industry. Rosa was excellent in taking the time to provide me tailored advice and recommendations. In the end I was successfully granted a visa."
Leonardo Ribeiro De Melo Goncalves
"Really grateful to Rosa and Zest legal for services provided, which resulted in visa being granted. Rosa took time to research my case, finding the best solution and handled the whole thing, keeping me informed throughout."
Dave Martinez
"Rosa has been great in helping me organise and submit everything needed for my PR application. The process went smoothly and she's always been really contactable when needed. Would definitely recommend."
Tom Considine
"The service from Zest Legal was nothing short of exceptional. Our lawyer Rosa was empathetic, knowledgeable, and incredibly helpful. She provided great advice and was able to navigate the difficult process with clear direction."
Mari S
"I had the best experience working with Zest Legal. My lawyer Rosa was so helpful and supportive, she made sure everything was perfect for my partner visa application. I am forever grateful, thank you to the Zest Legal team."
Royce Aguilon Reyonda
"The Zest Legal team helped my brother bring his fiance to Australia. It was a tricky case, but the team did a fantastic job and we succeeded on our first go. Very responsive, professional service. Thank you."
Sandrah M
"Rosa Nobarani and the team at Zest Legal were fantastic. Rosa's expertise and attention to detail gave me confidence that I was in good hands and she went above and beyond to successfully help our family. We cannot thank you enough."
Belle Tripodi
"The Zest legal have been amazing. I used them to sponsor my in-laws and they were absolutely amazing. Very professional, detailed and organized. I highly highly recommend Zest legal team."
Omid Sadeghpour
"Rosa Nobarani and the team at Zest Legal are incredible. Not only is Rosa professional, efficient and excellent at what she does but she is also very empathetic and easy to communicate with. I highly recommend Zest Legal to anyone looking to get immigration advice and other legal matters."
Nariya Hakimzadah
"From my very first call with Rosa, I felt relieved. She listened carefully, understood our situation, and was very clear about what needed to be done. She didn't overpromise, but she gave us hope in a realistic and professional way."
Maggie Hernandez
"Zest Legal is a rare find. I am absolutely blown away by their service. I would recommend Zest Legal to anyone who is looking for a down to earth, professional, outcomes driven, and personable law firm."
Alexandra Perdikaris
"If you are looking for a stress-free, straight-forward, and dedicated immigration lawyer, Zest Legal is the best in the industry. Rosa was excellent in taking the time to provide me tailored advice and recommendations. In the end I was successfully granted a visa."
Leonardo Ribeiro De Melo Goncalves
"Really grateful to Rosa and Zest legal for services provided, which resulted in visa being granted. Rosa took time to research my case, finding the best solution and handled the whole thing, keeping me informed throughout."
Dave Martinez
"Rosa has been great in helping me organise and submit everything needed for my PR application. The process went smoothly and she's always been really contactable when needed. Would definitely recommend."
Tom Considine
"The service from Zest Legal was nothing short of exceptional. Our lawyer Rosa was empathetic, knowledgeable, and incredibly helpful. She provided great advice and was able to navigate the difficult process with clear direction."
Mari S
BOOK YOUR PARTNER VISA CLARITY CALL
Fifteen minutes with an immigration lawyer. You will leave knowing which visa applies to you, what evidence you need, and what it will cost. No obligation.
- Speak directly with an immigration lawyer
- Fixed price quoted upfront
- Every application reviewed by Rosa personally