By Munro Doig Lawyers

07/19/2025

Bringing your partner to Australia is a major life step for many couples. Whether your relationship began while travelling, studying, or working, the goal of building a life together here often starts with a partner visa application. But many underestimate how technical the process can be. Even small documentation issues can lead to delays or worse, a refusal, which adds stress to couples already dealing with distance.

That's why working with experienced immigration lawyers in Perth is often the best way to avoid problems and submit a strong, well-prepared application from the beginning.

Why Partner Visa Applications Often Hit Roadblocks

The Department of Home Affairs takes partner visa applications seriously and looks closely at the evidence provided. The focus is on whether the relationship is genuine and continuing. According to the best immigration lawyer Perth, these are some of the most common reasons applications fall short.

Incomplete Relationship Evidence

One of the most frequent mistakes is not including enough detail about the relationship. A marriage certificate or a few happy snaps together just won't cut it. Immigration officers expect a clear, consistent picture of your shared life, including:

1. Joint financial records (shared bank accounts, bills in both names)

2. Evidence of living together (rental agreements, mail sent to the same address)

3. Social proof (travel bookings, invitations, photos with friends and family)

If this kind of evidence is missing or vague, it raises doubts about the legitimacy of the relationship.

Statements That Don't Match

Each partner needs to submit a personal statement about how the relationship started and developed. But inconsistencies between the two versions are common and problematic. Red flags include:

1. Mismatched dates or timelines

2. Conflicting accounts of key events

3. Statements that lack depth or seem generic

Before submitting, both partners should go over their statements together to ensure everything lines up. A consistent story is vital to the application.

Issues with Translations

Any documents not originally in English need to be translated by an accredited translator. Mistakes in this area can cause unnecessary delays. Common problems include:

1. Submitting old or expired translations

2. Providing translations that aren't certified

3. Forgetting to translate important documents

Engaging qualified immigration lawyers Perth WA helps ensure all translations meet current government requirements from the outset.

Weak Statutory Declarations

Statutory declarations from friends or family are a critical part of the process. But when these statements are too generic or lack detail, they carry little weight. Strong declarations should include:

1. How the person knows the couple

2. Specific examples of their time together

3. Reasons why they believe the relationship is genuine

Getting help from the best immigration lawyer Perth can make a big difference when it comes to drafting clear, effective statutory declarations.

Not Updating Evidence During the Wait

Partner visa applications often take 12 months or longer. A common mistake is thinking the job's done once the initial application is submitted. But immigration officers often ask for updated evidence during the process. It's important to keep collecting:

1. Recent joint bills or rental agreements

2. Photos from new events or trips

3. Ongoing communication and records of time spent together

Staying organised and keeping your evidence current makes it easier to respond quickly if more documents are requested.

Why Legal Help Matters

Many couples realise partway through the process just how complex the requirements are. That's where experienced immigration lawyers Perth WA can really help. They can:

1. Review your evidence and check for gaps

2. Draft consistent, detailed personal statements

3. Help supporters write stronger statutory declarations

4. Respond promptly to any requests from the Department

Having expert guidance takes the pressure off and improves your chances of success.

Final Thoughts: Preparation Leads to Peace of Mind

Applying for a partner visa isn't just a formality, it's about telling the story of your relationship clearly, consistently, and with the right supporting evidence. With the help of trusted immigration lawyers in Perth, you can avoid the most common mistakes, reduce stress, and move one step closer to closing the distance for good. Visit https://www.munrodoig.com.au/practice-areas/migration/

Munro Doig Lawyers

Founded in 2002, by its directors Colin Munro and Ron Doig, Munro Doig Lawyers is a leading law firm based in Perth, Western Australia. We have extensive experience in the areas of tax, superannuation, succession, intergenerational wealth transfer, estate planning and commercial law. Our clients inc…

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