The Department of Home Affairs has just dropped a new Partner Visa newsletter, and it highlights some common issues many couples don’t realise until it’s too late. Here is a breakdown of the information you need to know:
Your evidence will make or break your application
The key reminder that I took from the newsletter release is pretty simple: case officers don’t know your relationship unless your application explains it clearly.
The Department has stated that a recent internal review found that a number of visa applications included limited or insufficient evidence. This finding is pretty significant.
Couples are lodging applications without knowing exactly what documentation they need to provide which can include how much evidence is actually enough.
It’s important to note that your evidence should be strong at time of application.
The Department has also encouraged couples to keep updating their evidence across all four pillars of the relationship.
Updated approach to Requests for More Information
The Department’s taking on a much stricter approach to requesting additional information. They have stated that an opportunity to respond to a request will only be provided once.
That’s even more reason to ensure you are providing adequate evidence of your relationship at time of application and not second guessing whether you have provided enough.
Previously, the Department would provide multiple opportunities to respond to a request for more information. Now, there won’t be any follow up reminders and a decision may be made in your miss your time-frame to respond.
Common issues when it comes to Partner Visa applications
The Department has identified a number of common issues, including:
- Couple’s missing timeframes to respond to requests
- Eligible Applicants not starting their second stage Partner Visa applications through the ImmiAccount
- Outdated relationship evidence being provided
- Relationship Evidence that doesn’t really support that the relationship is ongoing
- Expired police checks and visa medicals
- Documents being disorganised and not being uploaded correctly
- Missing or incomplete sponsor information including sponsor’s documents
- Not notifying changes in the relationship
Using ImmiAccount
The Department continues to encourage and remind couples that ImmiAccount is the proper channel and method of communication.
It’s important to check your ImmiAccount regularly for any correspondence and to use it if you need to communicate with the Department.
Eligibility for the second stage Partner Visa
The Department has reminded couples that they are eligible to make the application for their second stage application two years after they lodged their initial Partner Visa.
The second stage application should be applied for at the two-year mark. This is a common error I see couple’s make all the time. They don’t realise that they are eligible or they wait for immigration to contact them. My take on what the Department is saying here is that applicant’s should not wait to be contacted. You’re also going to avoid potential delays and requests for more information if you apply at the two year mark.
My thoughts on the Partner Visa Newsletter
This newsletter is a good reminder that a strong Partner Visa application isn’t just about proving your relationship – it’s about presenting it clearly and strategically. One of my key takeaways from the Departments newsletter is that they are scrutinising Partner Visa applications more than ever. They also expect you to provide not only a decision ready application but an application that is presented clearly.
It tells me that the days of lodging and ‘hoping for the best’ are gone. The Department doesn’t seem to be allocating as much time and resources in chasing up, sending multiple requests for more information and expects couples to know what they’re doing.
There’s no better time to get help with your Partner Visa. If you’re looking for the best guidance on how to put together a quality application that ticks all of Immigration’s boxes, reach out to us to see if we can help.
IMPORTANT: Please note, this does not constitute Immigration advice. Always seek advice from a Registered Migration Agent before applying for an Australian Visa. Migration Law is constantly changing. This information is accurate only at the time of publication.
