Partner Visas and Forms – why are there so many!?
I’m going to be talking about the Form 40SP in this blog and the importance of completing it, because oftentimes it’s forgotten about. The good news is that it’s the shortest and probably easiest form to complete (compared to the Form 80 & Form 47SP). See my blog on Forms for an overview of all the Partner Visa forms.
What is the Form 40SP?
The Form 40SP is the Sponsorship form. It must be completed by the Visa Sponsor (the Australian Citizen/Permanent Resident). It’s not a PDF form and it must be completed via Immi Account, the same way as the Form 47SP is completed.
So why do couple’s forget about this form? In my experience, as soon as the application is lodged and paid for, couples take a huge sigh of relief as all the hard work is done. But the Form 40SP is also a mandatory form that must be completed. It’s because this form can only be completed after the visa is actually lodged and paid for – that’s why it gets forgotten.
I found a PDF Form 40SP – can I fill it in?
Because Partner Visas were previously lodged via paper (yes, you were required to print off all your forms, have paper copies of all of your evidence and post the application), there are still PDF forms floating around on the internet.
You should always complete the most up to date versions of forms, and with the Form 40SP that means completing it via Immi Account. You won’t actually be able to access the form until you have lodged and paid for the application (Form 47SP). A lot of the time, couples will stress out because they can’t complete the Form 40SP even via Immi Account, but that’s only because the application hasn’t actually been lodged yet.
What happens if I don’t complete the Form 40SP
When you submit a Partner Visa application, both the Applicant and Sponsor are being assessed. Without the Form 40SP, the Sponsorship cannot be approved which means the Application also can’t be finalised. This makes the Form 40SP a mandatory form.
Besides not actually meeting the criteria for a Partner Visa if you don’t lodge the Form 40SP, you’re also not lodging a ‘Decision Ready Application’. Simply put, a decision ready application means that Immigration has all the information they need to make a decision on your application.
My top tips when completing the Form 40SP
By now you would know that I always talk about the importance of consistency (this was part of my keys for a successful Partner Visa application)… this blog is no different! Here are my top 3 tips when completing the Form 40SP:
- Complete it as soon as the application is lodged and paid for – this way, you won’t forget about it;
- Cross check all the information you provide in the Form 40SP across the Form 47SP and Form 80;
- Provide as much information as possible. This means providing a complete and accurate account of the Sponsor’s travel history and family details. Remember that it’s okay if you’re unsure of certain information and dates, but it’s not okay to leave information out simply because you’re unsure.
It’s always a good idea to have your application forms reviewed by a Partner Visa expert. At the Partner Visa Academy we know exactly what to look for and we can tell you whether your application is in the best shape possible before you hit that submit button.
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.
