Partner Visa Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What visa can I apply for?

You can find out more about the visa options that suit your needs.

Who can help me with my application?

Only certain people can help you with your application. Go to Who can help with your application

Can I lodge by paper?

You must apply online using ImmiAccount. For more information, see Applying online in ImmiAccount.

If you experience technical difficulty applying online in ImmiAccount you can submit the ImmiAccount Technical Support Form.

You can apply by paper only in limited circumstances, and only by invitation.

If you apply by paper and we have not invited you to, your application will be invalid and we will not process it.

Where do I find my Application ID?

You can find your Application ID in our correspondence. This includes your acknowledgement of application received letter or notification of visa grant letter.

How long will my application take to be processed?

For an indication of processing times, use the visa processing time guide tool.

This will show the processing times for recently decided applications. It is a guide only and not specific to your application.

For more information see Visa processing times.

Can I have a progress update on my application?

We are unable to report on the progress of individual applications. If you applied online, you can check the status of your application through ImmiAccount.

I have an urgent application; can you prioritise it?

We may prioritise a Partner visa application if you can show that you have compelling reasons and circumstances of a compassionate nature.

There is no guarantee that we will give your application a higher priority. This is because other applicants might have equally or more compelling and compassionate circumstances.

We will only consider applications for priority processing if all supporting documents and information is submitted with your application. You must meet all relevant legislative requirements before we can grant an application.

If you hold a temporary Partner visa (subclasses 309 or 820), 2 years must have passed since you applied for that visa to be eligible for assessment of a permanent visa. If you are not yet eligible for the permanent visa, we cannot consider your application for priority processing.

For more information, see Factsheet: Partner Visas – Requests for Priority Processing.

I am having difficulties with ImmiAccount. Where do I go for help?

Go to Applying online or paper. Check ‘Technical help’.

How do I withdraw my visa application?

Withdraw your application online using ImmiAccount. For more information, go to withdraw an application.

Any applicants aged 18 years or over included in the withdrawal must provide their consent.

You must:

attach a signed statement for each applicant 18 years of age or older
withdraw both visa subclasses if your application is for a Partner visa (Subclasses 309 and 100) or (Subclasses 820 and 801).

What Partner visa do I hold? What are the conditions of my visa?

Use VEVO to check your visa details and conditions.

Can I get a Visa Application Charge (VAC) refund?

For information about refunds, see Getting a refund.

My visa has been refused, how do I apply for review of the decision?

If your application is reviewable, your notification of the refusal decision will tell you how to apply for review to the Administrative Review Tribunal.

When do I complete my health examinations?

You can complete your health examinations after you apply. Learn more about arranging your health examinations.

The results of your health examinations are usually valid for 12 months. If we ask you to sign a health undertaking, they are valid for 6 months.

Before deciding when to complete your health examinations, you should refer to the Visa processing times.

My health examinations have expired, do I need to do them again?

The results of your health assessment are usually valid for 12 months.

If we ask you to sign a health undertaking, they are valid for 6 months. We will let you know if you need to do them again.

How do I provide documents for my application lodged using ImmiAccount?

See Attach documents to your application.

You can reduce processing delays by applying through ImmiAccount and including all required information.

What documents do I provide with my application?

You can find information about required documents in your application in ImmiAccount. For more information go to Step 2 ‘Gather your documents’ on the relevant visa page:

Why have I been asked to provide documents from a Department of Home Affairs office in another country?

We use a global network to process visa applications, so you may receive requests from any of our offices. This includes offices inside and outside Australia.

I cannot provide documents in the specified timeframe. What should I do?

We will prescribe timeframes and cannot guarantee additional time. You may request additional time using the Partner processing enquiry form.

We will only consider requests made before the original timeframe for response expires. Your request must include evidence showing the steps taken to provide the requested information, such as a payment receipt or booking confirmation.

We will tell you the outcome by email once we have considered your request.

My situation has changed. What do I do?

Tell us about any changes in your situation. This includes new passport, address or contact details.

My relationship with my Sponsor has ended or changed what do I do?

You may need to complete the Notification of Relationship Cessation form in the ‘Update Details’ tab in ImmiAccount. To confirm, check Your relationship has changed.

If you do not have access to ImmiAccount, you can tell us directly that your relationship with your sponsor has ended or changed using the Partner processing enquiry form.

Attach a signed and completed Form 1022 - Notification of changes in circumstances (Section 104 of the Migration Act 1958).

To ensure your personal safety online we recommend that you:

change your ImmiAccount password as soon as possible
do not use saved passwords to access your ImmiAccount
change your email password or consider setting up a new email account.

To see how you can increase your personal safety you can use the eSafety Commissioner’s online safety checklist.

I have reconciled my relationship with my sponsor. What do I do?

If your relationship with your sponsor has recommenced, you can tell us using the Partner processing enquiry form.

Attach the following documents:

a statutory declaration completed by you, outlining the circumstances of the relationship
a statutory declaration completed by your sponsor, outlining the circumstances of the relationship
evidence of identify for you and your sponsor.

My Sponsor has died, what do I do?

If you have an ongoing visa application, you will need to complete the Notification of Relationship Cessation form in the ‘Update Details’ tab in ImmiAccount.

If you do not have access to ImmiAccount, you can tell us using the Partner Processing Enquiry Form.

For more information, see Death of your sponsor.

How do I add my child to my visa application?

For specific information go to ‘After you Apply’ then ‘Add family members’ on the relevant visa page:

Do you provide help for people experiencing domestic and family violence?

If you are experiencing domestic and family violence, we may be able to help you. You may still be eligible for the grant of your permanent visa. For more information, see Family Violence Provisions.

For more information see Domestic and family violence and your visa.

How do I withdraw my sponsorship?

You can withdraw your sponsorship any time before we decide the permanent Partner visa application.

For more information, see Your relationship has changed.

If you are experiencing domestic and family violence, there is support available. For more information, see Information for Partner visa sponsors.

We are committed to protecting your privacy and providing a secure online environment, but you can do more to ensure your safety.

To see how you can to increase your personal safety, check the eSafety Commissioner’s online safety checklist page.

Do I need a police check?

You should provide an Australian and any foreign police check(s) when you initially submit your Sponsorship Form. Find out which checks we do and do not accept at Character requirements for visas.

For more information about police checks, select the relevant visa page below and change the toggle to ‘For Sponsors’, go to ‘Gather and prepare your documents’ then ‘Character documents’:

I hold a temporary Partner visa, when do I become eligible for a permanent Partner visa?

Go to ‘Visa Requirements’ on the relevant visa page: Subclass 100 eligibility or Subclass 801 eligibility.

My Subclass 100 or 801 visa has been refused, do I still hold a temporary Partner visa?

If your permanent Partner visa has been refused, you no longer hold a temporary Partner visa.

You need to be aware of your visa status. Use VEVO to check your visa details and conditions.

How do I add my child to my Subclass 801 or Subclass 100 visa application?

If you hold a Subclass 820 or Subclass 309 Partner visa your child can apply for a Dependent child visa (subclass 445).

Once your child holds a Dependent child visa, see instructions for adding them to your partner application at When you have this visa.

When do I submit documents for my subclass 801 or subclass 100 visa?

If we need you to provide further documents for your Subclass 801 or Subclass 100 visa application, we will let you know.

If you hold a temporary Subclass 309 or Subclass 820 visa and two years have passed since you first applied, you are eligible for consideration of a permanent Partner visa:

Log in to ImmiAccount, select ‘New application’ and ‘Family’
Select ‘Stage 2 - Permanent Partner Visa Assessment (100, 801)’.
Complete the online form using your application ID.

You can find your Application ID in our correspondence. This includes your acknowledgement of application received letter or notification of visa grant letter.

If you didn’t use ImmiAccount to apply for your Partner visa application you will need to create an ImmiAccount. Go to Applying online or on paper.

My first entry arrival date has expired. Can I still travel to Australia?

You can travel to Australia with an expired first entry arrival date if your visa is still valid. Your visa may still be subject to cancellation before arrival or at the border.

To see if your visa is still valid, use VEVO.

I need to depart Australia short term. What do I do?

If you are a Partner visa applicant departing Australia, go to Travel on a Bridging visa.

If you are a Partner visa holder departing Australia, go to ‘Travel on this visa’ on the relevant visa page:

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Partner Visa Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What visa can I apply for?

Who can help me with my application?

Can I lodge by paper?

Where do I find my Application ID?

How long will my application take to be processed?

Can I have a progress update on my application?

I have an urgent application; can you prioritise it?

I am having difficulties with ImmiAccount. Where do I go for help?

How do I withdraw my visa application?

What Partner visa do I hold? What are the conditions of my visa?

Can I get a Visa Application Charge (VAC) refund?

My visa has been refused, how do I apply for review of the decision?

When do I complete my health examinations?

My health examinations have expired, do I need to do them again?

How do I provide documents for my application lodged using ImmiAccount?

What documents do I provide with my application?

Why have I been asked to provide documents from a Department of Home Affairs office in another country?

I cannot provide documents in the specified timeframe. What should I do?

My situation has changed. What do I do?

My relationship with my Sponsor has ended or changed what do I do?

I have reconciled my relationship with my sponsor. What do I do?

My Sponsor has died, what do I do?

How do I add my child to my visa application?

Do you provide help for people experiencing domestic and family violence?

How do I withdraw my sponsorship?

Do I need a police check?

I hold a temporary Partner visa, when do I become eligible for a permanent Partner visa?

My Subclass 100 or 801 visa has been refused, do I still hold a temporary Partner visa?

How do I add my child to my Subclass 801 or Subclass 100 visa application?

When do I submit documents for my subclass 801 or subclass 100 visa?

My first entry arrival date has expired. Can I still travel to Australia?

I need to depart Australia short term. What do I do?

Afghanistan visa information

Ukraine visa information

Hamas-Israel Conflict visa information

Partner Visa Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Before Applying

What visa can I apply for?

Who can help me with my application?

Can I lodge by paper?

After Applying

Where do I find my Application ID?

How long will my application take to be processed?

Can I have a progress update on my application?

I have an urgent application; can you prioritise it?

I am having difficulties with ImmiAccount. Where do I go for help?

How do I withdraw my visa application?

What Partner visa do I hold? What are the conditions of my visa?

Can I get a Visa Application Charge (VAC) refund?

My visa has been refused, how do I apply for review of the decision?

Health Examinations​​

​​When do I complete my health examinations?

My health examinations have expired, do I need to do them again?

Document​​s

How do I provide documents for my application lodged using ImmiAccount?

What documents do I provide with my application?

Why have I been asked to provide documents from a Department of Home Affairs office in another country?

I cannot provide documents in the specified timeframe. What should I do?

​​My circumstances have changed

My situation has changed. What do I do?

My relationship with my Sponsor has ended or changed what do I do?

I have reconciled my relationship with my sponsor. What do I do?

My Sponsor has died, what do I do?

How do I add my child to my visa application?

Do you provide help for people experiencing domestic and family violence?

​Sponsors

How do I withdraw my sponsorship?

Do I need a police check?

​Subclass 820 and Subclass 309 holders

I hold a temporary Partner visa, when do I become eligible for a permanent Partner visa?

My Subclass 100 or 801 visa has been refused, do I still hold a temporary Partner visa?

How do I add my child to my Subclass 801 or Subclass​ 100 visa application?

When do I submit documents for my subclass 801 or subclass 100 visa?

Travelling to, or departing Australia

My first entry arrival date has expired. Can I still travel to Australia?​

I need to depart Australia short term. What do I do?

Afghanistan visa information

Ukraine visa information

Hamas-Israel Conflict visa information

When do I complete my health examinations?

How do I add my child to my Subclass 801 or Subclass 100 visa application?

My first entry arrival date has expired. Can I still travel to Australia?