Home / Workflows / Preparing an Australian partner visa application
AU · Immigration

Preparing an Australian partner visa application

Australian partner visas require comprehensive evidence of the relationship across four pillars: financial aspects, nature of the household, social aspects, and the nature of the commitment. This workflow runs through the standard preparation steps.

In short

This is an 8-step workflow for preparing an Australian partner visa application. It works for both onshore (subclass 820/801) and offshore (subclass 309/100) applications. The key challenge is establishing a genuine and continuing partner relationship with sufficient evidence.

Time: 20-40 hours of preparation time spread over 2-3 months. Decision time after lodgement varies (currently 18-30+ months).
Audience: AU immigration lawyers and registered migration agents preparing a partner visa application for a client.
Run this workflow with Quillio — free trial
Prerequisites

Before you start

  • Client and partner identification
  • Confirmation of relationship and intent to apply
  • Initial assessment of any character or health issues
8 steps

The workflow

1

Confirm eligibility

Verify the applicant and sponsor meet the eligibility requirements — relationship type, age, sponsor obligations, previous sponsorships.

Migration Regulations 1994 (Cth)
2

Take detailed relationship history

Document how the parties met, the development of the relationship, key dates, and the current circumstances.

Tools: Quillio
3

Identify and address any character/health issues

Check for any criminal history, prior visa cancellations, and any health conditions affecting the health requirement.

Migration Act 1958 (Cth) ss 501, 65
4

Gather financial aspects evidence

Joint bank accounts, shared bills, joint financial commitments, joint property or assets.

5

Gather household evidence

Joint lease or mortgage, household bills in joint names, photos of the home, evidence of shared responsibilities.

6

Gather social aspects evidence

Photos of the couple together, social media, joint travel, statutory declarations from friends and family confirming the relationship.

7

Draft the application narrative

Draft the personal statement and Form 47SP (sponsor) and Form 40SP (relationship statement). Tell the relationship story coherently.

Tools: Quillio
8

Lodge via ImmiAccount

Lodge the complete application package via ImmiAccount. Pay the visa application charge.

Tools: ImmiAccount
Outcome

What you will have at the end

A complete partner visa application package lodged with the Department of Home Affairs, supported by comprehensive relationship evidence across all four pillars. The application is ready for processing.

Common issues

  • Insufficient evidence of one or more relationship pillars
  • Sponsor character or sponsorship history issues
  • Inadequate relationship statements
  • Missing health examinations
  • Photos without context or dates
Use with Quillio

Run this workflow on a real matter

Quillio drafts partner visa relationship narratives, helps organise the supporting evidence, and identifies any gaps in the four-pillar framework. See /practice-areas/family-lawyers or start a free trial.

This workflow is a general guide for partner visa applications. Immigration law is complex — always tailor the application to the specific circumstances and consider obtaining specialist immigration advice.

Try this workflow with Quillio.

Quillio can run this workflow on a real matter, with citations to current AU authority on every step. The free trial requires no credit card.

Start your free trial