Applying for an Australian Partner Visa is a complex process, and certainly even small mistakes can lead to delays or refusals. Many applicants underestimate the level of detail required or fail to provide strong supporting evidence. Below, we outline the most common partner visa mistakes Australia and how you can avoid them to ensure a smooth application process.
🚨 Top Common Partner Visa Mistakes Australia
1️⃣ Submitting Incomplete or Incorrect Forms
✔ Too many applicants fail to provide consistent details across all forms and supporting documents.
✔ Minor discrepancies in names, addresses, or dates can cause issues.
✔ Absolutely: Triple-check all forms before submission and ensure consistency across all supporting evidence.
2️⃣ Insufficient Evidence of Relationship
✔ Genuineness of your relationship is one of the most scrutinized aspects of a partner visa.
✔ Lack of diverse evidence (financial, social, and household commitments) can weaken your case.
✔ Avoide this by: Providing a variety of supporting documents, including joint finances, travel records, photos, and statutory declarations from family and friends. Learn more about How to Prove a De Facto Relationship
3️⃣ Not Meeting the 12-Month De Facto Requirement
✔ De facto applicants must demonstrate at least 12 months of living together.
✔ Many applicants assume casual stays or frequent travel together is sufficient.
✔ How to avoid it: Provide rental agreements, joint bills, and cohabitation proof over 12 months or register your relationship to waive this requirement. See the Complete Guide to Partner Visas in Australia
4️⃣ Poorly Written Relationship Statements
✔ A weak personal statement may fail to convey the depth and commitment of your relationship.
✔ Despite common sense – Some applicants copy templates without personalizing them.
✔ How to avoid it: Write a genuine and detailed statement that highlights how you met, your daily life, future plans, and challenges overcome.
5️⃣ Not Including Witness Statements (Form 888)
✔ Many applicants forget to include statutory declarations from Australian citizens or permanent residents. ✔ How to avoid it: As I have noted – obtain at least two Form 888s from people who can confirm the legitimacy of your relationship.
6️⃣ Submitting an Application with Expired or Incorrect Documents
✔ Documents such as police checks, medicals, and passports must be valid at the time of application.
✔ How to avoid it: Double-check expiry dates before submitting and update any outdated documents.
7️⃣ Failing to Respond to Requests for More Information
✔ Certainly – the Department of Home Affairs may request additional documents during processing.
✔ Emphatically – Ignoring or delaying responses can lead to visa refusal.
✔ How to avoid it: Monitor your ImmiAccount regularly and respond promptly.
📞 Need Help Avoiding Common Partner Visa Mistakes?
Certainly – even a single mistake can lead to significant delays or a visa refusal, and correspondingly the waste of your visa application fee and years of time. If you’re unsure about your application, get expert guidance from Simon Mander, a Registered Migration Agent with 22+ years of experience.
📌 Related Resources:
- Visa Information Hub
- How to Prove a De Facto Relationship
- Complete Guide to Partner Visas in Australia
📌 Bookmark this page to avoid common mistakes and ensure a strong visa application!