7 Pitfalls to Avoid with Partner Visa 820 (Onshore)
Using only one class of evidence (like financial) or having gaps/inconsistent dates (joint accounts, lease dates, shared bills) raises red flags. Always supply **multiple, overlapping, time-aligned categories**: financial, household, social, and commitment.
Many applicants don’t account for needing a **Bridging Visa B** (BVB) during the processing period. If travel isn’t planned, they get stuck or jeopardise their validity. Always plan your entry, exit, and re-entry strategy early.
Documents like police checks, identity evidence, passports, translations, or name-change certificates have validity windows. Using stale documents may force you to renew everything mid-process.
If any party has criminal history, prior visa cancellations, or health complications, failing to proactively address them is risky. Provide upfront explanations, supplementary docs, and legal advice rather than hoping it won’t matter.
Your Australian partner (or sponsor) must meet obligations: income thresholds, character checks, support/return undertakings, and ongoing compliance. Weak sponsor files are common failure points.
Submitting an application without a final “audit pass” is a big risk. Mistakes in naming conventions, formatting, missing documents, unread PDFs, not compressing PDF's, uploading JPG's or broken links in ImmiAccount are surprisingly common causes for s56 Requests for more information or denial.
DIY or generic templates can’t account for your individual history, subclass issues (Schedule 3, prior illegal stay), or appeal strategies. Engaging a migration agent early often saves huge time, funds, and heartache.
“Thank you so much for all your support
throughout this journey. We are truly
grateful for your guidance and assistance.
We are very happy and excited to receive
the visa grant,
”
Thi – Partner visa applicant
FAQs – Common 820 Concerns
What’s a Bridging Visa B and why do I need it?
A BVB lets you travel and return to Australia while your 820 is processing. Without it, you risk losing your application’s validity.
How much evidence is enough?
There’s no fixed number—what matters is consistency, overlap in categories, and credible narratives. You want 30–60 pieces typically.
Can prior unlawful stay hurt my 820 case?
Yes. But with strategy (waivers, explanations, risk mitigation), you can still be approved. Best to discuss before applying.
How often are s56 Requests given?
Quite often—especially for incomplete or poorly organised evidence. A well-prepared file often avoids RFIs entirely, but also largely depends on the Department's Processing times
Do I need to renew documents mid-process?
Sometimes yes - some documents expire, and Home Affairs may ask for current ones. Having a renewal strategy in place is smart.
When should I speak to an expert?
Before lodging, and preferably before you start the process. We can help you work out which documents you need and give you a strategy to fill the gaps before you lodge. We can also help you save you money and delay down the track.
