After You Lodge Your Application

Interview requirements

If you are requested to attend an interview you must bring your passport for identification and all outstanding documentation with you.

Invitation to comment

If another person gives the department information that could result in you being refused a visa, the department will give you an opportunity to comment on the information. You will need to comment by a set date.

Change in circumstances

If you change residential address for longer than 14 days you must inform the department in writing or by telephoning the general enquiries line.
See:
Form 929 Change of address and/or Passport Details ( 87KB PDF file)
National Telephone Numbers

The department must be informed if:

• you wish to add or to change the person authorised to act on your behalf in connection with your visa application
• the composition of your family changes as a result of birth, death or change in relationship status married, divorced, entered a de facto relationship, separated
• you or your family members intend to travel to or from Australia while your visa application is being processed
• the circumstances of the applicant's sponsor or assurer change
• your relationship with your partner ends.

See:
Form 1022 Notification of Changes in Circumstances ( 77KB PDF file)
Australian Offices

Travelling during visa processing

If you want to travel overseas while your temporary partner category visa application is being considered, you will need to apply for a specific bridging visa to allow you to travel overseas and then return to Australia. To be granted such a bridging visa, you will have to provide reasons for the travel and then the travel component of the visa will be tailored accordingly.
See: Form 1024i Bridging visas ( 58KB PDF file)

Visa decision

If the visa is approved, you will receive a letter from the relevant immigration office providing:

• your Visa Grant Number
• the validity date of the visa
• the visa conditions
• full details of what you must do next.

If the visa is not approved, you will receive a letter advising:

• the reasons for the refusal decision
• if eligible, your review rights
• the time limit for lodging an appeal.

Processing your Partner (permanent) visa (subclass 801)

You applied for both a temporary and permanent visa when you lodged your application.

Shortly before you are eligible to be assessed for a Partner (permanent) visa (subclass 801) (usually two years after application lodgement), you will receive a letter from the department asking you to provide further information relating to your application.

If you believe you are eligible for assessment for a Partner (permanent) visa (subclass 801) and have not received a letter from the department you should contact the department's general enquiries line or email the Partner (Permanent) Processing Centre - Victoria.
See: Partner Processing Centres

More information about Partner visa processing is available.
See: More Information