How to Update Your Partner Visa Application After Lodgment

For DIY applicants, submitting your Subclass 820/801 Partner Visa application is just the beginning. Life doesn’t pause while the Department of Home Affairs processes your visa—addresses change, children are born, relationships evolve, and new evidence becomes available. Knowing how to update your application correctly is crucial to avoid delays or complications.

Step 1: Why You May Need to Update Your Application

You may need to update your Partner Visa application if there are changes in:

1. Personal details – name, address, or contact information
2. Relationship circumstances – separation, new joint financial arrangements, or the birth of a child
3. Sponsor details – change of address or contact information
4. Dependents – adding or removing children
5. Evidence – new relationship milestones, travel, or photos that strengthen your application

DIY Tip: Always report significant changes promptly. The Department expects accurate and up-to-date information.

Step 2: How to Submit Updates

All updates should be submitted through your ImmiAccount, which is the Department’s secure online portal.

Steps to update:

1. Log in to ImmiAccount
2. Select your Partner Visa 820/801 application
3. Click “Update details” or “Upload documents”
4. Upload supporting documents clearly labelled with dates and descriptions
5. Provide a brief explanation of the change in the comments section

DIY Tip: Keep documents organised by category—financial, household, social, communication—so they are easy for the Department to review.

Step 3: Timing Matters

• Updates can be submitted anytime after lodgement, but it’s best to provide them promptly
• For time-sensitive changes (e.g., a child born or a separation), submit updates as soon as possible to avoid inconsistencies
• Late updates may trigger a Request for Further Evidence (RFE) or delay the processing of your visa

DIY Tip: Treat updates like “mini submissions”—clear, accurate, and timely.

Step 4: What Counts as an Update

Examples of updates include:

• Relationship evidence: new photos, travel itineraries, joint activities
• Financial changes: joint bank accounts, shared bills, mortgage or lease updates
• Household changes: moving in or out, new shared addresses
• Children: births, adoption, or custody changes
• Contact info: email, phone, postal address updates

DIY Tip: Include a cover note explaining each update briefly—it helps the case officer understand why the documents are relevant.

Step 5: Common DIY Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not submitting updates at all – the Department expects continuous accuracy
2. Overloading the portal – submit only relevant documents, clearly labelled
3. Late updates without explanation – may raise questions about relationship continuity
4. Failing to track what was submitted – keep a log of all uploaded documents and dates

DIY Tip: Maintain a master spreadsheet or folder of all updates submitted through ImmiAccount.

Step 6: After Submitting Updates

Once you submit updates:

• The Department reviews them as part of your ongoing application
• You may receive requests for further evidence if clarification is needed
• Updates strengthen your relationship evidence and demonstrate your commitment

DIY Tip: Always respond promptly to RFEs, even if you just submitted updates—timely responses avoid unnecessary delays.

Step 7: Preparing for the 2-Year and 801 Assessment

Regular updates are also helpful for the 2-year assessment and the permanent 801 stage:

• Maintaining a continuous record of relationship milestones makes the permanent stage much smoother
• Updated financial, household, and social evidence reduces the chance of delays or complications

DIY Tip: Think of updates as part of a living application—the stronger and more current your evidence, the better your chances of success.

Final Thoughts

For DIY applicants, updating your Partner Visa application is essential for a smooth process:

• Use ImmiAccount for all changes
• Submit relevant evidence promptly
• Keep a record of all updates
• Understand that updates strengthen your application and help ensure success at the 2-year and 801 assessment stages

Proactive updates prevent unnecessary RFEs, reduce processing delays, and demonstrate a genuine ongoing relationship.

✅ Quick Recap

• Update your application for personal, relationship, or sponsor changes
• Use ImmiAccount to submit updates and supporting evidence
• Include a brief explanation for each update
• Avoid common mistakes like late updates or irrelevant documents
• Regular updates make the transition to permanent 801 smoother

Want step-by-step guidance? Check out our DIY Partner Visa Package here.

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