Does an ImmiAccount Acknowledgement Prove My Application Is Valid?

What does an ImmiAccount acknowledgement actually confirm?

An ImmiAccount acknowledgement confirms only that an online form was submitted, that a transaction reference was created and, usually, that payment was processed. The acknowledgement is generated automatically, and nobody at the Department has checked the application against the validity rules when it is issued. Our guide to creating an ImmiAccount and our guide to the partner visa online application explain what each screen and receipt means.

How is the validity of a partner visa application decided?

The validity of a partner visa application is decided by section 46 of the Migration Act and the Schedule 1 item for the visa class. The application must be made on the approved form, with the correct charge, by an applicant in the right location and not prevented by a condition such as 8503 No Further Stay. If any requirement is missing, the application is invalid from the day it was lodged, even if the Department only says so months later.

Does getting a bridging visa prove my application is valid?

Getting a bridging visa is a good sign but does not conclusively prove that a partner visa application is valid. A bridging visa is granted on the basis that a valid application was made, so if the application is later found invalid, the applicant's status must be reviewed urgently. Our article on the partner visa bridging visa and our article on the Bridging Visa A explain how bridging visas attach to an application.

How can I check whether my partner visa application is valid?

An applicant can check whether a partner visa application is valid by comparing the facts on the day of lodgement with the Schedule 1 requirements: where the applicant physically was, which visa and conditions they held, whether any earlier refusal or cancellation applied, and whether the full charge was paid. A professional partner visa application review tests these points against the lodged form. Where the applicant does not hold a full copy, a partner visa FOI request obtains the Department's record.

What should I do if I think my application may be invalid?

An applicant who thinks a partner visa application may be invalid should act quickly rather than wait for the Department to decide. If the application is invalid, the applicant may already be without a bridging visa, and every week can matter for Schedule 3 and for lodging a replacement application. Early advice allows a valid application to be prepared while the applicant still has the most options.

How does My Migration Lawyers confirm whether a lodged application is valid?

My Migration Lawyers confirms whether a lodged application is valid by reconstructing the day of lodgement: the applicant's location, visa conditions, earlier refusals, the form used and the payment record. The firm then tells the client in writing whether the application is safe, at risk or invalid, and what must happen next in each case, including any urgent step to protect lawful status. Couples can learn about our partner visa lawyers and request a review through the form on this page.