How Often Should We Upload New Evidence After Lodging?

How often should we upload new evidence after lodging?

New evidence after lodging should be uploaded when it adds something meaningful, rather than on a fixed timetable. A significant event, such as signing a new lease, marrying, buying property or having a child, is a good trigger. Uploading small batches of similar documents every week adds little. Our guide to the partner visa online application through ImmiAccount explains how documents are attached after lodgement.

Why add evidence after a partner visa is lodged?

Evidence is added after a partner visa is lodged because the Department decides whether the relationship is genuine and continuing at the time of decision, not just at lodgement. Processing can take a long time, and evidence that the relationship has continued and developed keeps the application current. When an update is made, grouping the documents by aspect, with a one-line note explaining what each document shows, keeps the file easy for a case officer to read. Our article on partner visa processing delays explains why updates matter during a long wait.

What evidence should we add before the permanent stage?

Before the permanent stage, couples should add evidence covering the period since lodgement across all four aspects of the relationship, together with fresh Form 888 statements and police certificates if requested. The permanent stage is generally assessed about two years after lodgement. Our article on partner visa second stage documents lists what is usually provided.

Do we need to tell the Department about changes?

Couples need to tell the Department about relevant changes, such as a new address, a new passport, the birth of a child or a change in the relationship. A change of address is usually notified on Form 929 and other changes on Form 1022. Our articles on partner visa change of address and Form 1022 change of circumstances explain the process.

What if the Department asks for more evidence?

If the Department asks for more evidence, the request takes priority over any voluntary updates. A request under section 56 usually sets a short deadline that is strictly applied, and the response should answer every item listed. Our article on responding to a section 56 request explains how to prepare a complete response, and our article on requesting more time covers extensions.

Can uploading too much new evidence cause problems?

Uploading too much new evidence can cause problems if it fills the application with repetitive material or introduces documents that conflict with what was lodged, such as a different address for one partner. Every new document should be checked against the existing application before it is attached. Our partner visa application review article explains how to check consistency.

How does My Migration Lawyers manage evidence updates during processing?

My Migration Lawyers plans evidence updates for each client after lodgement, telling the couple which events to document and when a combined update is worth providing. The firm checks each new document against the lodged application, attaches it with a short explanation and prepares the full update before the permanent stage is assessed. Couples who lodged themselves can ask our partner visa lawyers to take over the application.