Partner Visa Applications: Clear Subclass References Now Required on Form 956
Ensure both visa subclasses are listed to avoid communication delays. The Department has issued updated guidance regarding how Registered Migration Agents (RMAs) and legal practitioners should notify them of appointments related to Partner visa applications. This clarification is intended to prevent delays in communication and visa processing. Both visa subclasses must be clearly identified on Form 956. In most cases, Partner visa applications are lodged as a combined package — either: Subclass 820 (temporary) and 801 (permanent) for onshore applicants, or Subclass 309 (provisional) and 100 (permanent) for offshore applicants. To ensure correct correspondence, both visa subclasses must be clearly stated when notifying the Department of your appointment. This applies whether you are acting as the client’s representative or simply as an authorised recipient. For example, if appointed to assist with both subclass 820 and 801 applications, both subclasses must be explicitly listed at question 15 of Form 956. Important Notes: While written notification is accepted, Form 956 is strongly preferred for consistency. For new Partner visa applications, ensure both subclasses are listed from the outset. For existing applications, agents are asked to: Review the most recent Form 956 submitted, and Upload an updated form via ImmiAccount if any subclass was omitted. Failure to list both subclasses may result in communication being limited to only the subclass mentioned, causing unnecessary processing delays.
