Form 47SP: Application for Migration to Australia by a Partner
Questions and answers
Is Form 47SP still required for partner visa applications?
Yes. Form 47SP remains the primary application form for partner visa applicants. Since 2015, most applicants complete it online through ImmiAccount rather than submitting a paper form. Paper lodgement is only permitted in limited circumstances where the Department specifically invites a paper application — submitting a paper form without an invitation will render the application invalid.
What is the difference between Form 47SP and Form 40SP?
Form 47SP is completed by the visa applicant (the person seeking to migrate to Australia). Form 40SP is completed by the sponsor — the Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen who is sponsoring the applicant. Both forms must be submitted as part of a valid partner visa application. The sponsor must also be approved as a sponsor, which is assessed as part of the same application.
What partner visas require Form 47SP?
Form 47SP is required for the onshore Partner Visa (subclass 820/801), the offshore Partner Visa (subclass 309/100), and the Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300). The subclass 820 and 309 are the temporary stages; subclasses 801 and 100 are the permanent stages granted after the relationship is assessed over time.
What are the four pillars of a partner visa application?
The Department assesses the genuineness of a relationship across four categories: (1) financial aspects — joint accounts, shared assets, financial interdependence; (2) nature of the household — shared living arrangements, shared responsibility for household tasks; (3) social aspects — how the relationship is presented to family, friends, and the community; and (4) commitment — the duration of the relationship, future plans, and knowledge of each other's personal circumstances. Form 47SP must be completed consistently with evidence across all four pillars.
Can I submit Form 47SP on paper?
Only in limited circumstances where the Department has specifically invited a paper application. Online lodgement through ImmiAccount is the standard and preferred method. If you submit a paper form without an invitation from the Department, your application will be invalid.
What happens if I make a mistake on Form 47SP?
If the Department identifies an inconsistency or requires clarification, it may issue a Section 56 or Section 57 request for additional information. You must respond within the specified timeframe. Failing to respond, or providing inconsistent information, can result in visa refusal. If you have already submitted the form and realise there is an error, contact a migration lawyer immediately — do not attempt to correct it informally.
Do I need to disclose previous visa refusals on Form 47SP?
Yes. Form 47SP requires full disclosure of all previous visa refusals, cancellations, and any periods of unlawful stay in Australia or any other country. Failure to disclose is treated as a character issue and can result in refusal on the basis of non-disclosure, which is separate from and in addition to any underlying visa issue.
How long does a partner visa take after Form 47SP is submitted?
Processing times vary significantly. As of 2025, the onshore subclass 820 temporary partner visa is typically granted within 12–24 months of lodgement, with the permanent subclass 801 granted approximately 2 years after the temporary visa. Offshore subclass 309 applications have similar processing times. Complex cases, character issues, or incomplete documentation can extend these timeframes considerably.