How to Complete Form 80 for an Australian Partner Visa: A Comprehensive Guide

Form 80, titled 'Personal particulars for assessment including character assessment', can be an integral part of your partner visa application.

While it is not mandatory for all visa applicants to fill this form out unless requested, including this document can support your application and help reduce potential delays. Partner visa applicants are commonly asked to provide the Department of Home Affairs with in-depth information to assess their character and personal background.

So, to help you submit a complete and accurate partner visa application, here is your guide to completing Form 80 for an Australian partner visa.

What Is Form 80, and Why Is It Required?

Applying for a partner visa is a significant step in the migration journey to reunite with family members. Submitting Form 80 helps share personal particulars for assessments, including a character assessment. This form is a detailed, comprehensive questionnaire used by the Australian Department of Home Affairs to collect extensive information.

This includes your personal details, travel history, employment and education background, and any criminal history or military service records. It is a key document for establishing that you meet Australia's character requirements.

Who Needs to Submit Form 80 for a Partner Visa?

Form 80 is designed to be completed by applicants who are 16 years of age or over, as requested by the office processing the application. Usually, the primary applicant of the partner visa is the person applying who needs to submit Form 80. In rare cases, the department may also request the sponsor for the visa to fill it out. This situation can arise when there are concerns regarding the sponsoring partner's background, particularly if they have a criminal history.

If you are uncertain whether you need to submit the form, consulting a lawyer from Australian Migration Lawyers may assist. Our legal professionals can help you through the entire visa application process and can also guide you through appeals and reviews.

Necessary Documents and Details You Will Need Before You Start

Collecting the necessary documents and information before you fill out any visa requirement form is the best way to stay organised and avoid errors. Before starting your Form 80, gather information on your address history, employment details, past addresses, and international travel.

How to Fill Out Form 80: A Section-by-Section Guide

Filling out the form for your partner visa can be overwhelming, and you need a plan to do it properly. To avoid confusion or stress, follow these steps to complete each section adequately.

Part A: Applicant Details

You must provide your full name as it appears on your official documents, like your passport.

This section also requires your date and place of birth and gender.

It is also where you will list your current contact details. Ensure accuracy with these personal details, as discrepancies can lead to processing delays.

Part B: Passport and Travel Document Information

This section requires you to list details of your current and previous passports. Make sure to mention passport numbers, country of issue, and the exact dates of issue and expiry. If you hold multiple citizenships or have had other travel documents, incorporate those details as well.

Part E: International Travel and Movements

You must detail all international travel outside your usual country of residence in the last 10 years. For each trip, mention the country visited, dates of entry and exit, and the purpose of the visit. Ensure this information aligns with any travel history provided in your visa application. If you have an extensive travel history, it can sometimes be difficult to recall exact dates.

Do your best to be precise, and consider using Part T—Additional information to list all trips comprehensively.

Part F: Employment

In this section, you must provide details of all employment and unemployment since birth. For your employment history, list all paid work, self-employment, and even unpaid work or internships.

You must also detail all periods of unemployment, including any gaps between jobs. Please mention employer names, addresses, job titles, and dates of employment. Ensure there are no gaps in your employment history; if unemployed during any period, state this explicitly.

Part G: Education

List all tertiary education and qualifications, including university, college, and specialist training. You will need to provide the institution names, courses studied, and dates of attendance.

Part K: Character

This is a critical section where you must truthfully answer detailed questions about your past conduct. Disclose any military service, charges, convictions, or association with criminal organisations. If you answer 'Yes' to any questions, you must provide detailed explanations in the space provided or in Part T. Failure to disclose material information can result in a visa refusal.

Part Q: Associated People

Here you will provide details of your immediate family members, including your partner, parents, siblings, and children.

Part S: Declaration

Carefully read the declaration before signing and dating the form. By signing, you confirm that all information provided is true and complete. An unsigned form is considered incomplete and will not be processed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Completing Form 80

There is always a possibility of making errors, especially when you are filling out complex forms for Australian visas. Knowing about common mistakes can help you avoid them.

Many visa applicants face delays due to incomplete information. Leaving sections blank or providing vague answers can slow down the application process. If a question does not apply, write 'N/A' to show it has been considered. Inconsistent details are another major issue, so ensure information matches across all documents.

It is also crucial to double-check dates for travel, employment history, and education. Omitting information, even minor offences or short trips, can be seen as missing information by immigration authorities and lead to negative outcomes. Finally, always download the latest version of Form 80 from the Department of Home Affairs website to avoid using outdated forms.

Tips for Completing Form 80 Correctly and Efficiently

While hiring an experienced lawyer from Australian Migration Lawyers is a smart move, if you feel confident enough to fill out the form yourself, here are a few pointers.

Start Early: Give yourself enough time to gather information, ensure its accuracy, and confirm consistency with your supporting documents. Rushing may lead to errors.

Be Honest: Maintain honesty throughout the visa application process. Any false or inaccurate information, if flagged, will cause processing delays or even rejection.

The Department is committed to maintaining the integrity of its visa programs and may refuse applications with fraudulent claims.

Review Before Submitting: After you fill out Form 80, review it thoroughly before uploading. A good practice is to wait an hour before you double check your answers. This will help you catch errors.

Use Part T: Part T is for additional information. Use it if you need more space or want to elaborate on an answer.

What Happens After You Submit Form 80?

Once submitted, the Department of Home Affairs will review Form 80 alongside your partner visa application. They may use the information to conduct background checks and assess your character. If additional information is required, they will contact you or your lawyer.

Processing times can vary, but submitting a complete and accurate Form 80 can help expedite the process. Keep a tab on your ImmiAccount regularly for updates.

When to Get Help from Australian Migration Lawyers

A lawyer from Australian Migration Lawyers can provide expert professional advice, ensure your Form 80 is completed correctly, and liaise with the Department on your behalf. Our guidance can be invaluable in navigating the complexities of the visa application process. Consider our help if you are facing any of the following issues:

• You are unsure about how to complete certain sections of Form 80.
• Your case involves complex circumstances, such as a previous visa refusal or criminal records.
• You need assistance gathering and organising supporting documents for your partner visa application.

Conclusion: Submit a Strong and Accurate Form 80

Completing Form 80 meticulously is important for a successful Partner Visa application. By providing accurate and comprehensive information, you demonstrate your commitment to meeting Australia's immigration requirements. Avoid common mistakes, utilise available resources, and seek professional assistance from Australian Migration Lawyers when necessary.