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Partner Visa PR Stage: Update ImmiAccount at Two Years

Riverwood Migration

May 1, 2026

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What Happens at the Two-Year Mark on a Partner Visa?

The Australian partner visa process operates in two stages. The first stage grants a temporary partner visa (either Subclass 820 or 309, depending on whether you applied onshore or offshore). After approximately two years from the original lodgement date, applicants become eligible for assessment for the permanent partner visa (Subclass 801 or 100).

This two-year period is not automatic. The Department of Home Affairs does not simply convert your temporary visa to permanent. Progression to the permanent stage requires action from the applicant or their representative.

What the Department Now Requires

According to the Department of Home Affairs Partner Processing Newsletter (April 2026), once two years have passed since the partner visa application was lodged, applicants or their migration representatives must submit updated information directly through ImmiAccount to progress the permanent residence assessment.

This includes updated evidence of the ongoing genuine relationship, current contact details, and any changes in circumstances since the original application was lodged.

Who Is Affected

This requirement applies to all partner visa applicants currently holding a temporary partner visa and approaching or past the two-year mark from their original lodgement date. It applies equally whether you lodged onshore (Subclass 820/801) or offshore (Subclass 309/100).

Migration agents and lawyers must also ensure that client contact details on file are kept current. The Department sends eligibility notifications to clients, and outdated contact information means those notifications may not be received, causing further delay.

Why Timely Submission Matters

Failure to submit updated information at the two-year mark does not simply pause your application. It can cause the permanent residence assessment to be delayed indefinitely. The Department will not proactively chase applicants who have not responded or updated their records.

Given current processing pressures across the partner visa program, any avoidable delay compounds the overall waiting period. Applicants who act promptly at the two-year mark give their application the best chance of being assessed without unnecessary hold-ups.

Practical Steps to Take

Identify the exact date your partner visa application was lodged. This is your reference point for the two-year mark.
Log in to ImmiAccount and navigate to your partner visa application.
Submit updated relationship evidence, including recent photographs, joint financial documents, communications, and statutory declarations where relevant.
Confirm your contact details (email and phone number) are current in ImmiAccount so you receive Department notifications.
If you are represented by a migration lawyer or agent, confirm with them that your contact information on file is up to date and that they are monitoring your application timeline.

Key Takeaways

Permanent partner visa assessment does not begin automatically. Applicants must submit updated information through ImmiAccount at the two-year mark.
This requirement applies to both onshore (820/801) and offshore (309/100) partner visa applicants.
Outdated contact details can result in missed Department notifications and further delays.
Timely action at the two-year mark is the most effective way to avoid unnecessary processing delays.
This guidance comes directly from the Department of Home Affairs Partner Processing Newsletter, April 2026.

The content of this article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and subject to change. The information provided may not reflect the most current legal developments. For advice specific to your circumstances, please consult a registered Australian migration lawyer. For full terms governing use of this website and its content, please refer to our Website Terms and Conditions.

Speak with a Riverwood Migration Lawyer

For partner and family visa matters, we recommend speaking with Shirly Wang, our lawyer specialising in partner and family migration pathways. Book a consultation to discuss your circumstances.