Form 47SP: What it is and When to Fill them [With Sample]

When it comes to lodging a Partner Visa, Form 47SP is the most critical piece of the puzzle. Without completing this form, you’re not actually lodging a Partner Visa—it’s as simple as that. This isn’t just about ticking boxes; the Department of Home Affairs uses Form 47SP to gather a wealth of information, not only about you but also about your family and even your partner’s family. From your personal history to your relationship story, this form dives deep, making it the cornerstone of your entire application.

Dive into this blog to uncover the true essence, purpose, and step-by-step process of completing Form 47SP. Join us on a journey that navigates through the bureaucratic landscape, offering not just information but a transformative guide. Enriched with a sample walkthrough, this blog turns what might seem routine into a road map for those embarking on the captivating journey of Australian immigration.

Download form 47sp here

What is Form 47SP?

Form 47SP, also known as the “Application for migration to Australia by a partner,” is a form used in the process of applying for a partner visa in Australia. This form is essential because, without it, you cannot lodge your Partner Visa application. It collects detailed information about your personal history, relationship, and character, which the Department of Home Affairs uses to assess your eligibility for the visa. If you’re applying for a Partner Visa, Form 47SP is one of the most critical components of your application process, and completing it correctly can make all the difference.

What Information Does Form 47SP Collect?

Form 47SP is comprehensive and requires detailed answers about various aspects of your life, including:

• Identity Information: Your name, date of birth, nationality, and other personal details.
• Family Details: Information about your parents, siblings, and dependents.
• Address History: Residential addresses for the last 10 years.
• Travel History: Details of your travels over the past 10 years.
• Relationship Information: The story of your relationship with your sponsor, supported by evidence.
• Character History: Questions about any criminal record, past visa refusals, or other relevant issues.

Who needs to fill out Form 47SP?

Completing the 47SP Form is a mandatory step for individuals applying for a temporary or permanent partner visa (Subclass 820 / 801 / 309 / 100) and a prospective marriage visa (Subclass 300) in Australia. Designed specifically for visa applicants, this form required detailed personal information of both applicant and sponsor, including identity, relationship history, and intentions for living in Australia.

When applying for an Australian partner visa, both Form 47SP and 40SP must be completed. Form 40SP is a sponsor form filled out by the primary applicant’s sponsor, required for a partner to migrate to Australia.

When should you fill out Form 47SP?

Form 47SP should be completed and submitted as part of the initial application for a partner visa in Australia. This form, along with other required documents and forms (form 40sp and form 80) should be lodged at the beginning of the application process to ensure that all necessary information is provided from the start.

Furthermore, if necessary, Form 80, which pertains to supplementary character and background information, is typically completed in the latter stages of the visa application process. Seek professional advice from a registered migration agent before filling out the online application forms to ensure accuracy and compliance with the requirements.

Where Can I Find Form 47SP?

Many applicants initially assume that Form 47SP is a downloadable PDF. While unofficial PDFs might circulate online, the form must be submitted electronically through your ImmiAccount.

Here’s how you can access it:

1. Log in to your ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website.
2. Once inside, the form will appear as a dynamic, fill-as-you-go form, where additional sections will open based on your answers.

If you don’t already have an ImmiAccount, setting one up is the first step. Once created, you can start completing Form 47SP and save your progress as you go.

How to Complete Form 47SP?

Filling out Form 47SP application for a partner visa can be complex. Whether applying for an onshore or offshore partner visa, the necessary documents and information required for a partner visa application form remain largely consistent. Here is a general guide on how to fill out Form 47SP:

1. Obtain the form: Form 47SP can be downloaded from the IMMI website or done online through the IMMI account.
2. Read the instructions: Before filling out the form, thoroughly read the instructions to understand the requirements and guidance on completing each section.
3. Personal details: Open up your immigration account portal and begin to fill in your personal information, including your full name, date of birth, contact details, and any previous names you have used.
4. Relationship details: Provide comprehensive information about your relationship with your partner. This includes details such as the length of the relationship, how you met, and any relevant dates or events. Be sure to include supporting evidence, such as a marriage certificate (if applicable), photographs, birth certificates, joint financial documents, or any other documentation that demonstrates the genuineness of your relationship.
5. Sponsorship details: Provide information about your sponsor’s eligibility, including their Australian citizenship, permanent residency status, or eligibility as a New Zealand citizen. You may need to provide supporting documents, such as proof of citizenship or residency.
6. Health and character requirements: Be truthful when answering questions about character and health requirements. If there is any additional information or documentation that is needed to meet these requirements, provide them as requested.
7. Sign and date: Review the completed form thoroughly, ensuring all sections are filled out accurately and completely. Sign and date the form where indicated.
8. Attach supporting documents: Compile all the necessary supporting documents as listed in the form and attach them securely. These may include identity documents, evidence of your relationship, police clearance certificates, and any other requested documentation.
9. Submit the application: Once you have completed the form and gathered all the required documents, submit your application along with the applicable fees to the Australian Department of Home Affairs either online or through their specified submission channels.

What If I Don’t Know the Answer to a Question?

This is a common concern among applicants. If there’s a question on the form that you genuinely cannot answer (e.g., a parent’s date of birth or details of a sibling you are estranged from), it’s important to address this proactively.

Here’s what you can do:

• Attach a Cover Letter: Upload a letter explaining why you cannot provide the missing information. Be specific and honest—this shows the Department that you are making every effort to comply.
• Make an Effort: For questions like travel history, try to reconstruct timelines using old flight itineraries, hotel bookings, photos, or even emails exchanged during trips.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filling 47SP Form

1. Your Usual Country of Residence

If you’re lodging an onshore Partner Visa, your usual country of residence isn’t your home country—it’s the country where you’re physically residing at the time of your application.

💡 Tip: For applicants in Australia lodging onshore, the correct answer would typically be Australia, not your home country.

2. Non-Migrating Members of the Family Unit

This section can be tricky due to the immigration-specific definition of “family unit.”

• Migrating Members: Family members applying for the Partner Visa with you.
• Non-Migrating Members: Dependent family members who aren’t included in the visa application.

👉 Example: A dependent child who remains overseas and isn’t part of your application.

Important: Do not confuse this with immediate family members, which are listed in a separate section for details about siblings and parents.

3. Living in Any Country for 12 Months or More Over the Last 10 Years

This question often trips up applicants. It asks if you’ve lived in any country, including Australia, for 12 months or more during the past decade. Many applicants mistakenly tick “no,” but in most cases, the correct answer should be “yes.”

💡 Tip: Review your address and travel history carefully to confirm periods of residence in any country, even if you’ve moved around within the same country.

Also Read:  

• What is Form 40SP and When to Fill them 
• How to fill out Form 888 for a partner visa (with sample answers)?

Conclusion

Embarking on the immigration journey is comparable to setting sail across a vast ocean of opportunities. Simplifying the complexities of the process involves understanding crucial documents like Form 47SP, acting as a guiding compass for a smoother course.

At 4Nations International, our proficient team is committed to assisting you in navigating the intricacies of the immigration form with confidence, enhancing your prospects for a successful immigration experience. More than just experts, we are your partners in this adventure. Your success is our ultimate mission. Feel free to connect with us for a seamless voyage through immigration.

Contact us today, and let’s set sail together towards your dream destination!