New Passport While Your Partner Visa Is Processing: What to Update in ImmiAccount

If your passport expires, is renewed, is lost or is replaced while an Australian Partner Visa is processing, you should update Home Affairs promptly. Australian visas and pending applications are digitally linked to passport details, so travelling with a new passport while the Department still holds the old passport information can create avoidable problems.

This article focuses on passport changes after a Partner Visa has already been lodged. For the broader application process, see our Partner Visa lawyers Australia hub.

Do you need to lodge a new Partner Visa application?

No. A routine passport renewal does not normally require a new Partner Visa application. Home Affairs allows applicants to update passport details so the new document can be linked to the existing visa application or visa record.

How to update a new passport in ImmiAccount

Home Affairs currently instructs applicants to open the relevant application in ImmiAccount, choose “Update details”, select “Change of passport details”, choose the applicant, enter the new passport information and submit the update.

How long does passport linking take?

Home Affairs states that passport changes submitted through ImmiAccount are generally linked within three business days. Where the change cannot be completed through ImmiAccount and a web form is required, Home Affairs currently indicates a longer processing period.

When might you need the New Passport Details web form?

• The Partner Visa application is not visible in your ImmiAccount.
• You cannot import the application.
• The application ID begins with an older IRIS identifier.
• You use a Certificate of Identity or Titre de Voyage.
• The new passport changes sex, gender or date-of-birth information that cannot be updated through the ordinary ImmiAccount function.

What if the passport expires before Home Affairs decides the Partner Visa?

An expired passport does not automatically cancel a valid Partner Visa application, but the applicant should obtain a valid travel document where possible and update Home Affairs. A current passport is particularly important if the applicant needs to travel, complete identity checks or receive a visa linked to the new passport record.

What if your name changes on the new passport?

A new passport after marriage may contain a different surname. Home Affairs’ passport update process asks whether the applicant’s name differs from what was previously provided. Supporting evidence of the name change—such as a marriage certificate or formal name-change document—may also be relevant.

Illustrative case example: new passport before overseas travel

Composite example: An 820 applicant renewed her passport shortly before an overseas trip on a Bridging Visa B. Her Partner Visa application still displayed the old passport number. The new passport details were updated in ImmiAccount before travel, and the applicant separately checked the Bridging Visa B grant and VEVO. The passport update and the permission to travel were treated as two different tasks.

Passport update checklist

• Renew the passport with the issuing country.
• Update Home Affairs through ImmiAccount or the appropriate web form.
• Upload supporting name-change evidence if relevant.
• Check VEVO after a visa grant.
• If travelling on a bridging visa, separately confirm that you hold the correct bridging visa for departure and return.

See Home Affairs’ new passport guidance. For Partner Visa assistance, visit our 820/801 hub or 309/100 hub.

General information only. Passport updates do not replace the need to check your current visa and travel authority before departure.