Visa Granted

The applicant, a female who had been unlawful for more than 21 years and had several criminal convictions and character issues, was granted the 1st stage temporary Partner Visa (subclass 820) and immediately also the 2^nd stage permanent partner visa (subclass 801) based on her long-term relationship with an Australian citizen. The applicant and her sponsor had been in a relationship for more than 3 years at the time ISL lodged this partner visa application. This was a complicated case involving not only the usual evidence that the relationship is ‘genuine and continuing’ at the time the application is lodged, and at the time of decision , but also evidence and detailed written submissions addressing the period of unlawfulness and character issues. Extensive work and evidence had to be provided, but in the end the applicant was granted her permanent residence without even having to wait the usual two years between the first and the second stages.