While partner visas themselves maintain high approval rates, applicants must be extremely vigilant once any criminal record issues are involved.

Key Criminal Types of Concern

Armed robbery/assault

Personal injury offenses

Child pornography/sexual crimes

Domestic violence

Drug offenses

Fraud/deception

Kidnapping

Murder

Human trafficking

Rape/sexual assault

Important Reminders

Applicants or sponsors involved in the above offenses must submit explanation letters

Continuously update police clearance certificates even if already obtained

Friends can provide statutory declarations to verify good character

All offenses must be declared, including minor ones (e.g., traffic violations)

Sincere explanation is crucial

Case 1: "Sponsor with Drink-Driving + Previous Marriage" → 801 PR Directly Approved!

Timeline:

801 lodged: January 23, 2023

Request for more information: March 30, 2023 (focusing on sponsor's qualifications and criminal record)

Grant: October 28, 2025

Key Success Factors:

Proactive disclosure + sincere explanation: Did not avoid the offense "Novice Driver Drive With Novice Range PCA - 1st Offence" in the AFP record, truthfully explained circumstances

Emphasized minor nature + completed punishment: Highlighted this was a first-time drink-driving offense, court issued a 6-month good behavior bond (Section 10) as lightest penalty, no conviction recorded

Strengthened genuine relationship evidence: Combined with years of stable cohabitation evidence, emphasized marriage authenticity and continuity

Result: Convinced immigration that people can make mistakes, but genuine relationships aren't negated by minor past errors

Case 2: "Applicant Charged with Domestic Violence Following Argument" → 820/801 Both Approved Simultaneously!

Timeline:

820 lodged: February 2021

Both 820 and 801 granted: December 2023

Multiple AFP updates throughout processing, maintaining transparency

Key Success Factors:

Directly addressed sensitive record: AFP clearly showed "Common Assault (Domestic Violence) T2" offense, court issued 2-year good behavior bond (Section 10)

Multiple explanations + third-party verification: Detailed explanation letter describing incident as isolated argument with no actual harm, emphasized completed bond period with no reoffending; provided multiple friend statutory declarations verifying good daily character and harmonious family relationships

Strong genuine relationship evidence: Substantial evidence of cohabitation, financial integration, and social recognition

Result: Despite domestic violence record, succeeded through transparent communication and thorough documentation