An s56 Request for Information for Partner Visas - FAQ's
s56 Requests for Information - Partner Visas to Australia
Frequently Asked Questions
s56 Requests for more financial evidence for a Partner Visa
If you receive an s56 Request for Information for more financial evidence, it means the Case Officer needs more proof than what you originally provided. They are looking for stronger documentation showing that you and your partner genuinely share your finances and everyday financial income and expenses.
Case Officer asking for more social proof of relationship
When the Case Officer asks and Request for Information for more "social proof," it they want to see that your relationship is public and people know about the two of you and recognise you as a committed couple. They need more evidence showing that other people see you participating in social activities together.
s56 says not enough evidence of genuine relationship
If the s56 Request for Information clearly states that your evidence of a genuine relationship is "insufficient," then this is a major red flag and you must take it seriously. This means your application is currently failing the number one requirement of a partner visa: proving that your relationship is genuine and continuing. This isn’t a simple request for something simple like a police check; it’s the Case Officer giving you one last chance to prove the genuineness of your case before they refuse the visa.
s56 request explaining periods of separation for a Partner Visa
When a Request for Information clearly asks questions about your periods of physical separation, the Case Officer is worried whether your relationship is truly an ongoing relationship. They want to be convinced that you meet the definition of a de facto couple or or as a married couple, which means “they live together, or not apart on a permanent basis”.
Case officer is asking why we don't live together in an s56
If the case officer is asking why you don't live together, they are checking a key requirement of the visa: the nature of the household. They need to completely understand your living situation to ensure your relationship is genuine and continuing.
s56 Request for long distance relationship evidence
For those in long distance relationships (LDR), getting an s56 Request for Information means the Department needs stronger proof of your ongoing commitment despite the long distance apart. While you’re not legally required to live together under the same roof 100% of the time, long distance relationship couples will face extra scrutiny and need solid evidence to show the relationship is genuine and continuing despite the distance.
How to explain lack of a joint bank account in an s56
If the RFI asks why you don’t have an active joint bank account, the Case Officer is questioning the financial aspect (or "pillar") of your relationship and whether you share everything.
How long do I have to respond to an s56 request
In most cases you have 28 days to respond to it, however that may differ. It will be clearly written on the request. Be careful, as sometimes the deadline is shorter, and if you miss it, if they give you a further deadlines they may be even shorter.
NOTE: The Department made an announcement in April 2026 that said "Where a Request for Information or Natural Justice letter is issued, it should be treated as the primary opportunity to address the matters raised"! So that means do not expect an extension of time, because it probably won't happen!
Can I get an extension on an s56 for a Partner Visa
You can request an extension if you have a valid reason, but it is generally best to avoid doing this if you can. Note what I said in the question above. Don't count on it!
What happens if I miss the s56 deadline
The consequences for missing a deadline can be severe. Under the Migration Act 1958, if you don't reply within the given timeframe (usually 28 days), the Case Officer is legally allowed to make a decision based on the information they have already, which may mean a refusal.
Is an s56 request a bad sign
Not necessarily. Getting an s56 request is not automatically a bad sign; It may be small and simple, or it may be complicated and confusing. However, whether it’s small and simple or a serious warning depends on what they are asking you for. You should always take it very seriously.
What should you do about it?
If it’s simple and easy to understand? Just do it! Respond with exactly what they ask, and do it quickly.
If it’s complex, confusing and touches on serious matters that indicate they have serious concerns? Sensible advice? Get some professional help if the outcome matters to you.
Rely on the expertise of Partner Visa Specialist Registered Migration Agents who have managed thousands of successful Australian Partner Visas over many years, and have also managed countless hundreds or probably thousands of s56 Request For Information letters.
Don’t risk your future happiness!
Who are Down Under Visa? Who is Jeff Harvie?
Jeff Harvie and the Down Under Visa team have been doing this for a lot of years! Down Under Visa have brought thousands of couples to Australia from South East Asia over the years. Mostly from the Philippines, but we help increasing numbers of couples where the visa applicant is from China, Thailand, Vietnam or Cambodia. And what this means is we see a lot of success....and we also see failures when people go it alone after talking to their mate, or their relative, or that minimal-care-no-responsibility Facebook group run by Steve and Maribeth based on their own visa application! One application, and they feel qualified to advise others! It's not even LEGAL to do that!
Want to bring your sweetheart to Australia from The Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia or Southeast Asia? Get a FREE VISA ASSESSMENT today! It won't take you long, and you will be rewarded with a clear and detailed assessment that will tell you everything you need. One assessment only!
