Proving Your Relationship: What Evidence Do You Need?
Applying for a partner visa in Australia requires demonstrating that your relationship is genuine and continuing. The Department of Home Affairs expects substantial evidence about your life together—essentially, proof that your relationship is authentic and not solely for visa purposes. To do this, applicants must provide evidence in four key categories: financial aspects, the nature of the household, social aspects, and the nature of the commitment.
1. Financial Aspects of the Relationship
One of the most crucial areas of evidence is how you and your partner handle your finances together. The Department wants to see that you share financial responsibilities like a committed couple. Evidence may include:
Joint bank account statements showing both names and transactions over time.
Proof of joint ownership or major purchases such as property, vehicles, or appliances.
Shared financial commitments, such as rental agreements, mortgage documents, or utility bills in both names.
Documentation showing financial support, such as one partner transferring money to the other or records of shared expenses.
Insurance or superannuation policies naming each other as beneficiaries.
While not all of these are required, providing as much relevant evidence as possible helps establish financial interdependence.
2. The Nature of Your Household
Showing that you live together and share daily life is another essential requirement. Evidence may include:
Co-habitation proof: Rental agreements, property ownership documents, or official correspondence addressed to both partners at the same address.
Household bills: Joint electricity, gas, internet, or water bills. If bills are in only one name, multiple pieces of evidence should show both partners living at the same address.
Division of responsibilities: A written statement explaining how household responsibilities are shared (for example, cooking, cleaning, and shopping together).
Household assets: Receipts or warranties for items purchased together for the home, such as furniture or appliances.
If you have not been living together (due to work, study, or visa conditions), provide an explanation of how you maintained your relationship, such as frequent visits, extended stays, or regular communication.
3. Social Aspects of the Relationship
Your relationship must be recognised by others, and evidence of your social life as a couple is key. Useful documents include:
Photographs: A selection of photos together over time, ideally with family and friends at events, on holidays, and at gatherings. Photos with captions stating the date and who is in them add credibility.
Statements from friends and family: Sworn statements from people who know you as a couple, such as those provided in Form 888 (Statutory Declaration by a supporting witness). If family or friends are overseas, notarised letters can also help.
Social media and communication: Screenshots of social media posts featuring you as a couple, or chat logs demonstrating ongoing communication (especially for long-distance relationships). Select highlights rather than overwhelming amounts of messages.
Invitations and joint travel: Invitations to weddings, parties, or events addressed to both partners, as well as travel itineraries or boarding passes showing trips taken together.
Memberships and activities: Proof of joint membership in clubs, gyms, or social groups, as well as instances where you have listed each other as emergency contacts on forms (such as employment or education records).
This evidence helps demonstrate that your relationship is not secretive or fabricated, but rather well-integrated into your social circles.
4. The Nature of Your Commitment to Each Other
This category focuses on proving your long-term intentions. Evidence may include:
Personal statements: Both partners should write statements about their relationship history and future plans. These should include details such as how you met, how your relationship developed, significant milestones, and future goals (such as marriage, children, or buying a home together).
Proof of long-term intention: Documents such as wills naming each other as beneficiaries, superannuation records listing each other as dependents, or joint enrolment in future courses.
Evidence of name changes or merging lives: If one partner has changed their surname after marriage, or if you have joint insurance policies, these documents reinforce a commitment to a shared life.
Communication during separation: If you had to be apart due to work, travel, or family obligations, provide evidence that you stayed in contact and made efforts to reunite. This can include flight tickets, hotel bookings, or phone records.
Children: If you have children together, include birth certificates listing both parents. If either partner has children from a previous relationship, showing involvement in their lives can also support the application.
Organising Your Evidence Effectively
When submitting your application, organise the evidence clearly under each category. Consider including a cover letter summarising how your documents demonstrate the key aspects of your relationship.
Additional Tips for Stronger Evidence Submission
Statutory declarations (Form 888): These should be detailed and preferably from Australian citizens or permanent residents for added credibility.
Photos: A small selection (about 10-20) covering different times and occasions is sufficient—quality over quantity.
Consistency is key: Ensure all dates and details match across different documents (for example, if your lease states you moved in together in June 2021, ensure other documents reflect that timeline).
Certify translations: If any documents are in a language other than English, provide certified English translations.
By covering financial, household, social, and commitment evidence comprehensively, you build a strong case for your partner visa. The case officer will look for consistent and credible evidence, so the more thorough and well-organised your submission, the higher the likelihood of a successful application.
Contact Information
Phone: +61 439184999
Website: visamigo.com.au
DISCLAIMER: Important notice for all our social media followers as well as website readers. Content shared here by Visamigo Lawyers and its affiliates is not to be considered as immigration or legal advice. It's intended for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional guidance. This material offers general insights (accurate at the time of posting, subject to updates) and is not exhaustive. Prior to any application, it's recommended you consult an Australian Lawyer for personalised advice. Your journey matters, so ensure you're properly informed.
