When embarking on the journey of applying for a Partner visa, one of the critical components is providing evidence that showcases the genuineness and depth of your relationship. The Department will scrutinise various facets of your partnership, with emphasis on the household, financial, social and commitment aspects of your relationship in order to determine whether your relationship is genuine and continuing. To ensure a successful application, consider the following checklist:
Evidence of your relationship
Your relationship with your partner
If you are married, provide your marriage certificate or other evidence that your marriage is valid in Australia. If you are a de facto partner, provide proof of your de facto relationship (see below).
This proof should show that:
- you have a mutual commitment with your spouse or de facto partner to the exclusion of all others
- your relationship is genuine and continuing
- you either live together or don’t live permanently apart
- you are not related by family
As a starting point, provide a relationship letter, telling the Department in writing about:
- how, when and where you first met
- how the relationship developed
- when you moved in together, got engaged or married
- what you do together
- time you spent apart
- significant events in the relationship
- your plans for the future
Finances
Show the Department how you and your partner share financial matters. Documents may include:
- joint mortgage or lease documents
- joint loan documents for major assets like homes, cars or major appliances
- joint bank account statements
- household bills in both names
Your Household
Show the Department how you and your partner share domestic matters. You could provide:
- a statement about how you share housework
- household bills in both names
- mail or emails addressed to you both
- documents that show joint responsibility for children
- documents that prove your living arrangements
Social Matters
Show the Department evidence that others know about your relationship, such as
- joint invitations or evidence you go out together
- proof you have friends in common
- proof you have told government, public or commercial bodies about your relationship
- proof you do joint sporting, cultural or social activities together
- proof you travel together
Commitment
Show the Department how you are committed to a long-term relationship with your partner. This could include:
- proof you have knowledge of each other’s background, family situation or other personal details. This can be demonstrated in your relationship letters
- proof you have combined your personal matters
- the terms of your wills
- proof you stay in touch when apart, such as communication records
Additional proof of a de facto relationship
In addition to documents proving your relationship, if you are in a de facto relationship, you must show that you have been in you for at least 12 months before you applied for this visa.
If you haven’t been in the relationship for 12 months, you may need to provide evidence you have registered your relationship with an Australian births, deaths and marriages agency, or explain any compelling and compassionate circumstances exist to grant the visa.
Conclusion
Collating evidence across these four key aspects is pivotal in substantiating the authenticity of your relationship for a partner visa application. The more comprehensive and diverse your evidence, the stronger your case becomes. It’s crucial to provide a multifaceted view of your relationship, illustrating its depth and sincerity.
Navigating the requirements for relationship evidence can be complex, but thorough documentation and attention to detail greatly enhance the chances of a successful application. Each piece of evidence contributes to painting a vivid picture of your relationship, showcasing its strength and commitment.
Remember, while this checklist serves as a guide, individual circumstances may vary. Queensland Migration Practice can provide tailored guidance to ensure a successful Partner visa application.
