Applying for an Australian Partner Visa is a significant step, whether you’re married or in a de facto relationship. To be successful in your visa application, you must provide strong evidence of an ongoing relationship. This requirement applies to both the subclass 820/801 (onshore) and subclass 309/100 (offshore) visas. The evidence you submit will be thoroughly assessed to determine if your relationship is genuine, continuing, and committed.
At Migration Guru, we are experts in guiding couples through this process, ensuring your application is robust and meets all the partner visa requirements.
Why Evidence of an Ongoing Relationship is Essential ?
For both the spouse visa and de facto visa Australia, the Department of Home Affairs needs proof that your relationship is not only real but also ongoing. This means you must demonstrate that you and your partner share financial, social, and emotional aspects of your lives.
Providing comprehensive and consistent evidence in these areas strengthens your application and increases your chances of approval.
Key Areas of Evidence
To create a strong Partner Visa application, you should provide evidence across the following key areas:
- Financial Aspect
Financial evidence is crucial because it shows that you and your partner are financially interdependent. This is a strong indicator of a genuine relationship. Consider including:
- Joint Bank Accounts: Statements showing both names.
- Credit Cards: Evidence of shared credit cards.
- Shared Utility Bills: Bills addressed to both of you.
- Loan Agreements: Joint loans for major purchases like a home or car.
- Insurance Policies: Joint health, home, or car insurance.
Joint financial documents demonstrate that you and your partner share financial responsibilities, highlighting trust and mutual commitment.
- Nature of Household
Living together or sharing household responsibilities is a key indicator of an ongoing relationship. You should include:
- Joint Lease Agreements: Rental agreements with both names.
- Mortgage Statements: Documents showing joint property ownership.
- Shared Utility Bills: As mentioned above, bills in both names.
- Mail Addressed to Both: Letters or official documents sent to your shared address.
- Affidavits from Landlords: Statements confirming your shared living arrangements.
These documents show that you and your partner are living as a committed couple.
- Social Aspects
Social evidence demonstrates how your relationship is recognized and supported by your community, family, and friends. Important evidence includes:
- Photos Together: Pictures from social events, with family, or during travels.
- Joint Social Activities: Memberships in clubs, gyms, or social groups.
- Invitations: Wedding or event invitations addressed to both of you.
- Statements from Family and Friends: Affidavits or statutory declarations from people who can vouch for your relationship.
Social proof is essential in showing that your relationship is known and accepted by others.
- Nature of Commitment
Evidence of your commitment to a shared future is vital. This can include both past and current documentation that shows you are planning a life together. Examples include:
- Joint Investments: Proof of shared investments or savings.
- Property Ownership: Deeds or ownership documents for joint property.
- Communication Records: Emails, chat logs, or phone records showing ongoing communication.
- Wills and Testaments: Documents showing you’ve included each other in your wills.
- Gift Receipts: Receipts for significant gifts exchanged between you.
This evidence shows that your relationship is serious and committed.
The Importance of “Joint” Evidence
Throughout the application process, the term “Joint” or shared evidence will frequently come up. This type of evidence is powerful because it shows that your lives are deeply connected across multiple aspects—financially, socially, and emotionally.
Joint evidence, such as shared bank accounts, property ownership, and social activities, demonstrates that your relationship is not just on paper but is lived out in daily life. This level of integration is exactly what the Department of Home Affairs looks for in a genuine and ongoing relationship.
Special Considerations for De Facto Partners
If you are in a de facto relationship, you usually need to prove that you have been in this relationship for at least 12 months before applying for your Partner Visa. However, this requirement can be waived if you can show that you’ve registered your relationship with an Australian state or territory or if there are compelling and compassionate circumstances.
It’s crucial to gather as much evidence as possible to show the continuity of your de facto relationship. This includes a mix of financial, household, social, and commitment evidence, along with any legal documents supporting your relationship.
How Migration Guru Can Assist You
At Migration Guru, we specialize in helping couples prepare and submit successful Partner Visa applications. Our team knows exactly what the Department of Home Affairs is looking for, and we work closely with you to gather and present the necessary evidence.
Whether you are applying for a spouse visa, marriage visa Australia, or de facto partner visa Australia, we are here to help you every step of the way.
Get Started with Migration Guru Today
Are you ready to take the next step in your journey together? Contact Migration Guru today. We’ll help you navigate the complexities of the Partner Visa process, ensuring your application is as strong as it can be.
Phone: +61-0730363800
Email: info@migrationguru.com.au
Facebook: Migration Guru
Let us help you secure your future in Australia.
