The Australian partner visa (Subclass 820/801 onshore or 309/100 offshore) requires applicants to demonstrate a genuine, committed relationship. The Department of Home Affairs assesses evidence across four categories — and balance across all four is critical.
The Four Categories of Evidence
1. Financial aspects
Evidence that you share financial responsibilities or support each other financially:
- Joint bank accounts
- Joint loan or mortgage documents
- Shared utility bills or lease agreements
- Evidence of financial transfers between partners
2. Nature of household
Evidence that you live together or share a household:
- Joint lease or ownership documents
- Statutory declarations from people who have visited your shared home
- Correspondence addressed to both of you at the same address
3. Social aspects
Evidence that you are recognised as a couple in your community:
- Photos together at social events, family occasions, and travels
- Statutory declarations from friends, family, and colleagues
- Evidence of joint membership in organisations, clubs, or communities
4. Commitment to each other
Evidence of a long-term commitment and mutual understanding:
- Length of your relationship
- Knowledge of each other’s background, family, and life
- Future plans (travel, property, family)
- Messaging history demonstrating ongoing communication
Common Mistakes
- Focusing only on financial evidence — the Department wants to see a full picture, not just a joint account.
- Poor-quality statutory declarations — a good statutory declaration is specific, personal, and written in the declarant’s own words.
- Gaps in the timeline — if you spent time apart, explain it clearly with supporting evidence.
How We Help
Our team reviews your evidence package before lodgement, identifies gaps, and advises you on the most persuasive way to present your relationship. We also draft and review statutory declarations to ensure they meet departmental expectations.
Start your partner visa journey today with a free consultation.