Applying for a Spouse or Partner Visa in Australia can feel like piecing together a complex puzzle — every document tells part of your story.
This guide explains what documents you need, why they matter, and how to structure your evidence so your application speaks for itself.
🪪 STEP 1: Identify Yourself — Who You Are
Every applicant must establish identity.
This requirement is universal — it applies to every visa subclass.
You must provide one or more of the following:
- Family book showing the names of both parents
- Identification document issued by a government authority
- Court-issued document proving your identity
- Family census register
If you have changed your name, you must also include:
- Marriage or divorce certificate
- Change of name documents from an Australian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, or from the relevant overseas authority
- Any other documents showing other names you have been known by
And don’t forget:
- Passport pages showing your photo, personal details, and passport issue/expiry dates
💡 Note:
These ID documents are essential because they form the foundation of your visa record. Make sure the names, dates, and spellings match across all documents to avoid delays.
❤️ STEP 2: Tell Your Story — Your Relationship with Your Partner
Your relationship statement is the heart of your application.
You must describe in writing:
- 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 spent apart
- Significant events in your relationship
- Your plans for the future
💡 Tip:
This is your chance to tell your love story — but remember, the truth must be verifiable.
Imagine you’re in a courtroom explaining an accident:
The judge wasn’t there, so your words matter — but evidence and witnesses make your story credible.
✅ To strengthen your story:
- If you met as colleagues, include employment certificates
- If you were classmates, include academic transcripts or graduation certificates
- If you were introduced by a mutual friend or relative, that person can provide a statutory declaration detailing how, when, and where you met
- If you met online, you can include chat logs — but note that these are non-official and not considered primary evidence
💍 STEP 3: Marriage Certificate — Understand Its Real Value
If you’re already married — congratulations! 🎉
But let’s be clear: a marriage certificate alone won’t automatically convince the Department that your relationship is genuine.
⚠️ Why?
- A short-term marriage, especially one registered offshore where divorce or annulment is easy, may appear arranged for migration purposes.
- A long-term marriage (10+ years) naturally carries financial, emotional, and practical integration, making authenticity self-evident.
- A short marriage (under a year) offers little tangible proof of long-term commitment unless supported by financial and household evidence.
💡 In simple terms:
It’s possible to marry, apply for a visa, and divorce right after — with minimal financial loss. That’s why case officers focus on proof of shared life, not just marital status.
🧾 STEP 4: Supporting Evidence — Prove the Reality of Your Relationship
The Department assesses your evidence based on credibility and verifiability.
Below is a comprehensive table showing what documents to include, how they are viewed, and their evidence rating (Primary / Secondary / Minor).
🏦 Supporting Evidence Table
| Category | Item / Document | Explanation & Notes | Evidence Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| FINANCES | Joint mortgage or lease documents | ✅ Major financial evidence showing shared living and long-term financial responsibility. 💡 Official, verifiable documents = strongest proof. | Primary |
| Joint loan documents (homes, cars, major appliances) | ✅ Demonstrates shared financial obligations — a clear sign of partnership. | Primary | |
| Joint bank account statements | ✅ Must show: • Income deposits from your employer • Transfers between partners • Transactions aligned with claimed relationship period. ⚠️ Only include relevant pages — translation can be costly. | Primary | |
| Household bills in both names | ✅ Confirms you live together. Examples: electricity, internet, gas, rates. | Primary | |
| HOUSEHOLD | Statement about how you share housework | 💡 If written in a statutory declaration, it counts as Primary evidence. ⚠️ Ensure statements match your other documents (e.g. bills or leases). | Primary |
| Mail or emails addressed to both | 📨 Shows shared address or contact details. ⚠️ Submit a few, not excessive quantities. | Secondary | |
| Joint responsibility for children | 👶 Includes birth/adoption certificates or court documents listing both parents. | Primary | |
| Documents proving living arrangements | 🏠 Includes leases, mortgage papers, insurance, bank correspondence, or letters from government agencies. 💡 Official sources = Primary evidence. ⚠️ Private items (e.g. gym memberships) = Minor. | Primary / Minor | |
| SOCIAL MATTERS | Form 888 — witness statements | 🧾 Two witnesses (age 18+) who know your relationship must complete this form. 💡 If witnesses are Australian citizens/PRs, include passport or birth certificate. ⚠️ This document is mandatory. | Primary |
| Joint invitations or social events | 🎉 Optional — 1–2 examples are enough. 💡 Supplementary only. | Minor | |
| Proof you have friends in common | 👥 Form 888s are Primary, but casual social media photos or wedding invites are Minor. | Primary / Minor | |
| Proof you informed government or companies about your relationship | 💡 Shows public acknowledgment of your partnership — e.g. insurance, HR records. | Primary/Secondary | |
| Proof of joint sporting, cultural, or social activities | ⚽ Club memberships, event photos, or tickets — nice to have but not decisive. | Minor | |
| Proof you travel together | ✈️ Travel bookings, visa stamps, insurance policies. 💡 Can be Secondary or even Primary if travel is a major part of your shared life. | Secondary / Primary | |
| COMMITMENT | Overall relationship documentation | 💬 All the above collectively demonstrate genuine commitment and long-term intent. | Holistic Assessment |
📊 STEP 5: Understanding Evidence Ratings
| Rating | Meaning | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Primary | Official, verifiable records issued by credible institutions (government, banks, schools, insurers). Legally recognised documents like Statutory Declarations also fall here. | Passports, Form 888s, leases, birth certificates, bank statements |
| Secondary | Informal but supportive materials — often helpful but not decisive. | Emails, bills, correspondence |
| Minor | Easily fabricated or unverifiable items. Adds colour to your story but carries little weight. | Photos, social media posts, private club memberships |
✅ Final Takeaway
Your story makes your application human — but your evidence makes it believable.
Every relationship is unique, but the golden rule is:
Authenticity + Consistency = Credibility
Focus on official, verifiable, and relevant documentation. Don’t flood your application with excessive, repetitive, or weak materials — strong, concise evidence always speaks louder.
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