A guide to help you gather the evidence you need to prove your genuine and ongoing relationship!
Are you dreaming of starting a new life with your partner in Australia? If so, you’ll need to navigate the partner visa process. applying for a partner visa in Australia comes with its own set of challenges. But with the correct information at your fingertips, you can make the process smoother and increase your chances of a successful application.
You need to provide a lot of documents to show that your relationship is genuine & ongoing, and that you meet the health, character and other requirements. The Department of Home Affairs (DOHA) is very strict and thorough in checking partner visa applications, and any missing or weak evidence can cause delays, requests for more information, or even refusal.
Which is why its important to prepare your documents well before you apply, and make sure they are clear, relevant and consistent.
So, What Documents Do You Need For A Partner Visa?
The documents you need for a partner visa fall into four categories:
- Identity documents
- Relationship documents
- Health and character documents
Let’s look at each category in more detail.
Identity Documents
Identity documents are documents to prove who you are, where you come from and what your marital status is. Below are some of the identity documents you can submit for you & your partner:
- Passport biographical pages
- Birth certificates
- National identity cards
- Change of name documents (if you have changed your name)
- Divorce or death certificates (if you were previously married)
- Marriage Certificate
If you or your partner are not Australian citizens, you also need to provide proof of your current visa status in Australia, such as a visa grant letter.
It’s important to note that providing clear and legible copies of these documents is essential. Any discrepancies or unclear information in the identification documents may lead to delays in the processing of your application. Double-checking the accuracy of these details can save you time and prevent potential complications.
Relationship Documents
Relationship documents are the ones that show that your relationship with your partner is genuine and ongoing and that you meet the four aspects of the relationship: financial, household, social and commitment.
You need to provide a range of documents to cover each aspect, which can include:
- Joint bank account statements or other financial transactions
- Joint ownership or rental of property, or joint responsibility for bills and expenses
- Photos of you and your partner together in different occasions and locations
- Travel tickets, itineraries or bookings for trips you have taken together
- Invitations, cards or letters from friends and family addressed to both of you
- Statements from friends and family about your relationship
- Statements from each of you about your relationship
- Joint memberships, hobbies or interests
- Form 888 – Statutory declaration by a supporting witness in relation to a partner visa application
Adding a personal touch to your proof of relationship documents can enhance the credibility of your application. Including details of significant milestones, shared experiences, and future plans can provide additional context to the assessing officer, reinforcing the authenticity of your relationship.
There can be a lot of evidence required to prove your relationship with your partner – if there is something on the list which you don’t have or are unsure about, you can contact us to discuss your other documentary options.
Health And Character Documents
You need to provide the following health and character documents for both you and your partner:
- Medical examinations from a doctor approved by the DOHA
- Police clearances from every country you’ve lived in for 12 months or more in the last 10 years
- Military service records or discharge papers (if you have served in the military)
In your application, you’re asked to declare any health or character issues that may affect your visa eligibility, such as previous visa refusals, criminal convictions, debts to the Australian government, or serious medical conditions. In the case you answer yes to declaring anything like this, you may be requested to provide extra documents or information to explain your situation and show that you meet the visa criteria.
How Should I Organize And Present Our Documents?
Once you’ve collected all the documents you need for your partner visa, you need to organise and present them in a clear and logical way. Here are some tips on how to do that:
- Scan and save your documents as PDF files, and name them according to the category and content, such as “Identity – Applicant passport” or “Relationship – Joint bank statements”.
- Upload your documents to your ImmiAccount, and attach them to the right sections of the online application form, such as “Applicant identity documents” or “Sponsor relationship documents”.
- Use a checklist to make sure that you have provided all the needed and relevant documents, and that they are complete, accurate and up to date.
What Are Some Common Mistakes in Document Submission?
When preparing your application, it is crucial to pay attention to detail and avoid common pitfalls that could jeopardize your chances of approval. By understanding these mistakes, you can ensure a smoother submission process and increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.
Incomplete or Incorrect Forms
One of the most common errors is submitting incomplete or incorrect forms.
Take your time and ensure that you fill out all the necessary information accurately. Double-check everything before submitting your application to avoid unnecessary delays or rejections.
It is essential to carefully review each form and provide all requested information in the appropriate sections. Missing or inaccurate details can lead to complications and may result in your application being sent back for corrections, causing delays in processing.
Insufficient Evidence of Relationship
Another major mistake is providing insufficient evidence of your relationship. Remember to include a variety of documents that cover different aspects of your life together, giving a comprehensive view of your partnership.
When demonstrating your relationship, it is important to provide a diverse range of evidence, as per the list we have provided above. This multi-faceted approach helps paint a clear picture of your bond and strengthens your case for approval. It’s important to remember, the documents you provide for your application are there to show DOHA’s case officer (a stranger to you) the genuineness of your relationship.
Applying for a partner visa in Australia can be a hard and complex process, but with good preparation and organisation, you can improve your chances of success. By following this guide, you can collect the documents you need to prove your identity, relationship, health and character, and present them in a clear and logical way. This will help you show the DOHA that your relationship is real and lasting, and that you meet the visa criteria.
If you need more help or guidance with your partner visa application, you can contact us at enquiry@pdlaw.com.au. We can help you with every step of your partner visa journey. We can help you check your eligibility, prepare your documents, apply for your visa, and communicate with the DOHA on your behalf. We can also advise you on any changes or updates that may affect your visa status or outcome. Contact us today for a consultation and quote.
