Gathering Evidence of a Genuine & Continuing Relationship for a Partner Visa
All applicants submitting a Partner Visa, whether onshore or offshore, require substantial evidence that they have a genuine and ongoing relationship with an Australian Citizen, Permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.
The Department of Home Affairs (Department) has strict requirements regarding the type of evidence that can be provided to substantiate a genuine Partner Visa application.
Importantly, the eligibility criteria for a Partner Visa includes making sure that all applicants and their sponsors can prove that they have joint legal obligations, liabilities, household expenses and shared resources to financially support one another.
All Partner Visa applications must meet the four pillars of a relationship as stipulated by the Department. The four pillars are comprised of:
- Details of the nature of the commitment
- Details of the nature of the household
- Details of the financial aspects of the relationship
- Details of the social aspects of the relationship
To meet these criteria, applicants are advised to acquire the following relationship evidence for submission to the Department when applying for a Partner Visa (where possible):
1. Details of the Nature of the Commitment
To demonstrate the depth and sincerity of the commitment between partners, it is important to provide evidence that showcases the seriousness and longevity of the relationship. This includes:
- Relationship or marriage certificate
- Evidence of continuous communication
- Estate planning documents.
2. Details of the Nature of the Household
Providing evidence of the shared nature of the household helps to establish that both partners live together and contribute to the domestic environment. This can include:
- Joint rental/mortgage agreement.
- Joint utilities accounts.
- Joint correspondence/addressed to the same address.
3. Details of the Financial Aspects of the Relationship
Financial interdependence is a key indicator of a genuine relationship.
Evidence should be provided to show that the couple shares financial responsibilities and that their resources are pooled or managed together, such as:
- Joint mortgage/lease documents.
- Joint utility bills.
- Joint bank statements.
4. Details of the Social Aspects of the Relationship
The social recognition of the relationship by family, friends, and the community is another vital element in demonstrating its authenticity. This may be supported by:
- Photographs with family and friends.
- Joint social event invitations.
- Evidence of joint travel.
Comprehensive & Consistent Partner Visa Evidence
The evidence required to substantiate a de facto relationship or marriage is not limited to the types of evidence provided above.
However, it is key to present comprehensive information and evidence to demonstrate that the relationship or marriage is genuine, ongoing, and exclusive.
Providing sufficient relationship evidence in the first instance minimises processing delays and enables the Department to make a favourable decision.
While not every applicant may be able to obtain all the different types of evidence mentioned above, it is essential to ensure that the evidence provided is consistent across all documents.
Inconsistencies, even small ones, can raise doubts and lead to delays or refusals, such as when dates on travel documents do not align with those on social media posts or other submitted evidence.
Additionally, applicants should ensure that the evidence they provide covers the entire period of the relationship, not just recent months, especially in cases where the processing time is extended.
Applicants should be prepared to provide updates or additional evidence if requested by the Department during the processing period.
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Related Blog – Partner Visa Sponsorship Obligations