Each year, thousands of partner visa applications are refused; not because the relationships aren’t genuine, but because the evidence isn’t convincing enough.
The Department of Home Affairs doesn’t just take your word for it. They carefully assess what’s known as the “four pillars of relationship”, your relationship history, financial arrangements, social context, and how you manage your household. And here’s the part many miss: it’s not about the volume of documents. It’s about relevance, consistency, and clarity.
This guide will walk you through what immigration officers actually look for and how to build a case that holds up under scrutiny. If you’re applying for a de facto visa or a spouse visa, you’ll learn how to avoid common pitfalls and present your story in a way that’s both honest and compelling.
Please Note: This article serves as a general guide to help you understand the topic, with information accurate as of the publication date. We recommend consulting a registered migration agent or check The Department of Home Affairs for precise, up-to-date guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.
How to Write a Strong Relationship History
A strong relationship history statement adds clarity and credibility to your partner visa application. It’s your opportunity, as both applicant and sponsor, to describe your relationship in your own words and provide the narrative that ties all your supporting documents together.
Immigration officers don’t just scan for facts; they assess whether the story you tell makes sense and aligns with the other evidence you’ve submitted. This statement gives them that context.
1. Format and Length
Keep your statement between 4–6 pages. Anything shorter may miss key details, while longer documents risk losing the reader’s focus. Each partner must write their version independently to reflect their voice and demonstrate authenticity.
2. What to Include
Structure your relationship history around the following key areas:
- How You Met
Include specific dates, locations, and the context of your first meeting. Keep it factual and clear. - How the Relationship Evolved
Describe how your relationship developed, from initial contact to serious commitment. Mention significant milestones and the date you consider the relationship to have begun. - Living Together
Outline when you began living together and how you share household responsibilities. - Financial Sharing
Provide examples of financial interdependence: joint accounts, shared expenses, or mutual financial obligations. - Social Recognition
Explain how friends, family, and community acknowledge your relationship. Include examples of shared social events or celebrations. - Demonstrating Commitment
Discuss your long-term plans, emotional support, and shared objectives. - Time Spent Apart
If you’ve lived apart at any point, clarify the reasons and how you stayed in contact.
3. Tips for Writing
- Coordinate your timelines in advance, but write them separately.
- Avoid using the same language or copying each other’s structure.
- Stick to facts that can be supported by evidence, such as travel records, photos, and bank statements.
- Review each other’s statements for consistency without compromising individual perspectives.
When done well, your relationship history should read like a thoughtful, coherent narrative, one that not only reflects your journey as a couple but also supports the rest of your application materials with clarity and intent. For a practical checklist to help you get started, click here.
The Four Key Categories of Evidence for Partner Visa
Partner visa applications are evaluated through four main categories of evidence. These categories help immigration officials determine whether your relationship is genuine and ongoing. You must address each area clearly, even though the types and strength of evidence may differ based on your situation.
1. Financial Aspects
Show that you and your partner share financial responsibilities. This includes:
- Joint bank accounts with regular activity.
- Shared loans or insurance policies.
- Co-ownership of property or large assets.
- Joint utility bills or lease agreements.
- Evidence of shared expenses or financial support between partners.
The goal is to demonstrate financial interdependence, not just cohabitation.
2. Household Arrangements
Demonstrate how you coexist and manage a shared living space. Relevant documents may include:
- Joint tenancy agreements or ownership papers.
- Utility bills in both names.
- Official correspondence was sent to the same address.
- A written statement explaining how you divide household responsibilities.
- Evidence of shared care for children, if applicable.
These records help paint a picture of daily life as a couple.
3. Social Recognition
This category illustrates how others perceive your relationship. Useful documents include:
- Photos of you together at events or gatherings.
- Joint invitations or bookings for social events.
- Statutory declarations from family and friends.
- Evidence of joint travel or holidays.
- A social media presence that reflects your relationship.
These elements help confirm your partnership is known and supported by your wider circle.
4. Commitment to the Relationship
Evidence here should reflect a shared future. Provide:
- Communication during time apart (emails, messages, call logs).
- Plans for the future, such as marriage or children.
- Legal documents listing each other as beneficiaries (e.g., wills, insurance policies, superannuation plans).
- Emergency contact details.
Together, these four areas give a comprehensive view of your relationship. Presenting balanced, consistent evidence across all categories strengthens your application considerably.
In addition to these core pillars, there are supporting documents that can further reinforce the credibility of your relationship.
Additional Documents That Strengthen Your Case
Beyond the four core categories, your partner visa application also requires additional documents that prove your legal identity, prior relationships, and dependent status. These documents help immigration officers verify facts and fill in the gaps that the relationship evidence alone can’t cover.
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Identity Documents
Both the applicant and sponsor must provide certified copies of primary identity documents. These include:
- Passports
- Birth certificates
- National ID cards (if applicable)
These confirm your legal identities before any evidence of a relationship is assessed.
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Form 888: Third-Party Declarations
Australian citizens or permanent residents who know both partners can submit Form 888 to vouch for the relationship. Each person must also attach proof of their own identity and residency status. These declarations carry significant weight, so choose individuals who can clearly speak to your partnership’s legitimacy.
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Evidence of Prior Relationship Conclusions
If either partner has been married or in a serious relationship before, include documents that prove that the relationship has ended. These may include:
- Divorce decrees.
- Death certificates.
- Separation documentation.
Leaving this out may raise doubts about the legality of your current relationship.
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De Facto Relationship Proof
If you’re applying under a de facto relationship, you must generally show 12 months of living together, unless your relationship is officially registered. This includes:
- Joint lease agreements.
- Mail sent to the same address.
- Shared utility bills and financial records.
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Documents Related to Children
If children are part of your application, include:
- Form 1229 (for children under 18 not travelling with both parents).
- Identity documents of non-accompanying parent(s).
- Form 47A (for children over 18).
- Proof of financial dependency for adult children.
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Final Checks
Make sure:
- All documents are current and legible.
- Dates across forms and supporting evidence are consistent.
- Non-English documents have certified English translations.
A well-organised set of additional documents strengthens your application by closing informational gaps and supporting your core relationship evidence.
Final Thoughts on Your Partner Visa Application
Getting a partner visa approved isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about presenting a consistent, authentic story supported by well-organised evidence. Every part of your application should reinforce the credibility of your relationship.
Rather than flooding your submission with repetitive or irrelevant documents, focus on what matters: accuracy, alignment, and clarity. Strong, well-chosen evidence, like a joint lease or shared financial obligations, goes further than a stack of disconnected bills.
Stay proactive. Begin gathering evidence early and organise it around the four key areas immigration officers evaluate. If your situation is complicated or you’re unsure what to include, the right guidance can make all the difference.
At Knowbal, we help couples avoid common pitfalls and submit partner visa applications that stand up to scrutiny. Our team understands the legal nuances and emotional weight of this process.
Need clarity or support with your partner visa? Contact us today.