Writing a Relationship Statement for Partner Visa in Australia

Are you applying for a partner visa in Australia? One of the most important documents you’ll need is a relationship statement. This document is a detailed account of your relationship, designed to give immigration officials a clear understanding of your shared life. 

A relationship statement can be written by both you and your partner. These statements serve as personal accounts, confirming the authenticity of your relationship and providing different perspectives on your bond.

Think of it as building a compelling case for your partnership—one that showcases how genuine and committed your relationship is. Whether you’re just getting started or want to refine your application, this guide will help you create a relationship statement that stands out and strengthens your visa application.

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 The Department of Home Affairs for precise, up-to-date guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.

Understanding the Role of a Relationship Statement 

A Relationship Statement serves as a formal statement that supports your partner’s visa application. It gives a clear picture of your relationship and assures the authorities of its legitimacy. Here’s why it’s crucial:

Importance in the Application Process

The Relationship Statement for partner visa is one of the key documents that demonstrate the genuineness of your relationship. It highlights how your relationship meets the criteria set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.

Overcoming Documentation Challenges

Writing a Relationship Statement can feel daunting, especially when trying to balance honesty with legal precision. However, careful planning and clear communication can simplify the process.

Now that you understand its importance, let’s break down the key areas you need to cover in your Relationship Statement.

Key Categories of a Relationship Statement

Immigration officials require evidence across several aspects of your relationship. These categories ensure your declaration covers all essential details:

Development of the Relationship

Share how your relationship started and grew, highlighting milestones such as first meetings, significant trips, or major life decisions together.

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Financial Aspects

Discuss your financial setup, including joint accounts, shared bills, or co-owned assets, which demonstrate your economic partnership.

Household Matters

Include details about your shared home life, such as division of chores, healthcare arrangements, and household expenses.

Nature of Commitment

Explain how committed you are to each other, detailing the duration of your relationship, emotional support, and future plans.

Social Aspects

Highlight your involvement in social and cultural activities together, as well as interactions with friends and family.

Let’s explore each of these categories in more detail.

Development of the Relationship

Begin your relationship statement by telling the story of your relationship. Immigration officials want to see how your bond evolved and grew. Here’s what to include:

1. How You Met: Describe where and how you first met. Was it through mutual friends, online, or at a specific event?
2. Key Milestones: Highlight important moments, such as moving in together, getting engaged, or taking significant trips.
3. Future Plans: Share your long-term goals as a couple, like marriage plans, career ambitions, or family aspirations.

By detailing the journey of your relationship, you paint a picture of your genuine and evolving bond.

Next, let’s dive into the financial aspects of your relationship.

Financial Aspects

Sharing financial responsibilities shows that your relationship is more than emotional—it’s also practical and interdependent. Here’s how to approach this section:

1. Joint Ownership of Assets: Provide proof if you own things together, like a house, car, or big household items such as furniture or appliances.
2. Shared Financial Commitments: Show evidence of shared financial responsibilities, like joint bank accounts, shared loans, or a mortgage. Accounts that are actively used over time carry more weight than newly opened ones. Include proof of income deposits into shared accounts.
3. Household Expenses: Explain how you handle daily costs like rent, bills, groceries, or other expenses. Mention if you combine your money to pay for these or manage them separately.

Demonstrating financial interdependence adds credibility to your partnership.

Let’s move on to your shared responsibilities at home.

Household Matters: Establishing Shared Responsibilities

Living together involves teamwork. Immigration officials value evidence of shared household responsibilities, as it reflects a functioning relationship. Here you need to focus on:

1. Living Arrangements: Provide proof that you live together, such as rental agreements, utility bills, or letters sent to both of you at the same address.
2. Shared Chores: Explain how you split household tasks like cooking, cleaning, or taking care of children (if applicable).
3. Housework Contributions: Describe how you both help around the house, whether through chores, managing bills, or childcare.

Showing how you manage your home life together strengthens your application.

Now, let’s explore how to express the depth of your commitment.

Nature of Commitment

Commitment is the foundation of any genuine relationship, making it a crucial aspect to address in the Relationship Statement. Use this section to highlight:

1. Relationship Duration: Provide a timeline of your relationship, emphasizing how long you’ve been together and mention some significant milestones.
2. Living Together: Detail the length of time you’ve shared a residence and the reasons for any periods of separation, if applicable.
3. Support for Each Other: Describe the companionship and support you provide each other, including examples of shared goals or assistance during challenging times.
4. Future Goals: Provide proof of your long-term commitment, like being named in each other’s wills or superannuation accounts. Explain how you’ve merged your lives, including plans for marriage, having children, or building a future together.

By showing the depth of your commitment, you assure immigration officials of your long-term intentions.

Let’s now cover how social aspects contribute to your case.

Social Aspects of the Relationship

Engaging with friends, family, and the wider community  help validate your relationship. Here’s what to include:

1. Public Representation: Share examples of showing your relationship, like having joint memberships, posting on social media, or making official declarations to government authorities.
2. Social Connections: Provide statements from friends, family, or acquaintances about your relationship. These can include legal declarations (e.g., Form 888) from people who know you well.
3. Shared Activities: Show proof of activities you do together, like attending events, traveling, or joining community or sports groups. Include photos, tickets, or membership details.
4. Cultural Context: If your culture discourages displaying relationships publicly, explain how this affects the visibility of your bond.

Social connections highlight the public recognition of your relationship.

Now, let’s look at how to compile and review evidence for your declaration.

Incorporating and Reviewing Evidence

Including strong evidence in your relationship statement is essential because it provides tangible proof of your claims and helps immigration officials assess the authenticity of your relationship. Here’s how to ensure your evidence is effective and supports your case:

• Gather Relevant Documents

Your evidence should back up every key aspect of your relationship. Examples include:

• Photos: Pictures of you together at events, holidays, or with family and friends.
• Financial Proof: Joint bank statements, shared bills, or receipts for major purchases.
• Social Media: Screenshots of shared posts, comments, or interactions that highlight your connection.
• Legal or Official Documents: Copies of joint lease agreements, utility bills, or co-ownership papers.

These documents help to confirm your claims and show that your relationship is genuine and ongoing.

• Provide Context

Evidence on its own might not always tell the full story. Add short explanations to clarify its importance, such as:

• A photo from a family wedding: “This was taken at my cousin’s wedding where we attended as a couple.”
• A shared bank statement: “This shows how we manage our household expenses together.”
• A social media post: “This is a post celebrating our anniversary, shared with our friends and family.”

Context helps immigration officials understand the significance of the evidence in the context of your relationship.

• Stay Consistent

It’s critical that your evidence matches the details in your relationship statement and any supporting statements (like Form 888). Discrepancies, even small ones, can create doubt.

• Double-check dates, names, and locations in your documents.
• Ensure the narrative in your declaration aligns with the proof you provide.

For example, if you mention a shared holiday in your declaration, make sure the evidence includes travel tickets or photos from that trip.

Who Can Witness Your Relationship Statement?

For a relationship statement to be valid, it must be witnessed by someone authorised to perform this role. Whether you’re in Australia or overseas, having the right witness is crucial to ensure your declaration meets legal requirements.

Key Requirements for a Witness

Your witness must:

• Be on the approved list of recognized witnesses.
• Have a connection to Australia (if applicable).
• Alternatively, be a notary public (whether or not they have an Australian connection).

If you’re outside Australia, you’ll need to identify an approved witness based on local regulations.

However, it’s essential to confirm with the requesting authority—such as immigration officials—if the chosen witness is acceptable. This avoids any issues or delays in processing your application.

Why Does Evidence Matters?

Clear, detailed, and consistent evidence strengthens your relationship statement and makes your case more convincing. Immigration officials rely on this proof to understand your relationship’s authenticity, so the more thorough you are, the better your chances of success.

Need Help?

Feeling unsure about how to gather or present your evidence? Contact Knowbal for expert advice and resources to help you perfect your relationship statement and partner visa application.

Now, let’s summarise why a well-prepared relationship statement is so important.

Conclusion

A strong relationship statement is your chance to showcase the authenticity of your relationship. By covering key areas such as your relationship’s development, financial ties, and social aspects—you provide immigration officials with a comprehensive understanding of your partnership.

Need help preparing your relationship statement or other visa documents? Visit Knowbal’s website today to ensure your application is accurate and complete.

Make your partner visa journey smooth with a clear, detailed relationship statement that truly represents your relationship.