Partner Visa Australia Checklist: Documents You Must Prepare

Applying for an Australian Partner Visa is one of the most important steps a couple can take toward building a life together in Australia. Whether you are applying for the onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801) or the offshore Partner Visa (Subclass 309/100), the success of your application depends heavily on the quality, accuracy, and completeness of your documents.

The Department of Home Affairs does not simply check if you are in a relationship, they assess whether your relationship is genuine, continuing, and committed. A strong application clearly demonstrates this through well-organised and credible evidence.

This detailed checklist outlines all the essential documents you must prepare for an Australian Partner Visa and explains why each category is important.

1. Identity Documents

Identity documents establish who you are and form the foundation of your application. Both the visa applicant and the sponsoring partner must provide clear proof of identity.

a. Applicant’s Identity Documents

The applicant must provide:

• A valid passport (bio-data page and all pages with visas, entry stamps, or exit stamps)
• Full birth certificate showing both parents’ names
• National identity card (if issued in your country)
• Evidence of name changes, such as marriage certificates or legal name change documents

Ensure scans are clear, in colour, and complete. Any document not in English must be accompanied by a certified English translation.

b. Sponsor’s Identity Documents

The Australian sponsor must provide evidence of their status, such as:

• Australian passport, or
• Australian birth certificate, or
• Australian citizenship certificate, or
• Permanent residency visa grant notice

2. Relationship Status Documents

You must prove the legal and practical nature of your relationship.

a. Married Applicants

If you are legally married, provide:

• Official marriage certificate
• Evidence that the marriage is recognised under Australian law
• Evidence that you live together or intend to live together permanently

b. De Facto Applicants

If you are not married, you must show:

• At least 12 months of living together in a de facto relationship (unless an exemption applies)
• Joint lease or property documents
• Correspondence addressed to both partners at the same address

Australia recognises both same-sex and opposite-sex relationships, provided they meet the legal requirements.

3. Evidence of a Genuine and Continuing Relationship

The Department of Home Affairs assesses relationships under four key pillars. You must provide evidence for each pillar to avoid refusal or delays.

a. Financial Aspects of the Relationship

These documents show how you manage money together:

• Joint bank account statements
• Shared utility bills
• Joint loans, mortgages, or credit cards
• Evidence of shared expenses (rent, groceries, insurance)
• Money transfers between partners, if applicable

You are not required to merge all finances, but you must show financial interdependence appropriate to your circumstances.

b. Nature of the Household

This category demonstrates how you live together on a day-to-day basis:

• Joint lease agreements or mortgage documents
• Rental receipts or tenancy records
• Utility bills showing the same residential address
• Mail addressed to each partner at the shared address
• Statements explaining how household responsibilities are shared

If you have lived apart for work, study, or travel, you must provide a clear explanation and supporting evidence.

c. Social Aspects of the Relationship

These documents show that your relationship is known and accepted by others:

• Photos together over time (not just selfies)
• Travel bookings, itineraries, and hotel reservations
• Invitations addressed to both partners
• Joint memberships or subscriptions
• Limited social media screenshots
• Statements from family and friends

The Department values consistency over quantity. A well-chosen set of documents is more effective than hundreds of photos.

d. Nature of Commitment to Each Other

This pillar focuses on your long-term intentions as a couple:

• Personal relationship statements from both partners
• Evidence of future plans (housing, travel, children)
• Wills or beneficiary nominations
• Evidence of ongoing communication during time apart
• Proof of emotional and practical support

Your statements should clearly explain why you intend to remain together permanently.

4. Form 888 – Statutory Declarations

You must submit at least two Form 888 declarations, though providing more can strengthen your application.

Each Form 888 must:

• Be completed by an Australian citizen or permanent resident
• Be witnessed by an authorised person
• Describe how the declarant knows you
• Confirm their belief that your relationship is genuine and continuing

Choose declarants who have known you as a couple for a long time and can provide meaningful details.

5. Character Documents

Character requirements are a mandatory part of the Partner Visa process.

Police Clearance Certificates: The applicant must provide police certificates from:

• Their country of citizenship
• Any country where they lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years

Police checks must be current at the time of visa decision, so timing is important.

6. Health Examination Documents

All Partner Visa applicants must meet Australia’s health requirements.

You will need:

• Health examinations conducted by an approved panel physician
• A HAP ID generated through your ImmiAccount

Health results are submitted electronically, but you should keep copies for your records.

7. Sponsor Documents

The sponsor must also submit supporting documents, including:

• Sponsorship approval form
• Evidence of Australian citizenship or permanent residency
• Employment or income evidence (optional but beneficial)
• Disclosure of previous sponsorships, if any

There are limits on how many partners a person can sponsor, so full disclosure is essential.

8. Relationship Statements (Personal Statements)

Both partners must provide detailed written statements covering:

• How and when you met
• Development of the relationship
• Significant milestones
• Living arrangements
• Periods of separation
• Future plans together

These statements must align with your documentary evidence. Any inconsistencies may raise concerns.

9. Additional Supporting Documents

Depending on your personal circumstances, you may also need:

• Divorce or separation documents
• Custody or consent documents for children
• Birth certificates for dependent children
• Evidence of name changes
• Explanations for unusual travel or living arrangements

Tailor your documents to reflect your unique situation.

10. Practical Tips for Document Preparation

To improve your chances of success:

• Label documents clearly in ImmiAccount
• Avoid uploading duplicate evidence
• Keep timelines consistent
• Use concise explanations where needed
• Focus on clarity and relevance rather than volume

A well-organised application helps case officers assess your relationship efficiently.

Final Thoughts

A Partner Visa application is more than paperwork; it is a detailed narrative of your relationship, supported by strong and credible evidence. Preparing the right documents in advance can save months or even years of stress.

By following this checklist and presenting your evidence clearly, you significantly improve your chances of a successful outcome and a smoother pathway to building your life together in Australia. Seeking guidance from a registered Australian migration agent can further strengthen your application, ensure compliance with current immigration requirements, and help you avoid costly mistakes throughout the process.