Applying for an Australian Partner Visa can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to proving your relationship is genuine and ongoing. One of the most important parts of your application is the relationship statement, a written account of your life together that helps Immigration understand your story.
Whether you’re applying onshore or offshore, getting your statement right can make all the difference. Here’s what you need to know in 2025.
What Is an Australian Partner Visa?
If you are in a relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, you may be able to apply for a Partner Visa.
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- Onshore applicants (inside Australia): Subclass 820/801 Partner Visa
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- Offshore applicants (outside Australia): Subclass 309/100 Partner Visa
These visas are generally processed in two stages: a temporary visa first, followed by a permanent visa once you continue to meet requirements.
How to Prove Your Relationship
The Department of Home Affairs requires evidence that:
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- You have a mutual commitment to a shared life
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- Your relationship is genuine and continuing
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- You live together (or do not live permanently apart)
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- You are not related by family
You can demonstrate this through documents, joint evidence, and—most importantly—your relationship statement.
Top 5 Tips for Writing Your Relationship Statement
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- Tell Your Story in Order
Start from the beginning: explain how you first met, how your relationship developed, and important milestones such as moving in together, engagement, or marriage.
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- Include Everyday Life, Not Just Big Events
Go beyond anniversaries and trips. Talk about daily routines such as meals, hobbies, family activities, or weekends together. These details show the real nature of your relationship.
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- Be Honest About Time Apart
If you’ve been separated due to work, study, or family, explain the reasons and show how you stayed in touch (calls, messages, visits). Transparency builds trust.
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- Highlight Shared Responsibilities
Show how you share finances, bills, and household tasks. Strong supporting evidence includes:
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- Joint bank statements or mortgage/lease agreements
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- Utility bills in both names
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- Parenting responsibilities, if you have children
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- Show Future Plans Together
Immigration also looks at long-term commitment. Talk about your future goals—buying a home, starting a family, career plans, or building your life in Australia.
Extra Evidence That Strengthens Your Application
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- Finances: Joint accounts, loans, mortgages, or major purchases
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- Household: Bills, shared living arrangements, household duties
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- Social Proof: Photos, invitations, joint travel, evidence of shared friends
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- Commitment: Wills, insurance policies, proof of staying connected when apart
De Facto Relationships
If you’re not married, the Department of Home Affairs generally requires that you have lived together in a de facto relationship for at least 12 months before applying for a Partner Visa. This requirement helps demonstrate that your relationship is genuine and continuing.
You may still be eligible without meeting the cohabitation requirement if:
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- You have registered your relationship in an Australian state or territory where relationship registration is available.
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- You can demonstrate compelling or compassionate circumstances, such as work commitments, cultural reasons, or family obligations that prevent living together.
In these cases, strong evidence of your relationship, such as relationship statements, supporting letters from friends and family, and proof of shared responsibilities will be essential to support your application.
Pro tip: Even if you do not meet the standard cohabitation requirement, proper documentation and legal guidance can make a significant difference to the success of your Partner Visa application.
Including Dependants in Your Application
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- Children under 18: Provide identity, relationship evidence, and school/custody documents (if relevant).
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- Children 18–23: Must be dependent on you, for example, studying full-time.
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- Children over 23: Must demonstrate dependency due to disability, supported by medical evidence.
Need Help with Your Partner Visa?
Writing your relationship statement is only one step. Many applications are refused due to missing details or weak evidence.
At No Borders Law Group, our experienced migration lawyers can review your statement and supporting documents, identify any gaps that could affect your application, guide you through every step of the process, and help improve your chances of achieving a successful outcome. We also offer a 20-minute free consultation to discuss your situation and provide tailored advice
Pro tip: Start preparing your relationship statement early. Immigration is more convinced by a story backed by consistent, real evidence over time, not just a last-minute collection of documents.