How to Prove a Genuine Relationship for Partner Visa Approval

Applying for an Australian partner visa is one of the most emotionally significant and scrutinised visa processes. At the heart of every successful application lies one crucial requirement and that is proving a genuine relationship partner visa.

The Department of Home Affairs does not simply assess whether you are married or living together. Instead, case officers conduct a holistic evaluation to determine whether your relationship is genuine and continuing, exclusive, and committed for the long term. 

This is where many applications fail. This happens not because the relationship isn’t real, but because the evidence doesn’t tell the story clearly.

In this guide, we explain how to prove a genuine relationship, what evidence is required, how case officers assess applications, and how to avoid common refusal mistakes.

What Is a “Genuine and Continuing Relationship” in Australian Immigration?

Under Australian migration law, a partner visa applicant must demonstrate a genuine and continuing relationship that is:-

• Mutual and exclusive
• Ongoing and long-term
• Not entered into solely for migration purposes

The Department of Home Affairs uses legislative criteria to assess whether a relationship meets the standards for partner visa approval in Australia. Importantly, there is no single document that proves genuineness. Instead, decision-makers assess the overall consistency, credibility, and depth of evidence.

This assessment applies to both:-

• De facto partner visa proof, and
• Married partner visa evidence

The Four Relationship Criteria Used by Case Officers

Every partner visa application is assessed against four key pillars. Understanding these criteria is essential to presenting strong partner visa relationship evidence.

1. Financial Aspects of the Relationship

Case officers assess whether you share financial responsibilities like a real couple.

Strong evidence of shared finances for a partner visa includes:-

• Joint bank accounts
• Shared household expenses
• Joint loans or assets
• Beneficiary nominations (superannuation, insurance)

If finances are partially separate, this must be clearly explained. Cultural practices, short relationship duration, or practical constraints can be acceptable, if documented properly.

2. Nature of the Household

This criterion focuses on how you live together and manage daily life.

Acceptable living together proof for partner visa includes:-

• Joint lease or mortgage documents
• Utility bills in both names
• Mail addressed to the same address
• Statements explaining household roles
• Periods of separation due to work, study, or travel are common but they must be justified with evidence and explanations.

3. Social Aspects of the Relationship

The Department examines whether your relationship is publicly recognised.

Strong social aspects of the relationship evidence includes:-

• Photos with family and friends
• Invitations to weddings or events
• Travel photos together
• Social media interactions
• Statutory declarations from friends and relatives

This shows that your relationship exists beyond paperwork and is recognised socially.

4. Nature of Commitment to Each Other

This pillar assesses emotional commitment and future intentions.

Evidence supporting commitment to each other for a partner visa includes:-

• Personal statements outlining your relationship journey
• Long-term plans (children, housing, careers)
• Evidence of emotional support during difficult times
• Decisions made jointly

A well-written relationship statement is often the most powerful evidence when done correctly.

Relationship Evidence Checklist for Partner Visa Applications

To strengthen the relationship evidence for a partner visa, most applications include:-

• Joint financial documents
• Lease or cohabitation records
• Travel history and boarding passes
• Photos, messages, travel proof for partner visa
• Call logs and chat records (summarised)
• Statutory declarations partner visa (Form 888)
• Relationship timeline document
• Quality matters more than quantity.

Evidence must be relevant, consistent, and well-organised.

De Facto vs Married Relationships: What’s the Difference?

De Facto Partner Visa Proof

Applicants must usually show the following:-

• A 12-month genuine relationship
• Evidence across all four criteria
• Exceptions apply in cases such as relationship registration or compelling circumstances, but these must be carefully justified.

Married Partner Visa Evidence

Marriage alone is not sufficient. Case officers still require the following:-

• Evidence of cohabitation
• Shared finances
• Social recognition
• Long-term commitment

Many married couples are surprised when applications are refused due to weak supporting documentation.

How to Create a Strong Partner Visa Relationship Timeline

A partner visa relationship timeline helps case officers understand your story clearly.

An effective timeline should include:-

• How and when you met
• Relationship milestones
• When you moved in together
• Major trips, events, and challenges
• Future plans

Each milestone should be supported by evidence. A clear timeline improves credibility and reduces confusion.

Statutory Declarations and Third-Party Evidence

Statutory declarations for a partner visa (Form 888) are critical supporting documents.

Strong declarations should:-

• Be from people who know you well
• Describe how they know your relationship
• Include specific examples
• Be consistent with your evidence

Generic or copied declarations carry little weight and may raise concerns.

Common Reasons Partner Visa Applications Get Refused

Many refusals occur due to avoidable mistakes, including:-

• Inconsistent information between partners
• Weak financial or household evidence
• Poor explanation of time apart
• Contradictions between documents
• Overreliance on photos without context

The aforementioned are among the most common reasons leading to partner visa refusal issues that are often seen by case officers.

How Case Officers Assess Relationship Evidence

During the process of partner visa assessment by the case officer, decision-makers look for:-

• Internal consistency
• Logical progression of the relationship
• Evidence matching statements
• Genuine intent beyond migration benefits

Applications are assessed as a whole and not as individual documents in isolation.

Practical Tips to Strengthen Your Partner Visa Application

Relying on the following tips will certainly assist you in strengthening your partner visa application:-

• Organise evidence by category
• Write clear, honest statements
• Explain unusual circumstances upfront
• Avoid excessive or irrelevant documents
• Seek professional guidance early

A well-prepared application reduces delays and refusal risks significantly.

Get Expert Help to Prove a Genuine Relationship

Proving a genuine partner relationship in Australia requires more than uploading documents. It requires strategy, clarity, and legal insight. Even strong relationships can be refused if the evidence is poorly presented or inconsistent.

At Visa Empire, we specialise in helping couples prepare decision-ready partner visa applications. As trusted migration agents in Perth, we guide you through evidence preparation, relationship statements, and case officer expectations. This ensures your application reflects the true strength of your relationship.

Speak to Visa Empire today and take the stress out of your partner visa journey with expert support by your side.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is good evidence for a partner visa?

Good evidence for a partner visa clearly demonstrates a genuine and continuing relationship. This includes proof across the four key aspects assessed by the Department of Home Affairs:-

• Financial evidence (joint bank accounts, shared bills, leases)
• Nature of the household (living together, shared responsibilities)
• Social evidence (photos, joint invitations, statements from friends and family)
• Commitment to each other (relationship statements, future plans, communication history)

The stronger and more consistent the evidence, the better your chances of approval.

2. How do I write a relationship statement for a partner visa?

A strong relationship statement should be honest, detailed, and structured. It should include:-

• How and when you met
• Key milestones in your relationship
• Living arrangements and shared responsibilities
• Challenges faced and how you overcame them
• Future plans together in Australia

Both partners should write separate statements, and the information must align with the supporting documents.

3. What is strong evidence for a partner visa?

Strong evidence goes beyond basic paperwork. Examples of it include:-

• Long-term joint financial commitments
• Lease or mortgage in both names
• Birth certificates of children (if applicable)
• Statutory declarations from Australian citizens or permanent residents
• Travel history together over time
• Quality and relevance matter more than volume.

4. How do I prove my relationship is genuine and continuing?

To prove your relationship is genuine and ongoing, you should show:-

• A clear relationship timeline from how you met to the present
• Evidence that spans months or years, not just recent documents
• Proof of emotional, financial, and social commitment
• Ongoing contact if you have lived apart (messages, call logs, travel records)

Consistency between both partners’ statements and documents is critical.