Social evidence
Joint attendance at events, shared social circles, shared family relationships, joint travel, public recognition of the relationship. Photos with dates, social media, statements from friends and family (Form 888).
Four Categories · Social · Financial · Household · Commitment
The most common reason partner visas are refused is insufficient evidence.
Not forged evidence, not bad intentions, just not enough. For evidence strategy, our partner specialist Neha Sharma works with couples using the 820/801 or 309/100 pathways. Couples assume their photos and joint bank account will speak for themselves, but the Department expects evidence across four specific categories, each documented in detail. Here is the checklist we actually use with clients.
The four evidence categories
Social. Financial. Household. Commitment.
Every partner visa application is assessed against these four categories. Strong applications have strong evidence in all four.
Financial evidence
Joint bank accounts, joint assets, joint bills (utilities, rent, mortgage), shared investments, financial support of each other, joint tax returns where applicable.
Household evidence
Living together, domestic responsibilities shared, joint household purchases, mail addressed to both at the same address, lease/mortgage in joint names.
Commitment evidence
Long-term plans, joint obligations, wills naming each other, insurance beneficiary, power of attorney, joint superannuation beneficiary, references to each other on official forms.
How evidence is evaluated
Quality over quantity. But quantity matters too.
The Department is looking for a coherent picture of a genuine and continuing relationship, documented in detail.
Chronology mattersEvidence spanning the full relationship (from early dating through to current) is stronger than a dense burst of recent evidence. Shows relationship depth.
Both parties namedEvidence where both the applicant and sponsor appear by name (not just one of them, not anonymous) carries more weight.
Independent sourcesEvidence from third parties (employers, banks, insurance companies, government) is more persuasive than internally-generated evidence.
Form 888 statementsStatutory declarations from Australian citizens or permanent residents who know both of you. Minimum two are usually required for some visa types. More is better.
Stream-specific requirements
Three streams, different rules.
The core evidence is similar across streams but relationship type (married vs de facto) and stage (820 vs 801) change specific requirements.
Married couples
Marriage certificate required. Evidence focus is on the continuing genuine nature of the relationship. Simpler to establish existence of the relationship.
De facto couples
12-month cohabitation period OR registered relationship. See de facto evidence guide.
Second stage (801/100)
Focus on continuing relationship since provisional grant. New evidence from the 2-year period between stages. See second stage guide.
Most refusals do not involve bad faith.
Most partner visa refusals involve genuine couples who did not present enough evidence across the four categories. The Department cannot grant a visa based on what it cannot see. Comprehensive documented evidence from the start is the single biggest determinant of success.
Common questions
The questions we hear most.
For partner visa evidence strategy, book with Neha Sharma.
Can I add more evidence after lodgement?
Yes. You can upload additional evidence throughout the processing period. Fresh evidence is often provided in response to RFIs.
Do we need a joint bank account?
Strongly recommended but not strictly mandatory. If you do not have one, explain why and provide other financial interdependence evidence.
What if we have only lived together a few months?
For de facto applicants, the 12-month rule applies unless you have a registered relationship. Married couples do not need cohabitation.
How many Form 888s should we include?
At least two, often four to six. Quality matters more than quantity, but multiple strong 888s from people who know both of you strengthens the application.
Some information on this page has been sourced from the Department of Home Affairs and has been interpreted and approved by Principal Migration Agent Sourabh Aggarwal (MARN 1462159). Last reviewed: May 2026.