De Facto Partner Visa Checklist: Evidence You Need

Please submit the following documents in evidence of your relationship:

Partner Migration – Relationship Details
a signed written statement detailing the history of your relationship, either individually or jointly.
if you or your sponsor have been previously married provide a copy of the official divorce certificate or the death certificate of the deceased spouse (as appropriate)
full birth certificates (copies) of any children of the relationship
evidence that you and your spouse have been in a de facto relationship for 12 months prior to lodging your application

12-month rule: You must have been in a de facto relationship for at least 12 months before applying, unless an exception applies (for example, if your relationship is registered with an Australian state or territory). See Exceptions to the 12 month rule and the Relationship Register.

De Facto Relationship meaning

Examples of evidence

The Department of Home Affairs looks at four aspects of your relationship. Evidence for each can include:

1. Financial aspects

joint bank accounts, credit cards or loans
a joint lease, rental agreement or home loan
assets you own together
shared responsibility for bills and living expenses

2. Nature of the household

mail and bills addressed to you both at the same address
joint utility accounts, such as power, gas or internet
how you share household tasks and care of any children
birth certificates for any children you share

3. Social aspects

photos of you together at different times and occasions
evidence of holidays and travel together, such as flight tickets
evidence that friends and family recognise your relationship
two Form 888 statutory declarations from Australian citizens or permanent residents who know you as a couple (see our Form 888 example answers)
joint memberships, shared interests or activities

4. Your commitment to each other

signed statements from each of you describing the history of your relationship
evidence of contact during times apart, such as call logs, messages and emails
evidence your relationship has been declared to government bodies, such as Centrelink or the ATO
wills, insurance or superannuation that name each other
evidence of plans you have made together for the future

These are suggestions only. You need to provide enough evidence to show a genuine and continuing relationship over the whole period it has existed.

Note: Further evidence may be requested and relied on in considering your application.