Important: Form 888 was redesigned in late 2024
The current Form 888 is a supporting statement signed by the person making it under a warning about giving false or misleading information (section 234 of the Migration Act). It is not a statutory declaration and does not need to be witnessed by a JP or other authorised witness. The witnessing information further below applied to older versions of the form and is kept for reference.
Statutory declaration by a supporting witness in relation to a Partner or Prospective Marriage visa application
When assessing a Partner or Prospective Marriage visa application, the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (the department) must consider the social aspects of the claimed relationship. The department will use the information provided in this form (your statements), among other things, to assess these aspects.
If you are not an Australian citizen or permanent resident and you reside outside Australia, your statement cannot be considered a statutory declaration under Australian law, even if it is made using this form or the template provided by the Attorney-General’s Department. However, under policy, your
statement should be witnessed or certified according to the legal practices of the country in which you make the statement. Failing that, it should be witnessed by a person whose occupation or qualification is comparable to those listed above. This person should sign, date and specify their occupation at the bottom of the statement.
What a good Form 888 statement includes
- How the person knows you both: their relationship to the sponsor and to the applicant, when and how they met each of you.
- How often they are in contact: visits, family events, calls and messages, with approximate dates.
- What they have seen themselves: for example, you living together, sharing household tasks, attending events as a couple, or supporting each other through difficult times.
- Why they believe the relationship is genuine and continuing: a clear statement of their belief, supported by specific examples.
- Their own words: each statement should be written by the person making it. Near identical statements from different people can raise concerns.
See our Form 888 example answers for a worked example.
Common mistakes to avoid
- using an old version of the form
- vague statements with no dates or examples
- unsigned or undated forms, or missing identity documents for the person making the statement
- details that contradict the couple’s own statements or other evidence
- including events the person did not personally witness without saying so
How many Form 888 statements do I need?
At least two statements are commonly provided for Partner and Prospective Marriage visa applications. Follow the document checklist for your visa subclass, and note that Home Affairs may ask for more during processing.
Does Form 888 need to be signed in front of a JP?
The current Form 888, redesigned in late 2024, is a supporting statement signed by the person making it under a warning about giving false information, rather than a statutory declaration. It does not have a separate section for an authorised witness. Older versions of the form had different witnessing rules, so always use the current version.
Who should complete a Form 888?
Choose adults who know you both well and have seen your relationship over time, such as family members and close friends. Check the current form for any requirements about the person’s age, identity documents and residence status.
Can the statement be written in another language?
Statements in a language other than English should be accompanied by an accredited English translation.
Is Form 888 enough on its own to prove our relationship?
No. Form 888 statements support the social aspect of your relationship. You also need evidence of your financial arrangements, household, social life and commitment to each other. See our relationship evidence checklist.
