A Step-by-Step Guide to Completing Form 888 for a Partner Visa

If you are lodging a partner visa application in Australia, the Form 888 is one of the most crucial supporting documents you can submit. This document, officially a written statement from a supporting witness, allows people who know both the applicant and their partner to vouch for the relationship's authenticity. A well-written 888 form adds significant weight to your visa application and helps the Department of Home Affairs assess its genuineness.

In this guide, we will break down everything you need to know about Form 888: who should complete this form, how to fill it out properly, and the most common pitfalls to avoid. Whether you’re the visa applicant or a friend or family member providing a statement, this resource is designed to make the entire partner visa application process as clear and simple as possible.

What exactly is a Form 888?

A Form 888 is a formal written statement used to support a partner visa or prospective marriage visa application. This includes the Subclass 820/801 and Subclass 309/100 partner visas, and the Prospective Marriage visa (Subclass 300). It allows third parties to formally state that they believe the relationship is genuine and continuing.

These statements provide vital social evidence to supplement other documentary evidence like joint financial records or shared living arrangements. They offer personal insight into the day-to-day social dynamics of the relationship and help immigration case officers understand how the couple is viewed by those who know them best. A strong statement helps demonstrate the social aspects of your partnership.

At least two completed forms should be submitted with your partner visa application, although more can be included if they provide new and valuable insight into different aspects of the relationship.

Who Can Complete a Form 888?

To meet the eligibility criteria to complete Form 888, a supporting witness must:

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Personally know both the applicant and their partner.
• Have direct knowledge of the couple's relationship history and nature.

It is a common misconception that a witness must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident. This is not the case. Anyone who knows the couple well can complete the form. However, the form does require the witness to state their citizenship or residency status. If the witness is an Australian citizen or an Australian permanent resident, they will need to provide evidence of this, such as a copy of their birth certificate or the identity page of their Australian passport. Witnesses who are not an Australian citizen or permanent resident will need to provide a certified copy of their current passport.

Who Should You Ask to Complete Form 888?

You should aim for a mix of supporting witnesses from both sides of the relationship. Ideally, you would include:

• One or two family members of the visa applicant.
• One or two family members of the Australian partner.
• A couple of shared friends or colleagues who know you as a couple.

This balance provides a more complete picture, creates a cohesive narrative about your social life, and demonstrates social acceptance of the couple's relationship from different backgrounds. Contacting your chosen witnesses early is a good idea to give them plenty of time to complete the form.

How to Complete Form 888: A Section-by-Section Guide

Filling out a Form 888 requires attention to detail and a sincere, personal approach. For the statement to be effective, all the information must be completed accurately. The witness should write in their own words and provide a truthful account based on their own observations. Here is how to tackle each section effectively:

Section 1: Witness’s Personal Information

The witness will need to provide their full legal names, address, contact details, and other personal information. They must also attach identity documents as proof of their identity.

Make sure these details are accurate and up to date. Any inconsistencies may raise red flags and cause delays during the visa application process.

Section 2: Your Relationship with the Couple

This is where the witness explains how they know the applicant and sponsor. A strong statement should include specific examples and details about:

• When, where, and how the witness first met each person.
• How long they have known them.
• The frequency and nature of their contact (e.g., social events they attended together, regular phone calls, or holidays taken as a group).

Section 3: Your Observations of the Relationship

This is the core of the Form 888, containing two detailed response questions. The witness must describe in detail why they believe the relationship is genuine and continuing. A detailed, specific answer based on personal observations carries more weight than general statements.

The witness might describe, for example:

• How the couple supports each other, including financial and emotional support.
• Their observations of the couple living together and sharing responsibilities.
• Key moments or shared experiences they have witnessed that demonstrate commitment.
• Their knowledge of the couple's future plans together.

Section 4: Other Matters

This section allows the witness to state any other matters they wish to add that support the application. This is an optional question, but providing a thoughtful answer with personal anecdotes or moments that reflect the couple’s commitment can strengthen the partner visa application. The information must be truthful and based on what the witness has seen or heard directly.

Section 5: Witness Signature

The witness must sign and date the completed form. It is important to note that a Form 888 is not a statutory declaration under Australian law. Therefore, it does not need to be certified or signed in front of an authorised person like a Justice of the Peace.

Tips for Writing a Strong Form 888

• Be specific: General claims like “they have a good relationship” are not enough. It is much better to provide specific examples from your own experience that give your reasons for your belief.
• Be truthful: Never exaggerate or fabricate details. Your statement should be a truthful account of what you know about the couple personally.
• Be clear: Keep your language straightforward and write in your own voice to maintain a natural narrative flow.
• Use first-hand knowledge: Only share what you have directly observed or what the couple has told you themselves.

Common Mistakes to Avoid on a Form 888

Even a strong partner visa application can be weakened by avoidable errors. Watch out for these common mistakes:

• Leaving sections blank or incomplete.
• Using vague descriptions or generic statements.
• Forgetting to sign and date the completed form.
• Providing outdated or incorrect contact details.
• Submitting too many similar statements (quality matters more than quantity).
• Poorly prepared or inconsistent statements between different witness forms.

The Legal Implications of a Form 888

While a Form 888 is not a statutory declaration form that carries penalties for perjury, it is a formal legal document submitted to the Department of Home Affairs for the purpose of a visa application. Providing false or misleading information is a serious offence that may result in:

• Visa refusal for the visa applicant.
• The applicant and sponsor being barred from making future applications for a permanent visa.
• Jeopardising the applicant’s entire migration pathway to Australian permanent residency.

Always base your statement on truth and personal experience. The Department of Home Affairs takes these completed forms very seriously, and so should any witness who completes one.

How to Submit Your Completed Form 888

Once the form is completed correctly and signed:

• If applying online: Upload a high-quality scanned copy of the signed Form 888 to the applicant's ImmiAccount.
• If applying by post: Include the original signed completed forms in your application package.

Important tips:

• Double-check that the form is fully completed, signed, and dated.
• Keep a copy for your records.
• Upload or post the form with the main visa application to avoid processing delays.

Form 888 plays a vital role in a successful partner visa application. While it may seem simple, even small errors or vague statements can weaken an application. For this reason, it is highly beneficial to seek professional assistance when preparing your supporting evidence. At Australian Migration Lawyers, we have helped countless applicants navigate complex visa requirements with confidence. Our experienced team can guide you through the partner visa application process, review your supporting documents to ensure they are effective, and help avoid costly mistakes. We can also liaise with a registered migration agent if your case requires it.

Contact Australian Migration Lawyers today to speak with one of our experienced migration lawyers.