Australian Partner Visas: The Social Aspects of Your Relationship

When applying for an Australia Partner visa, applicants must provide evidence to demonstrate that their relationship is genuine and ongoing. The Department of Home Affairs evaluates this based on four key factors:

• Financial aspects
• The nature of the household
• Social aspects
• The nature of the commitment

This article focuses on the social aspects of the relationship for an Australian partner visa, and how applicants can provide relevant, credible evidence to satisfy this part of the visa application. At Australian Migration Lawyers, we can provide you and your partner clear, useful and tailored advice regarding the Partner visa process.

Contact us today to explore the first step towards a successful visa application.

Why Social Evidence Matters in a Partner Visa Application

The social aspects of your relationship are examined to establish whether the relationship is publicly recognised and whether the couple is seen as partners in their broader community. Applicants are required to show that their relationship is not concealed from other people. This can include evidence of significant events, such as joint attendance at weddings or celebrations, as well as other significant social events like social clubs or community gatherings. Supporting documents, such as Form 888s from friends and family, can confirm that the couple is perceived as being in a committed and exclusive relationship. This demonstrates the public perception of your genuine relationship. This evidence is crucial as it provides a window into your shared social life.

Understanding Form 888 for Partner Visas

When applying for an onshore Partner visa (subclass 820), offshore Partner visa (subclass 309), or Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300), you are generally required to provide at least two Form 888s. These are statements from individuals who can attest to your relationship.

Who Should Complete a Form 888?

While Home Affairs mandates at least two Form 888s, it is recommended to include four to six Forms to enhance your application. Submitting additional forms shows a broader range of witnesses attesting to the genuineness of your relationship, strengthening your overall case. This documentary evidence helps to paint a comprehensive picture of your social life as a couple.

Evidence of Shared Social Activities

While social recognition focuses on how your committed and exclusive relationship is acknowledged by others, evidence of shared social activities highlights the life you have built together as a couple. This type of relationship evidence showcases your active participation in social interactions as a couple, strengthening your application by demonstrating that you and your partner are integrated into each other’s lives. This portrays a truly shared life together.

Examples of Evidence of the Life You Share Together:

• Photos: Include images of you and your partner at social events or gatherings, especially those with friends and family.
• Travel Itineraries: Provide details of trips taken together, showing that you have shared experiences and joint travel. This can include tickets, booking confirmations, and photos.
• Receipts from Shared Outings: These can help to substantiate the social activities you have engaged in together.
• Group Photos: Include photos with family members and common friends to show your involvement in social settings as a couple.
• Mutual Friends: Evidence of friendships you partner share further demonstrates your integration into each other’s social life.
• Joint invitations to events or other event invitations.
• Membership in sporting or cultural organisations or joint participation in community activities. This demonstrates your joint participation in social circles.

The Role of Social Media in Your Application

A shared social media presence can provide an additional form of public acknowledgment and legitimacy for a relationship in the context of an Australian Partner visa application. While not mandatory, social media evidence can reinforce other forms of documentation by demonstrating how the relationship is recognised in public spheres. This adds tangible proof of your connection.

Examples of Social Media Evidence:

• Screenshots of Social Media Posts: Posts that highlight significant milestones, events, or joint activities can demonstrate the relationship's ongoing progression and public acknowledgment.
• Tagged Posts or Mentions: Social media posts where the couple is tagged or publicly acknowledged can further substantiate the authenticity of the relationship.
• Social media interactions showing communication records between you and your partner, and with friends and family.

Strengthening Your Social Evidence for the Partner Visa

A comprehensive and well-documented Partner visa application is critical to ensuring its success. One of the most common reasons for refusal in Australian Partner visa cases is insufficient evidence to prove the genuineness and commitment of the relationship. Social evidence, such as photos, shared social activities, family involvement, and mutual friendships, serves as a powerful tool to demonstrate that the relationship is recognised and integrated into both parties’ lives.

Additional Considerations for Partner Visa Applications

Beyond the social aspects, it is important to consider the other pillars of the relationship evidence. The financial aspects require demonstrating how you and your partner share financial responsibilities. This could include joint bank account statements, household bills in both names, or even loan agreements for shared assets. Evidence of a marriage certificate is crucial if you are married.

The nature of the household pillar focuses on how you manage your daily lives together. This can involve evidence of shared living arrangements, household responsibilities, and how you organise your home. Think about who does what, and how you support each other day-to-day. This pillar also considers aspects like how you communicate and your future plans as a couple, indicating a shared future.

Finally, the nature of the commitment explores the depth and exclusivity of your relationship. This can be demonstrated through the duration of your relationship, the commitment to a shared life together, and any public recognition of your union. Evidence of emotional support and companionship is also valuable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Partner Visa Social Evidence

How much social evidence do I need for an Australian Partner Visa?

There is no fixed amount of evidence, but the more comprehensive and varied your evidence, the stronger your partner visa application will be. Aim to provide as much evidence as possible across all four pillars of the relationship.

Can social media posts really help my Partner Visa application?

Yes, social media posts can certainly help. They provide tangible proof of your relationship's public recognition and can highlight significant events and milestones you have shared. Screenshots of social media interactions and tagged posts can be valuable.

What if our social activities are mostly private, not public?

While public recognition is important, the Department understands that not all couples have extensive public social lives. You can still provide evidence of private social activities and gatherings with friends and family. The key is to show that your relationship is genuine and ongoing, even if it is more private.

Why Australian Migration Lawyers?

Navigating the complexities of Australian migration law and the Partner visa application process can be overwhelming. Ensuring you provide adequate evidence that accurately reflects the genuineness of your relationship is paramount.

Our team at Australian Migration Lawyers has extensive expertise in all types of visas, including partner visas. We understand the specific circumstances that can arise and how to best present your case to the Australian Government. If you are concerned about your own partner visa application, do not hesitate to contact us.