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Submitting partner visa application next month
Hi everyone. It’s great to find this forum 🙂
I’m preparing to submit my application for a partner visa in Australia next month.
My partner and I have been living together for nearly nine months, and our relationship began a year ago.
I’m seeking advice on whether I should apply on my own or enlist the help of a migration agent. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated! 🙏
- We have a wealth of photographic evidence documenting our relationship, including pictures from trips and daily interactions through text messages.
- I handle most of our finances, including rent and bills, but my partner contributes to grocery expenses every two weeks. We can provide his bank statements if needed.
- We have supporting statements from two Australian citizens—my partner’s mother and a friend, along with two additional statements from temporary residents.
- We’re engaged and have also held a traditional wedding ceremony, although it hasn’t been officially registered yet. We have photos from that ceremony.
- Our current living situation is in a shared house; while I’m not on the lease, the leaseholder is willing to provide a supporting statement confirming that we reside together.
Based on this information, do you believe I have sufficient evidence to apply for the partner visa independently?
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1 Reply
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Hi Jaqui, welcome to the forum! 😀
It sounds like you have a solid collection of evidence for your partner visa application, but there are a few things to consider when deciding whether to apply on your own or use a migration agent.
Key Evidence Considerations:
1. Financial Aspects:
It’s good that you handle most of the finances, but ideally, joint financial responsibility is stronger evidence.
If possible, providing joint bank statements or evidence of shared financial commitments (even if informal) would help.
Your partner contributing to groceries is helpful, but a more structured financial arrangement (e.g. joint savings, utility bills in both names) would strengthen your case.
2. Social Aspects:
The combination of Australian citizens and temporary residents providing statements is great.
Ensure the Form 888 statutory declarations (from Australian citizens or permanent residents) are detailed and properly witnessed.
Photos from your engagement and traditional wedding ceremony will be beneficial.
3. Household Evidence:
A supporting statement from the leaseholder confirming you live together is useful, but since you’re not on the lease, try to provide additional supporting documents (e.g. shared mail, official letters addressed to both of you at the same address).
4. Commitment Aspect:
Your engagement and traditional wedding ceremony will be strong indicators of a committed relationship.
If you have future plans together (e.g. joint travel bookings, long-term living plans), include evidence of these.
Should You Use an Australian Migration Agent?
Apply on Your Own?
If you are confident with paperwork, can follow the application guidelines carefully, and believe you have strong evidence, you could apply independently.
The Department of Home Affairs provides detailed instructions: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au and we can help provide clarity on any gaps if you get stuck.
Consider a Migration Agent?
If you’re uncertain about any part of the application, an agent can help ensure you present your case effectively and avoid delays.
This is particularly useful if there are any complexities (e.g. living in a shared house, not being on the lease). We can refer you to one of the qualified MARA agents we work with if you would like a recommendation.
Final Thoughts:
You seem to have a good case, but strengthening the financial and household aspects where possible will help.
If you’re comfortable handling the paperwork, you can apply independently, but if you want extra reassurance, consulting a registered migration agent could be worthwhile.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
All the best
Mark
immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
Immigration and citizenship Website
Find out about Australian visas, immigration and citizenship.
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