This guide will walk you through what the Australian Government looks for, what documents you need, and how to strengthen your case. Whether you're applying for a partner visa, spouse visa, or prospective marriage visa, these tips can help improve your chances of success.
Why Proof of a Genuine Relationship Matters
The Department of Home Affairs carefully checks that relationships in family visa applications are real and not created just to get a visa. This is to prevent immigration fraud and ensure only genuine couples are granted visas.
If you cannot provide strong evidence of your relationship, your visa may be refused—even if you’ve been together for a long time.
Types of Visas That Require Proof of a Genuine Relationship
Here are the main Family visas Australia where proving a genuine relationship is essential:
Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801 and 309/100)
Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300)
Spouse Visa
De Facto Relationship Visas
Each visa type has slightly different rules, but the key requirement is the same: you must show that your relationship is real, committed, and continuing.
What Does the Australian Government Consider a "Genuine Relationship"?
When assessing your application, the Department of Home Affairs will consider four main aspects of your relationship:
1. Financial Aspects
Do you share money, expenses, or assets?
Joint bank accounts
Shared bills and rental agreements
Proof of joint purchases
Tax returns showing shared finances
2. Nature of the Household
Do you live together and manage a home?
Lease or mortgage in both names
Shared utility bills
Photos of your home life
Statements about who does what around the house
3. Social Aspects
Do others know about your relationship?
Photos with friends and family
Wedding or engagement invitations
Social media posts showing your life together
Letters from friends and relatives
4. Commitment to Each Other
Is your relationship serious and long-term?
Emails, messages, or call logs
Travel history together
Statements about your future plans
Evidence of ongoing communication if you’ve been apart
Documents to Prove a Genuine Relationship for Australian Family Visa
Here’s a checklist of documents you should consider including:
Identity Documents
Passports for both partners
Birth certificates
Relationship Proof
Marriage certificate (if married)
Relationship registration certificate (for de facto couples)
Joint lease or property ownership documents
Photos together over time and at different locations
Financial Evidence
Joint bank account statements
Shared utility bills
Loan agreements in both names
Insurance policies listing each other as beneficiaries
Communication Records
Chat history from apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, or email
Phone call logs
Letters or cards exchanged
Social Evidence
Invitations to events as a couple
Declarations from friends and family
Photos with loved ones
Statutory Declarations
You must submit statutory declarations from at least two Australian citizens or permanent residents who know about your relationship. These are called Form 888 declarations.
How to Organize Your Evidence
To make your application easy to assess, organize your documents clearly. Group them into the four relationship categories: financial, household, social, and commitment.
Use labels or cover pages to explain what each document is. You can also write a personal statement explaining your relationship story, including:
How and when you met
Key moments in your relationship
How your relationship has grown
Your future plans together
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Proving a Genuine Relationship
Even genuine couples make mistakes that lead to delays or rejections. Avoid these errors:
Submitting only photos and ignoring financial proof
Sending too much irrelevant information
Not translating non-English documents
Forgetting to include statutory declarations
Writing vague or inconsistent relationship statements
Can Long-Distance Relationships Still Be Genuine?
Yes, they can. Many couples apply while living in different countries. If you're in a long-distance relationship, you’ll need to show:
Regular communication
Visits to each other’s country
Future plans to live together
Evidence of emotional connection
Keep in mind that longer separations require stronger proof of your ongoing commitment.
How Immigration Solutions Lawyers Can Help
Submitting a strong family visa application takes time, effort, and legal know-how. Immigration Solutions Lawyers can guide you through:
Collecting the right documents
Writing strong relationship statements
Avoiding common mistakes
Responding to additional requests from immigration officers
They have helped hundreds of couples successfully prove their relationships and reunite in Australia. Having expert support can give you peace of mind and improve your approval chances.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long must we be in a relationship before applying?
For de facto partners, you usually need to show you've lived together for at least 12 months. For married couples, there is no minimum time, but proof of a real relationship is still required.
Do we need to live together?
For married couples, it helps but is not required. De facto couples must generally show 12 months of cohabitation, unless registered in a state or territory.
Can I apply if we met online?
Yes, many successful applications come from online relationships. Just be ready to provide strong proof of communication and in-person meetings (if any).
Final Thoughts
Proving a genuine and ongoing relationship is one of the most important steps in applying for an Australian family visa. The stronger and clearer your evidence, the better your chances of success.
If you're unsure where to start or need expert advice, working with professionals like Immigration Solutions Lawyers can make the process easier, faster, and less stressful.
