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Form 888 – Statutory Declaration for Partner Visa Applications

Understand how to complete Form 888 for your Partner Visa, who needs to provide it, and what information is required to support your relationship.

Quick Overview

Form 888 is a statutory declaration required as part of the Partner Visa application process. It is used to verify the genuineness of the relationship between the applicant and the sponsor, and it must be signed by people who are familiar with the couple’s relationship and can provide evidence of its authenticity. 

What Is Form 888?

Form 888 is a statutory declaration used to provide supporting evidence for a Partner Visa application. It is typically completed by friends, family members, or colleagues who can confirm the legitimacy of the relationship between the applicant and their sponsor. 

The form serves as a sworn statement from the declarant, who must attest to the nature of the relationship and the couple’s living situation. It is one of the key documents used by the Department of Home Affairs to assess the genuineness of the relationship in partner visa applications. 

Who Needs to Complete Form 888?

Form 888 needs to be completed by individuals who:

Are familiar with the applicant’s relationship and can provide evidence of its genuineness.

Can be family members, friends, or colleagues who have seen the couple together in a domestic setting

Can verify that the applicant and sponsor live together and have a genuine and ongoing relationship.

The form does not need to be completed by the applicant or the sponsor, but it should be filled out by people who can provide independent verification of the relationship.

How to Complete Form 888

Provide the Declarant’s Information:
The individual completing Form 888 (the “declarant”) must provide their full name, contact details, and occupation. They must also confirm their relationship to the applicant and sponsor.

Verify the Relationship:
The declarant must explain how they know the applicant and sponsor, and how long they have known them. They should also provide specific details about the couple’s relationship, such as shared living arrangements, major life events they’ve witnessed, and any knowledge of the couple’s commitment to each other.

Declare the Genuineness of the Relationship:
The declarant must declare that they believe the relationship between the applicant and the sponsor is genuine and ongoing. This declaration must be signed in the presence of an authorized witness (e.g., a solicitor, commissioner for oaths, or justice of the peace).

Include Any Supporting Information:
Any additional relevant information that can help verify the relationship should be included. This could be specific examples of events where the declarant has seen the couple together, or knowledge of their life plans and shared responsibilities.

What Information Should Be Included in the Statutory Declaration?

Relationship to the applicant and sponsor (e.g., friend, family member, colleague).

Personal details of the declarant (name, contact information, occupation).

Details of the relationship between the applicant and sponsor, including how long the declarant has known the couple and the nature of the relationship.

Confirmation of cohabitation (whether the applicant and sponsor live together as a couple).

Details of any important life events the declarant has witnessed (e.g., the couple’s engagement, marriage, or family events).

Declaration that the relationship is genuine and ongoing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Incomplete or unclear information: Ensure the statutory declaration clearly describes the relationship and includes relevant details. Vague or incomplete answers can raise questions about the genuineness of the relationship.

Not including supporting documents: Always include additional evidence such as photos or financial documents to back up the claims made in the statutory declaration.

Incorrect or missing signatures: The form must be signed in the presence of an authorized witness. Failure to follow the correct procedure may result in delays or rejection of the application.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it’s often recommended to provide multiple Form 888 declarations from different individuals who are familiar with your relationship, such as family members, friends, or colleagues. 

Yes, you can submit a statutory declaration from individuals who live overseas, but they must follow the same rules for witnessing and signing the form. 

If insufficient Form 888 declarations are provided, your application may be delayed or even refused. The Department of Home Affairs will need strong evidence of the relationship’s genuineness. 

Form 888 can be submitted online as part of your Partner Visa application through the ImmiAccount portal or as a hard copy if you are submitting your application on paper. 

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Disclaimer
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not guarantee visa approval. All visa applications are subject to the discretion of the Australian Department of Home Affairs. For personalized guidance, please contact a registered migration agent at Visa Advisor.