How Many Form 888s Do I Need for a Partner Visa?

How many Form 888s do I need for a partner visa?

The number of Form 888s needed for a partner visa is not set by the Migration Regulations, but the Department's guidance generally asks for at least two. Most couples provide two to four. The aim is to give the case officer independent accounts of the relationship from people who have seen it develop, not to reach a target number. Our guide to Form 888 for a partner visa explains the form in full.

Are more Form 888s better?

More Form 888s are not automatically better. Ten short statements that each say the couple is "very happy together" add little, and they take time to read. Two or three statements that describe when the witness met the couple, how often they see them and specific things they have observed carry much more weight. Our article on Form 888 examples shows the difference between weak and strong statements.

Who should complete a Form 888?

A Form 888 should be completed by an adult who knows both partners and the history of their relationship, and who can describe it from their own observation. Good witnesses include friends who have known the couple for a long time, family members, colleagues and community members who see them together. Witnesses should come from both partners' circles where possible. Our article on Form 888 witness statements explains how to choose them.

Is a Form 888 the same as a statutory declaration?

Form 888 and a statutory declaration are different documents. Form 888 is the Department's own supporting statement form for partner and prospective marriage visas, and it carries a warning that false statements are an offence. Statutory declarations are needed only in special cases where the law requires them, such as some family violence claims. Our article on partner visa statutory declarations explains when each is used.

When should Form 888s be provided?

Form 888s are usually provided with the application or soon after lodgement, and further statements are often provided before the permanent stage is assessed. The Department may also contact witnesses to ask about what they wrote. Our guide on how to complete Form 888 covers signing, identity documents and attaching the forms in ImmiAccount.

What if we cannot find two suitable witnesses?

A couple who cannot find two suitable witnesses should explain why, for example because the relationship is new to the couple's community, family members do not know about it, or most friends live overseas. The couple should then rely more on other social evidence. Our article on a partner visa without family support offers practical options.

How does My Migration Lawyers prepare Form 888 statements?

My Migration Lawyers helps couples choose witnesses who can speak to different stages and sides of the relationship, then guides each witness on the specific facts worth including, in their own words, so the statements are consistent with the relationship statement without reading as copied. The firm checks every Form 888 for dates, identity documents and signatures before it is attached. Couples can ask our partner visa lawyers to review their witness statements.