Can Overseas Friends Write Statements for My Partner Visa?

Can a friend living overseas complete a Form 888?

A friend living overseas can complete a Form 888 if they are an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen aged 18 or over. Where they live does not matter. They must know the couple, describe how and for how long, and explain why they believe the relationship is genuine. Our article on who can make a Form 888 explains the eligibility rules and content.

What can overseas friends who are not Australian provide?

Overseas friends who are not Australian can provide a signed letter or statement describing how they know the couple and what they have seen of the relationship, with a copy of their identity document and contact details. It is not a Form 888, but the Department can consider it as evidence of the social aspects of the relationship. Specific detail, such as visits, events attended and how the couple behaves together, carries far more weight than general praise. The letter should be signed and dated, give the writer's full name, address and relationship to the couple, and describe real occasions with approximate dates. Letters that repeat the same phrases as each other suggest they were written to a template, which reduces their value. Each writer should use their own words and describe only what they have personally seen.

Do statements from overseas friends carry less weight?

Statements from overseas friends do not automatically carry less weight. What matters is how well the person knows the couple and how specific their account is. A detailed letter from a friend who has spent time with the couple in their home country can be more useful than a brief Form 888 from an Australian acquaintance. Our article on partner visa social evidence when family support is missing explains how to fill gaps.

Do statements in another language need translation?

Statements in another language need an English translation before they are lodged. Translations made in Australia should be by a NAATI-certified translator, and translations made overseas should identify the translator and their qualifications. Our guide to partner visa evidence translation explains the requirements.

How many statements should we get?

The number of statements a couple should get depends on the rest of the evidence, but the Department generally expects at least two Form 888 statements from eligible witnesses. Further letters from overseas friends and family can add to this where they bring something new. Our article on Form 888 witness statements explains how to choose witnesses, and the statements should be consistent with the couple's relationship statement.

How does My Migration Lawyers gather statements from witnesses overseas?

My Migration Lawyers gathers statements from witnesses overseas by first sorting each witness into Form 888 eligible or not, then giving each person clear guidance on what to cover so the statements are specific and consistent with the couple's account. The firm arranges for documents to be signed and returned electronically and organises any translations before lodgement. Couples, including those lodging an offshore Subclass 309 visa, can speak with our partner visa lawyers about their witnesses.