What Should a Partner Visa Relationship Statement Include?

What should the history section of a relationship statement cover?

The history section of a relationship statement should cover how and when the couple met, how the relationship developed, when they became a couple, when they moved in together or married, and the key events since. Exact dates matter, especially for de facto couples who must show the relationship period. Our guide to the partner visa relationship statement sets out a practical structure for this part. A chronological order is usually easiest for a case officer to follow, with headings for each stage of the relationship.

How should the relationship statement address the four aspects?

The relationship statement should address the four aspects by explaining, in plain terms, how the couple share their finances, run their household, present themselves socially and commit to a shared future. The statement gives context that documents alone cannot, such as why one partner pays the rent and the other pays the bills. Our article on the partner visa four pillars of evidence explains what the Department looks for in each aspect. Where the couple hold few joint documents in one aspect, the statement should explain why, for example because of banking rules in another country or a recent move.

Should the relationship statement explain periods apart or difficulties?

The relationship statement should explain any periods apart, separations or difficulties honestly, because the Department will usually find them in the evidence anyway. A short, factual explanation of why the couple lived apart, how they stayed in contact and how they resolved a separation is far better than silence. Our article on repeated separations covers how the Department treats a relationship that has had breaks. Earlier relationships, children from previous relationships and any differences in age, culture or religion can also be explained briefly where they are relevant.

Should the relationship statement include future plans?

The relationship statement should include the couple's future plans, because the nature of the commitment is one of the four aspects assessed. Plans to live together long term, buy a home, have children, care for family or build careers in Australia all show intention. The plans should be realistic and supported where possible by evidence. Our article on partner visa future plans gives examples. Vague statements of love carry less weight than concrete plans.

Should we write one relationship statement or two?

A partner visa has one relationship statement, and the couple may write it jointly or each contribute their own account within it. What matters is that both partners agree with every fact in it. Where each partner writes a section, the dates and events must match. Our article on partner visa relationship statements and our guide to conflicting statements explain how differences arise and how to avoid them. Both partners should read the final statement carefully before it is signed and uploaded.

How does My Migration Lawyers prepare a partner visa relationship statement?

My Migration Lawyers prepares a partner visa relationship statement by interviewing both partners, building a timeline from their documents and drafting a statement in their own voice that the evidence can support line by line. The firm checks the statement against earlier visa applications, Form 888 statements and travel records so the Department sees one consistent account. Couples can ask our partner visa lawyers to draft or review their statement before lodgement.