Applying for a Partner Visa in Australia involves providing strong evidence that your relationship is genuine and ongoing. One of the most important supporting documents is the Statutory Declaration Form 888.
At AustraliaMigrate, we are immigration specialists in Sydney who help clients navigate partner sponsorship visa requirements, ensuring every part of the visa application is complete and compelling.
What Is Form 888?
Form 888 is a statutory declaration provided by people who know you and your partner personally. It is used to confirm that your relationship is genuine.
The Department of Home Affairs relies on these declarations to better understand your relationship beyond the documents you submit. In other words, Form 888s are your witnesses speaking on your behalf.
Who Should Complete a Form 888?
- Australian citizens or permanent residents
- Close friends, family members, or colleagues who know both you and your partner, or at least know one of you but have heard about the other in ongoing discussions;
- People who can describe your relationship history, how long they have known you, and how they have seen your relationship develop
Each person must provide a clear and honest account of how they know you as a couple.
How Many Form 888s Do You Need?
The Department requires at least two completed Form 888s as completed by Australian citizens or Permanent Residents. However, in practice, many successful applications include more — usually 3–4 well-prepared forms. In addition, non-Australians can also provide Form 888 as additional evidence to the two Form 888s which must be provided by Australian citizens or Permanent Residents.
Quality is more important than quantity. Each declaration should provide unique insights rather than repeating the same statements.
What Should Be Included in Form 888?
Each declarant should:
- Confirm how they know you and your partner
- State how long they have known both of you
- Provide examples of events, activities, or experiences shared with you as a couple
- Attest that the relationship is genuine and continuing
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting forms from people who barely know one partner
- Providing very short or vague statements
- Forgetting to sign in front of an authorised witness
- Using identical wording across multiple forms
These mistakes can weaken your partner visa application.
Why Form 888 Is So Important
For a Partner Visa Australia application, Form 888 is one of the most direct, quotable pieces of evidence the Department reviews. Strong declarations can make a big difference in showing that your relationship is genuine, especially if other forms of evidence (joint finances, lease agreements, etc.) are limited.
How AustraliaMigrate Can Help
As an experienced immigration specialist in Sydney, our team helps clients prepare strong Partner Visa applications, including:
- Guidance on choosing the right people to complete Form 888
- Reviewing drafts to ensure they meet requirements
- Preparing additional evidence such as relationship statements, timelines, and joint financial records
- Advising on partner sponsorship visa pathways, whether onshore or offshore
Final Thoughts
Form 888 is more than just paperwork — it’s a powerful tool to strengthen your case. Preparing it correctly can increase your chances of a smooth visa process.
If you’re planning to apply for a Partner Visa in Australia, contact our team at www.australiamigrate.com for expert assistance.
