How to Write a Relationship Statement for Partner Visa Application
When applying for a Partner visa in Australia, one key supporting document to provide for your application is the relationship statement. This personal statement allows you to demonstrate the genuineness of your partnership in your own words. A strong, well-structured statement can make all the difference between a favourable visa outcome and unnecessary delays or refusals.
Why is the Relationship Statement Important for a Partner Visa?
Your personal relationship statement is more than just a romantic story — it is evidence. By aligning your statement with the visa criteria and supporting it with documentation, you strengthen your case for a favourable result.
What to include in Your Relationship Statement for Partner Visa?
You can structure your relationship statement following the four pillars criteria, which is what DoHA uses to assess the genuineness of your ongoing and continuing relationship.
History of Your Relationship
Elaborate on your meeting and first impressions with your partner. Describe when, where, and how you both met and share what first drew you to each other.
For any big and/or small milestones in your relationship, consider including significant moments such as moving in together, engagements, or memorable trips.
Additionally, you can mention how you and your partner overcame obstacles together, such as long distance, personal struggles or others.
Financial Commitment
Explain how you manage money as a couple (e.g., joint accounts, shared bills, mortgage or rent).
Provide examples of shared financial responsibilities.
Discuss future financial plans, like saving for a house or investments.
Household Arrangements
Show how you live together and divide responsibilities.
Include details about chores, joint decisions, and creating a home together.
Mention pets, traditions, or routines that reflect your shared life.
Social Recognition
Highlight how your family, friends, and community see you as a couple.
Provide examples such as attending events together, celebrating holidays, or community involvement.
Supporting evidence may include invitations, photos, or declarations from friends and family.
Future Plans
Outline your shared goals for the future: marriage, children, or career ambitions.
Explain your vision for building a life together in Australia.
Show long-term commitment and stability.
Tips for Writing an Effective Relationship Statement
Be honest and truthful with your information and facts that align with your partner’s personal statement and your supporting documents. Avoid false or inconsistencies, as it may delay your visa processing or your visa may be refused by PIC4020.
You can share heartfelt moments in your relationship statement, but also include substantial details like photos, finances and more.
Keep sentences straightforward, clear and easy to understand and avoid unnecessary jargon.
When elaborating on your relationship timeline, be specific with examples, such as mentioned dates and events.
Use headings or structure your relationship statement in a logical timeline to make your statement easy to follow.
Aim for “check twice, submit once” for your visa application, double-check your work carefully, proofread for errors and ensure consistency with other documents in your application.
Supporting Evidence to Strengthen Your Statement
We have compiled a Partner Visa Document Checklist on what documents you can include along with your written statement, including documents that support your story:
Photos of the two of you together at various stages of your relationship.
Joint bank statements or any supporting documents with both names.
Invitations/events addressed to you as a couple.
At least two copies of statutory declarations from friends and/or family.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many areas in a relationship statement can be avoided for your partner visa application. Here are some Top Partner Visa Refusal Reasons and How to Avoid Them, and some Common Issues May Arise with Partner Visa Applications. Some quick examples are:
Being too vague about your experiences.
Omitting key details about finances, household, or future plans.
Providing information that contradicts other documents in your application.
Related:
Partner Visa: Addressing the "One Fails, All Fail" Criteria for Family Members
Partner Visa Application: What are the Common Mistakes to Avoid?
How Can Agape Henry Crux Assist
If you’re unsure how to frame your personal relationship statement or are seeking professional support, speaking with an experienced immigration lawyer can help ensure your Partner visa application meets all requirements to meet your objective. Our team works closely with two of our Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law, Jason Ling and Angela De Silva, as they specialise in handling highly complex matters. You can schedule an appointment to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or emailing us at info@ahclawyers.com.
We speak fluent English, Mandarin and Cantonese. We can also help you arrange an interpreter if this isn't your language.
This article/presentation (“publication”) does not deal extensively with important topics or changes in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you find this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances, please contact our office.
Client Testimonials
….we call it Support Network
Navigating the immigration law process may be difficult, so our former clients have agreed to share their experiences through telephone chats, emails, and in-person meetings.
These are their stories…