Genuine Relationship: Insufficient Evidence for Partner Visa—Will It Be Rejected?

For couples deeply committed to each other and building a life in Australia, a Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801 or 309/100) can be a suitable pathway. It can be devastating to imagine a refusal, especially if your relationship is genuine. However, a common reason for Partner Visa refusal is “not providing enough evidence”, even if the relationship itself is authentic.

Proving a Genuine Relationship for Partner Visa

The Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) doesn’t simply take your word for it that your relationship is genuine. Their responsibility is to assess your application objectively, based on the evidence provided. The responsibility is on you, the applicant and the sponsor, to prove the existence and genuineness of your relationship in accordance with the migration law.

Four Pillars (4 Pillars) of a Genuine Relationship

DoHA assesses the genuineness and continuity of your relationship across four pillars. A lack of evidence in any one of these pillars may affect your application:

Financial Aspects
Nature of the Household
Social Aspects
Nature of Commitment

We have compiled a more detailed article on how to demonstrate the Partner Visa Four Pillars Document Checklist.

Why “Not Enough Evidence” Leads to Refusal?

Case officers must make decisions based on verifiable facts. If the evidence is inconsistent or unconvincing, they have no objective basis to approve the visa, regardless of your subjective truth.
The Partner Visa program is a target for non-genuine or fraudulent relationships. Strict evidentiary requirements are in place to identify fake relationships, even if it sometimes impacts genuine couples who fail to document their lives adequately.
General statements like “we love each other” are not enough. DoHA needs specific, dated and verifiable documents that paint a clear picture of your relationship over time. Read our article here on How to Write a Relationship Statement for a Partner Visa Application.
Providing conflicting dates or details across different documents can lead the case officer to doubt your claims. Your visa application may be refused due to Public Interest Criteria (PIC) 4020, due to false or misleading information or bogus documents.
If DoHA requests further information, for example, through an S56 letter, and you fail to provide it within the specific timeframe, it can lead to refusal.

How to Avoid Refusal Due to Insufficient Evidence?

Start collecting evidence from the start of your relationship.
Don’t rely on just one type of evidence, as “a wedding certificate is not sufficient”. Show supporting documents across all 4 pillars.
Ensure that all details and information are consistent across your supporting documents and application.
For any insufficient documents, consider engaging an experienced immigration lawyer to assist with building evidence to strengthen your visa case. Our immigration lawyers can assist your visa application end-to-end so you can have professional guidance for a favourable result.

Read our clients’ testimonials on Agape Henry Crux and Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law, Jason Ling.

How Can Agape Henry Crux Assist

A genuine relationship, however strong, must be meticulously proven through evidence for a Partner Visa application. Speak with one of our immigration lawyers at Agape Henry Crux, as the team works closely with two of our Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law, Jason Ling and Angela De Silva, who 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.

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