Partner visa evidence checklist: what should you prepare?

Which Partner visa checklist should you use?

The onshore Partner pathway involves subclasses 820 and 801; the applicant must be in Australia when applying for the 820. The offshore pathway involves subclasses 309 and 100, with the applicant outside Australia when applying for the 309. The Prospective Marriage visa, subclass 300, is a distinct route for coming to Australia to marry and later applying for a Partner visa. Check the 820, 309 or 300 instructions before preparing an application.

Location alone does not settle eligibility. Current visa conditions, previous applications, relationship circumstances and sponsor issues may affect the correct next step. Our Partner visa service page explains the pathways and issues we assess.

How do you organise the four relationship aspects?

A useful starting point is one timeline supported by documents from different parts of your shared life. The table gives examples, not documents that every couple must possess. Home Affairs describes relationship evidence in its 820 document instructions and permanent-stage guidance.

For example, a couple who lived apart for work could prepare a dated explanation of that period and identify relevant visits, communication and shared arrangements. That is a hypothetical preparation example, not a finding that those documents satisfy the visa criteria.

What should you gather before a consultation?

1. A brief chronology. Note when you met, began the relationship, lived together, travelled together and spent time apart. Identify uncertainty instead of guessing dates.
2. An evidence index. For each document, record its date, what it shows and the relevant relationship aspect. Keep originals and avoid repeatedly submitting the same document under different names.
3. Identity and background records. Check names against passports and record previous names and relationships. Home Affairs’ family visa preparation guidance also addresses residential and travel history.
4. Witness information. People who know you should explain their own observations. Use the current Form 888, which is a supporting statement. Its instructions address who can complete it and the accompanying identity evidence.
5. Translations. Prepare both the original-language document and its English translation. Follow the Home Affairs translation instructions; requirements for translator details differ depending on where the translation is prepared.
6. A list of gaps and deadlines. Flag missing records, inconsistent names or dates, previous refusals, visa expiry and changes in the relationship for advice.

Keep the initial website enquiry to a short summary. Once initial checks and consultation arrangements are complete, we can explain which records are relevant and how to provide them securely.

Common questions about Partner visa evidence

Do we need every document in this guide?

No. These are organising examples. Your relationship, subclass and application stage determine the relevant evidence, alongside Home Affairs’ specific requests. A large file does not make up for an unexplained inconsistency.

Can photographs alone prove the relationship?

Photographs may help explain social events and shared experiences, but they do not address every relationship aspect. Consider how the complete record supports the account you give.

Should we keep evidence after the temporary stage?

Keep relevant records and note changes in your circumstances. Permanent-stage assessment has its own requirements; consult the 801 instructions or the relevant offshore permanent-stage instructions rather than assuming the original file is sufficient.