How to Prove a Genuine Relationship for Partner Visas – Beyond the Basics
Are you at the stage of preparing and gathering your and your partner’s documents for the Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801) or (Subclass 309/100) application? Applying for a Partner Visa in Australia can be an exciting yet challenging journey, especially when it comes to evidencing the legitimacy of your relationship. The Department of Home Affairs requires applicants to demonstrate that their relationship is genuine and ongoing, and this is typically established through the four (4) pillars framework.
What is the Four (4) Pillars Framework?
The four (4) pillars framework assists the Department in assessing your Partner Visa application to ensure that your relationship with your partner is genuine and true and that it is not a false marriage. The 4 pillars framework includes the social aspect, financial aspect, nature of the household, and commitment of the relationship.
How do I Prove a Genuine Relationship Using the Four Pillars for Partner Visa Application?
Social Aspect
The social aspect is to show evidence of social recognition of your relationship. This can be done with these approaches:
Gather evidence of your participation in social events as a couple, such as attending weddings, parties and family gatherings. Invitations, photos and testimonies from attendees can be effective here.
Engage with each other’s social circles and families, showing that your relationship is accepted and recognised by those around you. This can include photos, messages or emails from friends and family affirming your relationship.
Share posts, photos or comments on social media that reflect your relationship. Publicly showing your relationship demonstrates recognition among friends and family.
Financial Aspect
This aspect revolves around the financial aspects of your relationship. Demonstrating your financial aspect can be done through:
Open joint bank accounts and share expenses such as rent, bills, and other financial contributions. Statements reflecting combined finances can show your relationship works as a unit.
List each other as beneficiaries on insurance policies or demonstrate shared health or life insurance plans. This can be evidence of your commitment to each other’s well-being.
Document ownership of shared assets such as cars, properties, or valuable possessions can illustrate your relationship commitment.
Nature of Household
Provide evidence of how you and your partner manage daily life as a couple. This can include:
Demonstrating how you and your partner manage household responsibilities, such as day-to-day duties such as chores, groceries, bills, and more.
Proof of joint ownership of residence or joint residential leases that you and your partner are cohabiting, as well as any evidence of shared responsibility in taking care of your children (if any) and intention to raise a family together.
Commitment to the Relationship
This pillar emphasises the mutual commitment between you and your partner. To showcase this aspect effectively, you can consider providing evidence of:
Living together, such as lease agreements, utility bills and more. This is to demonstrate your intention to maintain a shared life.
Record conversations or plans about your future together via texts or emails, including discussions about weddings, home buying or other significant life decisions.
Plans to travel together can serve as supporting evidence. Include travel itineraries, tickets, and photographs from trips taken as a couple. Evidence of shared experiences can help establish a long-term commitment.
For relationships that do not live together, you can explore the pathway to register your relationship as evidence; eligibility may be different for each state and territory.
Related:
How Can Agape Henry Crux Assist
If you find it difficult to gather documents to satisfy all four pillars of your Partner Visa application. We highly suggest that you schedule a time with an immigration lawyer for professional advice. Speak with one of our Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law at Agape Henry Crux. They specialise in handling highly complex matters, such as your partner visa. 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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