Important Updates
Important Updates
June 27, 2025 | JapanJapan: Visa-Exempt Stay Period Extended for UAE Nationals
June 27, 2025 | AustraliaAustralia: Details on Work and Holiday Program for Mainland China, India and Vietnam Released
June 27, 2025 | CyprusCyprus: New Employer Reporting Obligation; Increased Inspections and Fines
June 27, 2025 | FinlandFinland: Unemployment Protection Period for Foreign Workers in Effect
June 27, 2025 | Hong Kong SARHong Kong SAR: Fee Increase for Certain Immigration Services Forthcoming
June 27, 2025 | JapanJapan: Visa-Exempt Stay Period Extended for UAE Nationals
June 27, 2025 | AustraliaAustralia: Details on Work and Holiday Program for Mainland China, India and Vietnam Released
June 27, 2025 | CyprusCyprus: New Employer Reporting Obligation; Increased Inspections and Fines
June 27, 2025 | FinlandFinland: Unemployment Protection Period for Foreign Workers in Effect
June 27, 2025 | Hong Kong SARHong Kong SAR: Fee Increase for Certain Immigration Services Forthcoming
June 27, 2025 | JapanJapan: Visa-Exempt Stay Period Extended for UAE Nationals
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationAustralian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
  • Insights

Partner Visa Challenges in Australia: What You Need to Know About Relationship Evidence

May 16, 2025

Partner Visa Challenges in Australia: What You Need to Know About Relationship Evidence

Country / Territory

  • AustraliaAustralia

Related contacts

Photo of Chris Spentzaris

Chris Spentzaris

Partner

Melbourne, Australia

Email

[email protected]

T:+ 61 3 9613 9301

Related offices

  • Melbourne
  • Brisbane
  • Sydney
  • Perth

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Photo of Chris Spentzaris

Chris Spentzaris

Partner

Melbourne, Australia

Email

[email protected]

T:+ 61 3 9613 9301

Related offices

  • Melbourne
  • Brisbane
  • Sydney
  • Perth

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Photo of Chris Spentzaris

Chris Spentzaris

Partner

Melbourne, Australia

Email

[email protected]

T:+ 61 3 9613 9301

Related offices

  • Melbourne
  • Brisbane
  • Sydney
  • Perth

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

By: Irfaan Amod

Lodging an Australian Partner visa application is a life changing decision and a sign of a firm commitment by the applicants to enter an enduring and exclusive relationship with one another.

Whether the applicants are married or in a de facto relationship, the application process requires careful planning, and it is extremely important to first consider the strength of the evidence available to support the application.

Why Relationship Evidence Matters for Visa Applications 

Partner visas are a major investment and are closely scrutinised by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. Applicants should take time to carefully analyse their options and timing of lodgement to ensure a strong application is lodged—one that avoids potential issues later.

Couples should carefully consider:

      • The quality and amount of available evidence
      • Whether they prefer to lodge the application from onshore or offshore
      • The options to remain united during the lengthy processing period

While the Department of Home Affairs recognises that relationships come in many forms, their objective is to assess an application based on the Migration Act and Regulations. The Act and Regulations contain specific provisions and guidance to determine whether a relationship is genuine, ongoing and exclusive.

Common Types of Evidence Requested by Immigration Authorities

The Migration Regulations outline two core requirements for a Partner visa:

      • The couple must have a mutual commitment to a shared life as husband and wife/de facto partner to the exclusion of all others; and
      • The relationship must be genuine and continuing.

To meet these, applicants must provide detailed evidence across several key areas.

How to Prove a Genuine Relationship for Your Partner Visa 

Relationship Statement

The relationship statement is a comprehensive statement by both parties where all the key details of the relationship are outlined. These statements should be carefully written out, to ensure all key dates and other milestones are captured and consistent throughout both statements. These statements should include:

      • The beginning of the relationship, how it developed and when the couple entered a mutually committed relationship
      • An outline of financial arrangements and how finances are managed
      • An explanation of how housework duties are shared
      • An insight into the social aspects of the relationship
      • Future plans as a couple
      • A clear expression of commitment to the spouse or de facto partner

Financial Aspects of the Relationship

At the time of application lodgement, couples are expected to  provide evidence of how they support each other financially. This may include:

      • Joint mortgage or lease documents
      • Joint loans
      • Joint bank accounts
      • Household bills in both names
      • Any other evidence to show how couples support each other financially

The Department gives a lot of weight to this evidence as it demonstrates a strong commitment by the couple to each other. Due to personal or cultural circumstances, some couples may separate their financial commitments or live apart, making it hard to gather the requisite financial evidence to support the relationship. It is therefore important to start building financial evidence of the relationship as early as possible.

Nature of the Household

Couples should demonstrate that they have been living together for at least 12 months prior to lodging the application, and do not live apart permanently. This can be challenging for those in long-distance relationships or impacted by cultural norms. This is a significant factor in the overall assessment of the application, so couples should assess their circumstances and plan.

Social Aspects of the Relationship

This group of evidence is often easier to demonstrate and includes:

      • Photos taken together in various settings, such as with friends and family or while attending social events
      • Social media posts that reflect the relationship
      • Supporting documents such as:
            • Tickets to events attended together
            •  Invitations to joint events
            • Joint travel and hotel bookings
      • Proof that the relationship is registered or recognised by government or other bodies

Future Plans and Commitment 

This should be covered in the relationship statement and include:

      • A clear outline of future goals as a couple
      • Examples of emotional support and commitment

Again, the importance of this aspect should not be understated, and couples should take time to reflect and provide a detailed overview of their future plans and take the time to flesh out concrete examples of emotional support provided to each other.

How Fragomen Helps Build a Strong Application 

Partner visa applications are evidence-heavy, and the Department requires a substantial amount of information and documentation to be satisfied that the relationship is genuine and continuing. 

The type and quality of information and documentation play an important role in achieving a successful outcome. Importantly, having more documents does not necessarily strengthen an application, as certain documents carry greater weight than others. Processing times can range from five to 33 months from the date of lodgement.

Couples need to carefully strategise and work out a suitable plan for their application. Fragomen’s immigration lawyers have years of experience working on partner visa applications and can provide valuable input and guidance. Fragomen encourages engaging in a consultation with an experienced lawyer to assess the strength of applications and any potential risks.

Need to Know More?

For further information or questions regarding Partner visa application, please contact Senior Associate Irfaan Amod at [email protected].

This blog was published on 16 May 2025, and due to the circumstances, there are frequent changes. To keep up to date with all the latest updates on global immigration, please subscribe to our alerts and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Country / Territory

  • AustraliaAustralia

Related contacts

Photo of Chris Spentzaris

Chris Spentzaris

Partner

Melbourne, Australia

Email

[email protected]

T:+ 61 3 9613 9301

Related offices

  • Melbourne
  • Brisbane
  • Sydney
  • Perth

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Photo of Chris Spentzaris

Chris Spentzaris

Partner

Melbourne, Australia

Email

[email protected]

T:+ 61 3 9613 9301

Related offices

  • Melbourne
  • Brisbane
  • Sydney
  • Perth

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Photo of Chris Spentzaris

Chris Spentzaris

Partner

Melbourne, Australia

Email

[email protected]

T:+ 61 3 9613 9301

Related offices

  • Melbourne
  • Brisbane
  • Sydney
  • Perth

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Awards

Silicon Valley Business Journal Recognizes Partner Cindy Jen Among 2025 Women of Influence

Partner Cindy Jen is recognized as a 2025 “Woman of Influence” by the Silicon Valley Business Journal.

Learn more

Blog post

2025 LAR and Canada Immigration Trends: Balancing Control and Opportunity

This blog highlights the most significant immigration developments shaping Canada and Latin America in 2025. Drawing from Fragomen’s upcoming 2025 Regional Immigration Overviews—available mid-July—it provides actionable insights and strategic guidance to help businesses and individuals navigate the region’s dynamic immigration landscape.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: DOL Plans “Emergency Agency” to Approve H-2A Visas

Partner Rachel Beardsley highlights how employment-based immigration supports the US agricultural sector amid labor shortages and evolving policies.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Middle East Tensions Show Importance of Caring for Mobile Talent

Partner Abeer Al Husseini shares how employers can support mobile talent through travel readiness, immigration awareness and a people-focused approach.

Learn more

Blog post

The EB-1C Green Card for Multinational Managers and Executives: Exploring Non-Traditional Pathways to Permanent Residency

Associate Whitney Luman discusses the EB-1C Green Card for multinational managers and executives, exploring non-traditional pathways to permanent residency.

Learn more

Video

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) | Staying in Canada Post-Graduation

Partner Jack Kim discusses one of many immigration pathways for staying in Canada post-graduation, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

Learn more

Blog post

A New Beginning: The Rise of Highly Skilled Visa and Digital Nomad Visa Options in APAC

Practice Leader Kate Praphakornphiphat, Senior Manager Amy Zhang, Immigration Program Manager Melissa Ngeow and Senior Knowledge Management Specialist Faye Amorado discuss the increasing popularity of highly skilled visas and digital nomad visas in the Asia-Pacific region.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Canada's Semiconductor Council: Strengthening Canada’s Semiconductor Talent Pipeline for Global Competitiveness

Partner Cosmina Morariu contributed to Canada’s Semiconductor Council 2025 Talent & Workforce Development report, highlighting immigration’s role in closing talent gaps.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Recognized with Community Service Award at Woori Center 2025 Gala

Fragomen was honored with the Community Service Award at the Woori Center 2025 Gala on June 21, 2025 in Philadelphia.

Learn more

Media mentions

People Management: How HR Can Prepare for the ETIAS Rollout

Manager Andreia Florina Ghimis explains how HR teams can prepare for the EU’s new ETIAS travel authorisation system by communicating changes, supporting employees and ensuring compliance.

Learn more

Blog post

Not Getting Selected in the H-1B Lottery is Not the End of the Road: Other Options May Be Available

Partner Parisa Karaahmet and Associate Mehmet Esat Acar discuss how not being selected in the H-1B lottery is not the end of the road, as other visa options may be available.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Athletic: Trump Travel Ban, New Revenue-Sharing Model Create Uncertainty for International College Athletes

Partner Aaron Blumberg explains how visa delays and evolving rules are creating new challenges for international college athletes in the US.

Learn more

Awards

Silicon Valley Business Journal Recognizes Partner Cindy Jen Among 2025 Women of Influence

Partner Cindy Jen is recognized as a 2025 “Woman of Influence” by the Silicon Valley Business Journal.

Learn more

Blog post

2025 LAR and Canada Immigration Trends: Balancing Control and Opportunity

This blog highlights the most significant immigration developments shaping Canada and Latin America in 2025. Drawing from Fragomen’s upcoming 2025 Regional Immigration Overviews—available mid-July—it provides actionable insights and strategic guidance to help businesses and individuals navigate the region’s dynamic immigration landscape.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: DOL Plans “Emergency Agency” to Approve H-2A Visas

Partner Rachel Beardsley highlights how employment-based immigration supports the US agricultural sector amid labor shortages and evolving policies.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Middle East Tensions Show Importance of Caring for Mobile Talent

Partner Abeer Al Husseini shares how employers can support mobile talent through travel readiness, immigration awareness and a people-focused approach.

Learn more

Blog post

The EB-1C Green Card for Multinational Managers and Executives: Exploring Non-Traditional Pathways to Permanent Residency

Associate Whitney Luman discusses the EB-1C Green Card for multinational managers and executives, exploring non-traditional pathways to permanent residency.

Learn more

Video

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) | Staying in Canada Post-Graduation

Partner Jack Kim discusses one of many immigration pathways for staying in Canada post-graduation, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

Learn more

Blog post

A New Beginning: The Rise of Highly Skilled Visa and Digital Nomad Visa Options in APAC

Practice Leader Kate Praphakornphiphat, Senior Manager Amy Zhang, Immigration Program Manager Melissa Ngeow and Senior Knowledge Management Specialist Faye Amorado discuss the increasing popularity of highly skilled visas and digital nomad visas in the Asia-Pacific region.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Canada's Semiconductor Council: Strengthening Canada’s Semiconductor Talent Pipeline for Global Competitiveness

Partner Cosmina Morariu contributed to Canada’s Semiconductor Council 2025 Talent & Workforce Development report, highlighting immigration’s role in closing talent gaps.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Recognized with Community Service Award at Woori Center 2025 Gala

Fragomen was honored with the Community Service Award at the Woori Center 2025 Gala on June 21, 2025 in Philadelphia.

Learn more

Media mentions

People Management: How HR Can Prepare for the ETIAS Rollout

Manager Andreia Florina Ghimis explains how HR teams can prepare for the EU’s new ETIAS travel authorisation system by communicating changes, supporting employees and ensuring compliance.

Learn more

Blog post

Not Getting Selected in the H-1B Lottery is Not the End of the Road: Other Options May Be Available

Partner Parisa Karaahmet and Associate Mehmet Esat Acar discuss how not being selected in the H-1B lottery is not the end of the road, as other visa options may be available.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Athletic: Trump Travel Ban, New Revenue-Sharing Model Create Uncertainty for International College Athletes

Partner Aaron Blumberg explains how visa delays and evolving rules are creating new challenges for international college athletes in the US.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.