If you are applying for a partner visa, such as a Subclass 820 Partner Visa, Subclass 309 Partner Visa, or Subclass 300 Prospective Marriage Vis, which requires evidence that the relationship is genuine and continuing. One important supporting document is Form 888, Statutory Declaration by a Supporting Witness.

Form 888 allows friends or family members to confirm that they personally know both the visa applicant and the sponsor and believe their relationship is genuine. These statements help the Australian Department of Home Affairs understand the social side of the relationship.

What is Form 888

Form 888 is a statutory declaration used in Australian partner visa applications. It allows people who know the couple to provide written confirmation that the relationship is real.

While financial documents or shared housing records show practical aspects of the relationship, Form 888 focuses on how the relationship is viewed by friends, relatives, and members of the community.

Usually, partner visa applicants must provide at least two completed Form 888 statements from witnesses.

Who Can Complete Form 888

To complete Form 888, the witness must meet certain requirements. The person must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident
• Know both the visa applicant and the sponsor personally

Close relatives and long-term friends are the best witnesses because they have seen the relationship develop over time.

Details Required in Form 888

This form asks witnesses to describe their relationship with the couple and explain why they believe the relationship is genuine.

Some of the key details requested include:

• The relationship between the witness and the sponsor
• The relationship between the witness and the applicant
• How often does the witness stay in contact with them
• How and when the witness met the couple
• Observations that show the relationship is genuine

Witness should give clear examples based on his/her experiences instead of short or general comments.

Example Answer: How the Witness Knows the Couple

Question: State how you know the applicant and the applicant’s partner, and how often you are in contact with them.

Example Answer: I am a close friend of the sponsor, Daniel Taylor. Daniel and I studied together at university and have remained friends for more than ten years.

I first met the applicant, Maria Lopez, in 2021 when Daniel invited several friends to a small dinner at his apartment. That evening, he introduced Maria as his partner. Since then, I have met them many times at social gatherings and group outings.

We usually meet every few weeks for dinner or coffee, and we also keep in touch through group chats and social media.

Example Answer: Why the Witness Believes the Relationship is Genuine

Question: State how you believe the relationship of the applicant and his/her partner to be genuine and continuing, and give reasons

Example Answer: Daniel and Maria share a genuine and committed relationship. I have seen how they support each other in their everyday lives.

They live together and manage their household responsibilities jointly. Whenever I visit their home, they are both involved in preparing meals and organising their daily routines.

They also attend family celebrations together and are very comfortable with each other’s friends and relatives. Last year, they hosted a small birthday gathering at their home, where many of us were invited.

When Maria travelled to visit her parents overseas, Daniel often mentioned that they stayed in touch through daily video calls. Their communication remained strong despite the distance.

From what I have observed, they make decisions together and clearly care about each other’s well-being.

I am also aware that they are planning to get married in the near future.

Example Answer: More Information about the Relationship

Question: State any other time you wish to add in support of the visa application.

Example Answer: Maria has become part of Daniel’s social circle and is well accepted among his friends. She often joins us during group activities such as weekend barbecues and celebrations.

I have also noticed that Daniel appears very happy and settled since being in this relationship. The two of them seem to share similar goals and support each other in their personal and professional lives.

Based on my interactions with them over the past few years, I strongly believe their relationship is genuine and long-term.

Tips for Writing a Good Form 888 Statement

Here are a few useful tips to help support a partner visa application

Use personal experiences

Describe circumstances where you have seen the couple together.

Be specific

Mention events, gatherings, or trips that demonstrate the relationship.

Explain how often you interact with the couple

Regular contact strengthens the credibility of the statement.

Keep the statement honest and clear

Immigration officers prefer genuine observations rather than extremely formal language.

Why Form 888 is Important for Partner Visa Applications

The Australian Department of Home Affairs reviews several factors when assessing partner visa applications, including financial arrangements, shared living arrangements, and social recognition of the relationship.

Form 888 provides independent confirmation from people who know the couple personally. These statements help show that the relationship is recognised by friends and family and is not created solely for visa purposes.

When combined with other supporting documents, Form 888 can significantly strengthen the overall application.

Need Help Preparing Your Partner Visa Application?

Preparing documents for an Australian partner visa can be complicated, especially when gathering strong supporting evidence like Form 888 Statutory Declaration by a Supporting Witness.

If you need professional guidance with your application, our team is here to assist. Book an appointment with us today for expert advice on a partner visa in Australia.