Applying for an Australia Partner Visa is a big step, and for many couples, it’s an emotional journey filled with excitement, hope, and a little bit of stress. The process isn’t just about filling out forms—it’s about proving to the Australian government that your relationship is real and genuine. But how do you convince immigration officers, people who have never met you, that your love is true? A few photos together won’t be enough. A joint bank account might help, but is it enough to prove commitment? This is where things get serious, especially for those applying for the Subclass 820 visa. This temporary visa lets you stay in Australia with your partner while waiting for the permanent Subclass 801 visa, which leads to residency. It’s the bridge that keeps couples together, but getting it approved isn’t automatic. You need to prove beyond doubt that your relationship isn’t just for the sake of a visa—it’s built on love, trust, and a shared life.
The Australian government is strict about this. They need strong proof, and while documents like lease agreements and financial records help, they also want to hear from the people who know you best- your friends, family, and close connections. Their words matter, and what they say can make a real difference in your visa approval. This is where Form 888 comes in, a crucial piece of evidence that many applicants don’t fully understand. So, what exactly is Form 888, and why does it matter so much? Let’s get into it!
What is Form 888?
If you’re applying for an Australia Partner Visa, you’ve probably come across Form 888. In simple terms, Form 888 is a statutory declaration that acts as a witness statement for your relationship. It is filled out by friends, family members, or colleagues who know you and your partner well and can confirm that your relationship is genuine, ongoing, and committed. Think of it as an official letter of support, where people who have seen your relationship firsthand provide written confirmation that it is real. The Australian Department of Home Affairs relies on this form as part of its assessment because immigration officers don’t know you personally. While documents like joint bank statements, lease agreements, travel records, and photos are strong pieces of evidence, they also want to hear from the people around you- those who have observed your relationship naturally over time. After all, a real relationship isn’t just about paperwork; it’s about shared experiences, mutual commitment, and being part of each other’s lives in a meaningful way.
For example, if your best friend has seen you and your partner support each other through tough times, celebrate milestones together, or integrate into each other’s families, their testimony can provide a powerful validation of your relationship. A well-written Form 888 can significantly strengthen your application by showing that your relationship is recognized and supported by those who know you best. However, not just anyone can fill out this form, and what is written in it matters a lot. A weak or vague statement may not add much value, while a strong and detailed declaration can make a real difference in how your application is assessed. So, who can complete this form, and what should they include to make it as effective as possible? Let’s take a closer look.
Who Can Provide a Form 888 Declaration?
Now that we understand the importance of Form 888, the next logical question is who is eligible to fill it out? The Australian Department of Home Affairs requires that the person completing Form 888 must be at least 18 years old and have a clear understanding of the relationship. This means they should have personally witnessed your journey as a couple and be able to vouch for your love, commitment, and shared life. Ideally, people who can provide strong and credible statements include: Family members (parents, siblings, or extended relatives who know you both well), Close friends (who have seen your relationship evolve). Colleagues (if they have interacted with both of you), Housemates (who have observed your daily life together), and Mutual friends (who have seen you as a couple in different social settings).
While family members are great witnesses, your declaration doesn’t have to be limited to them. Having a mix of different people—such as friends, colleagues, or housemates—can add depth to your application. It also shows that your relationship isn’t just known within the family but is recognized by a broader social circle. If the person completing Form 888 is an Australian citizen or permanent resident, their statement carries even more weight in your visa application. This is because the government sees them as a credible source who understands the importance of legal declarations in Australia. But who can provide the form is just one part of the process. The next step is understanding what documents and details are needed to complete Form 888 correctly.
What is Required to Complete Form 888?
Filling out Form 888 isn’t just about writing a few nice words about your relationship. The statement must be detailed, truthful, and supported by proper documentation. So, what exactly is needed to make sure the form is valid and effective?
- A detailed written statement: The person filling out the form should describe how they know you and your partner, how long they have known you both, and why they believe your relationship is genuine. They should include specific examples—like special moments they’ve witnessed, trips you’ve taken together, or how you support each other in everyday life.
- Proof of identity – The person completing Form 888 must attach a copy of their passport, birth certificate, or any government-issued ID that proves their identity and, if applicable, their Australian residency or citizenship. This is required to ensure the declaration is coming from a legitimate and identifiable source.
- Signature- After completing the statement, the person filling out Form 888 must sign it to confirm that all the information provided is truthful and accurate.
- Clarity and honesty – The statement should be clear and not exaggerated or vague. Any inconsistencies between multiple Form 888 declarations or with the documents you and your partner provide could raise red flags with immigration officers.
Sometimes, applicants are asked to submit multiple Form 888 statements during visa processing. Additionally, the Department of Home Affairs may reach out to the person making the declaration for further questions or an interview, so it’s important that they genuinely know you and your partner. A well-prepared Form 888 can significantly strengthen your visa application.
How to Submit Form 888?
Once Form 888 is completed and signed by the witness, the next step is submitting it correctly. The visa applicant or their appointed representative must upload the form to their Partner Visa or Prospective Marriage Visa application in ImmiAccount, the official online portal for Australian visa applications. This ensures that immigration officers receive the form as part of the supporting documents for the application. It’s important to be honest when filling out Form 888 because providing false or misleading statements is a serious offense under the Migration Act 1958. If someone submits false information, they could face penalties of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of AUD 313,000, or both. This highlights why the form should only be completed by people who genuinely know the couple and can truthfully vouch for their relationship. Submitting Form 888 correctly and ensuring its accuracy can greatly strengthen a Partner Visa application, making it more convincing for immigration officers. It’s not just another document—it’s an important testimony that proves the relationship is real and committed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Completing Form 888
Form 888 plays a vital role in your Australia Partner Visa Subclass 820 application, but even small mistakes can weaken its impact. Immigration officers carefully assess each declaration, and errors or inconsistencies can lead to unnecessary delays or even raise doubts about your relationship. To make sure your application remains strong, here are some common mistakes you should avoid when completing Form 888:
- Providing Vague or Generic Statements: One of the biggest mistakes is submitting a declaration that lacks depth. A witness statement should tell a story—it should describe how they know the couple, specific instances they’ve witnessed, and why they believe the relationship is genuine. Simply stating, “I know them, and they are in love” isn’t enough. Instead, the person should highlight real-life moments, such as celebrations, travels, or times of support during challenges.
- Choosing the Wrong Person to Fill Out the Form: Not everyone is eligible to complete Form 888. The person must be at least 18 years old, know the couple well, and have personally observed their relationship over time. It’s also a plus if they are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, as their statement carries more credibility. Avoid asking distant acquaintances or people who barely know both partners to fill out the form, as weak statements can weaken your case.
- Forgetting to Attach Proof of Identity: Each person completing Form 888 must provide proof of identity, such as a passport, birth certificate, or Australian residency proof. Forgetting this step can result in the form being considered incomplete, potentially causing delays in visa processing.
- Not Having the Signature Properly Witnessed: Since Form 888 is a statutory declaration, the person filling it out must sign it in front of an authorized witness—such as a Justice of the Peace, lawyer, or police officer (or a Notary Public if outside Australia). A signature without proper witnessing may lead to the form being rejected.
- Inconsistencies Between Different Statements: If multiple Form 888 declarations are submitted, they should align with each other and with other evidence in your visa application. For example, if one witness says the couple has been together for three years, but another says five years, it may create doubts. Before submission, review all statements to ensure consistency.
Avoiding these mistakes ensures that Form 888 adds real value to your visa application, making your case stronger and more convincing to immigration officers.
FAQ’s
Who can complete Form 888?
Anyone who is at least 18 years old and has personally observed your relationship can complete Form 888. Ideally, they should be Australian citizens or permanent residents to add credibility.
Can a family member of my partner complete Form 888?
Yes! A family member is a great choice, as long as they genuinely know you and your partner well and can provide specific examples of your relationship.
Do all Form 888 declarations need to come from Australian citizens?
No, but having at least one or two declarations from Australian citizens or permanent residents strengthens your application.
Can we submit Form 888 from friends who live overseas?
Yes, but their statement may carry less weight than one from an Australian resident. They will also need their signature witnessed by a Notary Public in their country.
What happens if Form 888 contains inconsistent details?
Inconsistencies between different declarations raise red flags for immigration officers and can delay or harm your application. Always review all statements carefully.
Can the person who fills out Form 888 be contacted by immigration?
Yes! The Department of Home Affairs may contact the witness for verification or clarifications, so they should only provide truthful information.
Can I submit a declaration in my native language?
No, Form 888 must be completed in English. If any supporting documents are in another language, they must be officially translated.
What if my witness forgets to attach proof of identity?
The form will be considered incomplete, and your visa application may be delayed. Always double-check before submission!
What happens if immigration officers suspect Form 888 is fake?
Providing false information is a serious offense under Australian law. It can lead to visa refusal, a ban from reapplying, or even legal consequences.
How do I upload Form 888?
Log in to ImmiAccount, go to your visa application, and upload Form 888 under the supporting documents section.
West Highlander Immigration
Applying for an Australia Partner Visa Subclass 820 requires careful preparation & Form 888 plays a crucial role in proving your relationship’s authenticity. To avoid errors and strengthen your application, expert guidance is essential. At West Highlander Immigration, Ms. Parwinder Kaur, a licensed MARA agent, provides professional assistance to ensure a smooth visa process. With our proven success in Australia Spouse Visa applications, we offer reliable and affordable services. Contact West Highlander today for expert support in making your visa journey stress-free!