Partner visas / Document checklist
Guide · Documents
Partner visa document checklist.
What Home Affairs asks for with an onshore partner visa (820/801), and how to prepare it so nothing is sent back. The offshore 309/100 and prospective marriage 300 use much the same evidence.
1. Who you are
Identity documents.
For each applicant
- Birth certificate showing both parents' names, or a family book or government ID that does
- Passport pages with your photo, details, and issue and expiry dates
- National identity card, if you have one
- Proof of any change of name, such as a marriage certificate or change of name record
For your sponsor
- Proof of Australian citizenship, permanent residence or eligible NZ citizenship: a passport or birth certificate
- A driver licence or Medicare card is not enough
- The sponsorship application, lodged once you have your TRN or application ID
- More in our sponsor guide
2. Your relationship
Relationship evidence.
Start with a written history from each of you: how, when and where you met, how the relationship developed, when you moved in, got engaged or married, time apart, significant events and your plans. Then back it up across four areas.
Finances
Joint mortgage or lease, joint loans for major assets, joint bank account statements, and household bills in both names.
Your household
A statement about how you share housework, bills in both names, mail to you both, documents on shared responsibility for children, and proof of where you live.
Social
Form 888 statements from at least 2 people aged 18 or over who know you both, plus joint invitations, friends in common, travel and activities together.
Commitment
Knowledge of each other's background and family, combined personal matters, staying in touch when apart, and the terms of your wills.
3. Health and character
Police certificates and medicals.
Police certificates
- An AFP National Police Certificate (complete disclosure) if you have spent 12 months or more in Australia in the last 10 years since turning 16. State police checks aren't accepted
- A certificate from every other country where you spent 12 months or more in that period. See Home Affairs, services outside Australia
- Military service records, if you served in any country's armed forces
- Certificates are valid for 12 months, so time them with processing
Health examinations
- Done by a Home Affairs approved panel physician
- Results are valid for 12 months
- Don't book too early: you may be asked to redo them if they expire before a decision
4. Family and history
Children and former relationships.
Children applying with you
- Identity documents, health examinations, and character documents at 16 or 17
- Birth certificate or adoption papers showing your relationship
- Form 1229 consent from anyone with a legal right to decide where the child lives who isn't coming
- For a dependant over 18: evidence of dependence and Form 47a
Former relationships
- Divorce documents, death certificates or separation documents for any previous marriage or relationship
- Previous partner visa sponsorships are covered in our sponsor guide
5. Preparing it
How to prepare and upload.
Translate
Documents not in English need an English translation with the original. In Australia the translator must be NAATI accredited; outside Australia they don't, but must give their name, contact details and qualifications.
Scan in colour
Clear colour scans or photos of everything. Save a multi-page document as one file. Certified copies aren't needed.
Label and upload once
Label each file clearly and attach it only once, even if it proves more than one thing. The limit is 100 documents per person.
Keep it current
Processing is long. Add updated evidence, such as new statements and bills, through ImmiAccount while you wait.
How it works
From first call to decision.
Free eligibility call
15 minutes to confirm which visa fits. Complex case? A 30-minute strategy consultation ($330) gives you full legal advice.
Engage us
You receive a written quote, a document checklist and an evidence plan for your relationship.
We build your application
Your lawyer checks every document and drafts your relationship statements with you.
Final review and lodgement
You approve it and we lodge. We deal with Home Affairs until a decision.
FAQ
Questions about partner visa documents.
Do our documents need to be certified?
No. Clear colour scans or photos are enough. Keep the originals in case Home Affairs asks to see them.
Who can complete Form 888?
Anyone aged 18 or over who knows you both and your relationship. It no longer needs a JP or other witness. If they are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, include proof, such as a passport.
When should we get police certificates and medicals?
Close to lodging, or when Home Affairs asks. Both are valid for 12 months, and you may have to redo them if they expire before the decision.
We've been together less than 12 months. What then?
Married couples aren't affected. De facto couples can register their relationship in most states, or rely on compelling circumstances. See our de facto guide.
Can we add documents after we lodge?
Yes, and you should. Upload updated evidence through ImmiAccount while the application is processed.
General information only, current at 15 October 2026. Not legal advice. Home Affairs policy and the Migration Regulations change; we check your case against the rules in force when you apply.
Keep reading
More on partner visas.
Not sure which visa fits?
Book a free 15-minute eligibility call, or a 30-minute strategy consultation ($330) if your case is complex. Or call 1300 079 743.