Last Updated: 1 April 2026

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Overview

Preparing documents is one of the most important steps in a partner visa application.

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The Department of Home Affairs assesses your application based on evidence. Missing or inconsistent documents can delay processing or lead to refusal. If you are new to the process, start with complete partner visa guide.

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This checklist covers all required documents for:

• Onshore partner visa (Subclass 820/801)

• Offshore partner visa (Subclass 309/100)

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You can use this guide to prepare your application before lodging. See full partner visa requirement to ensure you are qualify.

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Full Partner Visa Document Checklist

Use this checklist to organise your documents before applying.

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1. Identity Documents

You must provide proof of identity.

Required documents:

• Passport (bio page)

• Birth certificate (showing both parents)

• National identity card (if available)

• Name change documents (if applicable)

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These documents confirm your identity and must be accurate and consistent.

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2. Relationship Evidence (Most Important)

The Department assesses whether your relationship is genuine and continuing based on evidence.

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You must provide documents across four areas:

Financial Evidence

Show how you manage finances together:

• Joint bank account statements

• Shared expenses (rent, bills)

• Joint loans or major purchases

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Household Evidence

Show your living arrangements:

• Lease agreement with both names

• Utility bills addressed to both partners

• Statement explaining household responsibilities

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Social Evidence

Show your relationship is recognised by others:

• Photos together (different dates and locations)

• Travel history

• Invitations or events attended together

• Form 888 statements from friends or family

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Commitment Evidence

Show long-term intention:

• Written relationship statement

• Communication records (messages, calls)

• Future plans (travel, housing, life plans)

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The Department assesses consistency across all areas, not just one type of evidence.

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3. Sponsor Documents

Your partner must sponsor your application.

Required documents:

• Proof of Australian citizenship or permanent residency

• Sponsorship form (lodged via ImmiAccount)

• Identity documents of sponsor

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The sponsor must meet eligibility requirements under migration law.

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4. Health and Character Documents

You must meet Australia’s health and character requirements.

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Health:

• Medical examination (arranged after lodgement)

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Character:

• Police certificates from all countries lived in (12+ months)

• Australian Federal Police check (if applicable)

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Police certificates are generally valid for 12 months.

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5. Additional Documents (If Applicable)

Dependants

If you include children:

• Birth certificates

• Proof of relationship

• Consent forms (Form 1229 if required)

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Previous Relationships

• Divorce certificates

• Death certificates

• Separation documents

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These documents support your personal and family circumstances.

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Before You Apply (Important Tips)

Preparing documents correctly can reduce delays.

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Key tips:

• Upload complete documents at lodgement

• Ensure all information is consistent

• Translate all non-English documents

• Scan documents clearly in colour

• Combine multi-page documents into one file

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Applications with complete documentation are processed more efficiently.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many partner visa applications are delayed or refused due to document issues.

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Common problems include:

• Weak or limited relationship evidence

• Inconsistent information across documents

• Missing police or health checks

• Uploading documents without explanation

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The Department assesses the overall strength and consistency of your evidence.

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How Many Documents Do You Need?

There is no fixed number.

However:

• You can upload up to 100 documents per applicant

• Quality and consistency matter more than quantity

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Focus on clear and relevant evidence that supports your relationship.

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Related Partner Visa Guides

To complete your application, you should also understand:

• Partner visa requirements 

• Partner visa cost 

• Partner visa processing time

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Frequently Asked Questions

What documents are required for a partner visa in Australia?

You must provide identity documents, relationship evidence, sponsor documents, and health and character documents.

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What is the most important document?

There is no single document. The most important factor is consistent relationship evidence across financial, household, social, and commitment areas.

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Do you need to live together?

In most cases, de facto partners must show 12 months of living together, although exceptions may apply.

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Can you apply with incomplete documents?

You can, but incomplete applications may delay processing or lead to refusal.