Demystifying Form 888: Your Complete Guide to the Australian Partner Visa Supporting Statement

Introduction

I’ve seen thousands of Partner Visa applications in my career, and if there’s one document that causes more confusion than any other, it’s Form 888. Most people think it’s just a simple form, but I can tell you from experience, getting it wrong can seriously jeopardise your application. A weak or generic statement won’t give the Department of Home Affairs the evidence they need, and that can lead to delays or even a refusal. Today, I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know about Form 888 so you can get it right the first time.

This is a formal and detailed guide. Whether you’re the visa applicant, the Australian partner (the sponsor), or a friend or family member who has been asked to complete the form, this information is for you. We’ll break down what Form 888 is, who can complete it, and how to write a compelling statement that truly supports the genuine nature of the relationship. It’s about turning a bureaucratic process into a powerful narrative that tells your unique story.

Table of Contents

• What is Form 888?
• Who Can Complete a Form 888?
• Is Form 888 a Statutory Declaration?
• How Many Form 888s Do I Need?
• A Step-by-Step Guide to Filling Out Form 888
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• De Facto vs. Married: A Critical Distinction
• Form 888 Checklist for Witnesses
• FAQs About Form 888
• A Final Word from Nilesh Nandan

What is Form 888?

Form 888 is officially known as a “Supporting statement in relation to a Partner or Prospective Marriage visa application”. It is a document completed by a third party, such as a friend or family member, who can attest to the genuineness of a couple’s relationship. The Department of Home Affairs uses the information in this form to assess the social aspects of the relationship, which is a critical part of the visa application process.

A Form 888 is not just a formality; it is a vital piece of evidence that helps to paint a picture of your relationship from an outside perspective. While the visa applicant and sponsor will submit their own personal statements and evidence (like joint bank accounts and photos), the Form 888 adds weight and credibility by showing that other people see the relationship as genuine and committed. The Department places significant emphasis on how a couple’s relationship is perceived by their community, family, and friends.

Who Can Complete a Form 888?

This is one of the most common questions I get asked. The rules are surprisingly simple, but it’s important to get it right. A person completing Form 888 must meet the following criteria:

• They must be **at least 18 years of age**.
• They must have **first-hand knowledge** of the couple and the history of their relationship.

There is often confusion about the witness’s citizenship or residency status. While a witness who is an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen is preferred, it is not a legal requirement for them to be one unless you are an onshore visa applicant without a substantive visa. If the person is a non-citizen or lives outside Australia, they can still complete the form and should provide a clear copy of their passport bio page as a form of identification. The key takeaway here is that the substance and credibility of the statement are what really matter, not the witness’s residency status.

Is Form 888 a Statutory Declaration?

This is a critical point that many people get wrong. The current Form 888 is **not a statutory declaration**. It is a supporting statement. This means it doesn’t need to be signed by a Justice of the Peace (JP), a police officer, or a lawyer. The witness (your friend or family member) simply needs to sign the form themselves. This change has made the process simpler and more accessible, especially for witnesses living overseas who might struggle to find an Australian-recognised witness.

However, there is a very important exception. For certain onshore Partner Visa applications, specifically for those who do not hold a substantive visa, a separate Commonwealth Statutory Declaration is required from an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. Form 888 does not satisfy this specific requirement, so it’s vital to get expert advice if you are in this situation. This is where a quick chat with a lawyer can save you a lot of grief.

How Many Form 888s Do I Need?

While the official requirement is for a minimum of two Form 888s, I generally recommend providing four for a strong, well-balanced application. My preferred approach is to get two statements from the Australian sponsor’s side (e.g., a friend and a relative) and two from the visa applicant’s side (a friend and a relative). This shows the Department that your relationship is well-known and supported by people on both sides of the family or social network.

The quality of the statement is far more important than the quantity. It’s better to have two detailed, specific, and compelling statements than ten generic, one-paragraph ones. Don’t feel pressured to submit a huge number of documents. A few strong statements are all you need to make a powerful impression.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Filling Out Form 888

Filling out Form 888 seems straightforward, but the real work is in the detail. The Department is not looking for a simple “yes, they’re a good couple”. They want specific, verifiable facts that demonstrate the relationship’s genuineness. The form has three main questions that require a detailed response. Here’s how I advise my clients and their witnesses to approach them.

Question 1: How do you know the couple?

This is where the witness establishes their credibility. They need to explain exactly how they know both the visa applicant and the sponsor, and for how long.

Poor Example: “I’ve known John for five years, and I met Jane through him.”

Good Example: “I’ve been a close friend of John’s for five years since we started working together at ABC Company. I first met his de facto partner, Jane, in October 2024 at a friend’s birthday party. Since then, we have been in regular contact, catching up for dinner or social events at least once a fortnight. We also stay in touch through phone calls, messages, and video calls when we’re apart.”

Question 2: Do you believe the relationship is genuine and continuing, and why?

This is the most important part of the form. The witness must explicitly state that they believe the relationship is genuine and then provide concrete examples to back up that belief. I always tell my clients to focus on the four pillars of a genuine relationship that the Department looks at: financial, household, social, and commitment. The witness should describe things they have personally observed that relate to these pillars.

Poor Example: “They are a very genuine couple. I’ve seen them together, and they seem very happy.”

Good Example: “I have no doubt that John and Jane’s relationship is genuine and continuing. I have seen their love and commitment firsthand. For example, last year they purchased a house together, and I helped them move in over a weekend. They have a joint bank account for household expenses, and they both contribute equally to their mortgage. I’ve also witnessed how they divide household chores, with John usually doing the cooking while Jane takes care of the shopping and organising. Socially, they are always introduced as a couple at family gatherings and are fully integrated into both their friend circles. When I was visiting them last week, they showed me their plans for an upcoming holiday to France, which they’ve been saving up for, demonstrating their shared future plans.”

Question 3: State any other matters you wish to add.

This is the witness’s chance to provide any other observations that strengthen the statement. It’s a great opportunity to add a human element and provide more emotional context that shows the depth of the relationship.

Poor Example: “No other comments.”

Good Example: “I have no doubt about the genuineness of Jane and John’s relationship. As a close family friend, I’ve seen them support each other through difficult times. When Jane was sick with the flu last year, John took time off work to care for her, doing all the cooking and cleaning. I’ve seen their mutual respect, kindness, and how they bring out the best in each other. They talk openly about their future, including plans to get engaged next year and start a family. I’m very excited to officially welcome Jane into our family.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When I review Partner Visa applications, I often see the same mistakes pop up. Here’s a list of the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them:

• **Being Too General:** As mentioned above, avoid vague statements like “they are a great couple”. Be specific with dates, events, and personal observations.
• **Fabricating Details:** Never exaggerate or invent information. The Department may contact the witness for a follow-up interview, and inconsistencies will be flagged. Providing false or misleading information is a serious offence under the Migration Act 1958, with penalties of up to 10 years in prison or a hefty fine.
• **Using AI to Generate Content:** This is a huge risk. AI-generated text is often generic, lacks specific personal details, and can easily be identified by the Department’s systems. The Form 888 is meant to be a genuine, human statement.
• **Failing to Attach a Certified Copy of the Witness’s ID:** The witness must provide documentary evidence of their current name, age, and, where applicable, Australian citizenship or permanent residency. This can be a copy of their Australian passport, birth certificate, or a passport with a permanent visa. If the witness is not an Australian citizen or resident, they must still provide a clear copy of their passport bio page.

De Facto vs. Married: A Critical Distinction

This is a subtle but important point that can trip up even the most well-meaning witness. The way you refer to the couple can signal the nature of their relationship to the Department.

• **For a married couple:** It is correct to use terms like “husband,” “wife,” “mother-in-law,” or “brother-in-law”.
• **For a de facto couple:** It is legally incorrect to use these terms as the couple is not legally married. The witness should refer to the couple as “de facto partners” and the family member as “the visa applicant’s de facto partner’s mother” or “the sponsor’s brother”.

Using the correct terminology shows a clear understanding of the legal requirements and adds a layer of professionalism and accuracy to your application. It’s a simple detail that can make a difference.

Form 888 Checklist for Witnesses

To help you or your witness, I’ve put together a simple checklist to ensure everything is in order before submission.

FAQs About Form 888

I get a lot of questions about this form, and for good reason. Let’s tackle some of the most common ones head-on.

Can I provide more than two forms?

Yes, you can. Although the minimum requirement is two, applicants should provide at least two to four statements from different perspectives to show that various social circles recognize the relationship.

Do my witnesses have to be Australian citizens or permanent residents?

No, not always. While the Department prefers witnesses who are Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens, non-citizens can also complete the form. The key is the credibility and detail of the statement itself, not just the witness’s status.

Does Form 888 need to be certified?

The current version of Form 888 does not require certification or witnessing by a professional like a JP. The witness (your friend or family member) simply signs and dates it themselves.

What if my witness lives overseas?

They can still complete the form. They should fill it out, sign it, and provide a clear copy of their passport bio page as their form of identity. Since the form no longer requires a JP, this makes it much easier for overseas witnesses.

What is the difference between Form 888 and a personal statement?

A Form 888 is a statement from a third party (the witness) about your relationship. A personal statement is a written declaration from the visa applicant and the sponsor themselves, outlining the history of their relationship. Both are essential parts of a strong application. I usually recommend both the applicant and the sponsor write their own statements in addition to the Form 888s.

How should I upload Form 888 to ImmiAccount?

The visa applicant or their authorised representative can upload the completed and signed form, along with a copy of the witness’s ID, to the ImmiAccount platform as a supporting document.

A Final Word from Nilesh Nandan

I can’t stress this enough: getting your Form 888s right is a huge part of a successful Partner Visa application. A generic statement is a missed opportunity to provide compelling evidence to the Department. The goal isn’t just to fill in the blanks; it’s to provide a rich, detailed narrative that demonstrates the true nature of your relationship. By focusing on specific, factual, and first-hand accounts, you give your application the best chance of success.

As an immigration lawyer, my job is to ensure every piece of your application is as strong as it can be. If you’re struggling to brief your witnesses, or if you need help with your own personal statement or any other aspect of your Partner Visa application, don’t hesitate to reach out. The process is complex, but with the right advice, it can be a lot less daunting.

Book a consultation with me today to discuss your visa situation.

For further resources, visit Visa Refusals, Visa Cancellations, Partner Visas, and Contact MyVisa to arrange your consultation.

Legal Disclaimer

This blog is intended for discussion purposes only and does not constitute advice. You should seek independent legal advice before relying on any information provided on this site. Immigration policies, systems, and processes can change without notice. I’d like to know your own experience with the immigration challenges noted above — feel free to contact me.

MyVisa: Nilesh Nandan, Attorney at Law
BBus(Accy) LLB(QUT) GDLP MBA(IntBus)
Head of Practice