Form 888 – Genuine And Continuing Relationship

Form 888: Supporting a Genuine and Continuing Relationship for Partner and Prospective Marriage Visa Applications

Click here to download Form 888 in PDF format from the Department of Home Affairs.

What is Form 888?

Form 888 plays a crucial role in the Australian partner and prospective marriage visa process. It lets friends, family, or colleagues provide evidence that a relationship is genuine and ongoing. The Australian Department of Home Affairs uses this form to evaluate the social aspects of the relationship.

Recent updates in 2023 have simplified completing the form, especially for people living outside Australia. Although Form 888 is not always mandatory, it becomes essential in certain situations, such as when an applicant is unlawfully present in Australia. In these cases, failing to meet the evidentiary requirements can invalidate the application rather than merely leading to a refusal.

The July 2023 Changes

The key changes in the new form are:

• No more authorised witness requirement: The form is now a simple written statement, so no witness is needed.
• No need for certified documents: Supporting identity documents no longer need to be certified as ‘True Copies,’ streamlining the process.
• Less personal information required: The new form reduces the amount of information the person completing it must provide, such as occupation and contact number, focusing instead on the relationship.

These changes aim to simplify the process, making it easier for friends and family, regardless of location, to provide their statements.

Frequently Asked Questions About the New Form 888

1. Is Form 888 mandatory for all partner visa applications?

2. Who should complete Form 888?

Form 888 should be completed by someone who knows both the visa applicant and their partner or fiancé(e). They must be at least 18 years old and can be friends, family members, or colleagues. While it is preferable for the individual to be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, this is not a strict requirement. The person completing the form should be able to provide credible and detailed evidence that the relationship is genuine.

3. How many Form 888s should be submitted with a partner visa application?

The Department of Home Affairs typically requires at least two Form 888s during visa processing, but submitting more can strengthen your application. Ideally, applicants should submit four forms: one from the sponsor’s family, one from the applicant’s family, and two from mutual friends. Each form should include detailed examples of the couple’s relationship.

4. What information should be included in Form 888?

5. Can someone outside Australia complete Form 888?

6. What happens if someone provides false information in Form 888?

Providing false or misleading information on this form is a serious offense under the Migration Act 1958. The penalties include imprisonment for up to 10 years, a fine of AUD$313,000, or both. It is crucial for the person completing Form 888 to be truthful and accurate. Any false information can lead to severe consequences for both the person and the visa applicant.

7. Why is Form 888 particularly important for applicants unlawfully present in Australia?

Applicants unlawfully present in Australia face a greater burden to prove the genuineness of their relationship. In these cases, Form 888 is a critical piece of evidence. Without sufficient evidence, including multiple well-documented forms, the application may be deemed invalid. Unlawfully present applicants must ensure that they provide a comprehensive body of evidence to meet these heightened requirements.

Addressing Misconceptions About Form 888

Despite the importance of Form 888, there are several common misconceptions about it. Below are some of the most frequently misunderstood aspects:

• Form 888 must be completed by Australian citizens or permanent residents: While it is preferable for the person completing this form to be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, this is not a strict requirement. The key criterion is that the person knows both the applicant and their partner and can provide credible evidence that the relationship is genuine.
• Form 888 is mandatory for all partner visa applications: Form 888 is not mandatory for all partner visa applications. It becomes critical in cases where the applicant is unlawfully present in Australia or where there is a need for additional evidence to prove the relationship. In these situations, failing to provide adequate evidence could result in the application being deemed invalid.
• More Form 888s are better: Submitting a higher number of Form 888s does not necessarily increase the likelihood of success. The quality of the statements is far more important than the quantity. It is better to submit a few detailed, well-drafted forms than to submit many forms with little substantive information.

The Importance of Evidence in Partner Visa Applications

Understanding the Burden of Proof for Unlawfully Present Applicants

• Joint financial statements: These documents demonstrate that the couple shares financial responsibilities, which is a key indicator of a genuine relationship.
• Photos and communication records: Photos of the couple together at various events and records of their communication can help to demonstrate the authenticity and longevity of the relationship.
• Other statutory declarations: While Form 888 is a supporting statement, statutory declarations from other individuals who may not meet the criteria for completing this form can still provide valuable evidence of the relationship.

Next Steps

If you’re facing challenges with completing Form 888 or determining whether it is required for your application, I invite you to book an appointment with me. We can discuss your specific circumstances, evaluate the best approach for your application, and ensure that all necessary requirements are met.

Book an appointment today to discuss your concerns and ensure your application is strong and well-supported.