Applying for a partner visa in Australia is a life-defining moment. It is an opportunity for couples, both married and de facto, to live and work together and build their lives in Australia under the umbrella of a legal long-term relationship. It is the logical next step on the path to a serious relationship and a way to show commitment to your future in Australia.
But for all the time and emotion invested in the process, thousands of partner visas are refused every year. In most cases, refusals are based on simple, avoidable mistakes. Applications are declined due to misunderstandings, under-documentation, incorrect documentation, or poor explanations.
1. Not providing enough evidence of a genuine and ongoing relationship
The most common reason partner visas are refused in Australia is for a lack of evidence. The Department of Home Affairs must be satisfied that the relationship is genuine and continuing at the time of application.
What to do instead:
When the Department asks, “Why do you believe the relationship is genuine?” They want a strong, evidence-based, comprehensive response. Relationship evidence is not just a numbers game. The case officer is looking for four things. Is your financial situation interdependent? Do you present as a couple to friends and family? Do you live together, and if so, what are the household arrangements? Finally, they will consider the commitment you have made to one another and your plans for the future.
Your application should include examples to cover all 4. Joint bank statements, utility bills, leases, and invoices show financial interdependence and a shared household. Photos, travel bookings, messages, and statutory declarations from family and friends all serve to confirm the timeline and public presentation of the relationship. Above all, be consistent. Alignment between the details of each piece of evidence will have a much more substantial impact than the volume of documentation.
2. Not submitting documents or including incorrect documents
Another common problem is incomplete documentation. From failed uploads to missing identity verifications, so much can go wrong.
What to do instead:
Don’t be afraid to go above and beyond the checklist. It is a guide, not a definitive list. The onus is on the applicant to prove their case. The first rule of strong documentation is that you can never have too much of it. Ensure all requested documents are uploaded, they are not expired, they are all legible, and they are clearly labelled to refer to specific claims in your statements. The better an explanation supports the documents, the stronger they will be.
If a document will be delayed (for example, police checks), then a cover letter addressed to the Case Officer and clearly explaining the delay and a new expected timeline will go a long way towards keeping your application on track.
3. Poorly written personal statements
Forms 888 and the personal relationship statement are an essential part of your application. They help to set the scene and guide the Department on how to read your evidence.
What to do instead:
Generic, short and not specific are a quick way to raise a case officer’s suspicions. Specific, chronological, clear and concise are much better. The personal relationship statement should set out the history of how you met, became exclusive, your supporting structure, including family, housing and finances, how the relationship has progressed and your plans for the future.
4. Failure to meet de facto requirements
The de facto relationship visa has more requirements than the married stream. Many applicants misunderstand the de facto relationship. They should have been in a committed relationship (living together is preferred!) for 12 months immediately before applying.
What to do instead:
If you haven’t been living together for 12 months prior to application, you will need to provide evidence of either extenuating circumstances or that you have registered your relationship in a state that offers this, for example, Victoria or New South Wales. The evidence should include bills, joint mail, tenancy agreements and cohabitation declarations. Note that a tenancy agreement with only one name on it is insufficient evidence. If you have been apart for reasons such as work, family, or travel, explain the period and provide supporting evidence such as communications.
5. Inconsistencies between the application and evidence
A common pitfall is to include details in the application that do not align with your evidence, or vice versa. A gap in detail between the two can raise questions and slow down processing.
What to do instead:
Create a master timeline, including when you met, when you became exclusive, when you moved in together and so on. Cross-check every document and statement against the master timeline. Arguments and evidence should reinforce and complement, rather than contradict one another. The same timeline and narrative should be reflected in supporting declarations from family and friends.
6. Failing health or character checks
Relationship evidence is essential. However, health and character are basic requirements and failure to pass checks in these areas can lead to refusal.
What to do instead:
Don’t try to hide things. Disclose past convictions and medical conditions upfront. The Department of Home Affairs won’t automatically reject an application for health or character issues. Honesty is key. When there is an issue, supporting documents such as police checks, medical treatment history, and character references can help to put the situation in context and put the case officer at ease.
Partner visa refusals are expensive and delay your plans. Unfortunately, too many applications are turned down for mistakes that could have been easily avoided. It’s legal for you to apply yourself, but migration services in Australia can often make your application better and look more professional. Don’t let common errors in the visa application process ruin your relationship and life plans.
When applied professionally, it is not just about filling out forms. It’s also about checking and double-checking, ensuring every part of your application supports the overall claim being made that the relationship is real, genuine, and ongoing.
