What is an 888 form and why is it needed?

A Form 888 plays a vital role in Australia’s Partner visa applications, including both permanent Partner visas and Prospective Marriage. This document allows family members, friends, or other supporting witnesses to attest to the genuine and continuing relationship between you and your partner or fiancé(e). A poorly prepared or incomplete Form 888 can significantly affect your visa outcome. Many Partner visa refusals stem from insufficient evidence of a genuine relationship, and this includes poorly written or inconsistent Form 888s. Common issues include vague descriptions, contradictions, or a lack of detail, all of which can result in the rejection of your visa application or significant delays.

It’s important to keep in mind that a Form 888 is not just another piece of paperwork—it’s a legal document with real consequences. Mistakes or omissions can undermine your entire application and lead to rejection, so it’s important to get it right the first time.

Completing a Form 888 can be daunting, especially if you’re unsure about what information to include. Given the weight of this document, it is critical that you seek professional assistance from a migration agent at Australian Migration Agents from the outset. .

At Australian Migration Agents, we specialize in guiding you through the process to ensure everything is completed correctly and effectively. Our team will review your Form 888s for accuracy and consistency, helping you avoid common pitfalls and strengthening your application. Reach out to our experienced team at Australian Migration Agents  today for step-by-step guidance.

Example of form 888

The Form 888 can be found on the Department of Home Affairs website. It is important to always check the Department website to ensure you are using the most up to date and right form for your application. See Government link here.

Number of form 888s needed

The Department of Home Affairs requires at least two Form 888 declarations to be included with every Partner Visa application. However, submitting four to six completed forms can significantly strengthen your application, offering a wider range of perspectives to support the genuineness of your relationship.

Common mistakes with form 888

Form 888 declarations are an essential part of a Partner visa application, but even small mistakes can affect the outcome. Here are some common errors to watch out for and how to avoid them:

1. Lack of Narrative Flow: Writing about the relationship in separate sections can feel disjointed and impersonal. Instead, encourage the witness to tell a chronological story that highlights the genuine, ongoing connection between the applicant and their partner. A cohesive narrative helps immigration officers understand the relationship’s authenticity and progression over time.
2. Being Too Vague: Encourage your witnesses to avoid general statements like “They have a good relationship,” as these are insufficient. Ask them to include specific details and examples, such as shared experiences, memorable events, or ways you and your partner support each other. These details help demonstrate the authenticity of your relationship. Additionally, remind your witnesses to avoid using generic sample answers or examples found online, as these can undermine the credibility of their statements.
3. Inconsistent Statements: Inconsistencies between Form 888 statements or with the couple’s own evidence can raise red flags. Ensure all declarations align, particularly on key dates, events, and descriptions of the relationship. A unified, truthful account is crucial. 
4. Incorrect Names: Ensure that your witnesses use the full legal names of both you and your partner, as listed on your identity documents. Additionally, your witnesses should make sure their own names match exactly with the identity document they provide.
5. Confusing the Applicant with their Partner: It’s important that your witnesses clearly distinguish between you, the applicant, and your partner, who is the sponsor or fiancé(e). Ensure they accurately identify each role when describing the relationship.
6. Forgetting to Attach Identity Documents or Sign the Form: Remind your witnesses that they must sign the declaration and include a copy of their identity document (e.g., passport or driver’s license). Failing to do so can delay or jeopardize your application.

By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can ensure Form 888 declarations are strong and effective. If you need help preparing your Partner visa application, our registered migration agents are here to guide you through the process.

Who can complete the form 888 Partner visa

Recently, the eligibility criteria for Form 888 were expanded to allow individuals who are not Australian citizens or permanent residents to complete the form. Eligible declarants must:

1. Know both members of the couple personally
2. Be familiar with the couple’s relationship history
3. Describe the social dynamics of the relationship

This expanded eligibility allows applicants to gather statements from people who know them best, including those living overseas. 

Does the form 888 need to be certified?

When submitting Form 888 as part of an Australian Partner visa application, the form itself does not need to be certified, as while it is like a statutory declaration form, it is not a statutory declaration. However, the person completing the form (the supporting witness) must include documents that verify their identity.

Required Documents

To confirm their name, age, and, if applicable, their status as an Australian citizen or permanent resident, the supporting witness must provide:

• A copy of their birth certificate, Australian passport, or a passport containing their permanent visa; or
• A copy of their driver’s licence or national ID card.

Supporting witness

A supporting witness plays a key role in the Australian Partner visa application process by attesting to the relationship between the visa applicant and their partner. Here's what you should know:

To qualify as a supporting witness, the person must:

• Know both partners in the relationship.
• Be familiar with the couple's relationship.
• Be able to describe the social aspects of the relationship.
• Be at least 18 years old.

When Should You Ask for a Form 888?

It's a good idea to reach out to your witnesses early in the process. This should be one of the first steps once you begin planning your evidence. Delays can happen when waiting for family or friends to complete the form, so starting early helps avoid last-minute stress.

What’s in a Form 888?

The form consists of:

• Page 1: Short-answer questions for the witness's personal and contact details, as well as information about the visa applicant and their partner.
• Page 2: Two detailed response questions and one optional question for additional information.

While the final question is optional, we recommend completing it. This is an opportunity to strengthen the visa application by sharing more about the couple’s relationship.

Form 888 example question breakdown:

Witnesses should provide specific examples based on their personal experience with the couple. For instance, they might describe:

• How the couple interacts in different settings.
• Examples of emotional support within the relationship.
• How the couple’s friends and family view and support their partnership.

This level of detail can make a big difference in presenting a strong, credible application. There is also an area for witnesses to provide additional comments that may detail other aspects of the relationship to strengthen the statement.

Tips on completing form 888 Partner visa

Filling out a Form 888 declaration can feel daunting, but there are simple ways to make it more effective and persuasive. Here are some tips to help you strengthen your application:

1. Create a Story:. Instead of breaking the declaration into rigid sections, encourage the supporting witness to share a natural, chronological story about the couple’s relationship. A well-told story helps case officers understand how the relationship has developed over time, making the couple’s connection feel genuine and relatable.
2. Use Specific Examples: Mentioning concrete experiences, such as shared vacations or family events, adds authenticity and paints a vivid picture of the couple’s relationship.

Ensure Consistency Across Statements: Case officers look for consistency between declarations and the couple’s own statements. Be diligent about dates, details, and descriptions across all documents.

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Summary

At Australian Migration Agents, we know the Partner visa application process can feel overwhelming. Our experienced team of registered migration agents can guide you step by step, helping you prepare accurate and effective Form 888 statements and ensuring all aspects of your application are handled with care. It’s important to understand that while a written statement from friends and family is valuable, it is only one aspect of the visa application process. Other evidence will be necessary to demonstrate that your relationship is genuine and meet the requirements set by the Department. Nonetheless, To ensure it is completed accurately and effectively, it is advised that you seek professional assistance from a registered migration agent at Australian Migration Agents from the outset. 

If you’d like support with your visa application or have questions about Form 888, contact Australian Migration Agents today. Let us help you navigate the process and take the next step toward your visa approval!

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