Form 888 Explained: An Important Document for your Partner Visa

If you are in a de-facto relationship or married to an Australian Citizen, Australian Permanent Resident, or eligible New Zealand Citizen, you may be able to apply for a partnership visa. There are several visa pathways available depending on your individual circumstances:

• Partner Visa form 888 (subclass 820 & 801 or subclass 309 & 100)
• Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300)

As part of the application process for one of the above visas, the Department of Home Affairs require supporting documentation to demonstrate the genuineness of your relationship. This includes at least two form 888 declarations.

What is a Form 888?

A 888 form is a supporting witness statement which plays a crucial role for partner and prospective marriage visa applications in Australia.

A 888 form provides the Department of Home Affairs an opportunity to gather evidence and substantiate the genuineness of your relationship.

Also Read: Create an ImmiAccount

Who can fill out form 888?

Friends or family members of the applicant and sponsor who are Australian citizens or permanent residents may complete a Form 888 Australia to support the partner or prospective marriage visa application.

It is important to select witnesses who know both you and your partner well and can speak credibly about the history and nature of your relationship.

The Department of Home Affairs place significant weight on the social aspects of the relationship, including how you are perceived by your family, friends, and community.

It is crucial that the witnesses are at least 18 years of age and can provide clear and valid identity documents to accompany the form 888 declarations.

A well-prepared Form 888 can help strengthen your application by demonstrating genuine and ongoing commitment.

Form 888 Essentials

A form 888 is gives your witness an opportunity to support your partner or prospective marriage visa application with a personal declaration. Here are some essential tips for your witnesses to keep in mind to make sure it’s done right:

• Be specific. Explain in detail how you know the couple and observations you have made of their commitment to one another.
• Describe real stories. Think about moments or important events you have spent together with the couple. This might include birthday celebrations or holidays together.
• Clear timelines. Ensure your statements match the timeline of events in the relationship.
• Identity. Ensure your full name is written clearly. Don’t forget sign the form 888, and attach a copy of your ID.

Partner Visa Processing Time

Does form 888 need to be certified?

In most circumstances, the Form 888 does need to be certified. Every witness must send in a signed declaration along with a certified copy of a valid ID, like an Australian passport, driver’s license, or birth certificate.

A Justice of the Peace (JP), police officer, pharmacist or lawyer must be the one to sign the certification. This enables the Department of Home Affairs make sure the witness is who they say they are and that they can be trusted.

How do I find Form 888?

You can download 888 form directly from the Department of Home Affairs website by following these steps:

• Visit https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/
• In the menu, click ‘Help and Support’
• Select ‘Departmental Forms’
• Under ‘Paper Forms’, use the search bar to look for ‘Form 888’

Alternatively, you can click here to access the form directly.

Need help with your application?

Applying for a partner or prospective marriage visa can be a complex, time-consuming and often confusing process. Our team of experienced immigration lawyers assist with every stage of the application, providing clear instructions, reference materials, and tailored guidance to ensure your application is accurate and complete.

Contact Ethos Migration Lawyers now on 1300 083 843, schedule a consultation with us or submit an online enquiry to get started.