Form 888

The Form 888 is an Australian immigration document used as evidence of support for a visa application. The official name for the form is “Supporting statement in relation to a Partner or Prospective Marriage visa application”.

It was previously known as the "Statutory Declaration by a Supporting Witness in Relation to a Partner Visa Application”, however in 2023 the form removed the Statutory Declaration components meaning it no longer needs to be witnessed by an authorised person (eg a JP, police officer). And as of November 2024, there’s a newer version of this form.

The form is completed by Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens, who are willing to provide information and support for a partner visa application. The supporting witness declares their relationship with the visa applicant and provides information about the nature of the relationship, including its history, duration, and whether it is genuine and continuing.

The information provided in Form 888 is used to assess the genuineness of the relationship between the visa applicant and the supporting witness. The form is an important piece of evidence that can help demonstrate to the Department of Home Affairs that the relationship is genuine and ongoing. See example form 888 answers below.

Do I need to attach documents to my Form 888?

You definitely need to provide evidence of your Australian citizenship, Australian PR or that you are an Eligible New Zealand Citizen. An Australian passport or foreign passport with PR Grant notice is best.

Additional evidence, of your claims, is optional but encouraged. If you have evidence such as photos, documents, screenshots to back up your claims, you can provide it with the Form 888.

What do I write in a Form 888?

The Form 888 is a fairly straight forward form, however some witness get stuck with what to include in their answers for Questions 3-5. Every answer will differ depending on the circumstances of the couple and of the 888 witness.

Below are some sample answers to the Form 888 questions to help get you started. You can use them as a template by filling in the relevant party’s names and adding extra details, as relevant, or send them to your form 888 witnesses as a helpful starting point.

Q3. State how you know the applicant and the applicant’s partner or fiancé(e), and indicate how often you have been in contact with them:

I have known [applicant's name] and their [spouse/defacto partner/fiancé(e)'s name] for [length of the relationship]. [Details of how you met them and how often you have been in contact with them].

For example: I have known [applicant's name] and their defacto partner [partner's name] for over two years now. We met through [common activity or mutual friend], and since then, we have stayed in regular contact through phone calls, messages, and in-person meetings. We often spend time together, such as going out for dinner or attending social events. We have also travelled together on several occasions.

Q4. State whether you believe the relationship of the applicant and his/her partner or fiancé(e) to be genuine and continuing, and give your reasons for your belief:

I strongly believe that the relationship between [applicant's name] and [spouse/defacto partner/fiancé(e)'s name] is genuine and continuing. [Details of why you believe their relationship is genuine and continuing, including specific examples of what you have witnessed].

For example: I have witnessed [applicant's name] and [partner's name]'s relationship grow and evolve over the past two years. They share a deep love and commitment to each other, which is evident in the way they interact with each other. They have a strong emotional connection and are always supportive of each other's goals and aspirations. For instance, [provide specific examples of how they have supported each other].

They share common values, interests, and beliefs, and their relationship is based on mutual respect, trust, and communication. I have also observed them dealing with challenges and obstacles together, and they have always emerged stronger from these experiences. For example, when [provide specific example of a challenge they faced together and how they overcame it].

[If applicable], they have been living together for [length of time], and have built a strong and stable home together. They have [details of how they contribute to the household and support each other].

Q5. (Optional) State any other matters you wish to add in support of the visa application:

I fully support [applicant's name] and [spouse/defacto partner/fiancé(e)'s name] in their application for a [partner/ spouse/ fiancé(e)] visa. They are [details about their character, accomplishments, and contributions to the community].

I am attaching [documents, photographs, or other evidence] to support my declaration. These documents include [list of documents that demonstrate the nature and extent of their relationship, such as joint bank account statements, rental agreements, and photographs of them together].

I am also willing to provide further information or answer any questions that the Department of Home Affairs may have about their relationship.