Proving the financial requirements in a relationship for a partner visa can be a bit tricky, especially if your partner owns the home you live in. However, with the right approach and evidence, you can successfully demonstrate your financial commitment and shared life together. Here’s how you can do it:
My name is Ines, and I’m the principal solicitor at Rocket & Ash Immigration Law. I’ve personally been practising immigration law exclusively for nearly 14 years and have assisted many families to permanently relocate to Australia using the Onshore Partner Visa pathway.
This also applies to couples in which a family member or family trust owns the property you live in.
Understanding Financial Requirements
For partner visas such as Subclass 820, 801, and 309, the Department of Home Affairs requires evidence of shared financial responsibilities. This helps demonstrate that the relationship is genuine and ongoing. Even if your partner owns the home, there are several ways to meet these financial requirements.
Key Documents and Evidence:
- Utility Bills and Rent Contribution: If you contribute to household bills or pay rent to your partner, keep records of these transactions. Bank statements showing transfers for utilities, groceries, or rent can serve as evidence of your financial involvement.
- Joint Bank Accounts: Having a joint bank account where both partners deposit money and from which household expenses are paid can be a strong indicator of financial sharing. Ensure the account shows regular activity related to living expenses.
- Shared Expenses: Provide evidence of shared expenses such as groceries, household items, and other living costs. Receipts and bank statements showing purchases made for the household can support this.
- Home Ownership and Contribution: If your partner owns the home, a letter from your partner confirming your contribution to the household costs can be useful. Additionally, any renovations or improvements you’ve paid for can be included.
- Affidavits and Statutory Declarations: Statements (888 Form) from friends and family confirming your financial and personal commitment to each other can be powerful. These should detail your contributions and involvement in the household.
- Wills and Insurance Policies: Including each other in your wills or as beneficiaries in insurance policies shows a significant level of financial commitment and interdependence.
- Joint Bills: Many providers allow you to list both yourself and your partner on their bill. Some examples of this include: electricity & gas, internet, mobile phone plans, Spotify (Duo Plan), and Netflix.
- Deliveries to your home: Rather than getting your deliveries shipped to a parcel locker, have them sent to your home address.
Proving the financial requirement in a relationship where your partner owns the home you live in is entirely feasible with proper documentation and a clear presentation of your shared financial life. By gathering the right evidence and structuring it well, you can effectively demonstrate your financial commitment and interdependence, strengthening your visa application.
About Rocket & Ash Immigration Law
At Rocket & Ash Immigration Law, we specialise in helping partners, graduates, and professionals navigate the complexities of Australian immigration law. Our expertise in visa applications ensures that you receive tailored advice and support throughout your immigration journey.
If you require assistance with your Subclass 820 Partner Visa application or have any other immigration-related queries, our experienced team can help.
Please book a free 15-minute discussion with our team if you have further questions.
Written by Ines Jusufspahic, LPN: 5511366
This article does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. For up-to-date information, please consult an immigration professional.