Blank Australia Statutory Declaration Partner Visa PDF Template

1. What is a statutory declaration for a partner visa in Australia?

   A statutory declaration for a partner visa in Australia is a legal document where a sponsor makes formal statements regarding their relationship with their partner. These declarations are made under the Statutory Declarations Act 1959 and cover aspects like the mutual commitment, nature of the household, financial commitments, social aspects of the relationship, and the nature of the commitment to each other. It's a crucial part of the visa application process for partners.

2. Who can make a statutory declaration?

   The declaration can be made by individuals who are sponsoring their partner for a visa to Australia. This encompasses those who have a mutual commitment to a shared life as husband and wife, de facto partners, or interdependent partners, to the exclusion of all others, and who assert that their relationship is genuine and continuing.

3. Before whom can a statutory declaration be made?

   Statutory declarations can be made before individuals authorized by law, including legal practitioners, medical practitioners, public notaries, justices of the peace, police officers, and certain other professionals outlined in the Statutory Declarations Act 1959. This broad list ensures that most individuals can access an authorized person to witness their declaration, regardless of their location or situation.

4. What needs to be included in the declaration?

   The declaration must detail mutual commitment, the genuine and continuing nature of the relationship, living arrangements, financial interdependence, shared responsibilities, social activities, and the emotional and long-term commitment between the partners. It should provide a comprehensive overview of the relationship that supports the application for a partner visa.

5. What are the consequences of making a false statement in a statutory declaration?

   Making a false statement in a statutory declaration is a serious offence that can result in imprisonment for up to 4 years, as per section 11 of the Statutory Declarations Act 1959. Such an act undermines the integrity of the legal process and can severely impact the outcome of a visa application.

6. Can a statutory declaration be made electronically or via email?

   The "address" for making a statutory declaration does not include an email address, indicating that electronic submissions might not meet the legal requirements. Typically, a statutory declaration involves signing the document before an authorized witness, suggesting a preference for physical presence; however, legal allowances or temporary adjustments might occur under specific circumstances, like public health orders.

7. How can one find a person authorized to witness a statutory declaration?

   Individuals can find an authorized person to witness their statutory declaration by consulting local legal offices, medical practices, police stations, or searching online for authorized professionals in their area. Many professionals, like lawyers, doctors, and notaries, are commonly known to be authorized to witness statutory declarations.

8. Is there any fee for making a statutory declaration?

   There might not be a specific fee for making a statutory declaration itself, but witnessing authorities might charge for their services. Fees can vary based on the profession of the witness and the location. It's advisable to inquire directly with the potential witness about any applicable fees.

When filling out the Australia Statutory Declaration Partner Visa form, applicants often make several common mistakes that can potentially complicate or delay the visa application process. Paying close attention to detail and understanding the requirements can significantly improve the chances of a successful partner visa application. Here are six common errors:

1. Incomplete Information: Applicants sometimes leave sections incomplete, notably where personal details about the relationship or financial commitments are requested. It's crucial to provide full and detailed answers to all questions.
2. Incorrect Information: Another common mistake is entering incorrect information, such as mixing up dates related to the commencement of the relationship or the living arrangements. Accuracy is key in all sections of the form to avoid discrepancies that could lead to suspicion about the legitimacy of the relationship.
3. Failure to Delete Inapplicable Sections: The form requires applicants to delete sections that do not apply to their circumstances. For instance, if not living apart, sections pertaining to living separately must be deleted. Overlooking this step may cause confusion about the actual living situation of the couple.
4. Lack of Detailed Descriptions: When describing the relationship, including financial commitments, household nature, social aspects, and commitment to each other, applicants often provide vague or brief responses. Detailed descriptions help substantiate the genuine and continuing nature of the relationship.
5. Not Including Supporting Documents: While the form itself doesn't require the attachment of supporting documents, applicants often forget that their declarations need to be supported by adequate evidence submitted alongside the application. This mistake can weaken the claim of a genuine and ongoing relationship.
6. Signature Issues: Missing signatures, or signing in the wrong section, can invalidate the statutory declaration. Both the declarant and the authorised witness need to sign the form correctly as per instructions, ensuring the declaration is legally binding.

Avoiding these common errors can enhance the credibility of the statutory declaration, thereby supporting the overall partner visa application. It's always recommended to thoroughly review the form, follow the instructions precisely, and provide as much detailed and accurate information as possible.

When applying for an Australia Partner Visa, besides the Statutory Declaration Partner Visa form, applicants and their sponsors typically need to provide a variety of additional forms and documents. These help to establish the genuineness and continuity of their relationship. Here's a look at some of the other important documents often required:

• Birth Certificates: To verify the identities of the applicant and sponsor, birth certificates are essential. They provide proof of age and nationality.
• Passport Copies: Copies of current passports for both the applicant and the sponsor are necessary to confirm their identities and travel histories.
• Proof of Relationship: This can include joint bank account statements, joint leases or mortgage documents, and utility bills, illustrating the financial cohabitation and support between the partners.
• Photographs Together: Photos of the couple together at different times and events help substantiate the ongoing nature of their relationship.
• Personal Statements: Written statements by both the applicant and the sponsor detailing the history and development of their relationship are often required to provide personal insights into the nature of their partnership.
• Witness Statements: Statutory declarations by friends and family affirming their support and recognition of the relationship can add credibility to the application.
• Divorce or Death Certificates: If either the applicant or the sponsor has been previously married, divorce or death certificates may be necessary to prove the legal termination of prior marriages.
• Police Clearances: Police clearance certificates for any country where the applicant has lived for 12 months or more during the last ten years are typically required to assess the applicant's character.

Collectively, these documents play a critical role in the assessment process of the Partner Visa application. They provide a comprehensive view of the relationship's authenticity, which is pivotal for a successful outcome. It's important for applicants to provide thorough and accurate documentation to avoid delays or refusals. Preparing and organizing these documents well in advance can significantly streamline the application process.

• Affidavits: Similar to the Australia Statutory Declaration Partner Visa form, affidavits are written statements confirmed by oath or affirmation, for use as evidence in court. Both are formal declarations, but affidavits often relate more directly to legal proceedings, whereas statutory declarations can have a broader range of purposes.

• Immigration Forms: These forms, like the Partner Visa form, are used in the process of applying for visas or citizenship in various countries. They require detailed personal information and declarations about one's background, intentions, and relationships, serving to establish eligibility for immigration benefits.

• Personal Financial Statements: Much like the section of the Partner Visa form that deals with financial commitments, personal financial statements provide a snapshot of an individual's or a couple's financial health, detailing assets, liabilities, incomes, and expenses.

• Lease Agreements: Lease agreements and the Partner Visa form both outline terms of a shared commitment, though in different contexts. Lease agreements focus on the rental of property, specifying financial responsibilities and terms of use, akin to how the Partner Visa form outlines shared life arrangements and financial commitments.

• Loan Applications: Similar to sections of the Partner Visa form that detail financial commitments, loan applications require comprehensive information about one's financial status, liabilities, and assets to assess creditworthiness and the ability to fulfill financial agreements.

• Marriage Certificates: Both serve as official records of a relationship, though a marriage certificate is a formal registration of marriage, while the Partner Visa form declares the existence and nature of a partnership for immigration purposes.

• Child Custody Forms: Like the parts of the Partner Visa form that may involve declarations about joint responsibility for children, child custody forms are legal documents outlining agreements or court orders regarding the upbringing and support of children in separated families.

• Medical Consent Forms: While serving very different purposes, both medical consent forms and the Partner Visa form require individuals to make formal declarations. Medical consent forms are used to authorize healthcare treatments, reflecting the principle of informed consent, whereas the Partner Visa form declares aspects of personal relationships and commitments.

When filling out the Australia Statutory Declaration Partner Visa form, it is essential to provide accurate and complete information. Below are lists of things you should and shouldn't do to ensure the process is done correctly.

Things you should do:

• Provide detailed information: Complete all sections with the level of detail requested in the form, ensuring all answers are thorough and comprehensive.
• Be truthful: Ensure that all the information you provide on the form is true and accurate to the best of your knowledge. Misleading or false information can lead to legal consequences.
• Double-check your details: Before submitting, review all the information you provided, including names, dates, and addresses, for any errors or omissions.
• Sign in the presence of an authorized witness: Ensure your declaration is signed in front of a person authorized to witness statutory declarations as listed at the end of the form.

Things you shouldn't do:

• Leave sections blank: Avoid leaving any sections of the form blank. If a section does not apply, note it as "N/A" or "not applicable."
• Use informal language: Keep the language formal and professional. Avoid slang, abbreviations, and casual expressions.
• Sign before finding a witness: Do not sign the declaration before you are in the presence of the authorized witness, as your signature needs to be witnessed to be valid.
• Forget to date the declaration: Failing to include the date of signing the declaration can lead to your application being delayed or considered incomplete.

When it comes to applying for a Partner Visa in Australia, applicants are often required to navigate through an intricate process, which includes providing a statutory declaration by the sponsor. Misunderstandings surrounding the statutory declaration can complicate the process. Here are six common misconceptions:

• Only Australian citizens can make the declaration. Contrary to this belief, the form can be completed by both Australian citizens and permanent residents who are sponsoring their partner. The emphasis is on the relationship's genuineness and the sponsor's commitment.

• It’s sufficient to simply state the relationship is genuine. The declaration requires detailed evidence of the relationship spanning financial, social, and household aspects, among others. This is a nuanced document; hence, mere assertions without substantiation are inadequate.

• Details of shared financial responsibilities are not crucial. In reality, the declaration places significant importance on financial interdependence as evidence of a real and continuing partnership. Applicants need to detail joint bank accounts, asset ownership, and how expenses are shared.

• The nature of the household does not need to be in-depth. This is incorrect. The declaration asks for comprehensive information regarding living arrangements, joint responsibility for children if applicable, and even the division of household chores, to paint a detailed picture of the partnership.

• Social activities and joint travel can be omitted. On the contrary, describing social aspects of the relationship, including joint travel, attending events together, and mutual friends, helps validate the partnership's authenticity and its recognition by external parties.

• A false statement has minimal consequences. This is a dangerous misconception. Making intentionally false statements in a statutory declaration is a serious offence, punishable by up to four years in prison. The declaration is a legal document, and truthfulness is paramount.

Navigating the partner visa application process entails understanding the weight and purpose behind each requirement, especially the statutory declaration. It's more than just a formality; it’s a comprehensive demonstration of your relationship's validity and depth.

When applying for a Partner Visa in Australia, filling out the Statutory Declaration Partner Visa form correctly is crucial. This form plays a significant role in the visa application process, providing detailed insight into the genuine nature of the applicants' relationship. Here are key takeaways to help guide you through the process:

• Complete all sections accurately: Ensure all fields are filled out with accurate information, including full names, addresses, and occupation details. Inaccurate or incomplete forms may result in delays or rejection.
• Detail the relationship's history: Clearly stating the history and commitment level within the relationship, including how long you've been together and the nature of your commitment, is essential.
• Explain living arrangements: Whether you live together or apart, outline your living situation. If living separately, provide reasons and demonstrate the permanency of your relationship.
• Financial interdependence: Describe how finances are managed between you and your partner. Joint bank accounts, shared ownership of property, and how household expenses are handled are all critical details.
• Household responsibilities: Share details about how household duties are divided or shared, including any joint responsibility for children.
• Social and personal aspects of the relationship: Highlight social activities, travel, and events you attend together. Also, detail the emotional support and companionship you provide each other.
• Declaration must be witnessed: After completing the declaration, it must be signed in the presence of an authorized witness. The list of authorized witnesses includes legal practitioners, medical practitioners, and police officers, among others.
• Understand the legal implications: Knowingly making a false statement in a statutory declaration is a serious offense, subject to penalties including imprisonment. It's crucial to be truthful and thorough in your declaration.

Filling out the Partner Visa statutory declaration with thorough attention to detail can significantly impact the outcome of the visa application. This declaration is an opportunity to provide comprehensive evidence of a genuine and ongoing relationship, which is integral to the approval process.