When applying for an Australian Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801), one of the most powerful pieces of evidence you can include is a statutory declaration. For DIY applicants, understanding what they are, how they work, and how to use them effectively can make a significant difference in the success of your application.

What is a Statutory Declaration?

A statutory declaration is a formal written statement made by someone who knows you and your partner. It is signed in front of an authorised witness, such as a Justice of the Peace (JP), solicitor, or police officer.

The declaration confirms that the declarant has observed your relationship and believes it is genuine and ongoing. It adds a third-party perspective, which helps the Department of Home Affairs verify your claims.

Why Statutory Declarations Matter

The Department often requires independent verification that your relationship is authentic. Statutory declarations are particularly useful because they:

• Support your claims about cohabitation, social interactions, and shared responsibilities
• Add credibility when other evidence is limited, such as in long-distance relationships or short de facto relationships
• Show that your relationship is publicly recognised by friends and family

For DIY applicants, statutory declarations strengthen your portfolio of evidence and can make up for gaps in documentation.

Who Can Make a Statutory Declaration?

Ideal declarants are people who:

• Know you both personally and well
• Can confirm your relationship status, duration, and interactions
• Are not related to you in a way that might be perceived as biased (though close friends and family are still acceptable)

Common declarants include:

• Friends who have known you for several years
• Family members who have observed your relationship
• Colleagues who know about your partnership

Typically, 3–5 statutory declarations are recommended for a DIY application, but more can be included if relevant.

What to Include in a Statutory Declaration

Each declaration should clearly cover:

1. The declarant’s details: full name, address, occupation, and relationship to you
2. How long they have known you and your partner
3. Observations of your relationship: examples of cohabitation, social events, joint activities, and financial or household arrangements
4. Confirmation that the relationship is genuine and ongoing
5. Signature and date in front of an authorised witness

Tip: Declarants should provide specific examples rather than general statements like “They are a loving couple.”

DIY Tips for Statutory Declarations

• Use multiple declarants: Different perspectives strengthen your case.
• Be consistent: Ensure the information matches other evidence in your application.
• Organise chronologically: If possible, show your relationship over time through declarant observations.
• Explain gaps or separations: If you were apart for work, study, or family reasons, declarants can mention continued communication and commitment.

A strong set of statutory declarations can be especially important for long-distance relationships or de facto couples applying before the 12-month cohabitation mark, if eligible for exceptions.

Common DIY Mistakes to Avoid

1. Vague statements: Avoid generic phrases like “They are a good couple.”
2. Too few declarants: Using only one or two statements may not be persuasive.
3. Not following formal requirements: Ensure declarations are signed in front of an authorised witness.
4. Contradictions with other evidence: Declarant statements should align with bank accounts, bills, or photos.
5. Late submission: Include statutory declarations with your initial application rather than later, unless updating evidence.

Final Thoughts

Statutory declarations are an essential tool for proving the genuineness of your relationship for a DIY Subclass 820 application. They provide third-party confirmation that your partnership is ongoing, committed, and recognised socially.

DIY Tip: Gather multiple well-written, specific declarations early, organise them clearly, and ensure they complement your other evidence—financial, household, social, and communication. Doing so gives your application a strong foundation for approval.

✅ Quick Recap

• Statutory declarations are formal written statements from friends, family, or colleagues
• They confirm your relationship is genuine and ongoing
• Use 3–5 declarants who know you well
• Include specific examples of cohabitation, social life, and commitment
• Sign declarations in front of an authorised witness
• Organise and align them with your other evidence for a DIY application

Want step-by-step guidance? Check out our DIY Partner Visa Package here.

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