Partner Visa Evidence: Household Aspects Guide 2025

This article is general information only and does not constitute migration or legal advice; requirements can change and individual circumstances vary, so consider seeking advice from a registered migration agent or legal practitioner.

Last Updated: February 2026

Introduction

The Australian Partner Visa assessment looks at four broad relationship aspects, and the household aspect is one of the most practical. It is about how you and your partner actually live together on a day-to-day basis. The Migration Regulations require decision makers to consider your living arrangements, how you share housework, and any joint responsibility for children. This guide focuses on that household pillar and shows how to document your domestic life in a clear, credible way.

Why the Household Aspect Matters

Household evidence helps the Department understand the real-life nature of your relationship. It shows whether you function as a unit rather than two individuals who simply share a roof.

What the Household Aspect Covers

In plain language, the household aspect looks at three things:

Living arrangements: where you live, how long you have lived there, and whether you share the home
Sharing housework: how you divide domestic responsibilities such as cooking, cleaning, shopping, and errands
Children and care: any joint responsibility for the care and support of children, if applicable

Core Evidence Categories (with practical examples)

1) Living arrangements

This is the foundation of household evidence. It links both partners to the same address and shows stability.

Examples:

Joint lease or rental agreement showing both names
Joint ownership documents (title, mortgage, settlement)
Rental receipts or correspondence from a property manager
Official letters or statements addressed to both of you at the same address
Documents that prove your living arrangements (for example, government or bank mail to the shared address)

If only one name appears on the lease, you can still show cohabitation by providing multiple documents addressed to each partner at the same address across different dates.

2) Sharing housework and domestic responsibilities

The regulations explicitly mention sharing housework, so a clear explanation is important. This category often relies on a short statement that explains how you run the household.

Useful items:

A personal statement describing how you divide chores and routine tasks
Evidence that supports the statement, such as shared grocery purchases or recurring household expenses
Any proof that shows both partners contribute to the running of the household

Keep your statement specific and practical, and make sure it aligns with your documents.

3) Household bills and shared expenses

Household bills connect your names to your address and show day-to-day domestic life.

Examples:

Utility bills in both names (electricity, gas, water, internet)
Joint accounts used to pay household expenses
Bills addressed to one partner but paid from a shared or reimbursed account

If bills are only in one name, explain why (some providers only allow a single name, you moved recently, or a housemate handles one bill). Then provide alternative documents that still show shared responsibility.

4) Children and caregiving (if applicable)

Where children are involved, joint responsibility is a strong indicator of a genuine household.

Possible documents:

Birth certificates showing both parents
School or childcare records naming both parents as contacts
Medical or insurance records showing joint responsibility
Evidence of shared caregiving arrangements (for example, letters from schools or childcare providers)

Only include what is relevant to your family situation.

Special living situations

Living with family or housemates

Many couples live with family or share housing to save costs. In these cases, add:

A brief statement from the householder confirming you both live there
Mail addressed to each of you at the shared address
Any available rental or boarding agreements

Periods living apart

Temporary separations happen for work, study, travel, or visa barriers. Explain:

The reason for the separation
How you maintained the household and relationship during that time
Evidence of ongoing contact and visits where available

Writing a strong household statement

Your statement should be short, factual, and easy to follow. Cover:

When you moved in together and where you have lived
How you divide chores (cooking, cleaning, laundry, shopping)
How bills are managed and who pays what
Any routines that show you operate as a household
If applicable, how you share childcare responsibilities

Aim for clarity and consistency with your other evidence. This statement often ties the household evidence together.

How much evidence is enough?

There is no single required document for household evidence. The goal is a balanced set that spans your relationship and shows continuity. A few strong documents over time are better than dozens of repetitive items.

Try to include:

Evidence from early, middle, and recent stages of the relationship
Multiple sources (leases, bills, letters, statements)
Both partners' names or separate documents that point to the same address

Common pitfalls to avoid

Submitting only very recent documents with no history
Overloading the application with duplicates that add no value
Providing a statement that is vague or inconsistent with the evidence
Leaving gaps unexplained (for example, a period where you lived apart)

Presentation tips

Organise documents in a simple order (by date or by type)
Add short labels so a case officer can quickly see what each document shows
If a document is unclear, add a short note in your statement to explain it
Keep a consistent timeline across household, financial, social, and commitment evidence

Quick checklist

Use this as a final scan before submission:

Joint lease/ownership or strong cohabitation proof
Mail or official documents to both partners at the same address
Evidence of household bills and shared expenses
A statement describing how housework is shared
Evidence of joint responsibility for children (if applicable)
Explanations for any unusual living arrangements or gaps

Conclusion

The household aspect is about the reality of your day-to-day life together. When your evidence shows a stable shared home, clear domestic routines, and (if relevant) joint caregiving, you are addressing exactly what the regulations require. Focus on clarity, consistency, and coverage over time, and your household evidence will strengthen your overall Partner Visa application.

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information only and does not constitute legal or migration advice. Immigration laws and policies change regularly. For advice specific to your circumstances, consult a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer.