Evidence of long-term commitment needs to be spread across all four statutory aspects of the relationship — financial, the nature of the household, social, and the nature of the commitment (regulations 1.15A(3) and 1.09A(3)): detailed statements from both partners, statutory declarations in Form 888, superannuation beneficiary nominations, registration of your partner as next-of-kin, evidence of contact during any periods of separation, the duration of the relationship, and the length of time you have lived together. No single document is decisive on its own.
Negin Safaei, an Australian migration lawyer registered with MARA under number 1791573, explains the point with the precision that comes from years of working on relationship-based applications: a migration officer does not score documents one by one. The officer is required to turn their mind to all four aspects of the relationship, and Home Affairs’ own policy material makes clear that the officer must show they have considered each of those four aspects.
That is precisely why classifying your evidence correctly matters. Buying property jointly and nominating your partner as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy are, in substance, evidence of the “financial aspect” — pooling of resources, joint ownership of assets and mutual legal commitments, under regulation 1.15A(3)(a). An application brimming with jointly held assets but thin on the household, social and nature-of-commitment aspects remains vulnerable.
The heart of the commitment limb in regulation 1.15A(3)(d) lies elsewhere: the duration of the relationship, the period of cohabitation, the degree of companionship and emotional support, each partner’s knowledge of the other’s personal circumstances, and whether the partners themselves regard the relationship as long-term. Alongside these, detailed statements from both partners, Form 888 declarations from supporters, binding superannuation beneficiary nominations, next-of-kin documentation, and evidence of contact and correspondence during periods of separation all carry genuine weight.
Two key points are always worth keeping in mind. First, no document — not a will, not an insurance policy — is legally required or determinative; under regulation 1.15A(2) the decision-maker must consider all of the circumstances of the relationship, and documents created shortly before lodgement with an obviously self-serving appearance carry little probative value. Second, preparing a will, nominating an insurance beneficiary and holding property jointly are governed by State and Territory law, and as a matter of professional caution it is better to have these documents prepared by a solicitor.
If you would like to know which limb your evidence actually covers and which aspect has been left empty, a calm, personal review of your file can bring real clarity — get in touch with Negin Safaei for tailored guidance.
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This answer reflects the law and policy as verified on September 29, 2026. Immigration rules change frequently — confirm the current position before acting.
Mrs. Negin Safaee Registered Migration Agent 1791573
This article is general information only, current at the date shown, and is not legal advice. Do not rely on it for your own situation — immigration law and policy change frequently. Seek advice from a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer about your circumstances.