Statutory Declaration By A Supporting Witness Relating To A Partner Visa Appli: Fill & Download for Free

If your Partner visa for Australia is denied, you have 2 options before you –Going for an appealApplying afreshWhat do you mean by “partner visa” for Australia?An Australian PR holder, an Australian citizen or eligible citizen of New Zealand will have to get a partner visa if they wish their spouse or partner to join them in Australia.Partner visas for Australia are –[I] Applying from outside AustraliaPartner (Provisional) visa (subclass 309)Partner (Migrant) visa (subclass 100)[II] Applying from within AustraliaPartner visa (temporary) (subclass 820)Partner visa (permanent) (subclass 801)Keep in mind that the applications for the temporary and permanent partner visas are submitted and processed together.Who will review my appeal?Appeals for partner visa refusal will be reviewed by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT).When the AAT reviews, either they can agree with and uphold the refusal, or change the decision.Do keep in mind that if you had applied for the partner visa from within Australia, you cannot apply for the same again from Australia. To re-apply, you will have to go outside Australia and lodge another partner visa application.On the other hand, if the application was lodged from outside Australia, you can re-apply from offshore following a refusal.Always remember, you should appeal only when there is a good chance of success.What are the common grounds of refusal of partner visas?Conflict in cohabitation evidence. Many times, a partner visa application process can be quite a long-drawn one. At times, your residential address might have changed while the application was under processing. In such cases, both the spouses should ensure that all the corresponding changes are updated in their individual documents at the same time, with no inconsistencies whatsoever.A mismatch in quoted dates. The documents for the partner visa application includes three documents –Form 47SP [Application for migration to Australia by a partner]Form 80 [Personal particulars for assessment including character assessment]Form 40SP [Sponsorship for a partner to migrate to Australia]When you apply for a partner visa, both the spouses will have to fill up forms that contain identical questions on – travel history, relationship with the partner, and address.Keep in mind that there should be no discrepancy between the details entered on the forms submitted by both the spouses.3. Lack of clarity in statements. Be very careful about the terminology that you use. Avoid using loose statements that might go against you. Take care that you use words defining a serious relationship. After all, you have to prove the genuineness of your relationship. All your effort, time and money can go to waste if you are unable to convince the authorities of the genuineness of your relationship.4. Linking evidence. Only link evidence that will support your case. If the evidence is not relevant, then it is best avoided. Do not add an overdose of evidence. You must convince them, not confuse them. Only include proofs that check out and are genuine as well as authentic.5. Check the legality of all documents submitted by your spouse and you. For a partner visa, you will have to submit legal and notarized documents which include –Marriage certificatesID DocumentsBirth CertificatesBe careful that all your documents must be duly notarized, with the identity of the notary clearly mentioned.6. Statutory Declaration by Witness. When you apply for an Australian Partner visa, you will also have to submit Form 888 – Supporting declaration be a supporting witness in relation to a Partner or Prospective Marriage visa application. Always be extra cautious when you ask someone to fill this up. At times, there might be some inadvertent inconsistencies between what has been stated by you in your partner visa application and the details mentioned by your witness in Form 888. Always cross-check everything. More so if your witness is not from an English-speaking background.At the time of submitting your partner visa application, take the time to review and cross-check everything. Taking your time now can often save many a regret later.

To apply for a Partner visa, you are required to submit supporting documents as evidence that your relationship is ‘genuine and continuing’.The Witness Declaration document is required from at least 2 Australian permanent residents or citizens who knows you and your partner, and can confirm that your relationship is genuine and provide reasons why it’s genuine. The Witness must sign the statutory declaration document in front of an authorized person, and also include a certified copy of their passport. The witness can be a neighbours, relative or mutual friend.See our YouTube video about the Partner visa below:

In many nations, homosexuality remains a criminal act, and there are a number of locations where LGBT+ rights are being eroded. Fortunately for the aspiring expat, there's a wealth of countries where it's safe to work and live out, as you'll see from Expatiation's list of the top 10 LGBT-friendly expat countries.Working abroad brings many benefits, from experiencing fresh cultures to advancing careers. But for LGBT+ expats, making the choice can be more challenging than it is for heterosexuals. Gay, lesbian, bisexual, intersex, and transgender people often have to consider more serious implications in addition to the usual choices such as career effect or quality of healthcare. Although they may work for a friendly LGBT organization, domestic regulations may force expats to remain in the closet or return to it. As a consequence, they may be opened to harassment or persecution by their sexual orientation or gender identity. Expatiate has shortlisted the top LGBT-friendly countries for expats to make the decision easier. This list is not exhaustive, but it looks at the distinctive difficulties LGBT+ people face when considering a trip overseas.The NetherlandsThe Netherlands has an emotional link with LGBT+ individuals as the first nation to legalize same-sex marriage in 2001. Repeatedly, the country has shown the world that it is LGBT friendly: it decriminalized homosexuality in 1811; the first gay bar opened in Amsterdam in 1927; and in 1987, Amsterdam unveiled the Ho monument, a memorial for gays and lesbians killed by the Nazis. Since the 1960s, same-sex marriage religious solemnization have been conducted. Refusal of same-sex couples is illegal for civil marriage officers. However, in Aruba, Curacao, and Sint Marten, same-sex marriage is not feasible.Netherlands-based expats can sponsor their partners. They must demonstrate an exclusive connection, a adequate means of revenue, and pass the examination of civic inclusion. Same-sex couples can adopt domestic and abroad kids and take advantage of surrogacy facilities. Discrimination in jobs, housing, and accommodation on the basis of sexual orientation is prohibited. Couples of the same sex enjoy the same tax and inheritance privileges as their direct counterparts.Children can alter their sex in court as of April 2019. Without a doctor's assertion, trans adults can identify themselves. Dutch citizens may apply for passports that are gender-neutral. In terms of intersex rights, however, activists claim more needs to be accomplished.According to a 2017 research by the Netherlands Institute for Social Research, 74% of the population have a favorable attitude towards homosexuality and bisexuality, while 57% have a favorable attitude towards transgender individuals and sex diversity. Although one of the most LGBT friendly nations, in terms of hate crime and hate speech, the Netherlands fares worse than its neighbours, while conversion therapy remains legal. In 2019, the flatlands ranked 12th in Europe for equal-sex rights, with same-sex couples enjoying about 50% of heterosexual couples ' privileges.LGBT+ events in the NetherlandsThe Dutch capital, often dubbed Europe's gayway, has a lively LGBT+ culture and serves all appetites and fetishes. However, the scene expands far beyond Amsterdam, with bars, saunas, and cinemas in several Netherlands towns, including Rotterdam, The Hague (Den Haag), Amersfoort, Enschede, and Groningen. Many towns also hold their own pride events, with local leaders taking part. With its canal parade, Pride Amsterdam is the biggest, attracting some 350,000 individuals every August. There is a countrywide network of Dutch LGBT+ support groups; there are also particular organisations supporting refugees.BelgiumBelgium's LGBT+ rights are among the world's most progressive; the nation ranks second in the 2019 edition of the Rainbow Europe Index of ILGA. Since 1795, when the nation was a French territory, same-sex sexual activity has been legal. Since 2003, the year Belgium legalized same-sex marriage, discrimination based on sexual orientation has been outlawed. Couples enjoy the same rights as couples with opposite sex; they can adopt, and lesbians have access to in vitro fertilization. Same-sex marriages now make up 2.5% of all Belgian weddings.If one spouse has lived in the nation for at least three months, expats can marry in Belgium. It is also feasible to sponsor their partners on a family reunification visa for non-EU / EEA citizens who are permitted to remain in Belgium.In Belgium, transgender rights are extremely developed, where people without surgery can alter their legal gender. However, ILGA recommends more intersex job; Belgium still has to prohibit unnecessary medical procedures such as sexual determination surgery on children. Hate crime legislation has yet to be adopted for transsexual and intersex individuals. A third gender has yet to be introduced on legal papers.In particular, Belgium has an exceptionally elevated rate of acceptance of homosexuality. The 2015 Eurobarometer discovered that 77% of Belgians believed that same-sex marriage should be permitted across Europe, while 20% disagreed.LGBT friendly scene in BelgiumBelgium has a big and well-developed LGBT+ scene that provides a variety of guidelines and preferences. Antwerp (Antwerp) had a more edgier and forward-thinking society, but in latest years Brussels has shed its bourgeois picture. Bruges (Brugge), Ghent (Gent), Liège, and Ostende have an active gay nightlife. May is usually a Kingdom-wide Pride Month, with Brussels hosting the largest parade.SpainImagine knocking cava back with your husband on Madrid's terrace? Notwithstanding the increase of anti-LGBT political parties, Spain is one of gay people's most culturally liberal locations. Since 2005, same-sex marriage in Spain has been legal. LGBT+ topics are commonly explored in Spanish literature, music and movies. The nation has a varied and welcoming scene for all Queer community members from Madrid to Gran Canaria.When they register their partnership, same-sex expat couples living in Spain have a number of legal rights. These include adoption, automatic parenthood recognition on birth certificates, inheritance tax, survivor pension rights, immigration recognition, tax equality treatment–including inheritance tax–and national violence security. In 2019, Spain ranked 11th in Europe, with complete equality at around 60%.People have been able to modify their gender in Spain since 2007, and the nation is one of trans rights ' most supportive countries in the world. In 2018, LGBT+ activist Angela Ponce, 27 years old, became the first female to compete in transgender Miss Universe, where she got a standing ovation.LGBT+ events in SpainSpain is highly friendly to LGBT for a Catholic country. According to the last Pew Research survey, nearly 90% of the population accept homosexuality. In 2006, Sitges unveiled the first LGBT+ monument in the country to celebrate a 1996 police crackdown at night on gay men on the beach.MaltaWhen you think of the gay capitals of the world, Valletta doesn't instantly spring to mind, but small Malta has topped the Europe Rainbow Index for four years in a row. In ranking on LGBT friendly policies and lifestyle recognition, Malta beats 48 other nations with a score of 90%.Malta is one of only a handful of nations whose constitution prohibits discrimination on basis of sexual orientation as well as gender identity, including at work. Since 2017, same-sex marriage has been legal and there are no minimum requirements for residency; as a consequence, Malta is perfect for a wedding location. Individuals and couples may enjoy adoption rights regardless of sexual orientation, and lesbians may have access to in vitro fertilization treatment. Homosexuals are also serving in the military openly. However, gay men are not allowed to donate blood.The rights of transgender and intersex are among the world's strongest. Without surgery, people can alter their sex legally.Over the previous century, public attitudes towards the LGBT+ community have altered radically. A 2016 Eurobarometer reported that 65% of Maltese were in favor of same-sex marriage ; this was a major jump from only 18% in 2006.LGBT+ events in MaltaDespite having a friendly LGBT government, Malta's LGBT+ scene is not as well developed as other European countries, with relatively fewer dedicated bars and cafés. Nonetheless, a majority of LGBT-friendly nightlife venues and beaches welcome the community. Every September, the pride parade in Valletta is a significant tourist attraction, often attended by local leaders.Hong KongA 2018 recognition by the Court of Final Appeal of same-sex spousal visas raised the hopes of expats residing in or looking to relocate to the Asian financial hub and gained assistance from multinational banks and law firms interested in employing foreign talent. Since 1991, homosexuality itself has been legal; however, local law does not acknowledge marriage of the same sex or civil partnerships. This could alter following the January 2019 arrangement of the Hong Kong High Court to hear two distinct obstacles to the homosexual marriage ban on the territory. A local pastor also passed the High Court in May 2019, arguing that the ban would hamper the liberty of worship of his congregation.Legislation on anti-discrimination is also quite weak. While LGBT+ individuals may not be legally impeded from accessing public facilities, campaigners say local gay and transgender people face extensive discrimination, often facing family pressure to get married and have kids. Same-sex couples are unable to apply for public housing or benefit from the pension advantages of their partner. However, under local domestic violence legislation, cohabiting same-sex couples enjoy some protections.According to a February 2019 decision, transgender people may not alter legal papers to reflect their identities without surgery on gender confirmation.In latest years, social acceptance has risen as the territory has become more LGBT friendly. 33.3 percent of participants endorsed same-sex marriage in a 2013 University of Hong Kong survey, with 43 percent opposed. The same survey yielded comparable outcomes the following year, although 74 percent of participants agreed that same-sex couples should have the same or some privileges that heterosexual couples enjoy. The study discovered that 50.4% of participants endorsed marriage of the same sex by 2017.LGBT+ scene in Hong KongExpat-heavy Hong Kong has a LGBT+ subculture that is confident and flourishing. The town hosts an annual parade of pride. There are also a wide range of bars, clubs and gay saunas; this may be due to social pressures to conform to traditional heteronormative models. Local films and television productions explore queer themes on a regular basis; in recent years, several entertainers have even emerged, usually to a largely positive reception. Every November, Hong Kong Pride attracts an estimated 10,000 people.TaiwanWith Taiwan becoming Asia's first nation to legalize same-sex marriage at the beginning of 2019, the island's interest in LGBT+ has risen. Since then, hundreds of couples have linked the knot, although same-sex marriage is presently limited to couples where one spouse is Taiwanese and the other is a citizen of a nation recognizing such unions.In fact, homosexuality in Taiwan has never been illegal. In 2004, the state prohibited discrimination in academic organizations on the grounds of sexual orientation; in 2017, further legislation covering the remainder of society. Since 2002, LGBT+ individuals have been allowed to serve in the army publicly. Taiwan is progressively friendly to LGBT ; however, it is impossible for same-sex couples to embrace it.In terms of trans rights, the nation is also progressive; Taiwan has announced plans to introduce a third gender in public papers from 2020. The nation named its first transgender minister, Audrey Tang, in 2016 after upholding the country's first transgender marriage in 2013–albeit from a couple who had both had gender-reaffirming surgery. The government announced that without surgery, individuals could alter their legal gender; however, there is no policy in place.Expats report that local inhabitants warmly accept LGBT+ individuals, contrary to expectations; however, social attitudes differ. Although the 2012 and 2015 Social Change Surveys of the country found a slight majority in favor of legalization, only 25 percent of all votes won a 2018 referendum. However, there was widespread consensus that there should be legal protection for those who reside together.LGBT+ scene in TaipeiTaipei has one of the most vibrant LGBT+ scenes in Asia, offering a broad variety of lesbian and gay people choices. Taiwan hosts a gay beach, two popular gay hot springs, and even a cruisy gay bookshop in addition to bars, clubs and cafés. Taipei Gay Pride is Asia's biggest, with an estimated 80,000 individuals every October participating.New ZealandOften voted one of the finest locations to be an expat, New Zealand's progressive has a excellent record on LGBT+ rights. The constitution of New Zealand is LGBT friendly, providing several sexual orientation-based protections. Since 2013, same-sex marriage is legal. Unmarried couples of any sex may jointly adopt kids. Lesbians have access to medicines for in vitro fertilization.For expat couples, whether heterosexual or gay, New Zealand also acknowledges married or de facto relationships. An expat may sponsor his spouse, but he must have continuous residence at least. Visa for a partner may be sponsored by Australian citizens or permanent residents.However, the legislation is uncertain about transgender rights. Discrimination is not explicitly prohibited on the basis of gender identity / expression. People may alter their sex with a statutory declaration in front of an approved witness or justice of peace on their driving license or passport; however, doing the same on a birth certificate needs evidence of medical therapy for transfer to court. A bill enabling self-identification has been postponed until public consultation as of March 2019.The history of tolerance in New Zealand goes back to pre-colonial Māori times, although British colonization led to anti-sodomy legislation. In 1986, the nation decriminalized homosexuality among males; lesbian activity in New Zealand was never a crime. The nation has become more acceptable to LGBT+ individuals since the 1980s. Several out - and-proud homosexual and transgender parliamentarians have been around since then. More than 75% of New Zealanders accept homosexuality.The anti-discrimination and same-sex marriage laws of New Zealand do not apply to its domain (Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau).LGBT friendly New ZealandNew Zealand has a scene of a reasonable size that spreads throughout the nation. Wellington and Auckland have the biggest amount of gay bars and clubs, but a healthy night out is also guaranteed for LGBT+ inhabitants in Tauranga, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Hamilton. Since the early seventies, parades of pride have been arranged and today there are at least six significant occurrences every year.South AfricaThe Rainbow Nation is an inspiration for many as the only African country to legalize same-sex marriage. The 1996 constitution for post-apartheid prohibited discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation; since 2007, LGBT+ individuals have been able to marry. Same-sex couples may jointly adopt kids and arrange treatments for IVF and surrogacy. Foreigners in South Africa may also marry if they have adequate paperwork. A spousal or life partner license may be applied for by partners or parents of expats moving to South Africa.However, not all of South Africa is LGBT friendly in particular. In practice, attitudes towards homosexual, lesbian, transgender, and other queer groups are shaped by a complicated history affected by traditional African morals, colonialism, the lingering impacts of apartheid, and the movement for human rights that led to its abolition. Homophobia continues a significant challenge, especially outside main towns. Civil servants may refuse to solemnize civil unions if, on the basis of their conscience, religion, or faith, they object to same-sex relations.Gays and lesbians enjoy the same protections for transgender people. However, there must be medical treatment, surgical treatment, or hormone replacement therapy for individuals who want to alter their gender legally.Residents think that to change the government mindset, more conversations about LGBT+ problems are needed. A 2017 survey found that 67% of South Africans agreed on equal rights for homosexual, lesbian, and bisexual individuals; 17% disagreed. 72 percent also agreed that they should be protected from discrimination in the workplace. However, 24% of South Africans think that individuals are criminals in same-sex relationships. A year previously, The Other Foundation revealed that 51% of participants felt that homosexual individuals should have the same human rights in a study on attitudes and gender non-conformity, but 72% felt that same-sex activity was morally incorrect.LGBT+ events in South AfricaCape Town has a reputation for being Africa's finest gay scene; it hosts numerous summer activities including the Mother City Queer Project and Cape Town Pride. Johannesburg also has a broad and inclusive scene; gay bars or events are also available in several smaller cities. Especially since 2012, pride parades have been common, with more than a dozen annual activities.ArgentinaThe beacon of LGBT+ rights in Latin America, the queer history of Argentina goes back to the Mapuche and Guaraní native individuals. Not only did these organizations accept the third gender, they also treated male, female, transgender, and intersex individuals as equal. As a LGBT friendly country, since its return to democracy in 1983, Argentina has had a thriving LGBT+ scene. In 2010, legalizing same-sex marriage became the first country in Latin America and the tenth in the world, a milestone anywhere for a Catholic country. The law enables the adoption of same-sex couples and lesbian couples have equal access to therapy for in vitro fertilization. Prisons allow gay prisoners to visit their marriage. Same-sex expats and tourists may also marry in Argentina ; however, where such unions stay illegal, those marriages are not acknowledged.Argentina's transgender rights are among the most advanced in the world. Thanks to the Gender Identity Law of 2012, individuals can alter their sex without having to face medical procedures.Overall, the LGBT+ community is strongly supported by the public. In the 2013 Global Attitudes Survey of Pew Research Center, Argentina had the most favorable attitudes of all Latin American countries, with 74 percent of those surveyed saying homosexuality should be embraced.LGBT friendly ArgentinaBuenos Aires is the homosexual capital of Argentina. Since the early 2000s, it has been an LGBT+ tourist destination, with its festival of Queer Tango among the main highlights. There are several gay-friendly facilities in expat-friendly neighbourhoods like Palermo Viejo and San Telmo. However, in the center of the Argentine wine country, the scene extends to Rosario, Córdoba, Mar del Plata, and Mendoza.CanadaCanada has long drawn LGBT+ people from overseas with its liberal policies and comparatively welcoming attitudes towards immigration. A reward is high quality of life and health facilities.The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms has assured the LGBT+ community of fundamental human rights since 1982. Since 2005, same-sex marriage has been legal (although in Toronto in 2001 the world's first gay marriages took place). Couples of the same sex can embrace children and have access to altruistic surrogacy. They will also benefit from equal social and tax benefits, including pension benefits, old-age security, and bankruptcy protection.Without surgery, trans individuals can alter their names and legal sex; those who choose to have surgery can use coverage from public health. This can be noted on their passports by individuals with non-binary gender identities since 2017.Civic attitudes towards LGBT+ people are progressive, with a 2013 survey by Pew pointing out that 80% of Canadians accept homosexuality. Subsequent polls show that most Canadians agree on equal parental rights for same-sex couples. In April 2019, to celebrate 50 years of partial decriminalization of homosexuality, Canada published a commemorative loonie (the one-dollar coin).LGBT+ scene in CanadaLGBT+ life tends to be focused around significant towns, especially Toronto, Vancouver (often ranked among the best expat towns in the world), and Montreal, as is the case elsewhere. There are also LGBT+ scenes in Edmonton and Winnipeg. Pride parades take place every summer across the nation with the involvement of regional and national leaders; in 2016, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau became the first Head of Government of the nation to take part in Pride Toronto.