Is this request normal?
 

Am applying for a New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship (Temporary) (subclass 461) visa for my wife, and she has been requested to give two signed declarations with regards to our marital status (one from friends/family and one from us).

Given that we sent in a copy of our marriage certificate and we have been married for almost 15 years I found it strange to see words such as "the genuine nature of the relationship", and "your future plans as husband and wife".

Is this now the new norm for appllications?
Because in the application material on the website for this visa there is absolutely nothing regards the requirement of these declarations, as if there was we would have already provided them with the original lot of documents.
Have no problem in sending them in, just thought it quite strange and was wondering if it was a general change or just us getting a certain case officer...

Re: Is this request normal?
 

It is usually normal to prove a genuine relationship and is listed on the checklist for this visa - http://www.immi.gov.au/migrants/_pdf/461-checklist.pdf

Re: Is this request normal?
 

Yes