DE FACTO RELATIONSHIPS IN THE AUSTRALIAN PARTNER VISA PATHWAY

De facto relationships are a significant concept in the Australian partner visa program, particularly for couples who live together but are not legally married. You must meet certain criteria to qualify for a de facto visa. This not only increases your chances of obtaining a visa but also demonstrates your commitment to your partner. Learn more about this with NOVA GLOBAL VISA in the following article.

What is a de facto relationship in the context of the partner visa?

In addition to traditional marriage-based visas, there’s a significant interest in visas for couples who live together without being legally married. You and your partner are in a de facto relationship if you meet all the following conditions:

• You are not legally married to each other.
• You have a commitment to a shared life, excluding all others.
• Your relationship is genuine and ongoing.
• You live together, or if separated, it’s not for extended or indefinite periods.
• You are not closely related by family.
• Your relationship can be with a person of the same or different sex.

Documentation for an Australian Partner Visa

To prove a de facto relationship, you need to meet several criteria. Here’s what you’ll need:

• A signed statement. This should describe your relationship history in detail, whether individually or jointly.
• If either you or your sponsor has been married previously, you must provide a copy of the official divorce certificate or, in the case of a deceased spouse, the death certificate (if applicable).
• Copies of birth certificates for any children you have together.
• Proof that you and your partner have been in a de facto relationship for at least 12 months before applying for the visa.

Examples of Evidence for an Australian Partner Visa

To substantiate your claim, you should consider providing the following:

• A marriage certificate or civil union certificate.
• Birth certificates for any children you have together.
• Photos of you and your sponsor together at various events and occasions.
• Evidence that others recognize your relationship.
• A shared rental agreement or joint mortgage.
• Correspondence addressed to both of you at the same address and the same time.
• Joint bank accounts.
• Proof of joint ownership of property.
• Shared leases, joint registrations with local authorities at the same address, mortgage documents, council tax bills, utility bills.
• Evidence that your relationship has been disclosed to any relevant government agencies (e.g., Centrelink or the Australian Taxation Office).

The items listed above are merely suggestions. You are required to provide sufficient evidence to prove that your relationship is genuine and ongoing, along with the duration it has existed.

Sponsorship must be submitted and approved before you can submit a valid Australian partner visa application. The sponsorship application is reviewed separately and must be approved before you can submit a valid partner visa application. If you’re planning to apply for a partner visa, we recommend scheduling a consultation with the experts at NOVA GLOBAL VISA to discuss and determine the best residency path for you.