The Comprehensive Guide to the De Facto Visa for Australia: Navigating Your Path to Residency
Applying for a de facto partner visa in Australia allows non-citizen partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia. This visa is a pathway to permanent residency and is available to both same-sex and opposite-sex couples.
Understanding De Facto Relationships in Australia
In Australia, a de facto relationship is defined as a relationship between two people (of the same or different sex) who are not married but live together on a genuine domestic basis. To be eligible for a de facto partner visa, you must have been in a de facto relationship for at least 12 months immediately before applying. This requirement can be waived if you have registered your relationship under a prescribed Australian state or territory law.
Types of Partner Visas
Australia offers two primary partner visas:
- Subclass 820 (Temporary) and Subclass 801 (Permanent):
- Subclass 820: This temporary visa allows you to live in Australia while your permanent visa application is processed.
- Subclass 801: This permanent visa is granted after holding the Subclass 820 visa for at least two years.
- Subclass 309 (Provisional) and Subclass 100 (Migrant):
- Subclass 309: This temporary visa allows you to live in Australia while your permanent visa application is processed.
- Subclass 100: This permanent visa is granted after holding the Subclass 309 visa for at least two years.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a de facto partner visa, you must:
- Be in a de facto relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Have been in the relationship for at least 12 months immediately before applying, unless you have a child together or have registered your relationship.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Meet health and character requirements.
Application Process
- Gather Required Documents:
- Proof of your de facto relationship (e.g., joint bank statements, lease agreements, photos together).
- Identification documents (e.g., passports, birth certificates).
- Health and character documents (e.g., police certificates, health examinations).
- Submit Application:
- Applications can be lodged online through the ImmiAccount portal.
- Await Processing:
- Processing times vary. For example, the Subclass 820 visa has a processing time of 10 to 16 months, depending on individual circumstances. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times/global-visa-processing-times
- Receive Visa Decision:
- If approved, you will be granted the temporary Subclass 820 visa, allowing you to live in Australia.
- After two years, you can apply for the permanent Subclass 801 visa.
Processing Times
- 50% of applications: 10 months
- 90% of applications: 16 months
Processing times for partner visas can vary. For instance, the Subclass 820 visa has the following processing times:
These times are indicative and can change based on individual circumstances and the completeness of your application.
Common Questions
- Can tourists get married in Australia?
- Yes, tourists can marry in Australia. However, if you have certain visa conditions, such as Condition 8503, it could impact your onshore partner visa application.
- Can you apply for a partner visa without marriage?
- Yes, you can apply for a de facto partner visa without being married, provided you meet the de facto relationship criteria.
- How long does a partner visa take in Australia?
- Processing times vary. For example, the Subclass 820 visa has a processing time of 10 to 16 months, depending on individual circumstances.
- Can I bring my partner to Australia?
- Yes, you can sponsor your partner for a de facto partner visa, provided you meet the eligibility criteria.
- How does the partner visa work in Australia?
- The partner visa allows your partner to live in Australia. It is a two-step process: first, obtaining a temporary visa (Subclass 820), followed by a permanent visa (Subclass 801) after two years.
Conclusion
Applying for a de facto partner visa in Australia involves meeting specific eligibility criteria, gathering necessary documentation, and understanding the application process. Given the complexities and potential processing times, it’s advisable to consult with a registered migration agent or legal professional to guide you through the process.
For more information, contact us for guidance specific to your case.
523 Responses
My partner and I met in January 2017 and started living together in March. She returned to Poland in July for two months, but came back on a tourist visa which expires very soon.
We are aware that we do not meet the twelve month regulation, however we have registered our relationship – albeit only 1 month ago.
We are currently applying for the de facto visa as we don’t want to be separated again.
What are our chances?
Pretty good given what you have told me!
Please contact me if you need specific advice.
Hey!
Me and my partner have been together from the beginning of the year and lived with each other since mid of the year, we’re looking to apply for de facto early next year,
He will be applying for his permanent residency at some point next year, will I have to apply to go on both or will I be added on?
Many thanks
Tricky question.
Make sure you get this right.
You should be usually be included in the visa application at the time of application of any visa.
You should only be “added” on to an application if your relationship has sprouted after the application was made by the primary visa applicant.
Please contact me if you require specific advice.
Can we pay they fee on payment plan as we don’t have 7000
Our fees yes. Immigration fees no.
Hi
My partner and I have been together for 2 years. We have been living together with his parents and have only recently bought our own property 2 months ago. I have just gotten an invite recently, how can I prove that the defacto status is existing more than 12 months? We have plans to get registered next year. But that would be after I lodge my visa, is it acceptable? Please advise.
Thank you for your enquiry, as this is a private matter please contact our office to discuss your options https://myvisa.com.au/contact/
Hi
Very quick question.
Can the refactor relationship registration waive the 12 month living together period?
we’re planning to add myself(student visa) to my partner’s 457 visa as a dependent but we have only lived together for 3 month.
looking forward to your reply
Sammy
Yes – a defacto relationship certificate will assist in these circumstances ie. getting a dependent 457 visa.
Regards
Nilesh Nandan
Immigration Lawyer
MyVisa®
I applied for a de facto visa back in March whilst still on a 457 visa. Since then I have lost my job and 457 visa is in process of being cancelled. I have found employment in NZ and will be relocating there with my Partner in the New Year until a decision is made on my Partner visa. Do I need to be in Australia when the subclass 820 is granted? We have been in a relationship for 9 years (which is classed as “long term” according to the department) so is there a chance that a subclass 801 will be granted at the same time as the 820?
Thank you for your enquiry, as the matter is private please contact us via our website https://myvisa.com.au/pricing/
im a permanent resident originally from US, i have a partner who is currently overseas for work. we want to apply de facto visa soon. we met here in Australia but he was married and is now separated (not legally). He was here in Australia not long ago but left due to expired visa. the only thing is that he was given false allegations and domestic violence order by his ex wife. though its civil case, will it affect the application and can we still apply for it? we have been in defacto relationship for2 years now. All evidential docs are complete. But we are just worried about the legalities.
Thank you for your enquiry, to discuss this private matter it is best to book for a consultation face to face or via phone https://myvisa.com.au/book/
my partner(sponsor) and me submit our paperwork around 18 months ago, we got an email back from the case officer asking more information for myself. i was given a list of 5 items, we are clear with 4 out of 5. one of them says “EVIDENCE OF YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR DE FACTO PARTNER – UPDATED INFORMATION REQUIRED FROM TIME OF LODGMENT TO DATE”.
so, do i have to provide only evidence or do i have to write a statement? thank you for your respond
Thank you for question and enquiry, this is a specific question which is best dealt with a phone or face to face consultation, please contact us via https://myvisa.com.au/book/