De Facto Partner Visas

Need to apply for a de facto partnership visa? Want to be confident you’ve covered all your bases when applying?

Here’s a quick guide and checklist for what you need to consider when applying for a de facto partnership visa.
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When applying for a de facto relationship visa, you’ll need to provide sufficient information and satisfy the courts with enough evidence to support your application. The more detailed you can be in your application and the stronger evidence you supply, the higher your rates of success are. When filling out your application, be aware of these main points:

All relationships need a duration of at least one year to be considered as de facto. You will need to demonstrate the authenticity of this relationship and to address factors such as:

– You live together and not separately for the duration of your relationship.​
– The relationship is, in fact, genuine – and not an ‘arranged’ relationship solely for the sake of obtaining a visa.​
– Have a mutual commitment to a shared life and not be in an open relationship arrangement.

When submitting evidence of your relationship, it’s important to provide evidence of the following:

– A background of how you met your partner and how the relationship has progressed.​
– Your domestic arrangements – how you support each other, financially, emotionally and physically.​
– Any periods of separation, details of the separation and how you managed to maintain the relationship during this absence.

1.​ Financial Aspects of the Relationship

– Do you and your partner own any property in both your names?​
– Do you have joint financial obligations or loans?​
– Correspondence addressed to both parties at same address.

2. Nature of the Household

– Do you have shared care of children in your household?​
– What are your living arrangements like (including sleeping arrangements) within your home?

3. Social Aspects

– Do your family and friends view you as a close couple?​
– Do you accept invitations and are seen socially together as a couple?​
– Do you have joint participation in social activities, groups and outings?

4. Level of Commitment

– Any documents that demonstrate your intention to continue in a long-term relationship i.e. showing how you have combined your affairs and have plans for a shared future.

All of these factors are something to think about when applying for a de facto visa. Be prepared and have evidence for the best chance of obtaining your visa. If you’re struggling to put together a de facto visa application, or need advice, contact us today.