Can You Apply for an Australian Partner Visa with a Short De Facto Relationship?

In Australia, the Partner Visa is a pathway for individuals who are in a genuine and committed relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. One of the requirements for this visa is to demonstrate that the relationship has been ongoing for a significant period. In most cases, applicants need to show evidence of a de facto relationship that has existed for at least 12 months prior to the visa application. However, there are exceptions to this requirement. So you’re in a committed de facto relationship and want to apply for a partner visa to Australia? But you’ve only been in the de facto relationship for 6 months… can you still apply?

The short answer is yes with a but. You will need to take some additional steps first.

The Department of Home Affairs defines a de facto relationship as one that has been ongoing for at least 12 months. If your relationship is under 12 months and you aren’t married, the Department won’t grant you a partner visa.

If you have been in a de facto relationship for less than 12 months but more than 6 months, you may still be eligible to apply for the Partner Visa under certain circumstances. These circumstances include having registered your relationship with a relevant Australian state or territory authority, having a child together, or if there are compelling and compassionate circumstances such as the existence of domestic violence in the relationship. In such cases, you would need to provide substantial evidence to support your claim and demonstrate that your relationship is genuine and durable.

If you want to know what a De Facto Relationship is, read this related article.

This means, even if you have only been in a de facto relationship for 6 months, you could still apply for a partner visa.

To find out how to register your relationship and in what situations, continue reading here.

Remember that registering your relationship is no guarantee that you will get the visa. You still need to meet all the other requirements and present lots of relationship evidence. It’s important to note that immigration laws and policies can change over time, so it’s crucial to consult with the official Australian immigration website or seek professional advice from a registered migration agent to ensure you have the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding Partner Visa requirements and de facto relationships.

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