De Facto Partner Visa — Find a Specialist Agent

The 12-Month Cohabitation Requirement

For de facto partners, Australia generally requires evidence that you have been living together in a genuine domestic relationship for at least 12 months before applying. This does not mean you need to have been at the same address every single night for a year, but you need to demonstrate a consistent, genuine shared domestic life. Periods of temporary separation for work, travel, or family reasons can be explained, but the overall picture must show cohabitation as the norm. An agent helps you build evidence that demonstrates this convincingly.

Registered Relationships as an Alternative

In some Australian states and territories, you can register your de facto relationship. A registered relationship may satisfy the cohabitation requirement without the 12-month waiting period, depending on the circumstances. This can be a valuable option if you have not yet lived together for 12 months but your relationship is genuine and committed. Your agent advises whether registration is available and beneficial in your state.

Evidence Challenges for De Facto Couples

De facto couples sometimes face evidence challenges that married couples do not. You may have limited joint financial evidence if you keep finances separate. You may not have a joint lease if one partner owned the property before the relationship. You may have limited formal documentation of your relationship if you have not married, registered, or made other legal commitments. An experienced agent knows how to build a strong evidence package from the evidence you do have, rather than focusing on what is missing.

Same-Sex De Facto Relationships

Same-sex de facto couples are eligible for partner visas on the same basis as opposite-sex couples. However, couples whose relationship developed in countries where same-sex relationships are not publicly accepted may face specific evidence challenges — limited public photos, limited social recognition, or reluctance to provide third-party statements. A specialist agent helps navigate these challenges sensitively and strategically.

Long-Distance De Facto Relationships

If you have been in a genuine de facto relationship but have lived apart for significant periods — due to immigration restrictions, work requirements, or other circumstances — the 12-month cohabitation requirement becomes more complex. You may need to explain the separation, provide evidence of the relationship continuing during the period apart, and demonstrate that cohabitation was your shared intention. An agent helps present this narrative clearly.

Get Matched with De Facto Visa Specialists

De facto partner visa applications benefit from an agent who understands the specific evidence challenges. Through Migratio, describe your relationship situation and get matched with 3 agents who regularly handle de facto cases. Free, no obligation.

Do we need to have lived together for 12 months?

Generally yes, unless you have a registered relationship or can demonstrate compelling and compassionate circumstances. Your agent advises on whether an exemption may apply.

What if we kept finances separate?

Many genuine couples keep separate finances. Your agent helps build evidence from other areas — shared household, social recognition, commitment — to compensate.

Can same-sex de facto couples apply?

Yes. Same-sex de facto couples are eligible on the same basis as opposite-sex couples.

What if we lived apart for part of the relationship?

Periods of separation can be explained if the relationship continued genuinely. Evidence of communication, visits, and shared planning during separation helps.

Is a de facto visa harder than a married couple visa?

Not necessarily harder, but the evidence requirements can be different. De facto couples need to demonstrate cohabitation that married couples may establish more easily through a marriage certificate.