If you are in a de facto relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, you may be eligible to migrate to Australia on a De Facto Visa. This visa category is specifically designed for couples who are not legally married but can demonstrate a genuine and ongoing relationship.
To qualify for a De Facto Visa, you must meet the following criteria:
- Relationship requirements: You must have been in a de facto relationship with your partner for at least 12 months. This means that you have been living together as a couple and are committed to a shared life together.
- Eligibility requirements: You must be at least 18 years of age, not related to your partner by family, and not currently married or in another de facto relationship.
- Health and character requirements: You and any dependents included in your application must meet the health and character requirements set by the Australian government.
- Financial requirements: You must demonstrate that you have enough funds to support yourself and any dependents for the duration of your stay in Australia.
- Australian sponsor: Your partner must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen who is willing to sponsor your application.
- Evidence of relationship: You must provide evidence of your de facto relationship, including documents such as joint bank account statements, joint lease agreements, photographs, and statutory declarations from family and friends who can confirm the genuineness of your relationship.
Once you have gathered all the necessary documentation, you can submit your application online or through an Australian visa office. The application process can take several months to complete, so it is important to plan ahead and allow plenty of time.
How to apply for a de facto visa?
To apply for a de facto visa, you must first be outside of Australia. You can lodge your application either online or by post.
Your application must include evidence of your relationship, such as joint bank statements, bills, leases, or other documents that demonstrate that you are in a genuine and ongoing relationship with your partner.
Once your application has been lodged, you will be given a Bridging visa A (BVA) which will allow you to stay in Australia while your visa application is being processed. If you are in Australia on a valid visa, you can apply for a BVA. The BVA comes into effect when your current visa expires.
Processing times for de facto visas can vary depending on individual circumstances and can take up to 20 months to be processed. Therefore, it is important to ensure that your application is complete and that you provide all necessary documentation to avoid any delays.
If your application is successful, you will be granted a temporary visa that allows you to live and work in Australia for up to two years. After two years, you can apply for a permanent visa if you are still in a de facto relationship with your partner.
The De Facto Visa is a popular choice for couples who are committed to each other but not ready or able to get married. It offers a pathway to Australian permanent residency and the opportunity to build a life together in one of the world’s most desirable countries.
If you have any questions about the De Facto Visa or need assistance with your application, you can contact an Australian immigration consultant or registered migration agent for advice and support.
