Relationship Registration for Australian Partner Visas
Partner visa eligibility
One of the key considerations for eligibility for partner visas to Australia is whether you are considered ‘de facto’ in the eyes of the Australian government. Typically, de facto status requires evidence of the couple having lived together for a minimum of 12 months or 1 year.
However, for some couples, the option of Registering your Relationship can open up partner visa eligibility prior to meeting the requirement of living together for 12 months. With this said, even if you register your relationship, you must be living together when you lodge your partner visa application.
Do you qualify for a visa?
Free AssessmentWhat is required to be able to register my relationship?
The requirements to register your relationship differ slightly depending on which state/territory you are registering your relationship with.
Typically, you’ll need to show that one of you is living in the state you are registering your relationship in. Some states will require proof that both of you are living in that state. In all cases, you will also be required to show that neither of you is married.
What evidence do I need to prove my residence?
Some examples of proof of residence documents that may be required include:
- lease agreement
- utility account statements (electric, gas, water)
- superannuation fund letters
- rates notice
- contract of purchase
- Australian Taxation Office tax file number notice (issued within the last 12 months)
- home contents insurance/motor vehicle insurance policy (dated within one year of your application)
- other proof of residence documentation
What evidence do I need to prove my identity?
You’ll also need to prove your identity by providing identity documentation in specific categories.
Some examples of identity documents that may be required include:
- Citizenship/immigration status
- Australia driver’s licence
- Passport
- Medicare card
- Bank card
- Bank statements
- Superannuation fund details
- Australian proof of age card
- Student ID
- Payslip
- Birth certificate
- Private health cover
If I register my relationship, can I decide to get married later?
If you do not have 12 months evidence of living together at the time of application, your eligibility for the partner visa is based on the relationship registration waiving this 12 months cohabitation requirement.
If you marry during the processing time, this could affect your eligibility and may result in your partner visa application being refused.
Can I get help with my partner visa application?
Using a Registered Migration Agent such as True Blue Migration to manage your partner visa means the many issues you have to consider with partner visa eligibility can be avoided to ensure no potential refusals.
In fact, True Blue Migration has been managing partner visas for over 19 years and we have a 100% success rate for onshore applications. We provide a detailed checklist of evidence you can show, help you put it all together and lodge your application, demonstrating to Immigration that you two meet the requirements.
If you’d like to know more about what using True Blue Migration to manage your partner visa would look like, just contact us for a free partner visa eligibility assessment. You can also call our friendly team or even email us directly at info@truebluemigration.com.
Which states allow relationship registration?
The states that allow for relationship registration include:
- Victoria
- New South Wales
- Queensland
- Australian Capital Territory
- South Australia
- Tasmania
Which states do not allow relationship registration?
The states that do not allow relationship registration include:
- Western Australia
- Northern Territory
Importantly, if you live in Western Australia or the Northern Territory, you will not be able to register your relationship as a pathway to proving your defacto relationship status.