How can I prove a de facto relationship for a Partner Visa?

Applicants must provide evidence of their relationship across financial, social, household, and commitment factors. Generally, a de facto relationship should exist for at least 12 months unless the relationship is formally registered.

Who can sponsor a Partner Visa applicant?

An Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen may sponsor their spouse or de facto partner for a Partner Visa.

What documents are required for a Partner Visa application?

Common documents include passports, relationship statements, statutory declarations, joint financial records, communication evidence, police checks, and health examination results.

Do Partner Visas lead to permanent residency?

Yes. Partner Visas generally follow a two-stage process, beginning with a temporary visa and progressing to permanent residency once eligibility requirements are met.

Partner Visa Pathways for Spouses and De Facto Partners

Partner visas allow spouses and de facto partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible NZ citizens to live, work, and build a future together.

Overview

Partner visas allow eligible partners to live in Australia temporarily and then permanently.

Pathways include onshore 820/801 and offshore 309/100.

Key Points

Feature	Details
Two-Stage Process	Temporary visa first, then permanent stage after eligibility period.
Evidence Based	Requires substantial evidence of a genuine and continuing relationship.

Eligibility

Genuine and continuing relationship
Sponsor is eligible citizen/PR/eligible NZ citizen
Meet health and character requirements

Process

Relationship Evidence: Compile evidence: financial, social, household, and commitment.
Lodge Application: Apply onshore or offshore depending on stream.
Assessment & Requests: Respond to any requests for more information.
Grant & Permanent Stage: Transition to permanent stage (801/100) when eligible.

Documents

Passports and identity
Relationship statements and statutory declarations
Joint financial documents
Photos and communication records
Police checks and health exams

Benefits

Pathway to permanent residency
Work and study rights
Medicare eligibility (onshore temporary stage)

FAQs

How to prove de facto?

Evidence across financial, social, household and commitment factors over 12 months or registered relationship.

Key Info

Field	Value
Processing Time	12–24 months
Validity	Temporary then permanent residency
Cost	From AUD $9,850