Australia De Facto Visa

As indicated by its title, migration to Australia under the Australia de facto - unmarried partner visa category is for potential applicants who are in a de facto relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident or in a relationship with an eligible New Zealand citizen. The initial unmarried partner visa grant is generally valid for two years. Thereafter the de facto visa applicant is eligible to apply for Australian permanent residence. A candidate may be eligible for direct permanent residence if the relationship is a long standing one and/or there are children from the relationship.

Duration

The visa lasts for two years and leads to Australian permanent residence.

Eligibility Criteria

Age

There are no age limitations.

Relationship

The main applicant must:

• Be in a "genuine, continuing de facto relationship" with the sponsor, and have been for the 12 months prior to an application;

• Have an exclusive relationship with the sponsor;

• Be living together or living apart only temporarily;

• Provide evidence of the history of a De-Facto relationship for at least 12 months prior to the application.

There are several types of documentation applicable and a Global Visas consultant will advise in more detail as to requirements based upon individual circumstances.

Health & Character

Australia has strict health and character requirements that must be met before any permanent Australian visa of more than 12 months will be granted. People attempting to migrate to Australia on the Australia de facto - unmarried partner visa will be required to:

• Undergo a medical examination and chest X-ray, undertaken by one of a panel of doctors selected by the Australian authorities, and;

• Obtain police certificates for all countries in which they have lived for more than 12 months in the 10 years leading up to the Australia visa application.

Additional Information

An application for the Australia de facto - unmarried partner visa will need to be supported by documentary evidence of the relationship.

Processing Times

The current processing time for migration to Australia under the Australia de facto visa is three - six months, from the start of the process. A Global Visas consultant will be able to advise you of the latest processing times.