Partner Visa
AustraliaTM
De Facto Visa Assistance
If you are in a committed relationship but not legally married, you may still be eligible for an Australian partner visa through the de facto pathway. We are a registered migration agent service helping de facto couples assess eligibility, build a strong evidence file, and manage their application from lodgement through to the permanent stage.
What Is the De Facto Partner Visa Pathway?
A de facto relationship is recognised under the Migration Act 1958 (Cth) as a genuine, committed relationship between two people who are not legally married. De facto couples are eligible for the same partner visa pathways as married couples (the onshore Subclass 820/801 or the offshore Subclass 309/100) depending on where the applicant is located at the time of lodgement.
Best suited for
Couples in a genuine, committed de facto relationship where one partner is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
Onshore pathway
Subclass 820/801: For applicants already in Australia at lodgement
Offshore pathway
Subclass 309/100: For applicants outside Australia at lodgement
Key difference from married couples
The key eligibility requirement for most de facto applicants is that the de-facto relationship must have existed for at least 12 months immediately before lodgement. Where the relationship is registered under a state or territory law, the 12-month requirement may not apply. Time spent in an online-only relationship or casual dating where you are not living together will not count toward the 12-month period.
Eligibility
Both the applicant and the sponsor must meet the standard partner visa eligibility requirements. For de facto couples, the following additional conditions apply.
De Facto Relationship Requirements
Relationship duration
Must have been in a genuine de facto relationship for at least 12 months immediately before lodgement
Registered relationship
If the relationship is registered under a state or territory law, the 12-month requirement may be waived
Genuine and continuing
The relationship must be genuine, ongoing, and not entered into solely for visa purposes
Mutual commitment
Both partners must be committed to a shared life to the exclusion of all others
Cohabitation
The Department expects evidence of shared living arrangements. Periods of separation must be explained and documented
Same-sex couples
The de facto partner visa pathway is equally available to same-sex couples
Sponsor Requirements
Status
Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
Age
18 years or older
Sponsorship history
Most sponsors may only sponsor two partner visa applications in their lifetime. A second sponsorship generally requires Ministerial approval
Character
Must not have convictions for relevant offences involving violence or harm
What the Department Assesses
Proving Your De Facto Relationship to the Department Unlike married couples who can rely on a marriage certificate as a foundational document, de facto applicants must build their entire case from relationship evidence. Every one of the four categories must be addressed thoroughly.
Financial aspects
Joint finances, shared assets, and financial interdependence
Nature of the household
Shared living arrangements and domestic responsibilities
Social aspects
Recognition of the relationship by family, friends, and the community as a de facto couple
Nature of commitment
Mutual long-term commitment expressed through written statements and shared future plans
Identity, Health, and Character Documents
Identity, health, and character checks are mandatory for every applicant and must be completed before lodgement. The table below sets out what is required and what to watch for.
Facto Partner Visa Application Costs
Knowing the full cost upfront lets you plan properly and move forward with confidence. Below is a complete breakdown of the Department's application charges.
Primary applicant
AUD $11,710
Covers both stages. Non-refundable once lodged
Secondary applicant — 18 or older
AUD $5,860
Per additional applicant
Secondary applicant — under 18
AUD $2,935
Per additional applicant
Beyond the government application charge, most applicants will need to budget for additional costs specific to their situation. These typically include health examinations, police clearances from relevant countries, and NAATI-accredited translations for documents not in English. The amounts vary depending on your circumstances and country of origin. Contact us to get a complete picture of the total costs involved in your application.
Please note: Government visa application charges are reviewed and typically adjusted by the Department of Home Affairs each July. The figures in this table reflect the 2026–27 financial year. If you are reading this page after 1 July 2027, some charges may have changed. We recommend confirming current fees at the Department of Home Affairs visa pricing estimator or contacting us directly before you budget for your application.
De Facto Partner Visa Processing Timeframes
Processing timeframes for de facto partner visa applications are the same as for married partner visa applicants. The Department of Home Affairs does not differentiate between married and de facto couples at the processing stage.
Onshore pathway — Subclass 820/801
Subclass 820 (temporary)
| Percentile | Processing time |
|---|---|
| Half of applications | Approximately 16 months |
| Most applications | Approximately 24 months |
Subclass 801 (permanent)
| Percentile | Processing time from eligibility |
|---|---|
| Half of applications | Approximately 8 months |
| Most applications | Approximately 26 months |
Offshore pathway — Subclass 309/100
Subclass 309 (temporary)
| Percentile | Processing time |
|---|---|
| Half of applications | Approximately 16 months |
| Most applications | Approximately 24–27 months |
Subclass 100 (permanent)
| Percentile | Processing time from eligibility |
|---|---|
| Half of applications | Approximately 10 months |
| Most applications | Approximately 24 months |
The permanent stage becomes eligible approximately two years after the original lodgement date. A decision-ready application with complete evidence across all four categories is better positioned for timely processing. Contact us to discuss what a realistic timeline looks like for your specific situation.
Please note: Processing times are published by the Department of Home Affairs as percentile estimates and are updated monthly. The figures above reflect data available in early 2026. Actual processing times vary depending on the complexity of the application, the completeness of evidence provided at lodgement, and application volumes at the time of decision. These figures are a guide only and are not a guarantee of when your application will be decided.
Frequently Asked Questions
Speak With a Partner Visa Australia Agent Today
Getting your de facto partner visa application right from the start makes every stage of the process simpler and faster for both of you. Claim your consultation today.
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