How can I live permanently in Australia with my Interdependent Partner ?

If you are in a genuine interdependent relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen and wish to enter and remain permanently in Australia, you will need to obtain an Interdependent Partner visa.

Interdependent relationships include, but are not restricted to, same sex couples.

What are the visa requirements for an Interdependent Partner visa ?

You may apply for an Interdependent Partner visa if you :

are in an interdependent relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen
have been in this relationship for at least 12 months immediately prior to applying for the visa,
are able to be sponsored by your partner,
are in a relationship that is genuine and continuing and are able to provide evidence of this,
have a mutual commitment to a shared life to the exclusion of any spouse or other interdependent relationship,
live together, or do not live separately and apart on a permanent basis,
and your partner are over 18 when you apply, and
have no limitations on making an application if applying in Australia.

How is my application for an Interdependent Partner visa processed ?

People applying under the Interdependent Partner category go through a two-stage process on the one application form.

The first stage of the process involves the consideration of the temporary visa application.

The second stage of the process involves consideration of the permanent visa application.

What do I do if my relationship ends before my permanent visa application is decided ?

If the relationship ends while you have a temporary visa, you must inform the department immediately. You may still be eligible for a permanent visa, without having to fulfil the normal two-year waiting period.