Who can apply?

Applicants for an interdependent partner visa must be aged at least 18 years and in an interdependent relationship with their sponsor.

If applying on the basis of an interdependent relationship, the parties should have been in the relationship for at least 12 months at the time of applying for the visa.

The sponsor must be aged at least 18 years and an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.

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

Visa requirements Genuine relationship requirement - You must be able to prove:

you and your partner have a mutual commitment to a shared life to the exclusion of any spouse or any other interdependent relationships;

your relationship is genuine and continuing;

you and your partner live together, or don't live separately and apart on a permanent basis; and

you and your partner have been in an interdependent relationship for a period of 12 months immediately preceding the date of application, unless there are compelling or compassionate circumstances.  These include where applicants can establish that cohabitation was not legally permitted in the country in which they had lived during the 12 months.

Age requirement Both you and your partner must have turned 18 when you apply.

Application process
People applying in or outside Australia under the interdependent partner category go through a two-stage process.  The process involves applying for a temporary visa and a permanent visa on 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.

Stage 1 - Interdependency temporary visa -
This stage involves assessment of your eligibility for a temporary visa based on your application.

You and your partner may be asked to attend an interview to enable the Department to further assess your application.  You will also be asked to undergo a medical examination and provide character clearances.

If you successfully complete the first stage of processing, you will be granted a temporary visa which will be in effect until a decision is made on your application for the permanent visa, or that application is withdrawn.

Stage 2 - Interdependency permanent visa -
This stage of processing will begin approximately two years after you lodged your visa application and involves assessment of your eligibility for a permanent visa.

If you have been in the relationship with your partner for five years or more at the time of application, there are provisions to waive the two-year wait period.

You will be required to provide evidence that the relationship between you and your partner is genuine and continuing.

If you have lived in Australia for more than one year, you will be required to provide an Australian police clearance.

You may also be required to provide clearances from other countries you have visited since your temporary visa was granted.

You and your partner may be asked to attend an interview.

If you meet all the requirements, you will be granted a permanent visa.

If the relationship ends before the second stage of processing

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, if:

• after entering Australia the relationship breaks down and you or a member of your family are the victim of domestic violence committed by your partner; or
• after entering Australia, your partner dies

You can obtain a free assesment for this category by following this link