If we’ve been together for two years, do we automatically qualify for a Permanent Visa?

If we’ve been together for two years, do we automatically qualify for a Permanent Visa?

This is a question that comes up quite often from our clients. The short answer in terms of applying directly for Permanent Residency is that it is all about the STATUS of your partnership. If you’ve been together for two years and have a child together, the Department may then considers the relationship a ‘long-term partner relationship’.

What if we do not have children?

If this is the case, for your relationship to be considered a ‘long-term partner relationship’, you need to prove you have been together either in a defacto or spousal relationship with your partner for three years.

So how do we prove our long-term relationship status?

This is a good question and keep in mind that everyone’s relationship is unique. Even though you have been together with your partner for three years, the Department of Home Affairs requires proof  that your relationship has the four aspects or what they consider as the ‘key factors’ of a genuine and ongoing relationship.

At the end of the day, you need to be able to present all your hard evidence because there is no ‘application form’ for you to complete to show your relationship meets the requirements. It’s not as simple as just being able to tick boxes that read: ‘I want to apply for Permanent Residency straight away’ or ‘I’m just trying to claim long-term partner relationship.’

Once you have gathered all the evidence you need to prove your relationship status, please feel free to contact one of our friendly and experienced MARA Registered Migration Agents. We will be happy to help you through the process and give specific advice that is tailored to your unique relationship circumstance.

We hope you found this information useful. Please check out our website, too, which details our Visa Planning Sessions. Feel free to comment and connect; we love getting your feedback and will reply to any questions you may have.

IMPORTANT: Please note, this does not constitute Immigration advice. Always seek advice from a Registered Migration Agent before applying for an Australian Visa. Migration Law is constantly changing. This information is accurate only at the time of publication.