Last Updated: 27 March 2026

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Overview

To meet partner visa Australia requirements, you must show that your relationship is genuine and continuing, have an eligible sponsor, and meet health and character requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs.

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You may still be eligible even if you are not married, are in a long-distance relationship, or have not lived together for 12 months, depending on your circumstances.

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This page gives a clear overview of the requirements. For a complete pathway breakdown, see our partner visa Australia guide.

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What Are the Partner Visa Australia Requirements?

To apply for a partner visa in Australia, you must:

• Be in a genuine and continuing relationship

• Have an eligible sponsor

• Be at least 18 years old

• Meet health requirements

• Meet character requirements

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These requirements apply to both temporary and permanent partner visa stages.

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Am I Eligible for a Partner Visa in Australia?

You are likely eligible if:

• You are in a genuine and continuing relationship  
• Your partner is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen  
• You can provide consistent evidence across all relationship areas  

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Eligibility depends on your individual circumstances. The Department of Home Affairs assesses each application based on evidence rather than a single factor such as marriage or visa status.

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Genuine Relationship Requirement

The most important requirement is proving that your relationship is genuine and continuing.

The Department of Home Affairs assesses partner visa applications under Australian migration law and reviews all evidence across the four relationship factors, and it assesses your relationship across four areas.​

Financial Aspects

You must show how you manage finances as a couple. This may include shared expenses, joint accounts, or financial support.

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Nature of the Household

You must show how you live together or plan to live together. Evidence may include shared accommodation or household responsibilities.

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Social Aspects

You must show that your relationship is recognised by others. This may include photos, travel history, and statements from family or friends.

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Nature of Commitment

You must show long-term commitment. Evidence may include future plans, communication history, and ongoing support.

Long-distance relationships can still meet these requirements if you provide strong and consistent evidence. If this applies to you, see how long-distance partner visa applications are assessed.

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Common Situations

You may still meet partner visa Australia requirements in situations such as:

• You are in a long-distance relationship  
• You have not lived together for 12 months  
• You recently got married  
• You plan to apply while holding another visa in Australia  

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Each situation depends on the strength and consistency of your evidence. Immigration assesses the full context of your relationship.

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Do You Need to Be Married to Apply?

No.

You can apply as either a spouse or a de facto partner. Immigration does not prioritise marriage over a de facto relationship.

Marriage alone does not guarantee a stronger application. What matters is the quality of your evidence. You can see how marriage affects partner visa chances in Australia.

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De Facto Relationship Requirement

If you apply as a de facto partner, you usually need to show at least 12 months of living together before applying.

This requirement depends on your situation. Some exceptions may apply.

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If you are unsure how long your relationship needs to meet this requirement, see how long you must be in a relationship for a partner visa in Australia.

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When Can You Apply?

You can apply either before or after marriage, depending on whether you apply as a spouse or a de facto partner.

The key factor is whether your relationship meets the genuine and continuing requirement at the time of application.

 

If you are deciding on timing, read whether you should apply before or after marriage.

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Sponsor Requirements

Your sponsor must be:

• An Australian citizen

• A permanent resident

• An eligible New Zealand citizen

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The sponsor must meet legal obligations under Australian migration law. Previous sponsorship history may affect eligibility.

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Health and Character Requirements

You must:

• Complete health examinations

• Provide police clearance certificates

These checks confirm that you meet Australia’s health and safety standards.

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Documents Required for Partner Visa Australia

You must prepare documents that support your application.

These include:

• Identity documents

• Relationship evidence

• Police certificates

• Health examination results

• Sponsor documents

The Department of Home Affairs assesses consistency across all documents.

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What Affects Your Eligibility?

Your eligibility may depend on:

• Relationship duration

• Living arrangements

• Strength of evidence

• Your current visa conditions

You must check your visa conditions in VEVO.

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Common Reasons Partner Visas Are Refused

Applications may be refused where:

• Evidence is weak or inconsistent

• The relationship is not clearly genuine

• The sponsor does not meet requirements

• Health or character requirements are not met

Each application is assessed based on individual circumstances.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need to live together for a partner visa?

In most cases, de facto partners must show at least 12 months of living together. Some exceptions may apply.

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Can long-distance relationships qualify?

Yes. Long-distance relationships can qualify if you provide strong and consistent evidence.

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Does marriage guarantee approval?

No. Marriage alone does not determine the outcome of a partner visa application.

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What is the most important requirement?

You must show that your relationship is genuine and continuing across all assessment areas.