What is a "Partner"

This article is also available in Spanish.

I remember the first time I heard someone talk about their partner. I wasn’t entirely sure what they meant.

In Australia the word “partner” usually means either a business partner or a romantic partner. Australian migration law refers to visas for romantic partners as “Partner visas”. They are the same visas regardless of whether or not you are married, although there are some slight differences if you are married.

To apply for a visa on because you are in a romantic relationship with an Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen, or other visa holder, you need to show that you are in a de facto relationship. This is more than dating, or being a girlfriend or a boyfriend. The term partner, and the partner visa can apply to both heterosexual and same sex couples.

If you hear people talking about “spouse” or “marriage” visas they are probably talking about partner visas. There is also a special visa for fiancés called a “prospective marriage visa”, however if you are engaged this may not be the best visa for you depending on your circumstances. At Mandeville Migration we can provide you advice on your partner visa.

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Written by: Laura Mandeville

Registered Migration Agent: 2117601