If you are applying as a de facto couple, the standard requirement is to prove that you have been cohabitating for at least 12 months immediately before lodging your application.
For couples who have lived together for less than a year but are fully committed, Western Australia offers an alternative pathway: Relationship Registration.
By registering your de facto relationship with the WA Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, the Department of Home Affairs can waive the strict 12-month living-together requirement. However, registration does not exempt you from providing comprehensive evidence across the four pillars; it simply bypasses the specific 12-month duration threshold..
The Onshore Pathway: subclass 820/801
There are two stages to the onshore partner visa:
- Subclass 820 (Temporary): This is the first class. If you have made a valid application, you will receive a Bridging Visa A (BVA) that will allow you to work full time pending a decision.
- Subclass 801 (Permanent): This visa is assessed two years after the initial visa application to ensure that the relationship continues to exist.
The processing charges for partner visas paid by the government are an important monetary commitment, so it’s crucial to get the visa application correct on the first attempt. If you are refused, you are out of luck; you will not get your application fee back and you may have to leave the country.
The Four Pillars of Relationship Evidence
DoHAs do not believe you, they take your word for it. There are four general criteria for substantiation: provide hard evidence demonstrating your relationship:
| Pillar | What the Department Looks For | Concrete Examples for Perth Couples |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Aspects | How you share financial responsibilities. | Joint bank accounts showing regular usage, shared utility bills, joint tenancy agreements, or major joint purchases (like furniture or a car). |
| Nature of the Household | Your day-to-day living arrangements. | Joint lease agreements, mail addressed to both of you at your Perth residence, and a clear explanation of how you divide household chores and expenses. |
| Social Aspects | How others perceive your relationship. | Joint invitations, photos together at local landmarks (like Kings Park or Rottnest Island), travel bookings, and Statutory Declarations (Form 888) from Australian citizens or permanent residents who know you as a couple. |
| Nature of Commitment | Your long-term plans and emotional bond. | Evidence of long-term contact during any periods of separation, superannuation beneficiary nominations, wills, and written statements detailing the history and future goals of your relationship. |
The 12-Month Rule vs. Relationship Registration.
When applying as a de facto couple, the usual criterion is to have been living together for the past 12 months before you file your application.
If a couple has been living together for less than a year but are completely dedicated, the state of Western Australia provides another alternative: Relationship Registration.
The Department of Home Affairs can waive the requirement to live together for 12 months by registering the de facto relationship with the WA Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Please note that registering does not mean that you are not to be obliged to present a full 4 pillar picture, it just means you are not required to present the picture for a specific 12 month period.
Why Professional Assistance Makes the Difference
It is a common mistake to assume that if a relationship is serious the visa will be granted. In fact, many real couples are delayed or rejected for a number of reasons, including that their evidence was not properly organized, not consistent or not complete.
The Home Affairs department increasingly prefers ‘decision ready’ applications. This also involves submitting documents that are fully completed, clear translations and police clearances at the moment of lodgement to help ensure processing is quick.
It can be daunting to compile and compile such a volume of personal history. That’s where a qualified expert comes in. When it comes to explaining your particular situation, structuring your declarations and compiling the correct relationship evidence, it’s much easier and safer when you have an experienced visa agent in Perth by your side.
Your WA expert will be able to tell you if your file is missing certain parts before you pay the fees to submit it for processing and will avoid unnecessary stress.
Key Steps to Take Right Now
- Verify your current conditions of your visa on VEVO. Make sure you have sufficient time to prepare an application for a partner visa that is ready for lodgement.
- Avoid a messy financial situation: If you haven’t already, create a joint checking and savings account and use it to pay shared bills.
- Get Historical Mail: Get agreements for renting, utility bills, official mail, etc., that has been sent to you and your landlord from the same address during the last twelve months.
- Talk to a Professional: Schedule an appointment with a registered migration agent to plan your timeline and ensure you’re on the right path in bridging visa transition.
