Visa 186 and a De Facto Partner: Sponsoring an Unmarried Partner
The Visa 186 does not require you to be married to include your partner. A de facto partner (someone you live with without being married) can be included as a dependant, but the relationship must be properly evidenced.
What a de facto partner means under Australian law
Under the Australian Migration Act, a de facto partner is someone you live with in a genuine relationship as a couple, without being married. This includes both opposite-sex and same-sex couples.
Basic requirement: The relationship must have existed for at least 12 months continuously before the visa application is lodged (with some exceptions).
Proving a de facto relationship
The DHA looks for evidence across four aspects of the relationship:
1. Financial aspects:
- Joint bank accounts
- Shared assets (property, a vehicle, a joint lease)
- Insurance held in both names
2. Nature of the household:
- A tenancy agreement with both names
- A shared address on documents (electricity and water bills, mail)
- Confirmation from neighbours or a landlord
3. Commitment to each other:
- The length of time you have lived together
- Shared future plans
- Letters and messages showing a long-term relationship
4. Social aspects:
- Letters from friends and family confirming they know you as a couple
- Photographs together over time
- Attending events together
Documents to prepare in practice
- A statement of relationship (your own account describing the history and nature of the relationship)
- Photographs across the years
- Joint bank statements
- Utility bills at the same address
- Letters from family and friends
- Any other document that demonstrates genuinely living together
Living apart for work reasons
If the two of you have not lived together for 12 continuous months because of your circumstances (a visa, work in another location), the DHA considers the relationship as a whole. You need to clearly explain the reason and provide evidence of ongoing contact (chats, calls, visits).
What a de facto partner gains once approved
A de facto partner approved on a Visa 186 has the same permanent residence entitlements as a partner included through marriage: they can live, work and study in Australia indefinitely and later apply for Australian citizenship.