What Does it Mean of “Never Married” in Visa Application Forms?
When filling out visa application forms, you might encounter the term “Never Married” when disclosing your relationship status. It is essential to understand the meaning of “Never Married”, as if this is selected, it may affect your plans to include your partner in your visa application in the future. But what exactly does “Never Married” refer to, and how does it impact your visa process?
What Does “Never Married” Mean?
“Never Married” indicates that an individual has never entered a legally recognised marriage or a committed relationship. If you select or state that you are “Never Married” on your visa application:
You have not been lawfully married at any point in your life.
You do not have a current marriage or committed relationship registered under the law.
You have not previously entered into a legally recognised marriage, regardless of whether the marriage ended in separation, divorce or annulment.
This term specifically refers to the legal status of being single throughout your lifetime—it does not consider long-term relationships, cohabitation, or de facto relationships unless those relationships are legally recognised as marriage or registered relationships.
What Does It Mean as a “De Facto Relationship”?
A de facto relationship is between two individuals who are not legally married. A person in a de facto relationship means that:
They have a mutual commitment to a shared life to the exclusion of all others; and
The relationship is genuine and continuing
They live together or do not live separately and apart permanently, and
They are not related by family
Why is Understanding “Never Married” Relevant?
The Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) require accurate information about your relationship status because it can affect your eligibility for certain visas, sponsorships, or family reunification processes. For example, if you are on a Student Visa (Subclass 500) and you did not disclose that you are in a de facto relationship, you are unable to add your partner to your current SC500 as a dependent.
How to Answer if You’re “Never Married”?
If you have never been legally married or entered into a registered relationship, select “Never Married” on your forms.
If you are in a registered relationship, de facto relationship, divorced, widowed, or separated, you should select the other options best suited to your current relationship status.
It is important to answer your visa application honestly and accurately; providing false and/or misleading information can result in visa refusal or cancellation due to PIC4020.
How Can Agape Henry Crux Assist
If you are unsure whether your relationship qualifies as a marriage or a registered relationship, speak with one of our immigration lawyers at Agape Henry Crux for tailored advice to your specific circumstances. Our team of immigration lawyers works together with two of our Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law who specialise in highly complex matters. You can schedule an appointment to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or emailing us at info@ahclawyers.com.
We speak fluent English, Mandarin and Cantonese. We can also help you arrange an interpreter if this isn't your language.
This article/presentation (“publication”) does not deal extensively with important topics or changes in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you find this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances, please contact our office.
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