The short answer to the question “I am in a long-distance relationship; can I apply for a Partner Visa?” Yes, you can apply for a Partner visa while living apart. Long-distance couples are eligible for partner visas and must ensure they have strong evidence that their relationship is genuine, ongoing, and committed. Living together helps, but it is not always required.

Which Partner Visas are Relevant?

Rules are similar: the Department must be satisfied that your relationship is genuine by meeting the four-pillar criteria, whether you are married or de facto.

Why Living Together Matters for Partner Visas?

For de facto relationships, the Department requires 12 months of living together before applying for the Partner Visa.
For married couples, marriage can be the main proof of commitment.
If you have not lived together for 12 months, you must provide other evidence to show that your relationship is genuine and ongoing.

What are the Common Acceptable Reasons for Living Apart?

The Department recognises many valid reasons for long-distance relationships:

Work or study in different locations or countries.
Visa or travel restrictions that prevent one partner from entering the other country.
Family or caregiving responsibilities.
Safety concerns, including domestic violence. You must have evidence to prove your claim.

What Evidence Helps for Long-Distance Couples for a Partner Visa?

If you live apart, collect clear and consistent documents that show your relationship is genuine and ongoing:

Communication records: call logs, messages, emails and more.
Travel and visit evidence: flight tickets, boarding passes, photos and more.
Financial ties: bank transfers between partners, joint accounts, and more.
Social and family recognition: statements from friends and family, photos at events, joint invitations and more.
Future plans: engagement, wedding plans, joint lease and more.
Children or dependants: birth certificates, and others.
Reason for separation: employment contracts, enrolment letters, and any relevant documents.

Read:

How to Present Your Story?

Prepare a clear relationship timeline on when you met, key events, visits, periods apart and why.
Be honest and consistent across forms, statements and supporting documents.

What are the Exemptions or Alternatives to the 12-month Rule for the Partner Visa?

You may not need to meet the 12-month period if:

You are married.
You have a registered relationship under state law. Read on how to register your relationship in each Australian state and territory.
You apply under the Prospective Marriage visa (Subclass 300) if you intend to marry in Australia.

Do I Need Professional Assistance for My Partner Visa Application?

You can choose to do your visa application by yourself. However, if your circumstances are complex (e.g., you do not meet character or health requirements, have not met the 12-month relationship requirement, or more), we strongly suggest that you speak with an Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law to assist with your visa application and minimise risk and future complications.

Read our clients’ testimonials on Agape Henry Crux and Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law, Jason Ling.

Long-distance relationships can still meet partner visa eligibility requirements. If you want help collecting evidence and preparing your partner visa application, obtaining tailored legal advice early can make a difference. Schedule a time with one of our immigration lawyers who works closely with two of our Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law at Agape Henry Crux. They specialise in handling highly complex matters. You can schedule an appointment to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or emailing us at info@ahclawyers.com.

Our founder and principal lawyer, Jason Ling, has been recognised in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in Australia™. Agape Henry Crux is named as Best Immigration Law Firm 2025 - Sydney by APAC Insider Awards.

We speak fluent English and Mandarin. 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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