Do you live in Australia and are looking for partner visa options for same-sex couples?

It was in 2017 when the Australian public voted ‘yes’ to allow same-sex marriage that the Marriage Act changed.

On 9 December 2017, Australian marriage laws were passed to allow for marriage equality, allowing two people, regardless of their gender identity, to marry. The changes in the law have meant that all partner visa options are now available to same sex couples. Under the old laws, same sex couples were prohibited from applying for some classes of partner visa.

This momentous moment allows full equality in migration law – a positive outcome for many migrants in same-sex relationships.

In addition, Migrants in same-sex relationships with Australian citizens or permanent residents now have easier access to the Subclass 300 Prospective Marriage Visa.

As same-sex marriage had not legally been recognized until this change, this visa had not been an option. For partner Visa applications, there is no discrimination under the Australian visa program for same-sex couples.

Same sex Partner visas can be applied for on the basis of either one of the following 3 types of relationship:

  1. Marriage
  2. Defacto
  3. On the basis of a tangible future plan to get married

All visa’s including On-shore and Off-shore Partner Visas are now available to same sex couples and the LGBTIQ Community in Australia.

As with any couple, the criteria should be satisfied in order to submit a successful visa application.

To satisfy criteria for partner visas the couple must demonstrate the relationship is genuine and continuing. Onshore & Offshore Partner Visas and Prospective Marriage Visas are available  The applicant of course must also be in a relationship with a qualifying sponsor.

​For further assistance please contact us at [email protected] or through the contact us page on this website.

Keystone Visa & Migration Services – Taking the stress out of visa applications.