Australian Defacto Visa The processing stages for an defacto Australian visa for Australian immigration follows that of the spouse visa. Should the applicant fulfill all initial requirements, a temporary Australian visa is first issued to the applicant allowing them to work, study and travel to and from Australia as needed. After a period of approximately two years, the relationship between the applicant and their partner will be assessed and if all requirements have been met, a permanent Australian visa will then be issued. Conditions for Eligibility To qualify for a defacto visa, you must: be sponsored (usually by your spouse or partner), be of the opposite sex to your partner, be at least 18 years of age if you live in Australia or at least 16 years of age if you live outside of Australia, demonstrate that you and your partner have a mutual commitment to a shared life as partners in a defacto relationship, demonstrate that your relationship with your partner is genuine and continuing, demonstrate that you have been in a defacto spouse relationship for the 12-month period prior to lodging your visa application, meet health and character requirements. To successfully apply for an defacto Australian visa, you must be able to provide evidence of living together in a household separate from others as well as the sharing of important financial and social commitments together.