A de facto relationship for Australian immigration purposes requires couples to demonstrate mutual commitment to a shared life, excluding all others, while living together without being legally married. The relationship must be genuine and continuing, with parties not related by family. Same-sex and opposite-sex couples are equally eligible for de facto partner recognition.

Published: July 2025 – The Department of Home Affairs has quietly switched on a new “paper‑import” feature that lets selected family‑visa applicants pull their hard‑copy files into ImmiAccount and manage them online. The change took effect on 23 July 2025.

Australia remains one of the most sought-after destinations globally, attracting millions of visitors each year for tourism, business, and family visits. The Subclass 600 Visitor Visa provides an accessible and flexible option for individuals looking to enter Australia for short-term stays. Whether you are looking to explore Australia’s landscapes, visit family or friends, or attend a business event, this visa offers a convenient solution. This comprehensive guide provides a detailed overview of the Subclass 600 Visitor Visa, including its eligibility criteria, fees, processing times, and other important factors for prospective applicants from around the world.

Understanding the Subclass 820 Visa: The Subclass 820 Partner visa is a temporary onshore partner visa that allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia. It is the first step in Australia’s two-stage partner migration process. Applicants must be inside Australia at the time of application and visa decision, reflecting its onshore nature. Upon grant, the 820 visa lets the holder live, work and study in Australia while waiting for the permanent Partner visa (Subclass 801) to be processed. During this period, 820 visa holders can access Medicare and enjoy full work rights as they transition to permanent residency.

The Post‑Higher Education Work (PHEW) stream of the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa (formerly known as the Post-Study Work stream) is designed for international graduates who have obtained an Australian higher education degree (Bachelor’s or above). It allows eligible graduates to remain in Australia temporarily to live, work and study after completing their course. This stream typically grants a stay of 2 to 3 years (depending on the level of qualification and country of passport), giving graduates an opportunity to gain work experience or pursue further studies in Australia. (Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders are an exception, with stays of up to 5 years under this visa).

Migrating to Australia is a life-changing decision — one often driven by the desire to be close to loved ones. In recognition of this, the Australian Government has introduced various family reunification visas to bring families back together under one roof. One such pathway is the Remaining Relative Visa (Subclass 115). This visa is specifically designed for individuals who have been left behind, with all or most of their immediate family members already settled in Australia as citizens or permanent residents. The Subclass 115 visa offers a pathway to those who have no other close relatives living outside Australia, allowing them to live, work, and thrive in the country with their family.

However, the process of securing this visa is not straightforward. It involves a set of strict eligibility conditions, long waiting periods due to annual migration caps, and substantial financial and legal commitments.

Dreaming of gap-year travel, short-term work, and study in Australia? The Work and Holiday (Subclass 462) visa lets Indians aged 18-30 live Down Under for up to 12 months, with the option to earn a second or even third visa after eligible regional work. Demand is sky-high: last year more than 98 000 Indians vied for only 1 000 places, so Canberra now runs a ballot to keep things fair. If you plan to join the 2025-26 draw, read on for everything you need to know.

As of July 1, 2025 Australia’s immigration system has recently undergone substantial revisions, introducing several important changes that will affect employers and applicants. These changes include significant increases in visa application charges, higher income thresholds for skilled visas, and potential delays in processing times for certain visa subclasses. With these adjustments, the Australian government aims to better align its immigration policies with current economic conditions and workforce needs.

The Australian government has announced an increase in the income thresholds for skilled visa applicants, effective from 1 July 2025. These changes aim to maintain the alignment between the wages of skilled migrants and Australian workers, ensuring that the skilled migration program does not inadvertently create competition that undermines the local labour market. This annual adjustment to income thresholds reflects the commitment outlined in the Migration Strategy, following recommendations made by the Migration Review.

In a significant step forward for the Parent visa application process in Australia, the Department of Home Affairs has announced an update that will make managing paper-based Parent visa applications more efficient and user-friendly. While applicants are still required to submit their initial application using a paper form, they now have the option to import their applications into ImmiAccount once their submission is acknowledged. This update, effective from 24 April 2025, introduces a range of online services that will save time and simplify the application process for Parent visa applicants.

Applying for a partner visa in Australia requires demonstrating that your relationship is genuine and continuing. The Department of Home Affairs expects substantial evidence about your life together—essentially, proof that your relationship is authentic and not solely for visa purposes. To do this, applicants must provide evidence in four key categories: financial aspects, the nature of the household, social aspects, and the nature of the commitment.

On 14 May 2024, the Australian Government announced the planning levels for the 2024–25 permanent Migration Program, setting the cap at 185,000 places. This allocation aims to address critical skill shortages, support regional development, and strengthen family and community bonds. The program is structured with a focus on skilled migration while maintaining pathways for family reunification.

Australia Migration Program plays a pivotal role in shaping the nations workforce, economy, and social landscape. The Australian Government has set the permanent Migration Program planning levels for 2024–25 at 185,000 places. This strategic allocation aims to address skill shortages, support regional development, and strengthen family ties, ensuring a balanced and sustainable approach to migration.

The Australian government has recently introduced a series of reforms aimed at modernising the Skilled Visa Program to address emerging challenges in the labour market and enhance the immigration process. These changes represent a significant shift towards a more dynamic, skills-driven migration system that aligns closely with the evolving needs of Australian industries.

In recent developments, the Australian government has introduced important changes to the onshore student visa application process. These modifications, effective from January 1, 2025, aim to enhance the integrity and efficiency of the visa system while also ensuring that Australia remains a competitive destination for international students. The key change involves the requirement for applicants to submit a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) instead of a Letter of Offer when applying for a student visa while onshore.

Applying for a partner visa in Australia comes with significant responsibilities that visa holders must uphold to maintain their legal status and contribute positively to the Australian community. Understanding and complying with these responsibilities is essential for those granted a partner visa. Failing to meet these obligations may lead to serious consequences, including visa cancellation and impact on future residency applications.

Applying for a partner visa in Australia necessitates meeting specific health and character standards set by the Department of Home Affairs. These requirements are designed to protect the Australian community and uphold the nation's high health standards. Below is an overview of these essential criteria and guidance on how to satisfy them.

Applying for a partner visa in Australia is a significant and often complex process. Many applicants face various challenges that can impact the outcome of their application. Understanding these challenges and taking proactive steps to address them can increase the likelihood of a successful outcome. Below are some common challenges associated with partner visa applications and strategies to overcome them.

For partner visa applications, social evidence stands as one of the four pillars used to assess the authenticity and strength of a relationship. Social evidence reflects the public and social integration of the couple, demonstrating their commitment to a genuine and ongoing partnership. Understanding its significance can not only aid applicants in presenting their cases effectively but also highlight the broader cultural and legal expectations of relationships in Australia.

The nature of the household is a key factor in assessing the authenticity of a de facto relationship for partner visa applications under Australian migration law. It provides insight into the living arrangements and domestic responsibilities shared by the couple, reflecting their commitment to a mutual life. This blog explores the elements that contribute to this assessment and provides guidance on presenting comprehensive evidence.