For couples applying for the Australian Partner Visa (Subclass 820), one of the most common questions is: “What if we don’t live together yet? Can we still apply?”
Living together for at least 12 months is a standard requirement for de facto relationships, but there are important exceptions and ways to demonstrate your relationship is genuine, even if cohabitation hasn’t happened.
This guide explains what you need to know as a DIY applicant.
Cohabitation Requirements for De Facto Couples
For most de facto applicants, the 12-month cohabitation rule applies:
- You must have lived together continuously for 12 months prior to applying
- Short breaks for travel, work, or study are generally acceptable if properly documented
Married couples do not need to meet this requirement, but evidence of shared life strengthens your application.
Exceptions to Cohabitation Requirements
The Department of Home Affairs allows exceptions if cohabitation is not possible due to compelling or compassionate reasons, including:
- Child-related exceptions
- You and your partner have a child together, either biological or adopted
- Proof: birth certificate or legal adoption documents
- Temporary separation for work or study
- One or both partners are living apart due to employment, study, or family obligations
- Evidence: employment contracts, study enrolments, or letters explaining the separation
- Other compassionate circumstances
- Health issues, visa restrictions, or family emergencies that prevent cohabitation
For DIY applications, it’s crucial to document the reasons clearly and provide supporting evidence.
How to Demonstrate a Genuine Relationship Without Living Together
Even if you don’t live together, you must prove the relationship is genuine and ongoing. Key evidence includes:
1. Financial Evidence
- Evidence of financial support for each other
- Shared expenses or transfers between accounts
- Joint ownership of assets, even if living separately
2. Social Evidence
- Photos together at social events or holidays
- Invitations or correspondence addressed to both partners
- Travel records showing visits
3. Communication Evidence
- Emails, messages, phone logs, or video calls
- Travel itineraries showing visits between partners
- Statutory declarations from friends or family confirming the ongoing relationship
Communication records and frequent visits demonstrate commitment despite living apart.
4. Commitment Evidence
- Wills, powers of attorney, or medical directives naming each other
- Plans for future cohabitation
- Evidence of shared parenting responsibilities, if applicable
This evidence reassures the Department that the relationship is serious, exclusive, and ongoing.
Organising Evidence for DIY Applicants
If you haven’t lived together yet:
- Categorise evidence clearly: financial, social, communication, commitment
- Include a timeline of your relationship, highlighting visits, communications, and milestones
- Provide explanations for any temporary separations
Well-organised evidence shows the Department that your relationship is real, ongoing, and documented, even without cohabitation.
Common DIY Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming living apart disqualifies you – Exceptions exist, but must be supported by evidence
- Insufficient communication evidence – Logs and messages are crucial
- Not explaining gaps or absences – Always document reasons for temporary separation
- Ignoring statutory declarations – Third-party statements help verify the ongoing relationship
- Poor organisation – Present evidence in a structured, chronological manner
Final Thoughts
Not living together does not automatically prevent a DIY Partner Visa 820 application, especially if:
- You are married
- You have a child together
- There are compelling reasons preventing cohabitation
The key is to provide strong, organised evidence of a genuine and continuing relationship through financial support, social recognition, communication, and commitment.
By documenting your relationship thoroughly and explaining any separations, DIY applicants can successfully apply without 12 months of cohabitation.
✅ Quick Recap
- De facto couples usually require 12 months of living together, but exceptions exist
- Exceptions: shared child, work/study obligations, or other compassionate reasons
- Evidence should demonstrate a genuine and ongoing relationship
- Include financial, social, communication, and commitment documentation
- Organise evidence clearly and provide explanations for temporary separations
Want step-by-step guidance? Check out our DIY Partner Visa Package here.
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