Same Sex Couples

Up until 1 July 2009, same – sex partners were recognised as being interdependent partners in interdependent relationships for migration purposes.

From 1 July 2009, same – sex partners are recognised as being de facto partners for migration purposes and the changes have the following affects:

- Same sex and opposite sex de facto couples in a genuine and continuing relationship are recognised as de facto partners.
- Opposite sex married couples in a genuine and continuing relationship are recognised as spouses.
- The terms interdependent partner and de facto spouse are no longer used for new visa applications.
- Spouses and de facto partners may be jointly referred to as partners.
- Same sex de facto partners and their children are recognised as family members when their partner is a primary visa applicant.
- Parent – child relationships including biological children, adopted children, children born via artificial conception procedures and children born into prescribed surrogacy arrangements can be recognised for migration purposes.
- Children of de facto partners (including same sex partners) are recognised as step children.