F2.15 Minimum requirements for the recognition of partnerships

Partnerships will only be recognised for the purposes of these instructions if:

1. the couple are both aged 18 years or older at the time that the application for a residence class visa was lodged; or
2. (if one or both of the parties to the partnership are aged 16 years or older but are less than 18 years of age at the time their application for a residence class visa is lodged), they have the support of the parent(s) or guardian(s) of that (those) party(ies); and
3. the couple have met prior to the date the application under these instructions is made; and
4. the couple are not close relatives.

Note: For the purposes of these instructions relationships between close relatives are considered to be:
i. relationships specified as "prohibited degrees of marriage" under Schedule 2 of the Marriage Act 1955;
ii. relationships specified as "prohibited degrees of civil union" under Schedule 2 of the Civil Union Act 2004; and
iii. de facto relationships equivalent to the provisions under Schedule 2 of the Marriage Act 1955 and under Schedule 2 of the Civil Union Act 2004.

Effective 19/08/2013