drea4

Hello all

I have a question regarding de-facto spousal visas. My partner (AUS citizen) and I (US citizen) will be eligible for the de-facto spousal visa at the end of January. We lived in Australia from January-June of this year together and now are living together in Europe until November. We plan to visit my family in the US and then return to Australia in December to finish out our 1 year cohabitation requirement. Ulitmately we would like to live together in Australia.

My question is this: When we return to Australia, I will need a visa. I am eligible for the working holiday-maker visa so that is one option, however, we are wondering if we apply for the prospective spousal visa while in the States (the one that gives you 9 months to marry) and then apply for the de-facto in February, does that count the same as if we got married, thus fulfilling the requirement of the prospective spousal visa? And if not, and I do get the working holiday visa, will it be looked upon badly by immigration that I got the working-holiday visa and then applied for a de-facto?

I'd really appreciate some advice.

Cheers!