My partner and I have lived together in England for several years and would like to migrate to Australia. Can we apply under the Interdependency category?

Australia does not recognise same sex partners for Migration. A same sex partner can not be included in an application for migration. So people who come here on Temporary Business Visas, sponsored by an employer can not bring their same sex partner with them. The same applies to people holding a Skilled Migrant Visa.

In spite of many requests to the Minister he has refused to look into this discrimination and even the Human Rights and Equal Opportunities Commission have had no reply from the Minister on this point. See our Submission to HREOC.

When making an overseas application must the Statutory Declarations be made by Australian Citizens.

A senior officer of the Department of Immigration at the Sydney office said that the department recognizes people overseas may not know any Australian Citizens. He said that the regulations don't specifically mention that they must be from Australian Citizens.

Statutory Declarations sworn in most countries are recognized in Australia. They must be sworn in front of an authorized person. If in doubt ask your local Australian Office for the names of recognized persons. Don't forget, all papers must be presented in English so if your declarations are in your own language have them translated by accredited translators. Again the local Australian office should be able to supply you with names of authorized people.