Any Canadians doing the Defacto Visa?

Hello,

Im Canadian and have been in Australia since Feb 07. I came in on a holiday working visa. im now on my 2nd visa. I have met my partner here who is australian and we want to do the defacto visa. but because of my job i cant live with him (im an live in aupair) We been together for more than a year now and have a bank account together. but we are a bit worried about the living together part. Do you need a lease with both names on it? and is there exceptions for certian cases like mine? Any help or information would be so much appreciated!
THANKS VANESSA

They say that they look at special circumstances, and I would give it a try, just explain in detail why you don't live together. Get the ppl you au-pair for to write a stat declaration (you need at least 2 from aussies anyway).
Having joint accounts, joint travel etc should be good. We didn't have that and I just got mine.

My advice: fill out the 3 forms online, print it out(you can't submit online), get all your 'evidence' etc together and take it in to the main office in person (see if you can get an appointment, but if not still just go in). I went in with no apt (because phone lady said they were booked until the end of Oct) and spoke to someone there who granted it to me on the spot!.even though it's supposed to take 6-8 months! (My application was front-loaded though, meds & RCMP police check etc done). I'm sure this is rare, but the point is that the people you speak to on the phone say one things (by the book) whereas if you get to plead your case to a real person you might get better info.

feel free to email me if you have a question