makven

I am applying for a spouse visa and would like to ask a few questions on: the application process; timescale; supporting info etc! Anyone else been through or going through this process that can give any tips?
Makven

Hutch

Takes a little while to piece together all the paperwork (stat decs, joint account statements, family photos etc) but once you submit it they turn it round in less than a week.

davidclifford

Try the DIMIA website at http://www.australia.org.uk/vti/html/ (assuming you're in the UK). It has all the information you'll need, plus downloadable application forms and costs. You'll need a police check, private medical & x-ray, solicitor-certified copies of all original documents, statutory declarations (including two from Australian citizens or permanent residents) and as much supporting evidence as you can muster. Generally, you have to prove that you and your partner have been in a relationship for at least 2 years, unless there is a child of the relationship, though there may be some exceptions. The application and other stuff may cost you over £750 in all, and once you've got the visa you must validate it by visiting Australia, with your partner, within 1 year. Becoming an Aussie ain't cheap - so start saving! Good luck!

davidclifford

Oh...and by the way, on no account be tempted to use an agency.

iPom

Agreed. The worst is assembling all the info, but once that's done and you've sent it off, it'll be back in your hot sticky hand in a flash. Mine took 4 days.
It's probably the easiest visa out of the lot.

Got questions as you go along, fire away.

Also, do a search for Spouse Visa on here and on the visa forum for lots of threads that you should read to give you a good background and help.

treefrog

A lot of them are already assembled under the ReadMe: Useful Australian Links, Top Tips & To Do List an the top of the list of threads. Just noticed! Have a gander if you haven't already.

iPom

I am loving that avatar treefrog.

Pollyana

Generally correct, but you don't have to be in a rel'ship for 2 years. If you are married, you can apply at once, if you are de facto, you need to have been living together for 12 months (or have very good reasons for living apart).
Also, to validate your visa, its only you that has to travel - your partner does not need to go with you, as they will have either a visa, or am Aussie passport, in their own right.

moneypenny20

It's just you. I married an Aussie lad

Rug13y

What about at the end of the 2 years is that bit easy to get PR?
Cheers

Pollyana

And me

Pollyana

The PR is a lot easier than the temp residence - couple of stat Decs and police checks, and some proof that the relationship is ongoing, and there you have it.
Main thing is that DIMA send the papers to you, you don't actually apply for it, so you MUST keep DIMA updated with your current address.

Anastasia Beaverhausen

Yeah but your a PR now, time to trade in the bloke.

Thats what I tell my hubby when he gets on my nerves "got my PR, dont need you anymore"

ClareW

I was given a permanent resident visa straight away. Probably because I'd been with my aussie for 10 years when the application went in, married for 7 and have two kids, who we'd already registered as Australians.

I guess that means it's not a totally automatic process and they do wade through the forms, statements, photos etc...



Good luck with the application.

The Bloke

So, I threatened to trade Polly in every now and again seeing she has PR........