dbj_brennan

Hi all,

A workmate of mine has applied for a fiance visa for his girlfriend from the Philippines, and the application is currently under consideration. The problem is, she has just become pregnant following a visit that he made to see her in Manila.

My friend told me that he needs to notify the Australian Embassy in Manila about this change, but is not sure whet will then happen regards her application for a visa.

Any ideas on whether the visa will still be approved, whether she will have to wait for the child to be born, or whether she will get the visa and can have the child in Oz with all the usual Medicare benefits? My friend is in a bit of a state over this and doesn't know how to get advice as he is doing the application without an agent.

Thanks,

JAJ

Is your friend an Australian citizen?

dbj_brennan

He is a PR, recently migrated

jimbo_d

Silly boy, that's a honey trap if ever there was one

dbj_brennan

He seems happy - his life I guess

Les Mighalls

Sorry to be cynical, and with all due respect to your friend and his fianceé, but if I were the case officer I doubt whether I would necessarily see that as cause and effect.

I suspect that what may happen is that the visa will be put on hold until the baby is born and then a DNA test will be required. A DNA test will only be required, however, if the CO believes he/she has reasonable grounds to doubt the paternity. If your friend was there for a couple of months co-habiting with her and she fell pregant in the middle of that time span, then probably not. If it was a one week holiday then the CO probably will.

And he is required to notify DIAC of the change in circumstances.

dbj_brennan

Thank you for your response. In the case where the visa is granted, and she went to Australia, would she be eligible for the normal Medicare support and free treatment for her pregnancy and birth while in Australia? Or, would this not be covered given that the pregnancy began before her visa was granted?

Thanks again.

Les Mighalls

I would suggest that you give Medicare a call to see what their current policy is re. covering her medical costs.

However, on my reading of the regulations she would not be covered until she has actually married and lodged her spouse application.

As I said, though, I suspect that no decision will be made until after the pregnancy and paternity of the child has been determined because if your friend was not the father (and it happens, even here) then it would definitely have an influence on the CO's deliberations.