MadMuvva

Hi folks,

I have been told I could be waiting until next May to get my spouse visa (PR). My husband went in May this year and I can't keep family apart a whole year. I looked at tourist visas. There is one you can get for 12 months. Will it be quite straightforward to get that one and then just hop over to NZ when PR ready to be granted?

Just so fed up. Someone I spoke to other day got a business visa in 1 day and they don't have kids yet we are being treated like this. Just isn't fair on the kids, who are citizens but they can't go til I can.

Thanks

Pollyana

Yes you can apply for a tourist visa, as long as you are using it to go for a holiday not to migrate on.You will need to tell your CO what you are doing. No-one can tell you whether they will grant it for the full 12 months though, and remember you will not be able to work during that time. UK timeline does still seem to be around 5 months to get a Spouse visa.

As for the wait being unfair, that's just the way it goes. Many spouse visa applicants going to the US are parted for a couple of years and they are limited to brief visits while waiting.

MadMuvva

Thanks.

Thing is, I will be migrating not taking a holiday. Kids will be going permanently and I won't be returning to the UK so how can I maintain it's for a holiday? It's just a way to get there quicker.

Don't think I'll move to the US then!

Pollyana

You will need to arrive with the intention of holidaying here to visit your partner, with the intention of returning home at the end of the holiday - unless the visa is granted while you are here. If you arrive at Immigration and tell them that you do not intend to leave, and are actually arriving to live here they MAY refuse you entry on a tourist visa. That's because tourist visas are designed for holidays and if you want to live here you need to get the right visa first.
Several posters have done as you are proposing though - its all about your intentions when you arrive. If you are just bringing the kids to see their father and then intend to return home again, thats fine

MadMuvva

Hmmm. thanks. No matter what I tell them, I think they will work out what I am doing or is just a case of saying the right thing? Hubby's company are paying for one way tickets. So would I need to present a return air ticket? I don't want to do that for the kids, but they are citizens so could say I would leave them with their Dad. I will also be bringing a shed load of baggage as they are paying excess baggage and the house contents will be going when we do. I think I need to discuss with case officer. I will be up front and honest with her because I do not have the cash to be to-ing and fro-ing from the UK!

Thanks for help

Pollyana

Discussion with the CO would seem the best plan - certainly better than just getting a touirst visa and turning up - one way tickets and excess baggage would be a major red flag! You may well find that the CO can sort something out, if only by way of giving you a better idea of how long the wait currently is. - good luck

MadMuvva

Thanks Polyanna.

LizzieTYK

My visa has been granted, woo-hoo! I applied on 19 March and it was granted on 14 September, so just a smidgeon under 6 months and at the outside of the 5/6 months they quoted when I applied.

Hope that gives an idea to others of current processing times!

Now, got to get cracking with organising the move, we have flights booked for early December....

moneypenny20

Congrats.

LizzieTYK

Forgot to say, thanks again for all the helpful people on the forum who answered all my stupid questions quickly and with good spirit. Much appreciated!

Pincher

I just want to say 'Hi' to all.
As you can see I have been a member of BE for quite a few years now and have had a couple of missed opportunities to emigrate (Me, Canada. The OH, USA). Both long and involved tales of woe and frustration.
However, hopefully we are in a position to fulfill our long awaited dreams. Our lives are now in a position where I can go ahead and, finally, apply for my spouse visa. Going to start getting the paperwork together and fingers crossed.
I've naturally been following this thread for some time now, and found it immeasurably helpful and friendly with great advice.

Jord w

We have been told my wife's visa will be approved by the 9th of November

brian.w

How do you know this?My wife's visa was submitted if i remember right about may also,with an agent,meds and police certs done about a month ago now which was the final thing needed after baby was born,now wondering how long it takes.

Jord w

We sent our case officer a quick email and asked, she came back with this date!
Just over the 6 month turnaround, my wife completed her medical around 5 months ago when requested.

jmm2905

Hi All. Sorry I haven't posted in a while, but have been playing the waiting game with DIAC.

I'm thrilled to say that my partner migration visa was approved yesterday! WOOHOO!

The processing time was just a smidge under 6 months. My CO at DIAC was incredibly helpful and always kept me in the loop on the progress.

I wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone who provided much needed advice and guidance, without your knowledge, the forum would most certainly not exist.

For those still waiting on their applications, all I can say is be patient. As they say, no news is good news.

It was a great pleasure dealing with DIAC, unlike the British Home Office who should clearly learn a thing or two from the Aussies. As I'm now somewhat of an old hand at this, I'd be more than happy to also give my 2 cents worth.

Now the REAL hard work begins! Booking flights, giving notice on our rent, packing up and shipping stuff over to AUS etc. It sure is going to be worth it all in the end.