Dear all

Does anyone know how long a spouse visa is valid for, i'm applying now but may not move for a year depending on contracts?

or should I wait and apply nearer the time

Many thanks

S

Hi

I assume that you mean having married an Aussie and not a spouse attached to another visa?

Anyway ours was granted quick as (24 hours) and it is valid for 12 months from the date of the medicals or police check, whichever is earlier.

So if you are not leaving for at least a year wait!

Good luck

Will you be getting a temporary or permanent visa?




Jeremy

Hi jeremy, I am going on a de-facto visa (temp PR as havent been together long enough to qualify for PR) how long will I have to enter australia. I was under the impression that it was 1 year?

Thanks

Time to enter Australia first time is the same as on a permanent visa. If you're only going to be getting the temp visa, maybe better to progress it now as DIMIA are making noises that for new applicants from 1 April 2006, they will require one year's residence in Australia as a minimum before PR can be granted (in cases where there is no eligibility for PR immediately).


Jeremy

Thanks Jeremy. Yes should be ready to send the forms off within 2 weeks, had the meds yesterday so making progress. How will the new citizenship legislation affect spouse visas on temp visas. After wht period will I be able to aplly for citizenship assuming I stay in oz indefinitely ?

Van

You'll need 3 years after PR, however you may be able to get a credit for part of the time on a temporary visa. Circumstances surrounding that are unclear.



Jeremy

Thankyou, that sums that up for me.

Van

The 309 is valid for abot 2 years practice (although in theory it is valid until another visa is granted or the 309 itself is cancelled). The 100 is valid for 5 years.

The offshore temporary 309 and subsequent permanent 100 (if granted offshore), or standalone permanent 100 (offshore) all have initial entry dates. That would be the 12 months you mentioned here.

Peter

The 309 visa itself also has a first entry date condition.




Jeremy