Visa Vexation - Helping Someone Immigrate OzB Style

CrankyCarrot on 14/03/2019 - 16:59
Last edited 21/03/2019 - 00:35

Freely admit I'm not sure which forum area this should go in.

I want to help my longtime gf from Thailand immigrate to Sydney Australia. The partner visa costs over $7k currently, which is an expense I'm sure any reasonable OzB'er would want to avoid.

Does anyone have any (serious) ideas on how else I could bring her here?

We don't have kids and she's over 35. Hard worker with solid resume in property sales and similar. Decent English. Been together for years. Has been here once before as a tourist without issue.

Financial

Comments

      • MementoMori on 20/03/2019 - 10:41

        KozieSeller obviously hasn't lived in Asia…

        • HangryCakeStore on 20/03/2019 - 12:48

          You obviously haven't seen the comments here, so sad some user now disabled was inciting a manifesto, in this thread. A whole new level if u ask me.

    • Some Guy on 18/03/2019 - 18:57

      Better beaches? Bollocks. Unless you've seen only Nudgee Beach.

      Most are impacted heavily by uncontrolled development.

      • CrankyCarrot on 18/03/2019 - 20:35

        There's still some pretty sweet beaches.

  • field1985 on 15/03/2019 - 15:10
    +1

    I thought the partner visa costs over $8k. This is not a cost you can avoid. The only possible options to avoid this cost are:
    - Don't bring your girlfriend out
    - Bring her out on a tourist visa and go on the run (can't work, can't claim benefits, can't access medicare, etc, etc)

    Pay for the partner visa. It's expensive to stop people thinking they can just "bring" anyone they call their "partner" here.

    If you really are serious about the relationship, that amount of money should not be a deterrent.

    She will not working visa with those credentials, as we have no shortage of property agents, there is a oversupply of them.

    Best of luck.

  • epkh on 15/03/2019 - 15:54

    Hey,

    I recently applied for the visa for my wife. You definitely don't want to do anything dodgy or cheap out, especially since there's already so many people doing fake marriages just to sell the visa/or. I don't think there's any other way (couldn't find any easy other way).

    I suggest you apply for it when she is a tourist here, as she will immediately get a bridging visa A. If she applies while overseas she doesn't get this (I think).

    Also you don't need to use a lawyer. From what I understand, it's not really necessary and they only help to fill the form and if it doesn't work out (not sure what they even do in this situation).

    Also, do it asap because it takes years to go through. I applied for mine early last year and still unclear when it'll be done (they say 22 mths).

    Gl mate

    • CrankyCarrot on 18/03/2019 - 17:40

      Thanks.

      During an initial consult with an agent, they told me that if you apply on-shore while on a visitor/tourist visa, you have to wait for that to run its course (3 months) before they start processing the partner visa (and presumably issue the bridging one with the relevant work/health rights).

      If you apply off-shore/overseas, it takes 12 months before you can come here, I believe.

  • Mrgreenz on 15/03/2019 - 17:00

    Doubt property sales is on the Skilled Occupatuons List at this point in time. Even if it were the partener visa would be the go.

    Pay 7k enjoy being together

  • belongsinforums on 15/03/2019 - 18:11
    +1

    You can apply for a prospective marriage visa. Marry in Australia towards the end of the visa. Then apply for a partner visa. You'll get a bridging visa. Then eventually she'll get resident status. Finally she applies for pr.

    A bit of paperwork. Do it in bits. Open a joint account once she moves here and deposit both incomes there. Get her to find any job quickly here.

    Once she gets pr, she'll be eligible for some free tafe courses. Helps a lot when changing careers. I'd suggest aged care.

    Only problem you may face is having her prospective marriage visa denied. Collect a crapton of evidence. Join online visa groups where everyone helps each other with paperwork. The cost of the visas are well worth it.

    Good luck!

    • Soluble on 15/03/2019 - 18:13
      +1

      Chat logs, phone logs, lots of logs!

    • stingy-oz on 15/03/2019 - 21:51

      Good idea but Prospective marriage visa cost 7K+ dollars to start. The spouse do get 9 months and must married in 9 months, proceeding with partner visa at just under 1.2K. then there's waiting….18months worth. then first temp Visa.

      just extra long process but if for real, i'd just go for spouse visa.

  • Webber000 on 15/03/2019 - 18:21
    -4

    Don't do anything at all until you have spoken with a good professional registered migration agent.
    As someone who is doing it I can assure you their advice is well worth the money (if you get a good one).
    You only have to pay to get the advice - I've not been paying them to actually handle the visas so far as I have been able to do that and that is the majority of the cost - but in terms of getting that initial advice they are specialists at knowing which one is best for your particular case. Best not to tell them you don't plan to use them for the actual application.
    If you just guess the best one and do it online yourself you may find there was another route that would have worked better, been cheaper, been quicker or been more certain (rules change and recently they applied them retrospectively for the first time). My agent has advised me on what things not to do and given genuine reasons that have proven to be true (subsequent changes to laws that as agents they "expect" will happen soon etc and that would have left me high and dry if you are working on a long term plan).
    I'm from the UK and used someone in the UK so don't have an oz one to recommend for you. I also spoke with the Australian embassy in London and they were REALLY good and said very honestly what people do and whats "likely to happen" with certain routes - surprisingly very open and honest.

    Are you an ozzie / do you have oz citizenship? If so you could probably get her on a partner visa (I think called DeFacto Relationship visa). They do look for joint bank and lease stuff I believe ideally, so additional photos, airline tickets, text messages/FB etc may fill some gaps if you don't have that and given you say you've been together years I think you stand a good chance of meeting it- but an agent will confirm whats needed if you don't have stuff and advise alternate routes if needed.

    • Hardlyworkin on 15/03/2019 - 18:37
      +3

      Or just search the countless forums online for free instead of pi$$ing money up the wall. It ain't rocket science.

      After going through the process ourselves my partner and I could provide much the same advice as a migration agent; though we would still charge you an arm and a leg ;)

      • CrankyCarrot on 18/03/2019 - 18:10

        It feels a bit like it'd be worth starting up a biz like that advising future people, given just how involved and convoluted the whole thing is to go through.

    • CrankyCarrot on 18/03/2019 - 20:41

      @Webber000 - I don't know why your post got downvoted, but thanks for replying.

      Fortunately you can speak with a migration agent for free first up, which I have done. Quote for helping do the entire application was $3000+. I'll take my chances doing everything myself for that chunk of change. Yes, I'm an Aussie citizen.

      The Prospective Marriage Visa is a way to apply without having joint bank accounts/leases etc, as it turns out.

  • voo123 on 15/03/2019 - 19:16
    +1

    7k for a partner visa application is cheap in comparison to the scam marriages that cost 80k for females and 100k for males. If your case is genuine, then there shouldn't be any issues. There are certain things that can make a case more compelling like methods of communication, having kids, having a marriage, visiting each other often etc. Immigration is a complex matter as there isn't a concrete answer for everything, and an experienced migration agent can guide you with the types of things that can strengthen your case. Countries like Thailand and Vietnam tend be classified as high risk whereas Japan, south Korea are low risk in comparison.

    • CrankyCarrot on 18/03/2019 - 20:42

      Gotcha. Cambodia too (re risky biz, as another poster mentioned).

  • Alan Fartridge on 15/03/2019 - 19:54
    +2

    Immigrant here.

    There is no way to avoid the cost. Pay the money, complete the forms, complete more of the forms, wait, complete more forms, wait & then get your Visa.

    It's a crappy process but worth the time and effort if you want to start a life together in this country.

  • coolsteps on 15/03/2019 - 20:18
    +3

    The Ozbargain way would be to pay the 7k and DIY the visa, not shelling out on lawyers i second that. if you love her do the right thing and sponsor her and get a spouse visa. if you cant afford it she probably will not be granted the visa. another avenue is to get a student visa and work part time and save cash while here. but even a student visa and tuition will probably end up costing heaps more. there is no short cuts or cheaper way do it the right way the first time. or tell her the truth that you cant support her and cut your loses and find one thats already here living in oz. she will probably move on to another guy that can afford to sponsor her.

  • stingy-oz on 15/03/2019 - 21:45
    +9

    RMA here so i charge for my service but don't mind contribute in OzB spirit.

    There's obviously plenty of details that not included in your question so I'll make few assumptions. What you're in for:
    1. Spouse Visa - 7K+ AUD application fees. There's no running away from this one. Hint, you want to bring her into Australia before kickoff the application process.
    2. Student Visa - It has a cheap upfront cost BUT will end up costing you more. There are cost involved in courses, classes, transport etc. If she's good at property sales, she might make it back after gaining sales rep certificate.

    also applying Spouse visa isn't a straightforward process like many thought i.e. presenting a marriage cert is not necessarily adequate to prove your relationship. You have to convince the immigration officer that you and your spouse is in a true relationship without any reasonable doubt. For some its simple but I've seen too many failures because underestimating the required evidences.

    If you and your spouse is for real - my advise is go for to a few RMA and have a chat. Many don't charge for first consult (yeap OzB way ;) )

    Good luck

    • CrankyCarrot on 18/03/2019 - 18:14

      Thanks.

      I've spoken to one agent already who suggested registering the relationship with Births, Deaths and Marriages ($300 ish) and then getting the tourist visa, then applying for the partner visa in country.

      The consensus between him and many others online seems to be that all other routes are not worth the time/money messing around with.

  • andyken on 16/03/2019 - 00:20
    +1

    buy a ticket to Indonesia, hire a boat or swimming, bring some adoptive kids from Indonesia. red carpet for you, Free house and money come right away. Bargain.

    relax, I'm just kidding

    • FutureTech on 16/03/2019 - 08:47
      -3

      Might not be a joke once Labor is elected.

      They gave them free health care already anyway

      • buckster on 17/03/2019 - 21:54
        +1

        Complete nonsense.

    • Blue Cat on 16/03/2019 - 09:41
      +1

      How is this fair to honest people who pay tens of thousands $ of government fees just so that they have a chance at PR and these people just come and get everything for free?

      • whooah1979 on 16/03/2019 - 09:51
        +1

        I would rather pay $10000s than spend days or weeks on a leaking tub trying to cross the ocean.

        • gromit on 17/03/2019 - 08:13
          +3

          Actually you would be paying thousands for the leaky tub too. The leaky tub is an attempt to bypass the waiting lists and process.

          • voo123 on 17/03/2019 - 11:45
            +1

            @gromit: Can confirm my grandma paid alot of gold to buy a spot for mum on a overcrowded junky boat fleeing Vietnam after the war.

  • Melong on 16/03/2019 - 10:52

    By the way, you need to be able to demonstrate that you have the ability to support your spouse during the application / transition period so you need to show you have a reasonable living arrangements and a decent salary

    • CrankyCarrot on 18/03/2019 - 20:47

      Is there some kind of min salary for this?

      If you lease and don't own your own home are you bound to get shot down? Share housing?

      • Melong on 19/03/2019 - 11:42

        Sadly I would say if you are asking this question, it's probably too much, are you sure you are ready for this kind of commitment? Perhaps you should sort out your financial/career situation before thinking about a serious long term relationship. Also there are plenty of fish in the sea.

        You should have your own rental property/own property, some sort of fixed income that is around the average and be able to document the domestic situation, who will pay for what and who will do what, you should also have plenty of evidence that you are in a legitimate relationship (photos, joint accounts, joint bills, letters, you will need friends/family who will validate the legitimacy of your relationship, you will need to write a story about how you met, how your relationship developed etc.).

        The $7k is really the least of the issues.

        • voo123 on 19/03/2019 - 12:01

          A good migration agent would guide you through the application process and provide insight into what type of evidence is compelling enough to include in the application. They provide a template of the things that should be included in the personal statement, when to do the various checks as a police check lasts for 6months only and rough timeframes of the processing times based on past clients. They will skim through the evidence collected and give advice on whether additional evidence is needed before actually proceeding with the application. No point paying 7 k in app fees and having immigration constantly requesting additional info which prolongs the processing time. Ideally, you want all the necessary evidence ready to make the processing straight forward.

        • Hardlyworkin on 19/03/2019 - 18:19

          We lived in a share house when we successfully applied within the past 2 years. I'm not a high income earner though would appear stable on paper.

  • noshopping on 16/03/2019 - 11:15
    +1

    Over 5000 people get rejected for prospective/partner visas every year according to published stats on the ABC news site. At $7000+ per application (non-refundable) you wanna make sure you get it right.

    • Samsungnote10 on 16/03/2019 - 12:25

      it would be interesting to see which countries these people were from

      • whooah1979 on 16/03/2019 - 12:52
        -1

        Top 10.
        United Kingdom
        New Zealand
        China
        India
        Philippines
        Vietnam
        Italy
        South Africa
        Malaysia
        Germany

        • Samsungnote10 on 16/03/2019 - 12:54
          +1

          Uk very surprises me

          Since its a lot easier to get one

        • t-money on 18/03/2019 - 16:09

          Surely you have just made this list up? New Zealand citizens do not require partner visa to live and work in Australia…

      • DeafMutePretender on 18/03/2019 - 00:00

        It would also be interesting to see the gender of the prospective partners. Is it mostly Australian women bringing in foreign husbands/boyfriends, or mostly Australian men bringing in foreign wives/girlfriends, or half/half?

        • belongsinforums on 18/03/2019 - 20:56

          i would guess that the majority of it is men sponsoring women from asia, but i have heard of women sponsoring men from asia. ive even heard of a chinese girl who migrated to australia in high school, became a citizen, and ended up sponsoring a chinese boy. would be interesting to see the stats.

  • sasukewa on 16/03/2019 - 13:09

    Migration agents are for people who do not know how to fill in forms. Pay the $7k, unless you dont think it is worth it… it is the easiest way. Don't waste your time. When I applied for mine, it took me 2 days of paperwork. Not difficult, just monotonous.

  • itsdougie on 16/03/2019 - 13:33
    -4

    Wait for upcoming federal election
    Go to Indonesia with partner, get her really sick then put her on a boat send her to Australia.
    She'll end up in Manus then medivacd to Christmas Island.
    Move to christmas, nice place, nice beach, cheap alcohol. Paradise
    Happy ever after

  • glassyan on 16/03/2019 - 14:44
    +1

    Unless the company she is working in have presence in Australia and is willing to sponsor her in Australia, I don't see a way around the partner visa. Given you ask here I would assume she isn't a complete superstar where companies will fall over trying to hire her despite the visa issue.

    Yes, a partner visa is expensive, but as others said even if she qualify for other visas the cost for other visas aren't cheap either.

    If you are desperate to avoid the fee, you can move to NZ and sponsor her for a partner visa in NZ, then she get get PR and eventually NZ citizenship, which will allow her to come to Australia on a 444 visa, but that seems like a very drastic move to save a few thousand dollars.

  • Fier2 on 16/03/2019 - 15:41
    +3

    Definetly no way around. We went through it. Long process. I filled all the paper by myself without a migration agent. Took us 4 years to get it . But when you love someone, you will go through it and spend as much as needed.
    I disagree with some people here saying migrants come to live on welfare. No migrants who come here are looking for either a better life or being next to someone they love and will work harder to afford it.

    • voo123 on 17/03/2019 - 11:55

      Reminds me of the Vietnamese migrants during the 90s. Majority came and worked their butts off doing menial jobs and assimilated in society. Now it's mostly Indian migrants who do the same role. These migrants don't look forward to live on welfare. They see Australia as the land of opportunity where effort=reward. Whereas back in Asia, without money you cannot do anything no matter how hard working or talented you are, as bribery is needed to get things done.

  • CharityCase on 16/03/2019 - 17:36

    Man there's nothing much you can save on a visa, just apply it by yourself to avoid some hefty laywer/agent fee

  • RADICALIST on 16/03/2019 - 22:07

    I am currently going through the process of De Facto partner visa with my fiance. We paid $7k + $2.7k for a RMA, you could do the application without paying for a RMA but I thought it wasn't worth the risk.

    It is not an easy process, you will need to bring her here and live together for minimum a year to provide enough evidence for the Immigration case officer to believe you are truely in love.

    Another method is to bring her here under Prospective Marriage Visa but you will need to get married in under 9 months. I'd highly recommend minimum a consultation session with a RMA to make sure you have sufficient evidence to apply for a partner visa.

    No way to cheap out on immigration.

  • Pizdets on 16/03/2019 - 23:18

    Damn times have changed. My prospective marriage visa was $2200 back in the day.

  • DiLs on 16/03/2019 - 23:31
    +5

    Find a girlfriend in Australia

    • OzzyOzbourne on 17/03/2019 - 02:36
      +3

      Find a Thai girlfriend in Australia!

      Seriously though…. Good luck

      • CrankyCarrot on 18/03/2019 - 23:17

        Maybe just hijack someone else's on the DL?

        Yeah, luck and whole bunch of time researching. And cash.

    • Lunarboogie on 20/03/2019 - 07:32
      +1

      No thanks. Have you seen MAFS lately? If that's a representative sample of the calibre of Australian women these days then $7k seems a small down payment on happiness (though the blokes on that show aren't much better…).

  • ajxutao7 on 17/03/2019 - 13:45

    applying for the partner visa which is the most earliest way to get pr and is also cost efficient

    option 1:

    get married offshore
    apply for 309/100
    apply for 600 while waiting for 309/100
    come to oz, activate BVA, stay in oz

    option 2:

    apply for 600
    come to oz
    apply for 820/801
    can stay in oz while bva is active

  • 2BsQzrbgkL on 17/03/2019 - 14:01

    Good luck.

    I’m going through the process now, it’s not easy and visa agent said current processing time is 20-24 months. Submitted application last October and still not heard anything. Process isn’t cheap, just over 10k so far, 7k to AU gov, rest on visa agents. I’m on 150k+ a year, support my Australian girlfriend who is at university by paying all rent, bills, misc household expenses etc, been together 2 and a half years, looking to have kids etc once she’s finished uni.

    Despite being a high earner, significantly supporting my AU partner financially the process is tough, and it does take a toll as at anytime the gov can say no so no stability/security and we may need to rethink our plans with the only option being leave Australia, not so much of an issue for me as fairly nomadic but a big issue for my partner with friends/family.

  • fruxo on 17/03/2019 - 20:48

    If you want a PR, it will be expensive. The only money you can save is by doing your own paperwork.

    I applied for a PR years ago on the points system, doing all paperwork myself, and it was still around $4k I think all up.

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 18/03/2019 - 09:16

    Wow this thread is a (profanity) dumpster fire.

  • SickMyDuck on 18/03/2019 - 10:37
    +1

    Hi. I just recently migrated to Aus via skill select stream. I think I can give u some advices as I had been through all these visa hazzle myself.

    For ur gf case, the fastest and cheapest would be skill select which costs around 3k. But, very big one, it is also the hardest too. Why? Competition is high atm. Your gf need to pass highest score English test, solid work experiences with employer references and pay slip, uni qualification and lists go on.

    Another way maybe via regional stream. Im not too sure about ur gf career as it subjects to requirement of regional area. But worth look into. Cost is also around 3k for one person.

    Tbh, when it comes to migration and visa, there is no really corner to cut with DoHA. You might find one but if they found out that u did something dodgy, they can revoke ur gf PR. Not worth the risk. Seek professional help from registed migration agent. My advice, see as many as you can, they all have different way of thinking about ur cases. Dont use those that promise u this and that. Use agent that is straightforward and doesnt feel they omit any info when you ask them. Hope this help.

    Ps: im also from Thailand :) sorry for bad Engrish.

    • CrankyCarrot on 19/03/2019 - 00:13

      Kapum khap khun Darikt,

      What was your IELTS score? Curious to gauge what the gf would score by comparison.

      • SickMyDuck on 19/03/2019 - 11:06

        I got PTE no band less than 79+ which is equivalent to IELTS band 8. My English is still far from native level. I just happen to know how to ace the exam. Lol

        • CrankyCarrot on 19/03/2019 - 23:18

          What's the trick?

          Did you ever take any formal English courses?

          Also which skill/field of employment do you work in?

  • Bargain80 on 18/03/2019 - 10:51
    +1

    I think in general you only have three options:
    1. Skill Visa
    2. Spouse Visa
    3. Refugee

    There are many paths or options for each above.

    If you're not sure which is the best way, you can book a consultation with a migration agent. You only need to pay the consultation fee to discuss the visa option without need to pay the full fee.

  • Raheen on 18/03/2019 - 14:46

    First question you need to answer is do you want to marry this lady? If you want to marry her then you can obtain the partner visa, you can apply from abroad or locally, benefit of applying locally is she can get a bridging visa and work here, but to apply for it locally she will need to be in the country, so a tourist visa will be needed to get here in the door, but as shes had one in the past should be ok, be careful at the border on a tourist visa if they ask purpose of visit I wouldn't say to get married etc. Her working here will help with the 7K application cost (I did my wives one mid 2000's cost was less than 2K)

    If you don't want to marry her (at all or just now) would need to do it as a de facto visa, which means you have to reside with her (ie live in the same house) for at least 12 months, you could move to Thailand and take up residence there with her (need to have money saved to live on, be able to work remotely, maybe English teach etc) or you can bring her here…. maybe look at a tourist visa for 12 months (long term tourist visa) she will need to have proof of funds to last her 12 months or a sponsor (you, with job/cash) and they will probably ask questions (if she was your sister, mother etc would be easier I guess, obvious deep relationship, ie reason to sponsor)

    Partner or De Facto the cost is 7K… no way around it. Personally I would take baby steps, try get her on a 12 month tourist visa, see how she handle being away from home (a duck out of water) see how the dynamics are when living together 24/7 (trust me how many stories you heard of women completely changing once they got you on the hook) after 12 months then you have married option or de facto.

    Be careful financially either way don't too loose half or more of your stuff, house, super etc Defacto can do a guy over as easy as a wife can. Given the divorce rate is 50% (or so you hear people say, and that doesn't include separated couples who never divorce, dead marriages for the kids sake etc) and the fact she is from a very different culture then the odds are worse for you. She might be this feminine domestic goddess now but what happens once here and all the PC non sense, feminist clap trap and YOU HAVE RIGHTS people get in her ear…

    • MarsTitan on 19/03/2019 - 00:07
      +1

      "She might be this feminine domestic goddess now but what happens once here and all the PC non sense, feminist clap trap and YOU HAVE RIGHTS people get in her ear…"

      Just wow!

      She does have rights, mate.

    • CrankyCarrot on 19/03/2019 - 00:17

      Cheers mate. I'm taking opinions and advice from all perspectives.

      • Raheen on 19/03/2019 - 21:48

        Women… love to talk about their rights, rarely own the consequences of their decisions, if she gets tired of the guy or gets hit with a dose of buyers remorse, dump him and marry the (welfare) state.

        Seen it before… She's coming from a place where guys hold all the cards, divorce little to no consequence just leave, the dude has nothing really stopping him financially.

        Spoken to a few Thai ladies, the left over family, their dad's have a second and third family after the previous one gets old its the way Thai men roll, its one of the main reasons Thai women look for non Thai men, they have experienced being discarded before as children they don't want to repeat it as a wife.

        With that said once she's here, settled etc and starts to assimilate, gets more confident all it takes is her to be a little disgruntled about the marriage and then she comes into contact with a bitter divorced friend at work, single mum up the street, or learns from the Thai community here how to do over your husband and make off like a bandit, suddenly the cat is out of the bag, they learn the system is overwhelmingly against the guy and he's toast and can never win, is guilty even when innocent, welcome to the painful world of the gynocentric legal system with bonus fake rape and domestic violence claims to boot.

        There was a recent case in the High court I recall, which pretty much made all existing pre nups invalid so no protection there:

        https://www.news.com.au/finance/money/wealth/landmark-high-c…

        If I was you I would be making a very detailed list of all my assets and liabilities before entering marriage, then you might stand a chance of keeping those assets should the worse happen… as they were accrued before marriage and aren't marital property.

        Divorce rate is pretty high to begin with then add in culture differences, different expectations (she might want to be a kept woman) and Australia is pretty expensive place to live on one income, yeah she works in her native Thailand and might have a decent work ethic there but here shes a fish out of water, competing on someone else's home turf…

        What can go wrong… plenty… Do people (women) change their minds… like the wind changes direction.

        • CrankyCarrot on 19/03/2019 - 23:22

          Never heard the term "gynocentric," before. A new one for my vocab.

          I'm already pretty cynical about marriage, don't worry.

  • BargainHunterMYz on 18/03/2019 - 15:08

    Even for Visa 189 or visa 190 you will need to pay a big amount. 1 year ago it was about $3.5k a person.

    So just go for partner visa.

  • CrankyCarrot on 18/03/2019 - 15:34

    OP here. Just combing through this thread again now after being overwhelmed initially and pre-occupied on the weekend.

    Hope nothing useful has been down-voted into invisibility…

  • freakitude on 18/03/2019 - 16:05
    +2

    op if you guys decide to diy your partner visa head over to expat forums and ask away any questions you have, also just a heads up about form 80, be very careful with this one as they can catch you on a smallest mistake and sometimes a little mistake can get you banned for 3 years, not trying to scare you or anything but if you have a doubt whether you should declare something or not. Its better to declare it anyways with an explanation.

    • CrankyCarrot on 19/03/2019 - 00:47

      Watch out for from 80, got it.

      Yes, I'm combing all forums for info.

  • pformag on 18/03/2019 - 18:33
    -1

    Could you wait for Bill Shorten to come in and then get her on the 1st available boat?

  • Some Guy on 18/03/2019 - 19:35
    +2

    Bring her in as an au pair. Cut through the red tape by getting a high profile mate/mate of a mate to put in a good word.

  • [Deactivated] on 18/03/2019 - 21:16
    +1

    Get her married to someone else first?

    • MarsTitan on 19/03/2019 - 00:09

      haha… You win.

  • de9299 on 18/03/2019 - 23:53

    OP, hopefully this helps you lock down the spouse visa as the easiest way to bring your partner home.

    I'm in a weirder situation than you are. I'm a citizen and my partner is on a 457 visa - we live in different cities!

    *She can't quit her job and move in with me as her visa would get cancelled, the Immigration Dept considers cancelled visas as a red flag for future applications.
    *I can't move to her city- I've lived there before, and I just don't like the place or have any friends. Even a temporary move would mean I'd have to look for work immediately, move, have both of us relocate back to my home city.

    She is a skilled professional, and even with 70 points she is looking at ~1.5 year wait for a PR.

    The Australian government has visas for :
    *partners living overseas
    *spouses living overseas
    *partners living overseas, but wanting to get married in Australia
    *partners living together under the same roof in Australia

    We don't meet the conditions for either of the visas :( I'd kill to pay 7k and get my partner's future sorted. If you are 100% certain about your future with your Thai gf, just go ahead and apply for the spouse visa . It is the quickest way for you to be with her without any nasty conditions (like working in a different state, etc).

    edit: corrected spellings.

    • CrankyCarrot on 19/03/2019 - 00:08

      Which city is it that you loathe so much?

      I guess there's always a chance someone reading your post might know something you don't about how to circumvent that situation.

      Can you not apply for a partner visa while the 457 is active, then immediately switch to bridging while it's processed without having it actually cancelled? Or it has to be cancelled in order to switch to BVA/bridging which must occur prior to the Partner visa being awarded, which results in that big red flag preventing that from happening…?

      Some kind of love-twisted Catch 22.

      • de9299 on 19/03/2019 - 00:17

        I love to visit Sydney on a holiday, but I've just had bad memories there- I'd hate to resent my partner for making me live there. No offence to Sydneysiders at all.
        Besides, she is super understanding and we've agreed on a deadline after which I'll have to take one for the team and move.

        A bridging visa only gets activated when your current visa "naturally" expires. So, if we were to apply for a partner visa, we'd have to wait for 3 years before she moved on to a BVA. Plus another 4 years till PR. The other option was a tourist visa, but as someone else had mentioned, red flags if you go from 457->tourist->spouse visa.

        It is indeed a sick Catch 22. Have several mates who are in your situation and were able to successfully bring their partners to Australia.

        • CrankyCarrot on 19/03/2019 - 00:22

          Did this never happen to anyone else? Seems like there'd be all sorts of scenarios with 457's getting into relationships that required some long term living flexibility.

          Sydney is the place I'm trying to bring her to, slightly ironically. The one I don't want to/can't leave (due to looking after dad).

          • de9299 on 19/03/2019 - 00:31

            @CrankyCarrot: We spoke to an experienced migration agent whom I used in the past- he was stumped. He basically asked me to grow a pair and move to Sydney for 2 years. He dealt with more complex cases but none more weirder because of self-imposed restrictions.

            Funny(in a painful kind of way) how grass is always greener on the other side!

            • CrankyCarrot on 19/03/2019 - 00:45

              @de9299: I temporarily hate it here every time June, July, August role around and it gets cold AF and the days are significantly shorter.

              Freezes the patriotism right out of me… I wonder what happened to make you hate it so much. Probably best not to get into it on a public forum.

  • AAN on 19/03/2019 - 09:38

    There is no alternative to partner visa which would lead to permanent residency as a sure thing.Skilled streams require you to go through points system.
    I just applied my wife's partner visa and paid $7231.60 including credit card payment surcharge. 1) i don't understand why the fee is ridiculously high. 2) visa processing is at low priority, estimated processing time i am seeing is between 14-20 months.

  • angelkulit025 on 19/03/2019 - 10:22

    Been together for years.

    So why just now? I have married my long time gf last (March 2014) in the Philippines and submitted our paper works for her partner visa a couple of months after the wedding.(June 2014) All DIY as at that time this particular visa only cost $3100 AUD for the first stage processing. That was a lot of money already for me so I persevered on filling up forms and getting documentation ready without consulting those immigration agencies. Her temporary visa finally came out the following year just before our wedding anniversary. We did encounter some mishaps due to some government agencies in the Philippines producing the wrong forms and stuff so it would've been much earlier if everything run smoothly which never happens. Visa processing at that time was only 6 months from the time of lodgement.

    A lot happened since then as you might not be aware that immigration policies gets reviewed every year which entails increase in the Visa charges and fees. My suggestion is to go through the process properly without going through any shortcuts as this might cause you more money and your partner to be delayed in getting here in Oz. So unfortunately, you have to bear the full cost of Australian "Money-Making" Immigration Department.

    P.S.

    My wife didn't have here skills be assessed nor undergo IELTS under the Partner Visa Application.
    Goodluck and let us know the outcome!

    • CrankyCarrot on 19/03/2019 - 23:45

      Hey,

      Didn't marry earlier as I don't particularly want to be married (shout out to Raheem) and it wasn't necessary for us to be together as we could just stay in her country. Now I HAVE to be in Aus to take care of my father as he ages and the only way to remain with her long term seems to be to get hitched and run the visa gamut.

      • Raheen on 20/03/2019 - 00:35

        https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-li…

        12 Month tourist visa… gets your across the line for Defacto in terms of 12 months of co-habitation, or could got to Thailand for a few months, bring her back here for 12 to exceed 12 month requirement for Defacto. Then towards the end of the 12 month tourist visa apply for a De facto Visa, she will get a bridging visa with the same conditions as the the Defacto Visa… should take them 12 to 18 months to come to a determination and by that time been together here for 2.5 years…

        12 month Tourist visa cost is 355, might have to deposit collateral with the Immi Dept (sometimes they ask, case by case, risk based assessment) sign a guarantor form saying you will cover her living cost etc (if they take the view she cant afford to stay here 12 months on her on dime)

        She can work cash in hand if she has too if you can't carry her financially for a year, get busted and you can kiss any future visa goodbye. Would have to check the rules on about apply for a De Facto Visa whilst in the country on a Tourist Visa, apparent these people say its possible:

        https://www.australiaforum.com/visas-immigration/203057-appl…

        https://www.pomsinoz.com/topic/61571-applying-for-defacto-fr…

        DOCUMENT EVERYTHING… SWAMP THEM WITH PHOTOS, JOINT BILLS, JOINT BANK ACCOUNTS, INTRODUCE HER TO EVER 3rd/4th GENERATION COUSIN AND DISTANT RELATIVE, GET STAT DECS, SMASH FACEBOOK WITH PICS OF YOU BOTH, JUST BE VERY PUBLIC TOGETHER

      • angelkulit025 on 20/03/2019 - 10:07

        Sorry, i didn't intend to force you into marrying her sooner but defacto relationship also count as in applying for Partner Visa.
        The question "Why just now" is directed to why did you only decided just now to apply for the partner visa if you are considering in the long term for her to move here in Oz?

        • CrankyCarrot on 21/03/2019 - 00:29

          I didn't predict how quickly things would go downhill with dad. Yes, obviously I knew he was getting on in years, but in this case dementia has paid a visit, which isn't inevitable/predictable. Were it not for that it's unlikely I'd be living in Sydney long term.

  • eurodave on 19/03/2019 - 10:36

    Hey Thrifty,

    If you do go down the partner visa route a few things to consider:
    - open a joint account now and start using it - being able to prove shared finances is important, even consider taking out some kind of small personal loan in both names if its possible

    • be careful what Visa you try to convert to the partner visa from. I think that converting from a student visa, you get immediate access to full medicare and full working rights as soon as you submit your application; some visas are much more restrictive - I think 457 is one of those where you DO NOT get medicare straight away, meaning that you would need to maintain private health insurance for all the years you are waiting. You need to fact check my advice about this with an expert, because I am just someone whose been through the process, not the expert…

    • they are only looking at the truth of your relationship, your partners age, English skills etc are not a factor as far as I know

    • while it does take a long time to go from application to full PR, as soon as you apply you get some pretty useful benefits (medicare, working rights), and once you get PR you get access to some forms of subsidised study (for example not HECS, but Commonwealth Support Places at tafe and uni)

    • although its stressful waiting and putting together all the paperwork, the application process is really not as bad as it sounds. you just submit it and wait for an answer (in my experience)

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