AustralianVisa

3 hours ago, OffshoreMig said:

Changes to Partner visas expected to be introduced in July along with an increase in fees and requirements.  Applicants will need to apply for approved sponsorship prior to submitting a partner application.  This will add delays and costs.  Details are expected to be announced in April. 

The changes to the Partner visas requiring the sponsor to be approved first will take effect no later than 10 June 2019. The law was given Royal Assent on 10 December 2018.

On 1 July the fees will increase.

On 2/21/2019 at 4:00 PM, emptypockets said:

Anyone know why David, Surin and Australian Visa all stopped posting? There was some great information from these guys.

Hi Empty Pockets - thank you for your kind words - i am glad someone appreciated them. 

I can't speak for the others but for me the simple reality was I was sick of the negativity. As some will know I have reached out to them privately and offered support and advice to solve an injustice, but unfortunately there were a lot of incorrect or unhelpful comments here that became too common.

The so called self professed experts who think it is all easy are neither helpful or correct. Some cases may be easier, but for many people they don't fit into the plain vanilla mould or they rely on some of the bad advice and get a refusal - which unfortunately in some cases lead to comments here that are not in anyones best interests, but I understand where they come from. This is a stressful area as it can mean family separation, stress, unnecessary costs and even end relationships.

I am an Australian Lawyer and Registered Migration Agent and I do a lot of applications, and we also see a lot of refusal letters that people bring to us for advice. The simple reality is there are times that some people will just not get a visa, but that is pretty rare from my experience. 

Generally if it is a genuine relationship with an Australian partner there will be a solution.

Often it is just a case of re-submitting an application in a different way - and there is no doubt experience helps - but I do not for a moment believe the staff here are biased, racist, stupid etc that we see all the negative comments and opinions.

Do mistakes happen? - absolutely. But from my personal experience they are more the exception.

The biggest issue is normally the way the application is prepared or lodged, and there are some confusing questions or options now with the electronic forms that don't allow what would be the relevant option for some people, which also leads to problems.

Here are my tips for a successful application: http://immigrate-to-australia.com/7-tips-for-a-successful-australian-visa-outcome/

Hopefully that helps everyone. I am always happy to point people in the right direction, and would much prefer they got accurate and up to date information, so lets see if we can have a positive forum in the future.

16 hours ago, Thaifish said:

Bit of a panic with application. Told expect up to 22 days for processing. I put application in a week ago and really need Visa for partner confirmed before 7/10/18. They have been given a total 19 days to process before we plan to fly out. Is there a way of fast tracking application even though it has been lodged. I have no issue that my  partner will be granted her 4th Tourist Visa given documentation supplied. I just need it in a hurry. Is there some sort of contact you can make to hurry the process up.

 

With questions about biometrics all I know it is part of the application. My partner had to provide it with last application and also with this application.

Hi Thaifish - you should be ok as they have been currently approving them within about a week, however the Christmas holiday rush will be coming so that will add to the processing time very soon.

I should mention that the expectation is based on global figures and the Bangkok Embassy is normally ahead of the curve.

Hi, just a quick post to suggest that if you are considering doing a visa it would be smart to act now.

Under Peter Dutton if he becomes the new PM (or any of the conservatives), he has announced he will reduce the migration intake program by almost a third down to 110,000 places a year! This will mean all applications that are subject to a quota will have the quotas reduced, so competition will be higher and processing times will increase as less visas will be allocated each year.

So if you are considering a visa, and especially a skilled worker or family visa now is the time to act.

4 minutes ago, ParadiseLost said:

I worked on 456 and 457 visas, but never took permanent residence, work opportunities took me to USA and EU.

No such luck then. 

12 minutes ago, ParadiseLost said:

First, please accept my apologies if I am repeating something others have posted - I don't have the time to read through 35 pages ?

 

My situation is that I am a South African male, living in Thailand full time, married to a Thai national, living at the same address since 2005. I have three grown up children in Australia and five grand children.

 

I have visited and lived in Australia many times since 1994, worked (legally) in Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne for two years in the late 1990s. The past few years it has become more and more onerous to visit, leading me to suspect this is the desired outcome for the racist Australian authorities.

 

The problem is today when I apply for a three month, single entry tourist visa, you would swear I am trying to invade the country single handed. Keep in mind a UK, EU, US national living here (in Thailand) for the same period or longer can simply apply online and pay $20...

 

My TWENTY page application asks every possible bit of information possible, even down to my military records from 1981, and bio-metric data. For EACH and EVERY visa application.

 

Now, on top of all this paranoia, I am informed I will need POLICE CLEARANCE! Let me remind you this is for a single entry tourist visa. Two prior visas were issued using the same address in 2015 and 2016. Last year I gave up.

 

As I live in the South it takes two trips to Bangkok to provide all the requirements, and booking flights to Australia early is not possible as the police clearance can take 7-30 days according to their website. So, for a SE 3 month TV it is $140 on their website, but in total, the visa will cost me in the region of $1,000.

 

I am disgusted to say the least. This is keeping me from visiting my family and is blatant discrimination.

Last year I went so far as to complain to the Australian Ombudsman about this but as you would guess I was just fobbed off. They don't care. I did however get a telephone call from some under secretary, but only when I threatened to get my bank to reverse the charges... They must be very hard up for the cash.

 

Perhaps they don't realise I am white? That seems to be an all important factor in today's Australia...

 

Edit: Just to add, my wife is not included on my application. She says she will never visit such a racist country...

PardiseLost, you must understand that this is not aimed at one individual such as your self, it is making rules for an entire region and trying to do it effectively while not being too onerous.

Also,  unfortunately I think you may have been poorly advised when you first applied for a visitor visa as you may have been eligible to and better of applying for a Resident Return Visa - and then  you would have saved yourself huge headaches... it may not be too late but will depend on what visa you had in the 90's

Hi everyone, happy 2018!

There seems to be a lot of questions to start the new year and also there have been a number of changes and policy decisions over the last 12 months that have confused many.

I also see a lot of comments on here that range from very professional and correct (unfortunately a minority of people) to absolute rubbish and uninformed personal beliefs and misinformation that would be dangerous to rely on.

I am an Australian Registered Migration Agent and practicing lawyer based in Bangkok - I have done hundreds of applications and get weekly feedback data.

Would people find it helpful if I did a webinar for an hour or two where people could just do a Q & A session and hopefully get people the correct information they need? If there is enough interest I will schedule one.

10 minutes ago, MrPatrickThai said:

It does help. Thanks a lot!

Sorry, just to be clear for the children use their UK passports.

1 hour ago, MrPatrickThai said:

I'm going to Australia in March with my family and would be grateful for some insight.

 

How soon should I get the visa?

 

My wife of many years is Thai and been to Oz twice before but 10 years + ago. Things have changed - we went to the Embassy on Sathorn then.

 

I have 2 dual citizenship kids(Uk/Thai). 

 

I heard we go to Sukumwit soi 13 now. Can we just turn up there with passports and apply for a tourist visa? Can I get mine online, and is it easier(I'll be there anyway).

 

Should I apply with the kids Thai or UK passport. Thai is cheaper but we'll be there anyway if needing a renewed UK passport. 

 

Should I get my sister to write a letter to say we're staying with her?

 

We have property and land here but my wife doesn't work(sits on her arse all day)

 

Thanks for any advice.

 

 

Hi Mr Patrick

For the children much better to apply online for an e-visa through an Immi Account - https://online.immi.gov.au/lusc/login

Their visas will be free and almost instant.

Your wife's application will be more complicated - and you will need to do a full application (providing supporting documentation). It should not be too difficult, showing you are married, her land  and an Invitation letter, funds available etc.

You can also do online however she will have to go to VFS Sukhumvit Soi 13 for her Biometrics (fingerprints and digital photo) so can do paper if you prefer - https://www.border.gov.au/Forms/Documents/1419.pdf .

I hope that helps...

On 9/27/2017 at 5:42 PM, miksak said:

Hello,

 

Can some one tell me what is the difference between the 1419 tourist application and the subclass A600 tourist visa online application?

 

Cheers in advance

The 1419 is the paper form to get the 600 visa.

I will try and keep this is brief because I could write a book on this topic, but as an Australian lawyer and Registered Migration Agent I have a lot of real experience, not pub talk or one off beliefs.

While many comments are useful, they lack the basic legal knowledge as to why certain conditions are placed on a visa and are not accurate.

Firstly, the Migration law states clearly that you can not ask for an 8503 Waiver - so don't even try.

Secondly, the 8503 is imposed based on the circumstances of the applicant - if the applicant is sponsored and requires financial support etc it will 100% be imposed.

If the applicant can apply in their own right then they may have a chance of a visa without an 8503 - it is then up to the discretion of the case officer. I would also like to debunk the myth about if children are involved they will not add the 8503 condition - that appears be neither fact or policy. So how your 600 visa is presented is critical.

Surin13 provides some solid information and advice above. Once the 309 is lodged the 600 will normally be approved and 12 month multiple entry, generally without the 8503. An onshore extension can then be applied for. The downside - no work rights or Medicare so travel insurance should be a must.

Finally, $4,000 seems a lot for a Partner Visa, not sure where you are getting charged that but about 33% too high!

Can someone please clarify this certification of documents process for me. If I arrive at the VFS with originals and copies will this suffice or do I have to get the copies certified prior to visiting the VFS office?

Who can actually certify copies of documents here in Thailand if I need to get done before?

Hi PatongPhil

I am an Australian lawyer and Registered Migration Agent with an office in Phuket and Bangkok (opening in the Trendy Building), and we can certify for you.

Just contact me beforehand to arrange which office you want to connect with.

Best wishes

Simon

Breaking news: Australia's Phuket Consulate finally officially opened today!

For details go to: http://dfat.gov.au/about-us/our-locations/missions/Pages/australian-consulate-in-phuket-thailand.aspx

How to lodge the application (personally … without assistance).

Who is VSF (Thailand) Ltd?

Quoting:-

VFS (Thailand) Ltd currently has an agreement with the Australian Embassy Bangkok to provide Australian visa application services in Thailand. Applicants can lodge their visa application with VFS in person at the Australian Visa Application Centre in Bangkok or at their nearest any of the six GDA courier centres selected by VFS across Thailand.

http://www.vfs-au.net/

Quoting:-

The Australian Visa Application Centre also provides a 24-hour facility for you to track your Visa application.

Quoting:-

Visa applications may also be lodged at the Australian Embassy Bangkok by appointment only. (My highlighting)

www.thailand.embassy.gov.au

With Assistance …

Or you can use a Visa Agent, maybe one of this Forums sponsors who will assist you, for a fee presumably, with your application. If you choose this path, read one of the Forums pinned topics … http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/321466-visa-agents/

Are there other methods I haven’t mentioned? … input please.

Hello all,

Applying for a Oz tourist visa is 100% online now, register a immi account for your girlfriend on the oz embassy website apply online for the visa you want and scan necessary documents (bank statements, passport photo page, invitation letter, all stamps in passport as you would with a normal application) and submit the application, don't have to go to VFS in Bangkok all done by a stroke of a keyboard excellent service, go to the Oz embassy Bangkok's website to find out how.

@rodpav - you were correct but as of the 3rd May Australia now collects Biometric information - 10 fingerprints and a digital photo which must be collected in person at the VFS office in Bangkok or Chiang Mai.

There is no way around this. It does not effect applications lodged before this date.

You are correct that people can lodge online however they will just need to make a trip to VFS to complete the application.

@Andrew55

The problem for many of these applications that get refused is often people do not fully set out the circumstances and leave a link missing to tie the whole application together. Also everything needs to be evidenced, you can not assume anything on the face of the circumstances. It can be easy to miss if people do not know what they are looking for, and often assume more knowledge or understanding than there is from the reviewer.

I deal with many visa refusals and often wonder why they were refused in the first place, but it is normally because of a simple omission or lack of supporting evidence. I have never had a follow up application refused though, so it is not something that you should be overly concerned about.

Also be careful of falling into the trap of just focusing on the refusal point, the new application must obviously re-butt that point, but also has to be a complete application on its own.

My personal view is that getting a visa is not hard if you meet the basic criteria, and the embassy staff are not there to stop people travelling or to be difficult, just to make sure applicants have met the criteria.

I have sent you a PM, happy to give you a few quick pointers to make sure you are successful next time.

Best of luck

Simon

My Girlfriend has been given a 12 month multiple entry visa, she will be coming to Australia on the 27 March during her time here we will be registering our relationship. When she leaves the country again in June we will be applying for a 301 visa.

I am just concerned about a few things, I have two concerns with the 12 months in 18 months rule, in the past 18 months she has already accumulated 6 months stay (27/3/15 to 23/6/15 and 13/9/15 to 10/12/15), if she comes and goes as she pleases during the validity of her visa will she be denied entry once she has accumulated 12 months stay, or is this only for new visa applications? Also is this 12 months in 18 rule apply to all visas or just tourist visas?

I am also concerned with, "You and anyone included in your application must be outside Australia when the application is lodged and also when the visa is decided." if she is still in the country when the visa is decided will it immediately be denied? or will the decision be postponed until she is outside the country?

Hi AussieFarmer

What law are you referring to as being the 12 months in 18 rule? Or just a general rumour you have heard?

For the second question, any change in circumstances should be notified to the DIBP and this can be done by filing a Form 1022 Change in Circumstances. If you have notified them that she is in the country when they are ready to make a decision they will contact the Applicant and ask them to leave. This is generally nothing to be concerned about.

If you do not update them and a decision is made while the Applicant is onshore then you may have some serious complications to overcome so easier to just notify them. This is also relevant to things like change of address, change of passport details, marriage status etc.

Well I suppose the the 12 in 18 months is only rumour. Can the 1022 form be done via Immiaccount?

I think what you are referring to is the Visa Condition 8558 but that is only if it placed on the visa conditions.

My Girlfriend has been given a 12 month multiple entry visa, she will be coming to Australia on the 27 March during her time here we will be registering our relationship. When she leaves the country again in June we will be applying for a 301 visa.

I am just concerned about a few things, I have two concerns with the 12 months in 18 months rule, in the past 18 months she has already accumulated 6 months stay (27/3/15 to 23/6/15 and 13/9/15 to 10/12/15), if she comes and goes as she pleases during the validity of her visa will she be denied entry once she has accumulated 12 months stay, or is this only for new visa applications? Also is this 12 months in 18 rule apply to all visas or just tourist visas?

I am also concerned with, "You and anyone included in your application must be outside Australia when the application is lodged and also when the visa is decided." if she is still in the country when the visa is decided will it immediately be denied? or will the decision be postponed until she is outside the country?

Hi AussieFarmer

What law are you referring to as being the 12 months in 18 rule? Or just a general rumour you have heard?

For the second question, any change in circumstances should be notified to the DIBP and this can be done by filing a Form 1022 Change in Circumstances. If you have notified them that she is in the country when they are ready to make a decision they will contact the Applicant and ask them to leave. This is generally nothing to be concerned about.

If you do not update them and a decision is made while the Applicant is onshore then you may have some serious complications to overcome so easier to just notify them. This is also relevant to things like change of address, change of passport details, marriage status etc.

Well I suppose the the 12 in 18 months is only rumour. Can the 1022 form be done via Immiaccount?

Yes it can, under the "Update Us" option. You will not need the form then, you can just do it electronically.

My Girlfriend has been given a 12 month multiple entry visa, she will be coming to Australia on the 27 March during her time here we will be registering our relationship. When she leaves the country again in June we will be applying for a 301 visa.

I am just concerned about a few things, I have two concerns with the 12 months in 18 months rule, in the past 18 months she has already accumulated 6 months stay (27/3/15 to 23/6/15 and 13/9/15 to 10/12/15), if she comes and goes as she pleases during the validity of her visa will she be denied entry once she has accumulated 12 months stay, or is this only for new visa applications? Also is this 12 months in 18 rule apply to all visas or just tourist visas?

I am also concerned with, "You and anyone included in your application must be outside Australia when the application is lodged and also when the visa is decided." if she is still in the country when the visa is decided will it immediately be denied? or will the decision be postponed until she is outside the country?

Hi AussieFarmer

What law are you referring to as being the 12 months in 18 rule? Or just a general rumour you have heard?

For the second question, any change in circumstances should be notified to the DIBP and this can be done by filing a Form 1022 Change in Circumstances. If you have notified them that she is in the country when they are ready to make a decision they will contact the Applicant and ask them to leave. This is generally nothing to be concerned about.

If you do not update them and a decision is made while the Applicant is onshore then you may have some serious complications to overcome so easier to just notify them. This is also relevant to things like change of address, change of passport details, marriage status etc.

Anyone know the current processing time for a tourist visa?

Submitted via VFS now 16 days ago and that day a sms saying it is off to the powers to be.

Nothing since, meant to come by courier, any idea how long these days?

Up to one month if physically lodged. However, you should be able to track the application visa progress.

http://www.vfsglobal.com/Australia/Thailand//track_application_after.html

https://www.border.gov.au/about/access-accountability/service-standards/visitor-visa-processing-times

Currently this is a very busy time for them as people prepare for the Songkran holiday break.

Normally the desired service standard with VFS they say 10 days, and all others 30 days, so at the moment you can expect to be at the limits.

Hello again AustralianVisa,

I have prepared a letter of support to accompany my girlfriend's application. However, I have read on some websites that a statutory declaration rather than a letter would carry more weight.

As I can supply copies of documents as evidence of my support, I feel that a statutory declaration is unnecessary. What is your view on this?

Thank you.

Hi Samyan

The Stat Dec in theory should hold more weight, but I have seen them ignored so it depends how much trouble it is to get one organised for you and often people charge a lot for them. Also if you have the supporting evidence then that is more relevant and probative anyway.

If you need one done swing by our office and happy to quickly do for you for no charge. Can do in either Bangkok or Phuket if that is near you, just call me first.

Hi AustralianVisa,

Thanks for your quick reply and advice. The fact that a one off deposit may raise a red flag is my thought exactly and I do not want to arouse any suspicions.

There never has been a need to provide her with funds, but if the need arises, yes a bank transfer would help to provide evidence of an ongoing relationship

I am undecided as to whether to apply electronically or via VFS.Global. I have a lot of relationship supporting documents such as hotel and apartment receipts over the past three years I have known her. These would all have to be scanned if applying electronically. If I choose to apply through VFS.Global,I presume all documents will be returned?

Hi Samyan

That is up to you, it becomes a question of how quickly you want the visa. However, at the moment the processing times are both within the 10 day mark so I would save the extra fees and do it online. It is not like VFS actually check the quality of your application, just that they have the documents to tick of their check list.

Personally I prefer the Online Immi account as you can always update/amend and see what is happening. You can also scan all of the same document types in one file to make it easier and quicker for yourself if that was a concern.

VFS do not always return the documents, so I would make sure you have a scanned/photocopy anyway.

Good luck whichever way you go.

Can anyone help with some advice please.

My girlfriend is in the process of applying for a tourist visa to visit Australia for three weeks. She is employed and has been with the same company for fourteen years. She has two bank accounts. One into which her salary is deposited and one with another bank containing her limited savings. I am supporting her application and will support her financially during her visit.

She has been talking to her friend at work who has also visited Australia and has told my girlfriend that she must have a sum of money in her savings account. She is therefore, insisting that I make a one off transfer of funds into her bank account.

From what I have read, It seems this is unnecessary. Should I choose to do so and it would be only 30,000 Baht, should I mention this in my letter of support or not?

Should she provide copies of both both bank books or just the one savings account passbook?

Thanks for any help.

Hi Samyan

You are correct.

Given your girlfriends stable employment history she should not have any problems getting a visa. She should show both bank accounts, as this will show her employment history and some financial capacity.

The important issue for you is that as you are supporting her application financially her bank balance is not important, except as supporting evidence of her employment and character.

You do not need to provide funds to her account as long as you can show sufficient funds to support her. Also sometimes if large abnormal deposits are made this can actually be a red flag, so if you do forever reason add funds then provide evidence of that in the application. In general it is always better to transfer money and keep records than provide cash as later for more substantive visas this can become critical evidence of support which could be the difference between having a visa approved or not.

Good luck and hope you both have a lot of fun in Australia!

My young children have their Australian citizenship by descent now.

They have thai passports but not Australian passports

Do they still have to apply for a tourist visa if I take them to Australia for a holiday?

This is going to sound silly but they can not apply for a visa because they are Australian, so you should get them their passports ASAP.

They can do emergency applications if you need them very quickly, otherwise the normal passport does not take too long.

I]It does sound silly but

The question still is

can they travel to Australia using their thai passports as Australian citizens without an Australian passport and have no problems with immigration.

.

No they can not, they must get the Australian passport. As is said they can not apply for a Thai visa, and they will not be able to enter Australia on a Thai passport without a visa.

My young children have their Australian citizenship by descent now.

They have thai passports but not Australian passports

Do they still have to apply for a tourist visa if I take them to Australia for a holiday?

This is going to sound silly but they can not apply for a visa because they are Australian, so you should get them their passports ASAP.

They can do emergency applications if you need them very quickly, otherwise the normal passport does not take too long.

Mark, a tourist visa last year and one again for your lady in the middle of next year I believe will be a breeze.

Simple1 above gives some good advice and I know he's quite experienced in these matters.

Good luck with the application, I'm sure it will be fine.

She may even get a 12 month, multiple entry visa without even directly applying/asking for it.

Luke

Hi Luke,

A 12 month tourist visa would be great.

This is now her 2nd time to Australia. She also came here in 2008.

How long do we need to wait to apply for another Tourist Visa? (she will be heading home on the 19th of January 2016.).

I was told it was a minimum of 6 months.

Mark

Hi Mark

Generally speaking it is what is reasonable and if can be justified or supported. I have seen them granted as frequently as a few weeks - but for a genuine need and purpose.

Once a visa has been approved and complied with once then generally all things being equal it is easier to apply for an additional or multiple entry visa.

However, factors like the Applicant's personal and employment history, industry, amount of annual leave will all become relevant. So if someone who claims full time employment has a 3 month visit and then applies again will raise questions, whereas someone that is not relying on employment iy would be more appropriate.

I hope that helps.

Best wishes

Simon