CbrLad

I certainly hope Ethiad will book my flight onwards all the way, but I dont think all airlines book with all other airlines, not quite sure on that one. Sometimes one can and sometimes not.

I am thinking that IF we have to go landside to check in again, I might do so alone, leaving fiancee airside, taking with me her passport and ticket. A little bit worrysome for her to be alone for an hour, but she will live.

Doable, right?

Wrong. What you suggest about leaving the wife airside and going landside to check-in won't work. By all rights the airline will not check in a person unless they sight them.

However what you will find is if you have to change airline the orginating airline will book your bags right through to your final destination and, you to check in for the second flight only need to visit the 2nd airlines transfer desk airside (ie before immigration). This applies even if the airlines are different alliances or not alligned at all, most major airlines are members of IATA who co-ordinate all this with a company called SITA who run's most of the international check-in and baggage handling systems.

The only major exception is many low cost carriers don't allow through checking, but most of these operate from the secondary airports or seperate terminals (such as at KL) and you have to do a landside transit anyway.

For example a few years ago I flew from Vientiane to Bangkok with Thai, then Qantas to Sydney (then Canberra).

When I checked in Thai asked where I was going and I said Canberra. They checked my Qantas tickets which was a seperate booking and then checked my bags all the way to Canberra. They, because they are not alligned could only issue the boarding pass as far as BKK. At BKK I went to the Qantas transfer desk airside, showed them my baggage tickets from Thai, collected my new boarding passes and was on my way. No need to collect the bag, no need to go landside and recheck. Very simple.

As sungod noted, providing that your wife has a visa for her destination country and has a confirmed onward ticket, she can benefit from a visa waiver of twenty-four hours. As others have noted, if you remain airside, she won't even see a UK immigration officer.

Scouse.

Indeed, and to clarify there are two types of tranists. There are airsides which are the ones where you do not need to even enter the country. Ie you stay inside the same airport and just go to new terminal or gate. Then there are also landside ones where you do need to enter. In the UK the classic case of a landside visa is when you are travelling to the Republic of Ireland. Flights to ROI leave from the 'domestic' gates so you must enter. Another example of a landside transit is when you need to change airports, for example arrive Heathrow leave Gatwick etc.

The post above descibes clearly what is needed for a landside transit.

Auckland airport has a surcharge of about 450 Baht = $NZ11.00

Plus ya fare into CBD, another ................570 Baht = $NZ24.00

And a lot shorter taxi journey.

You people are grizzling about 50 baht...... <deleted> .......= $NZ2.00

Ya dunno when ya well off.

Most major airports charge an airport surcharge. The one I dislike is Canberra airport (yes know not a major airport). The AIRPORT charges taxi's to use their parking area. They claim the cost is to pay for things like meal rooms etc. The crap thing though is if a taxi comes to drop someone off, even if there are no taxi's waiting to get people (which is very common), he still has to make a lap of the airprot, which takes about 2 minutes, go through the airport park, pay his $2 (or what ever it is now) then go pick up the passenger. Same too with empty cabs, they must go pay.

If the runways need repair after such a short period of operation

it does not say much for the quality of the original construction.

I know Wiki is not the most accurate source, but have a read of this link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suvarnabhumi_...with_the_tarmac

It is apparently extracted from a report by the "Engineering Institute of Thailand". Makes for an interesting read.

Heading up country to roi et in couple of weeks

time can anyone update me on current temperatures

and mosquito situation.

Was there a few weeks ago. Weather was hot and dry during the day (around 30 I guess) and nippy at night (around 12). The mozzies were not too bad, but still slept under a mozzie net to be sure.

See above

So it would be rather crass of the Thais to spell it as Suwannapoom, for example. It would be like using pig Latin.

In fact the official transliteration, following the Royal Thai Institute, would be Suwannaphum, not Suvarnabhumi.

My wife who comes from Suwannaphum town in Roi Et has an interesting spin on it. Apparently the airport which is said the same way as the township has different spelling as a sign of respect for the king. If you notice the end of the airport spelling it is part of the kings name.

I guess we just have to accept it is said Suwannaphum but spelt Suvarnabhumi.

Thanks for the replies - my wife was wanting to take some herbs to make a real good meal. The last time she says she couldn't find them in Melbourne.

She's a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to cooking Thai food. She thought the Thai restaurants were hopeless.

My missus is the same. Took her to a Thai supermarket (in London I will admit) and her response was most of it was no good because it was Chinese not Thai. Looking at the asian demographic in Aus, my guess is most imported Asian food would be the same. Beside's some people only go for a holiday and don't want to spend half the bloody day hunting down a Thai supermarket. So what is the issue if someone wants to bring in food, so long as they play by the rules?

As for the advice here I cannot belive it. It is so bloody simple. You can try and bring what ever you like in, provided it is legal and you declare it. The worst they can do is throw it in the bin. The ONLY time you get greif is if you don't declare, and that includes lollies, chocalate, little bits of woods or if you get snooty with the customs/AQIS staff. Any yes it is possible to get a simile out of them provided you are polite and don't piss them off by being a smart arse, as many seem to do.

As someone else said about the only things you should not bother to even try and bring in is fruit, meat, milk and poultry products, chances are they will get binned. As for the rest, not so likley so might be worth the try, as I said if you declare the worst they can do is throw it out.

I was exaggerating about the dog - they were quite serious though. I never ticked anything - been in Thailand too long - never admit to anything!

That's better!!! I will admit when the dog picked me up I was packing it a little, because the dog people won't tell you what the dog had found and what they write on the landing card is in some form of code.

Leave the food at home......

it aint worth the hassle....

Most of what you want is here anyway.

The issue is more than food. Bottom line is bring what ever you like, just declare it. If you declare it and it isn't illegal (like drugs) then the worst that can happen is they throw what ever you want to bring into the bin. Don't declare it and they find it (which they will) even if it is allowed and you face a fine and trouble when ever you return as they record it on their system.

Yeah, they nearly locked me up once when they found some fruit in my bag. I nearly had a heart attack when the dog picked me out!

What about a bag of good rice - is that classed as dried? I don't want to waste it, ie have tem take it.

Rice is food so declare it. They will decided if it is ok or not. The bottom line is never try and 2nd guess what is ok and what isn't. If it is food/wood (even if they let you in with it before), tick the box and go to the red line. The person at the head of the line will usually ask some prelim questions and decide if you need a manual inspection or if a bag x-ray is enough. If he directs you to the bag x-ray (which is the normally the head of the green line) he will write something on your card to show you have done the right thing.

With the dog why did they nearly lock you up. Did you not have the boxed ticked that you had food? I had the dogs 'pick' me up once for what I later found out was fruit, but there was no problem. Just had to go to the red line and have the bags checked. I didn't have any fruit, apparently the dog picked up on the fact that the day before there was fruit in the bag.

My experiance is the dead opposite, very easy in fact. In all the belly aching you have written you have not once said the offical reason why she was knocked back. What was the reason?

The reason she was given for her refusal was that I was an illegal immigrant in the UK and my UK passport was fake despite the fact that I was born and raised in Scotland and paid income tax and national insurance for 20 years but hey what do I know? I'm just a law abiding, tax paying citizen, and the staff in the embassy wouldn't know there back sides from a gole in the ground.

You know I asked a serious question and quite clearly the answer isn't serious. Some people around here are more than happy to complain about getting thr rough end of the pineapple, but never tell the full story. The bottom line is if they refused they would have had a valid reason, they do not work on quota systems, nor does it depend on the mood of the person processing the application.

Im looking to gather some infomation about the possability of a Thai getting a visa to go on holiday to the UK. I am wanting to bring my girlfriend over to the UK before i return to thailand and then we both travel back to thailand together.

Is it possible for a thai to get a tourist visa or anything simular to come to the UK on a holiday and if so how much will it cost, how long will the visa last for, and how can i go about getting the visa for her.

Thanks

Mike

Do a search on this forum because there's loads of threads on the same subject. In a nutshell: it's a straight forward process as long as your girlfriend meets all the requirements and provides adequate proof, the key ones being that there are sufficient funds (in the eyes of Embassy staff, not yours) to support the visit, and, there is sufficient reason to believe that she will return home at the end of the visit. On the latter, good reasons include that she has a job to return to or that she owns real estate in Thailand. Google British Embassy Thailand for details of the application agency cost etc.

thanks for the reply yes upon posting this i have found a few topics that seem to have answered some of ym questions, thanks for the advice.

Some free advice, it's a major pain trying to get a tourist visa to the UK, I tried for 7 months to get one for my g/f and was knocked back twice, I supplied all the info they wanted and more then asked for every item I had sent to be sent again just to make sure that everything was above board and I could supply another copy at a moments notice.

I'm self employed in the UK and have a fairly good business with adequate funds in the bank but that it seems wasn't good enough, it all comes down to the mood of the person issuing the visa and if your face fits, in the end we got a fiancee visa and got married.

My g/f wasn't a bar girl and didn't have a criminal record and I more than met the requiements set by the embassay but they weren't interested and so I had to pay the application fee every time and that their is the problem, if they keep refusing tourist visa's then people have to keep paying, more applications = more money, pretty easy to work out after the fact but then it is Thailand, although I still love the country and the people, I hate the officials. Rant over, hope you are more succesful than me Mike, good luck

Brigante7

My experiance is the dead opposite, very easy in fact. In all the belly aching you have written you have not once said the offical reason why she was knocked back. What was the reason?

*Problem*

University wont write letter for her saying that she has enrolled in that english course, until she finishes her exams and actually enrols in it. Problem is, her exams are a week before we want her to come to australia, and we dont want to leave it that late.

Is it sufficient to say in my invitation letter, that she PLANS to go back to thailand to study english, and sit her IELTS exam - or do we need actual evidence of enrolment (in which case she can enrol in another english school for september)

any opinions?, remember, she is applying for a six month visa - so will need really good reason for return.

In your invitation letter that is all you can say. It is up to HER to somehow prove she is going back to study not you.

it makes no sense to me:

"Please register at counter home delivery service after purchase at least 30 minutes before."

that means - i have to go to tops and place my order, they only deliver my shopping?

that makes no sense - if i´m already there, i can take my stuff home as well...is there a store where i can place my order online (calling in this country always has its surprises and they deliver the stuff?

What is so strange about that? That is the normal home delivery service. Buy your good, then get them to deliver them. What you really want is a shop at home service, not a delivery service? They are different.

...

On some link to the austrlian government website, the checklist says that birth cert. is required. Hmmm, yes she has a passport....so can she use that instead? Is there any chance that by not providing a birth cert. the process will be delayed? She can provide her passport no problems but a birth cert. is definately extra hassle.

...

Right you are it is a requirement. If it is a requirement then there is a possibility of delay.

ChrLad,

The Statutory Declaration consisted of the following,

"will be prepared to provide all support financial or otherwise to the applicant (name) while in Australia on a 676 visa as required by DIAC from time to time."

(At the time DIAC was DIMA.)

One should have mentioned,

In the first application in Bangkok for a 676 visa no "letter of invitation" or statutory declaration was supplied.

The applicant (my legal wife) could prove a reason to return and financial support in her own right.

The applicant is reponsible to comply with the visa requirements as in the declaration that is signed after reading part L, question 41. Ref 48R THA.

With the application in Australia my wife (the applicant) did not have this financial information with her so as her husband I was required to supply the stat. dec. as requested by DIAC. (Remember that I am an Australian citizen.)

The airline ticket was extended and the printout was supplied to them, on the fifth business day I received an e-mail to come in and pick up her passport.

Now for TGF status you may well have to supply additional documentation to DIAC as it would depend on what was supplied in the application.

Correct as for the last line correct too, but you provide what is asked for when they ask for it.

Well, thanks for your help so far. So what your saying is

1. Definately throw out the stat dec... I mean, I would only consider NOT adding it to my application if it is going to reduce the chance of approval. If it does not affect the outcome, I would rather put it in there to feel at ease (as previouslly debated with gburns)

There is no evidence to suggest it will either enhance or detract, especially considering the wording you used.

2. Provide a good reason as to why she will return to Thailand.

Yes

3. Do not get my friend to write a letter supporting the truthfulness of our relationship

Your other evidence should be sufficent, it isn't a spouse visa you are applying for.

1 and 3 are easily addressed; and I think we can address 2 also. I have recently discussed with her, that she wants to return to university in September to study a 6 month course in English Business (an addition to her business degree). If she can get a letter from her university detailing her prospective study do you think this will help? If I provide this letter, obviouslly I would not provide a letter from her employer because she will not be working full time anyway.

Don't think with number 2, she MUST DO. With no good reason to return she will struggle

Also, she has photocopied her birth cert. and needs to get it certified....what type of people can certify such a document in Thailand? Is it similar to Aus.....ie pharmacist, doctor, member of parliament.

Why does she need a birth certificate? She has a passport doesn't she?

I know it would be quiet an achievment to attain a 6 month visa, but at least if I apply for one, and immi dont like it they may consider giving a 3 month visa. I have valid reasons for a six month, given that my course finishes in 6 months after visa start date, and her studies will not begin until 7 months after the visa start date.

I don't want to invite her here for 2-3 weeks, because simply its not enough time. I need at least 3 months with her. If she comes for 2-3 weeks only, I may as well go to Thailand to see her for this length of time (I can go over for 2 weeks during my study break) and avoid all the hassle. This app form has been written in consultation with her so everything I have put in the visa application form is what she would put, just in better English

Be realistic. 2-3 weeks might not be enough, but if it is a start then that is better than nothing. The longer she intends to stay for the better the reason she will return.

I am a new member to thaivisa.com, but have been reading for several weeks, no posts as of yet .Can anyone please please help me.

This is my story - I am 22 year old male living in perth, studying my masters in pharmacy, due to graduate in 8 months. Went to thailand april 2007, met may (now my tgf) she is 25, just finishing off her university studies in february (business management). She works part time while studying selling mobile phones. I went back to see her in november/december and stayed with her for about 24 nights in phuket, we have been in contact several times every day since april, and we are totally dedicated to each other. I want her to come to perth on a tourist visa in march, and i have had so much trouble putting all the documentation together.

There should be not too much problem putting all the documentation together provided you don't try and complicate matters too much. There is very little that is required from you and it would seem as if you have it now.

So far my parents have agreed to go sponsor for her, and have written their invitation letter and signed it, i have also written an invitation letter and signed it saying why i want her here. I have a copy of the last three months of my parents bank statements and profit and loss statements (they are self-employed). they agree to financially support everything for her. I also have the finished visa app. form, and a form 956 so i can be an authorised recipeient to recieve the info. I have my parents recent power bill. photocopy of my mums passport. last three months detailing mobilephone calls and messages with highlights on her number. photcopy of my passport showing entry to thailand twice. letter from my friend who came wiht me to thailand saying "me and may have a future and a solid relationship" (should i put this on a stat dec?). I have written a stat dec saying i will be responsible for her abiding by her visa conditions if so granted.

It gets really tricky when your parents are sponsoring her (well actually paying for her because that is what DIAC is asking) and you are her BF but cannot do it yourself. Make sure that your parents are namesd at Q30 and she tells them in Q29 how she will be supported.

Now I am not going to start the stat dec debate here again (read one of the other threads for a 4 page debate on the issue) but I will say that a stat dec from you saying she will abide and return is worthless, DIAC are not asking you to do that so throw it in the bin. You are wasting your time and giving yourself a false sense of what your role is. Also DIAC are not asking you to make a stat dec statement about your relationship so don't do that either. Your letter inviting her here, telling them how you met and your relationship developed and what you plan to do together in Aus is sufficent, of course coupled with your parents financial details.

I also have 5 or so photos of us together from the previous visit (not dated) and three or four letters from her since i returned in the last month. I have evidence of enrolement in uni for myself. I will then send this parcel with everything over to May in Khon kaen, thailand, and she will have to finish off the rest herself. I will clearly tell her what to do....and know what is required from her (evidence of enrolment, letter from employer , birth cert, passport and passport photo etc). Is there anything else i need to know before i send it off to her? She will go into the visa app. centre in bkk and hand it in personally. Is there any way i can pay for the app. fee from here? or should i just send her some money to cover that?

The 48R is also in Thai. Get her to use the Thai form, being a uni student she shouldn't have too much trouble understanding the form so should be able to answer most questions in her own words, not yours.

http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/foreign/48rtha.pdf

As for how to pay, I belive some say it is possible to pay in Australia at DIAC, but that might be more trouble than it is worth. Someone who as done it can tell you how. If you are that commited you may as well get used to the idea of sending money to her and start now.

In my app. form, i applied for a 6 month visa, heard a rumour that its not common but i have a good reason. My studies finish roughly six months after the start of the visa, and if she gets a six month visa, the expiration of the visa will coincide with my graduation, and then i can fly back with her to thailand and spend some time with her family. That is my wishes anyway. Is this a bad idea? On of my friends who has already succesfuly got a 3 month visa, rekons dont apply for a 6 month - it may get rejected? He did his by telling them she wanted 2 weeks in aus...but because they cant grant anything less than a 3 month visa, they gave her that anyway.

I can't get over to thai till my study finishes in September. I am willing to live over there (doing visa runs routinely) if it is what is required to be with her. Do you think the six monthvisa is a bad idea to apply for?

Mate be clear about something it is HER application, not yours. Don't take control or ownership of something that SHE has to sign and be responsible for. As to how long she applies for it all depends upon your individual circumstances. If you have read some of the threads here you will see that a reason for return is an important aspect of a tourist visa. I would say that the longer she stays the less of a genuine reason she would have to return, more so being young and working in a phone shop. It is not like her job will be held open for 6 months is there? If I was in your situtation I would start by inviting her to Aus for a short holiday, 2-3 weeks max. Your mates advice is a but wrong too might I add. If for example you said she would come for 3 weeks and they issued a 3 month visa, there is still an expectation she would only stay for as long as she said. Sure she can come and go for what ever her visa says legally, but the next time she applies she might have issues because they will see what she did against what she said she was going to do. So have a think about something honestlyif your GF comes what reason does she have to return? Remember you writting a stat dec saying she will leave DOESN'T count, what reason does SHE have to return.

Good luck. Let us know how it goes. If she doesn't get it share the reasons why, maybe then people will understand why some applications get knocked back.

ChrLad,

The Statutory Declaration consisted of the following,

"will be prepared to provide all support financial or otherwise to the applicant (name) while in Australia on a 676 visa as required by DIAC from time to time."

(At the time DIAC was DIMA.)

That makes sense (and it is good to see you didn't give assurances they will return, because that isn't a general expectation of DIAC), however as I said it was for the 2nd application, which was an onshore extension, it has different rules and requirements as you have shown and indeed as the application itself shows. There is no need to do that for the first application also as your partner's case showed, indeed the letter of invitation is where you show your willingness to provide this support in the offshore (48R) application. There would also be no need to do as you have done for the extension unless specificaly asked again as your case shows.

Indeed you could put that into a stat dec form and as I said in an early post DIAC will probably read it the same as a the letter of invitation and people would be right. I personaly think that is a missed oportunity to provide written back-up of the applicants application, as a stat dec you must address matters of fact, in a well written letter you can go a little futher without waffiling on. I just don't think the advice of Gburns to provide it as a substitute because it carries more clout with DIAC is sound and the words he used, especialy about giving an assurance the applicant will return is not sound either as it fails to understand the basic role of the sponsor which is ONLY financial. DIAC contrary advice are NOT looking for 3rd party aussrances they will return, they are only interested in the APPLICANTS situation, ie their reason to go, their reasons to return and who is paying. If they want extra assurances etc they will ASK for it.

Use a stat dec to address specific issues that DIAC ask to be adddressed and don't 2nd guess them, each application is DIFFERENT. The only 1 sizes fits all advice people should follow IMO is do EXACTLY what DIAC ask for. Don't 2nd guess them or try and out smart them, it doesn't work and no method has any extra clout or beliveability. When they want something different or extra they will ask, again as shown in this thread. They, in the best interest of the applicant have rules to follow, so play by THEIR rules and requirements. These can easily be found on the application and check-lists.

Yes Graham you have given good input into the posts, I would agree with you on a TGF status application submit a statutory declaration.

Just for interest when my wife obtained her 676 visa in Thailand I did not submit a SD, only financial info one pay slip.

At the end of her second visit on a 12momth ME She was able to obtain a 6 month visa from DIAC in Australia.

In this case I had to supply financial information again ( 6 months statements from one bank account) and DIAC asked me to supply a SD stating that I would provide all support in line with DIAC requirements. They also wanted proof of an airline ticket out of Australia.

Had no problems. All done within 5 business days from start to finish. But that was my experience, but then the applicant was legally married to me in this case.

David, good post youself, it is a good example for me to make one futher point. I will keep this one short because I said I would shut up. Now correct me if I am wrong on the assumption I am going to make here:

Ok first app in Thailand was on 48R form. The applicant provided what was asked for, a stat dec wasn't one of them. Right? Clearly the visa got issued.

2nd app, she applied in Australia. If she applied in Aus then she must have applied for futher stay as a visitor. Right? Must be because you cannot use a 48R onshore. If so then the form used would be the 601, in which case the rules are different:

Here is the form: http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/pdf/601.pdf

Refer to page 2 and see what it asks for......... among other things "A return plane ticket and other evidence requested for by the decision maker"

That explains why on the 2nd application it was different. In the 2nd case you were asked to provide something different, it doesn't mean it should have been provided for the first application. The something different was a stat dec addressing a specific request of DIAC, I gather it wasn't a blanket stat dec? I am right that the support they asked you to provide was that of financial and accomodation, but you weren't asked to say they will go home at the end?

Ok maybe I am being pig headed to an extent (and I am not 100% right all the time, I will admit when I am not), but the bottom line is we/the applicant should provide what is asked for. No one should go making assumptions that just because Joe bloggs had to do something different that it is the norm and we should all do it to futher enhance the applicants chances. All the examples I've seen here, ie the one above, trolley's (and one I was sent in a PM) are the exceptions not the rule. And in each case when it was an exception of DIAC they asked for it and told the person what to address. I guess that is the key. I guess the whole problem is when we give advice based on out own personal circumstances we tend to cloud things a little. Maybe I am doing the same, well not maybe I am, because in the case of my GF it was all pretty cut and dry.. But bottom line is DIAC aren't silly and when they want something they will ask, we should never 2nd guess what they want. So provide what they ask for, what they ask for is pretty clear, refer to the form and check-lists if in doubt. If they want something else they will ask. Provide it then, DON'T provide it as a substitute or 2nd guess them. It does no one any favours.

Sorry if this thread has caused confusion. It isn't the intent.

My final comment on this thread.

Lack of evidence for a reason to return....If you were bringing a girl from Isaan to Oz...she had no money or assets of her own...her employment was a paddy worker or a BG...she had a child that was being looked after by her grandparents...where is her reason to return? She doesnt have one!.....what would you advise ??

My final comment on this matter too.

In the above example I wouldn't know what to specificaly advise (although in that example there is one possible reason to return) because it would vary from case to case. But what I do know is it is up to the APPLICANT to make the statement as to why they will return, not you as the person who is providing financial support for the trip. You seem to think you writing a stat dec saying they return will convince DIAC that they will, please..... they are not that stupid.... I cannot think of one thing you could say that would make a weak argument stronger.

What you can do is RE-ENFORCE their claims in your letter. For example with my missus her main reason to return is we intend to live in the UK after we marry. So in my letter I explained my current living arrangements, told them how long I would live here for, however all that did was back up the GF's claim, I didn't speak on her behalf though.

I think that is the one of my problems with your method, you seem to think the depatment is looking for assurances from a 3rd party (ie you), you seem to think you can control and speak for the applicant. You cannot. And you method tries to address these issues, which are beyond your control. By all means help the applicant as much as possible. Help them make as stong a case as possible and argue why they will return, but at the end of the day the department will only take notice of THEIR intentions and THEIR situation not YOURS.

Having worked in the public service (not DIAC), I can assure you that for anything to do with the public, there is a set of rules you have to abide by. You are not able to go outside of these rules.

As I have also been saying read the DIAC forms and help sheets carefuly the "sponsors" ONLY role is to pay for the trip THAT IS ALL. SO as 'sponsor' address the issues you have ownership of, support the applicants application by writing a good worded LETTER of invitation (a stat dec does not make ones word any stronger) and help them, but don't take over from them and think you can speak for them or control them if they get here.

Now the one thing I will say is bad with the DIAC advice is it doesn't say what to put in the letter, however the following is from the UK, which on the face of it has similar rules and procedures to us, and is what I have used to construct my letter's. Read what you will into it. I am not suggesting it applies to Australia 100% but it is food for thought!

The following would be helpful.

A letter of sponsorship giving details of your occupation and salary and how you will provide support and accommodation for the applicant. There is no need to have this letter certified (in other words, signed) before a solicitor or commissioner for oaths to confirm it is genuine.

Evidence of your ability to pay for the trip, such as copies of your last six months' bank or building society statements and salary slips. If you receive public funds, the Entry Clearance Officer will need to consider carefully how long you will be able to support other people on your limited means. You will not be able to get extra public funds to support the applicant.

(I really like the last line of the first para)

Full document here: http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pa...d=1006977150088

This next quote from UK rules is also interesting and again it would seem it applies to the 676 visa for Aus too:

Can I give a guarantee?

You may want to give a guarantee that the person whom you are sponsoring will abide by the conditions of his or her stay in the UK and will leave at the end of a specified period. However, such guarantees are not enforceable in UK law and cannot be accepted. This is not a reflection on your integrity as a sponsor, but under the Immigration Rules, it is the visitor who must satisfy the entry clearance officer that he or she qualifies for entry.

Full document here: http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pa...d=1018696644717

Now if only DIAC had something like that for our visa's this whole debate would be redunant.

Right 10-4 over and out.

I was hoping to learn something in this thread

But now its just become confusing and annoying

I can see that for the average guy it has....

Let MM, Cbrlad and David96 take the reins here... I am sure that they will do an excellent job. I cant be bothered anymore.

Well advising people they are responsible for things they are not responsible for and giving people a false idea of what the application and visa are all about is not a good thing. The DIAC instructions and help sheets are pretty clear I think in what the expectations and responsibilites of each party is. Do as DIAC says, play it their way and provided the case is good then there should be no problems.

The only people who should have any concern are those where the case is not all the strong. Reading the board it seems as if many cannot take an objective view of their 'partners' situtation and see why a case might not be as stong as we think it is. I guess that is called human nature. But proving stuff that isn't needed or asked for or indeed even miss-understanding everyone's roles and responsibilities in the situation doesn't help anyone. Like I said much of your advice although based on experiance seems to be anecdotal and cannot be backed up with hard documentation.

Guess nuff said.

I was hoping to learn something in this thread

But now its just become confusing and annoying

Sorry if you feel that way, but you know sometimes you need a good debate to get to a positive result, I think we are almost there.

Now what are you confused about? Ask and you might get a straight answer if you are lucky.

But to cut the crap above and to make this easy, this is the process for someone to follow.

Go to this website: http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/tourist/676/index.htm

Download the 48R form. The applicant MUST fill out questions honestly. Make sure they name you and other friends/relo's in Aus at question 18. If you are providing financial and/or accomodation make sure they say that at Q29 and then at Q30 name you and at Q31 indicate the type of support you are providing. If you helped with the application form they should name you at Q35, then answer 36, 37 and 38 as appropriate.

Download the check-list and provide everything that is asks for. For optional information provide what is relivent. All you need to submit is the letter of invitation and if you are paying your finance details, so bank statements, pay slips etc.

The Bangkok Embassy website has some additional information which is what Gburns copied into his first post, it can be found here: http://www.vfs-au.net/forms/Info_Sheet_5_V...lish_July06.pdf The main difference is they also want some evidence showing a relationship between you and the applicant.

In actual fact their page uses a word that I like, that is is someone "supporting" you and your application, that is more correct in the case of a 676 than the word sponsor.

Remember that the applicant is the one who is applying NOT YOU. It is THEIR answers and THEIR intention's the department is looking at. They only care that you know the person and are paying.

Remember if you are 'sponsoring' them you are ONLY "sponsoring" the financial side of their application and giving the applicant a reason to visit aus. So YOU should address those issues and ONLY those issues, everything else is up to the APPLICANT.

The Department is not looking for 3rd party assurances the applicant will abide by their visa conditions. Remember just because (in our case) the applicant is Thai their word is just as good as the word of an aussie.

Simple as 123, if your case is solid and you provide what they ask for then there is no reason why a positive result will not happen. If the case is marginal, then sorry to say regardless of what ever information someone OTHER than the applicant provides (ie you) it probably won't help much anyway.

One last thing I forgot (bit of a bugger you cannot edit a post after about 15mins of posting it) Mr Gburns if you were talking about a visa like the 679 I would agree with 95% of what you are saying. But the 676 has a marked difference which I think I have done to death above. With the 679 you still wouldn't need a stat dec though as you would be signing the 1149 form to put your neck on the line.

Now take a look at the obligations on the 676 page, here http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/tourist/676/obligations.htm. Now take a look at the obligations of the 679 here http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/visiting-f...obligations.htm. See a difference? Yep the 679 talks about the obligations of the applicant and the sponsor, yet the 676 talks only about the applicant. Guess why? The correct answer is also found in my post above.

Like I have said your method may well work and I say go ahead if someone wants to provide more than being asked for, but at the least provide what is asked for in the application and check-list. Anyone who can read english should can see exactly what is being asked for.

But I do think your proof that a stat dec is required or makes a difference is antidoctal at best, and indeed much of your views on what you are really doing is contrary to the clear evidence given. That is for a 676 visa you are only making an offer of financial and accomodation support. Everything else is up to the applicant to prove and abide by and is really none of your business.

PS. Don't take what I have said as a personal attack or take personal offence, I know in your heart you think your advice is sound and the basics are quite clearly sound. But like you I am trying to share my experiance and knowledge to help guys and girls of course and I think on this subject I have shown that I know what I am talking about. I hope this debate helps clarify a few myths, in particular what a 'sponsor' of a 676 applicant is really doing. Do I need to repeat it? Nah, just read above and the excelent forms that DIAC have produced.

The one thing we have always advised here is to make the application as strong as possible, Not necessarily with more documentation but with quality documentation....as I have said before...many of the applications I have assisted with off board have used a SD and not a letter...not one was knocked back or delayed, Some have used both again with the sme result...whereas I have learnt of them knocked back with just a letter and mostly for the same reason....They didnt believe that applicant had a solid enough reason to return. The exact reason that MM's rep in the Dept said that a SD could negate.

Actually I forgot something related to the above passage. Again Gburns, you make one simple mistake, as I have been saying you cannot speak or make promises on behalf of someone else. The applicant is the one applying not you. The reason to return must come from the applicant, no one else can state a valid reason why someone will return and putting your hand on your heart through a stat dec and saying they will abide and return is not right. You will find that those that got knocked back by providing just a letter, it wouldn't have mattered anyway and pray tell why would a stat dec from someone who is not the applicant have any effect on the APPLICANTS visa application?

...

Part of any "sponsor" arrangement is that the person who is the "sponsor" has the duty to inform the dept of any change in circumstances.....If the visa holder does a runner then you will be expected to give any information that will assist the Dept in locating that person. If you are listed in the application as the Additional funds provider, you will be expected to act in the same manner as the "sponsor". For example if you can not provide the funds then you need to inform the Dept....if the visa holder does a runner and you are no longer providing the funds you need to inform the Dept...in the latter case they will want to know where the visa holder has gone. Who do you think they will come and ask ??

Gburns, will all due respect I don't think you understand what you are sponsoring the person for in relation to the 676 class visa. In fact I think the whole crux of our debate revolves around this basic point me thinks. You will note that most times I use the word sponsor I do it like this "sponsor" because really you are not sponsoring their application. Why? Well with the 676 you are ONLY providing support from a fiscal view point. DIAC are not asking you to ensure they will abide by their visa conditions, they are not asking you to be their keeper, they are asking the applicant to abide, all they are asking from you is if you are paying and providing financial and accomodation support. THATS IT!!!!! So with any application you should limit yourself to address the issues that belong to you and not the applicant as a whole.

IF the person could afford the trip themselves then there is no need for you to sponsor them, although if they are visiting you they still ask for a letter of invitation. Don't beleive me? Read the 48R application form carefuly. Under which section do you think it talks about a "sponsor", Yep section G which relates to money. In particular questions 29, 30 and 31.

Question 18 asks about having family and friends in Aus, but this is not for sponsorship reasons.

Is there anywhere else? Well not really? Is there anywhere where it asks the applicant to provide someone to go guarantor? Nop.

Link to 48R english form: http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/pdf/48r.pdf

So basicaly all they want from you is something to say you have invited them and that you are paying, simple as they. To back this up they then also want evidence that you can afford to pay and that there is some form of basic relationship between you and the applicant. For exmaple I "sponsored" my soon to be wifes sister for a 676 so there is a basic relatonship that didn't need to be otherwise proved, but my 'sponsoship" was restricted to inviting her here (well there because I live in the UK hence why my replies are at un-godly Aussie hours), offering accomodation and saying I will pay her airfare and costs.

Now read the check-list document (link below) and see what it asks for from the sponsor. Part of this is also on the 48R form, page 5 bottom left hand corner. Now the only talk of "sponsorship" in the check list is only in the section that talks about finances, and yep it says:

...

Other Documents

...

c)

If visiting relatives or friends, a letter of invitation from your relative or friend in Australia. If your relative or friend is paying for your visit, evidence that they have the necessary funds.

Link to said check-list: http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/_pdf/676-visa-checklist.pdf

See it is asking for a letter of invitation and if they (read you) are paying evidence of funds. They are not asking you to be their guarantor, they are not asking you to sign in blood, all they are asking for is something very simple. Who is paying and can they afford it?

So the question is why do you think DIAC are asking for more from you? They aren't. All they want is to know you have invited them and if you are paying or not, and of course that you can afford to pay. Now if I am wrong, then please point me to a DIAC document that says so.

My response regarding the SD was to Lioness....where I said that the SD holds more sway than a letter.....(you have backed this up by quoting the rep at the Dept.)...It was then that yourself (albiet later) and Cbrlad decided to mount a challenge to this. Even though we have all agreed that while the SD is not a requirement, it can be a useful asset to weaker applications. Again supported by your rep at the Dept.

Actually if you read MM's reply he didn't back up your assurtion it held more sway, he to para phrase said in certain cirumstances (and gave an example) it could be used to back-up a claim that couldn't otherwise be backed up. My concern is you are suggesting people use a stat dec as a substute for a letter of invitation and put in words that are not expected of a sponsor for this type of visa. In fact I have said there are times a stat dec would be needed. My example was if your income was from sources where you couldn't easily prove future income, ie self employed, contractor etc. For exmaple. What I have said over and over is don't use a stat dec as a substitute for documents they specificaly ask for (letter of invitation for example) and don't use it to make promises you cannot keep and are not expected to make.

Cbrlad......

Who has told you that they will ask for a SD on their own forms....the SD link on the website directs you to the AG website.....the SD link there provides the exact same form that you get from the Post Office and the same form I have used in my wifes spouse visa application (as well as the required 888 forms) which is the updated form of the one I used in all my wifes visitors visa applications. There is no form that covers sponsorship of a 48R applicant.

I didn't actually say that in that context. What I said is if DIAC want you to provide additonal sponsorship (of the type you seem to think is the norm) then my guess (in this case it is a guess) they will get you to fill out a form SIMILAR to the one used by the sponsor of a 679 style visa. At no point did I say they would get a stat dec from the sponsor for this purpose.

By stating that you will ensure that the applicant abides etc..., you are not saying that she will....you are saying that you will ensure...the onus is on what you do...not on what she does. If you really wanted to be pedantic then you could add "to the best of my ability", would that make you feel better?? Let me ask you a question.....How many people who have signed the applications and "agreed to abide by the conditions"....have actually overstayed or otherwise breached their visa conditions....I would hazard a guess at "thousands" So what assurance is the Dept getting from that signature....My guess at that is....SFA. That is why a "sponsor" assurance stands an application in good stead. If the assurance is given as part of the application in the first place, especially on an application that could be considered weak....why the heck wouldnt you include it ?? It can save frustration and unecessary delays...especially to people who are under time limitations.

But you cannot ensure they will comply, that is the stupidy of it all. So why say it? Besides they aren't asking you to do so.

In Tolleys case, he had a very big hurdle to overcome.....the lady asked for a Stat Dec....therefore it did hold some sway in the grant of the visa...probably a lot more than more photos and phone bills.

Well his case is the exception to the rule, not the norm. From I can gather from reading here DIAC asked for a stat dec to clarify a specifc point no doubt. But the point is THEY asked for it, it wasn't given as a substitute for the required documents. This is not something I would expect of most applications.

The one thing we have always advised here is to make the application as strong as possible, Not necessarily with more documentation but with quality documentation....as I have said before...many of the applications I have assisted with off board have used a SD and not a letter...not one was knocked back or delayed, Some have used both again with the sme result...whereas I have learnt of them knocked back with just a letter and mostly for the same reason....They didnt believe that applicant had a solid enough reason to return. The exact reason that MM's rep in the Dept said that a SD could negate.

Here here, will agree make it as strong as possible. But understand what you are doing. ie you are making an offer of financial assistance, actualy in a nut shell that is all you are doing. You are not there to make sure they abide by their visa coniditions and you cannot make promises on someone elses behalf saying so. Please provide what they ask for, and then if you want to provide something else, such as a blanket stat dec do so but don't substitute one for the other. As I said before maybe Gburns et al method of providing a miss guided and ill worded stat dec works, but my bet is those cases they would get through anyway and they would take the stat dec on the face of it. Contrary to popular belief DIAC are not their to stop people coming, they are making sure people are genuine and will in most cases nick off at the end of their trip.

PS. In MM's example I would expect the stat dec to generally come from the applicant. Remember you cannot speak on behalf of the applicant.

Tolley and Watchoutfarang......

Thanks for the support ....and to ease Cbrlad's mind....he is a 100% right with the 48R and visa sub class 676 definition....

Yep know I am 100% right on that matter. As for everything I've written my estimate is 95% correct, 2% bluff and 3% bulldust.