figjam2

"With ref to your line 1 para 2 one had the impression that you were not satisfied with the timeframe and wanted to speed things up. Your Federal member would not intervene on your behalf at such an early stage without documentation"

I don't see how you would get the "impression" I was not satisfied quite the opposite, I know the local MP did intervene as I recieved feedback for her office within 24 hrs and without documentation except the file number.

David, please take the time to read my post again, I did not complain and I was quite happy with the proceedings, I emailed "on the spur of the moment" whether the call from the local MP helped or whether our application got by on it's own merits I don't know. But I was not complaining.

I/we have just gone through the process,lodged the application at the VFS 19/12/08 her interview was on the the 08/01/08 with Leena,considering the holiday period I was quite happy with the time frame, a few odds and sods were required namely the updated 47SP which we had on her desk by the 14/01/08 then the waiting game began we were told 12 weeks was the normal period for a prospective marriage visa.

After 3 weeks I decided on the spur of the moment the wheel needed a bit of oil( not that it was squeaky) so I dropped an email to my local member asking her to look into it on my behalf which she was happy to do, but did repeat the same as Leena 12 weeks etc.

My girl received a call on Valentines day from Leena to be at the embassy 10.30 26/02/08 and bring her passport so it doesn't hurt to oil the wheel squeaky or not, it can be done. 8 weeks from start to finish not bad.

The good lady had her interview at the Aust Embassy yesterday and by all accounts it went well,it lasted 20 minutes and she said it was just a general chit chat. The case worker did ask for a few things which I did find strange 1/ Christmas cards from our friends with her name as well as mine (she has been to Aust on 2 three month visitors visas) 2/ Skype phone records of her contact with her mum.

She did say that the approval will be between 1 to 3 months after the additional paperwork is supplied but hinted to her that it will probably be 1 month. We lodged the application on the 18/12/07 so all in all not too bad, possible 2 month process.

Thank you

Yes I did address the issue of coming back in my letter of support and was quite honest with them that we had decided to pursue our relationship and needed more time together to be 100% sure of our commitment.

"Lifestyle in Australia" thats a new one on me where do I get this mate? just for the record the previous 07/07 is word perfect to the current 10/07, Immigration in Melbourne could not give me a reasonable response to my question of "why I need to fill out the same form again" but to hand me to the "feedback" department and I will get a response in 2/3 weeks

Any DIAC office in Australia, there is a "Lifestyle in Australia" booklet available in the Thai language. Also available from the VFS office in Bangkok. You should get a firm reply preferably in writing as to why you cannot use this form dated 07/07. It is a simple question.

What about all the applicants who lodged their applications in Bangkok in October with forms obtained in August or September?

Just received a call from Canberra,they are at a loss as to why the 07/07 was not accepted by VFS and DIAC have not issued instructions to them "not to accept 07/07 40SP" nice enough fella on the phone and he said he would contact VFS and get back to me. Could be VFS has acted on their own in this matter, I wonder how many others have had to redo the form.

No not a word mate, they just rang and said your passport is ready, which could mean anything as they don't say yes or no to approvals over the phone. She has just arrived back in Bangkok on Monday night and was at VFS Tuesday with her Prospective Marriage application so fingers crossed it won't be a problem again.

"Lifestyle in Australia" thats a new one on me where do I get this mate? just for the record the previous 07/07 is word perfect to the current 10/07, Immigration in Melbourne could not give me a reasonable response to my question of "why I need to fill out the same form again" but to hand me to the "feedback" department and I will get a response in 2/3 weeks

My girl went to the vfs the day after she arrived back in Bangkok after a 3 month visitors visa, 5 days later we booked her ticket back to Melbourne.

Just an update on this topic,40SP dated 07/07 is no longer accepted,you have to have 40SP dated 10/07 now the good wife to be has just rang me to do 40SP again and mail it to her. Let the fun begin what next?????????

Down load a NOIM (notice of intent to marry) fill it in, then take it to a celebrant/registry office to have it signed and for them to verify the requirements. You will need a certified copy of this if you are going to apply for a Prospective Marriage Visa.