bridge

In my opinion, at the end of the day, you should prepare

yourselves for a 10 month wait and anything before that is a bonus.

I'd suggest that in most cases, 10 months is in the worst case scenerio.

I know it's stressfull but once the application is in, it's best to try and not think

about it. (hard to do I know).

There are just so many variables involved, that's why DIAC say UP to 10 months.

And that's why it's pointless in most cases to try and compare your application with

someone else's. These variables include what state, what office and importantly

what case officer, the strength of the application etc etc.

One of the worst things you can do is to keep badgering your case officer

with questions that can be answered on the website.

Just keep them crossed and hope for the best.

It's all you can do really.

Regards

Will

Will,

I couldn't agree more with you.

I guess we have to wait a bit before anyone clicks on the last 2

That's why I said all applications from Jan2010.....

Or do you mean to say the average is way below 6 months??

Groovyc,

With the utmost of respect family visas cover so many different subclasses all with differing standard processing times that this survey is pretty much meaningless. Sorry.

Bridge

Just wanted to advise - partner visa lodged 309 May 6th - visa approved and stamped today - There is hope guys - with a complete, accurate application you don't have to wait 10- 13 months

Howareyou,

Great news - well done.

Can you give us a little bit of background on your relationship. How long you have been with your partner, married or de-facto, kids etc.

I second the Thai restauraunt at the Mandarin Oriental.

And BTW her English is good enough for her to understand this, but I think to make her message clearer I might have her do it in English and thai.

Nothing wrong with her submitting her statement in Thai (as long as it has an English translation). Dont worry about spelling mistakes etc. Substance over form is more important.

After giving the missus a outline of what it should contain, I left her to do it. Yes the grammar is wrong in places and yes I could write it much better. But at the end of the day it's how she speaks in english so they'd know come interview time.

I always approach relationship statements like this. If the case officer handed your wife her relationship statement, could she read it, and secondly, perfectly understand the contents of it? If the answer is no, then I wouldn't be submitting it, as it is not her statement, but your statement that you have done for her. She should understand the contents of her statement completely.

What I have done in the past is this, 1) After the sponsor has done his own statement, have that translated into Thai. The applicant can then use that as a guide to do her own statement (not just copy of course). 2) The applicant would then do her own statement in Thai which would be submitted with an English translation.

Hope this has helped.

those overstayers, are they also facing 500/1000 baht per day of overstay + prison + deportation ?

Uhmm no they aren't. Wrong country .....

Terrible stuff. Hope she gets well very soon. Sounds like she has some good friends.

Guys just a quick question - partner visa subclass 309 - it states that they are entitled to work in Australia. Are there any limitation on how many hours or days they can work - or can they work fulltime?

No restrictions

I agree with Spsrkles. Spirit House across thr road from VB serves great food. My revommendation to the OP even just book in for a few nights first. I am sure he wont be dissapointed.

That is something you or she would certainly mention in your respective relationship statements.

Interesting story from today's Daily Telegraph (Sydney) on the number of unlawful non-citizens in Australia. Only 1700 from Thailand, but look at the numbers from the UK and USA. Ironic that they have significant more overstayers, but they are eligible for ETA Visas. Thai nationals however have to jump through hoops to get a visa by making a paper application for a subclass 676 visa.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/hiding-over-visa-breaches/story-e6freuy9-1226101601753

For your sponsorship to be approved you must be able to demonstrate that you have the ability to support your partner for at least the first two years of settlement, that is, financially and with respect to accommodation too. Have you gone through the partner migration handbook published by DIAC and read up on sponsorship requirements?

I stayed at Viangbua for six months. Very professionally run. The owners daughter, the manager, takes great pride in seeing that guests are happy. I rate it very highly.

The days of cheap travel through travel agents has long gone. Search all the airline sites and you will eventually find a fare that suits you.

Sorry to to hear about your grief - what a nightmare.

If she could go to the Family Court of Australia she may get Full Custody of the child. Despite what some people deservedly think of the Family COurt they can in fact be rather more human than Foreign Affairs in relation to children.

If she has full custody it may help. The FCA can be used without a Lawyer if needed and is relatively cheap...THey eill work in the interest of the child.

Unfortunately I don't think the court would have jurisdiction with regards to this matter.

Sorry to be so frank, but I don't want to mislead anyone or commit a crime. At the same time we only want what is best for both the child, mother and our family in general.

Myaug,

This is a situation where you should obtain expert advice, preferably from an Australian lawyer who specialises in immigration law. From what you have stated you appear to have two very big hurdles. The first being satisfying the public interest criteria relating to a child visa applicant where consent is an issue. The second being obtaining a passport for the child. No doubt the location of Burma only magnifies your difficulties.

I also suggest perhaps contacting the Immigration Advice & Rights Centre who are located in Kent Street, Sydney. I am sure you will find them very helpful.

Good Luck

Bridge

I am dealing with the same problem now with regards to a 445 application. Is a nightmare.

In Thailand?

Yes in Thailand.

Do the stat decs have to be originals, or can they be scanned and emailed?

Originals.

Keep in mind that all documents submitted for a PR visa must either be the original or a certified copy. And give that a stat dec is a declaration made under oath that is even more reason for the original to be submitted.

You don't need to submit the stat dec's with that application in order for it to be a valid application. A valid application is different from that of a complete application. As long as you make a valid application as provided by the Migration Regulations 1994 you can forward the stat dec's when they are sent to Thailand notwithstanding that the application has already been lodged.

I am dealing with the same problem now with regards to a 445 application. Is a nightmare.

The OP certainly has a legitimate question -- and one I've puzzled over, although being married to a Thai, it was a question that didn't hit home.

In my situation, the answer to the following is more fitting:

If a foreigner cannot own land in their own name, but their Thai partner can. What happens if the Thai partner pre-deceases their foreign partner?

A Will. In my example, the wife's Will says something to the affect: 'If Thai law has changed upon my death, I bequeath my land to my husband. If not, the husband can sell the land [i've got a year], and pocket the proceeds. Or select niece A, B, or C to take title to the land.'

In the latter situation, since my lease with my wife (or a partner, in other situations) keeps me in the house, and on the land, for the remainder of the 30 years, I'm good-to-go. The niece, because of the lease registered on the back of the chanote, cannot evict me. And, if I were younger, I'd probably convert to a usufruct (no 30 year limitation).

Owning land from a stranger -- or at least someone with no real interest in your welfare? Well, again, this would (or should) be legally affixed to the back of the chanote. So, even if the land development company, or whomever, sells the land -- you can't be evicted. Period. I guess this is what farangs without Thai partners hang their hats on.....(?).

A rental, up front, before your household items arrive, could be ok to scout for the place you really want to long-term settle in (or build). But, if you're completely sold on settling here, I really think a rental just doesn't give you the flexibility to do your thing. Or if it did -- having your lease cancelled right after open-heart surgery could screw up your whole week....

Several things to ponder. Hopefully, those without Thai partners, and who own homes, not condos, will jump-in for better info..

Thanks for the info. However I think the only thing to ponder is rent DON'T buy and don't invest in Thailand past your next meal.

I have a question.

If a foreigner cannot own land in their own name, but their Thai partner can. What happens if the Thai partner pre-deceases their foreign partner?

As I understand it, you must sell the house I think you get six months.

Well that certainly sounds fair - NOT.

I have a question.

If a foreigner cannot own land in their own name, but their Thai partner can. What happens if the Thai partner pre-deceases their foreign partner?

Thank you very much for all the recommendations.

I took my cat to the animal hospital behind Carrefour. My cat was treated by Dr. Pornsak, who explained everything to me, and was very professional indeed. I have read other peoples post that they felt that the animal hospital may be staffed by inexperienced veterinary science students. I don't know whether that is the case or not. I can only speak with regards to the service I got from Dr. Pornsak who which was very good. I would definitely go back to him.

Lastly, my cat made a fast recovery

Has anyone been to the Mandarin Oriental for their Sunday Brunch. If so what do they have on offer? Is it any good?