19 minutes ago, TSF said:

So right back to what I initially said. Why all the paranoia that the applicant may not return when they whack 8503 on the visa which makes it virtually impossible to remain longer. 

The main reason it's applied is because they don't want people trying to extend their stay or apply for something else like a spouse visa.

 

Immigrations main concern is that people will find work and overstay. That is why they look for compelling reasons to return home.

 

It stands to reason that if some has a good job in Thailand, they're less of a risk of overstaying than someone who makes 300 Baht per day selling noodles.

 

 

News this morning that while the number of spouse visas is capped at 40,000 per year the queue has 90,000 applicants in it.  I guess if you can get your girl-/boy-friend into Australia as a tourist or a student it's going to be a more comfortable wait than applying from Thailand - https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/national/2019/12/10/visa-spouse-partner-pascoe/