Spouse Visa For Australia

[BAKABAS]

Hi All,

Mate, doesn't 3 months go quick when your having fun!

I married my Thai GF 2 weeks ago here in Sydney while on 3 month tourist visa. We are heading back to LOS in 4 days as her torist visa is up. When we get there we intend to get straight into the spouse visa application.

I understand i need to fill out the sponsership form 40SP. To do this i require:

1. Certified copy of passport and birth certificate

2. Letter or stat dec from me

3. Letters from several freinds, family and local members of the community to confirm that our relationship is genuine

4.Tax office retun notices for 2005, 2006 ( i havent done this year yet )

5. Letter from my employer stating my income and time of employment.

6. Letter from my retired parents whom we intend to live with, saying its ok wiht them and that they have the room for us ( ie: 13 acres and huge house )

7. Photos of us during the last 3 months here in Aus

8. Marriage certificate ( certified copy )

9. ?

When we get to LOS we will :

1. Go straight to the local police station to start the police check thingo

2. Go to a hospital in Korat to get the medical check thingo underway.

3. Get my wifes paper work that is needed together

4. Fill out the spouse visa application form

5. Telephone the Australian Embassy to try and arrange interview , once we have all the above ( i heard in the posts here that if you do that and not go throught the Visa office, the approval is in some cases only 2 days )

6. Lodge both forms together

7. ?

Now, seeing we have been in Aus for 3 months on the tourist visa, i heard there is some sort of law that she must stay out of the country for about as much time as she was here for before she can come back. What do you think?

It has all gone too quick, the 3 months here and now we are heading back to LOS for the spouse visa, i'm starting to worry that i am missing something. I have searched a bit on the forum and must say that member Mighty Mouse and a few others are very helpful with visa advice.

Can you please browse over the above and see if i am missing something? please

As some of you have been there and done that, i know that you know how stressfull it is. I'm estatic to be married to this lovely lady and will give her and her kid a great life here in Aus... Just gotta get her here fulltime, ya know what i mean.

Any advice very much appreciated.

PS: when we are finally done with all of this, i will write my whole story here on the forum in detail so others can benifit from my experience.

Cheeers,

[gburns57au]

lets see...

2 and 3.....stat decs not letters...must be accompanied by proof of citizenship in Oz....for each person who fills them out. That can be a passport or citizenship papers.

7...Also letters, phone bills, proof of any financial support given.

8....Marriage extract from Births Marriages and Deaths....a certified copy of the certificate is not sufficient...the marriage has to be proven to be registered.

You will have to buy the application pack which has both forms and the booklet...400thb...from the VFS or Embassy. You cant just get a single application form.

No such law at this time....she can come back when she likes, so long as she has abided by the visa conditions.

Check out the booklet for partner migration on the site...it will tell you most of this.

Edited July 24, 2007 by gburns57au

[Mighty Mouse]

I'm estatic to be married to this lovely lady and will give her and her kid a great life here in Aus... Just gotta get her here fulltime, ya know what i mean.

The "kid" requires a whole heap of paperwork to be done. You will first need to obtain a passport. In order to do this, your wife will need to prove to her local Amphur office that she has sole custody. If not, the natural father will need to accompany your wife to the Amphur office to fill out papers.

The Thai passport office can be very stubborn. They require certain papers and will not issue a passport until all the papers are produced.

For information read The Thai Passport Requirements.

The "kid" will also need a medical check if included in the visa application.

If you haven't already done so, have a read of The Partner Migration Book.

It lists all the basic requirements needed for a successful application.

You seem to be well on your way with your arrangements. Gathering all the Aussie papers is fairly straight forward. Unfortunately, the same can't be said about the Thailand side.

You can expect a fair bit of running around obtaining the necessary documents.

If you need some advice on where to have the Thai papers translated, click here.

[ronnight]

For the police check need to go to Special Branch Police station in Bangkok, might be a good idea to do this when you arrive as takes a while to process her police check.

[BAKABAS]

Thankf for the replies,

I have certified letters by JP from 5 different people. Will i really have to get stat decs instead?

[gburns57au]

Thankf for the replies,

I have certified letters by JP from 5 different people. Will i really have to get stat decs instead?

At least two MUST be stat decs and they MUST have certified proof of Oz Citizenship as well

[boof623]

hi mate,

most of what you need is online at the diac site, you can download copies of the forms you require, you will need forms 47SP, 40SP, if you dont have broadband it could take a while as they are approx 20 pages long each, your stat dec from friends/family etc needs to be done on the form 888 also available on the site you will need at least 2 of them, take a look at form 47P which gives you the address in thailand for police clearances as well as some info on what your wife needs to take with her.

you will need certified copies of you / wifes /child passports, get the first 2 done here as they will charge you to certify documents at the embassy

two years group certificates for yourself

you will need 2 statements or stat decs about how you met, the evolving relationship, when you got married, future plans etc from you and your wife, if your wifes is done in thai it will have to be translated into english by a certified translator (do that when your in thailand as it is much cheaper) .......make sure your stories are the same and the dates correspond

you will need cert copies of your birth cert , marriage cert and 2 passport sized photos of yourself

your wife and child will need 4 passport size photos, the childs birth certificate need to be translated to english as well as any other custody docs she has for the child.

if your wife was never officially married to the childs father and custody was never granted to her officially you will have to get permission from the father if he is still on the scene in the form of a letter of consent by him for the child to migrate, if not on the scene your wife will have to obtain a por kor 14 from her local amphur (like a council office) to state when former relationship with child father ended , the living arrangements of the child , who takes care of the child, father support if any etc as they will ask for this to be included in your application

evidence of geniune and continuing relationship, photos of wedding, with friends and family etc, include copies of your plane tickets to thailand to show that you are now visiting her

you seem to have already started to think about getting the docs ready and my advise is dont wait till you get to thailand to do the forms, get them done now, before you go, pay your application fee in australia and attach the reciept in the relevant area of the application, make some notes in your application where you were unable to supply any docs at the moment as you can add them at a latter stage. set out your application neatly, with extra info put into sections with header pages ie these photo are of our wedding, 2 copies of stat dec form 888, etc as it helps when everything is easy to follow and they know what they are looking at.

on the top of your application put a note in large letters that you will be in thailand between these dates to answer/ attend interview if required and give a contact number ( may help , may not ) least it shows your keen,

send your application to the immigration section at the embassy on the day before you and your wife fly out

if you have requested to be contacted via email make sure you check your email in thailand as they will probably assign a case manager to you and give you a file number for your application, the case managers direct number should be on the email somewhere so ring them just to touch base and let them know you are in thailand if they want to see you and your wife together while you are there. they will also give you a list of other requirements like the por kor 14, police clearance etc

health check forms can be downloaded from the site as well as a list of panel doctors and hospitals

good luck mate hope it goes well for you

[BAKABAS]

hi mate,

most of what you need is online at the diac site, you can download copies of the forms you require, you will need forms 47SP, 40SP, if you dont have broadband it could take a while as they are approx 20 pages long each, your stat dec from friends/family etc needs to be done on the form 888 also available on the site you will need at least 2 of them, take a look at form 47P which gives you the address in thailand for police clearances as well as some info on what your wife needs to take with her.

you will need certified copies of you / wifes /child passports, get the first 2 done here as they will charge you to certify documents at the embassy

two years group certificates for yourself

you will need 2 statements or stat decs about how you met, the evolving relationship, when you got married, future plans etc from you and your wife, if your wifes is done in thai it will have to be translated into english by a certified translator (do that when your in thailand as it is much cheaper) .......make sure your stories are the same and the dates correspond

you will need cert copies of your birth cert , marriage cert and 2 passport sized photos of yourself

your wife and child will need 4 passport size photos, the childs birth certificate need to be translated to english as well as any other custody docs she has for the child.

if your wife was never officially married to the childs father and custody was never granted to her officially you will have to get permission from the father if he is still on the scene in the form of a letter of consent by him for the child to migrate, if not on the scene your wife will have to obtain a por kor 14 from her local amphur (like a council office) to state when former relationship with child father ended , the living arrangements of the child , who takes care of the child, father support if any etc as they will ask for this to be included in your application

evidence of geniune and continuing relationship, photos of wedding, with friends and family etc, include copies of your plane tickets to thailand to show that you are now visiting her

you seem to have already started to think about getting the docs ready and my advise is dont wait till you get to thailand to do the forms, get them done now, before you go, pay your application fee in australia and attach the reciept in the relevant area of the application, make some notes in your application where you were unable to supply any docs at the moment as you can add them at a latter stage. set out your application neatly, with extra info put into sections with header pages ie these photo are of our wedding, 2 copies of stat dec form 888, etc as it helps when everything is easy to follow and they know what they are looking at.

on the top of your application put a note in large letters that you will be in thailand between these dates to answer/ attend interview if required and give a contact number ( may help , may not ) least it shows your keen,

send your application to the immigration section at the embassy on the day before you and your wife fly out

if you have requested to be contacted via email make sure you check your email in thailand as they will probably assign a case manager to you and give you a file number for your application, the case managers direct number should be on the email somewhere so ring them just to touch base and let them know you are in thailand if they want to see you and your wife together while you are there. they will also give you a list of other requirements like the por kor 14, police clearance etc

health check forms can be downloaded from the site as well as a list of panel doctors and hospitals

good luck mate hope it goes well for you

Boof, thanks heaps mate for your detailed reply. Us Boofs63 stick togtether ( Born in 63 , nicknamed Boof from word go !)

It fantastic to see you guys reply in a genuine caring way. This site has never dissapointed me, i love yas all. !

As i said, after all this is done, i will post " my guide to bringing your love to Australia" with all relevant thanks to those who helped me.

Cheers, Mates i will let you know how we are getting on on this post , when we are in LOS doing the application.

Thanks heaps again!

[gburns57au]

hi mate,

most of what you need is online at the diac site, you can download copies of the forms you require, you will need forms 47SP, 40SP, if you dont have broadband it could take a while as they are approx 20 pages long each, your stat dec from friends/family etc needs to be done on the form 888 also available on the site you will need at least 2 of them, take a look at form 47P which gives you the address in thailand for police clearances as well as some info on what your wife needs to take with her.

The Form 888 is not needed as any official stat dec will do.

you will need certified copies of you / wifes /child passports, get the first 2 done here as they will charge you to certify documents at the embassy

The originals can be used as they need them to attach the visas...unless you wish to travel while waiting for the visa to be approved.

two years group certificates for yourself

Proof of current income is required...Pay slips and maybe last years group certificate will suffice.

you will need 2 statements or stat decs about how you met, the evolving relationship, when you got married, future plans etc from you and your wife, if your wifes is done in thai it will have to be translated into english by a certified translator (do that when your in thailand as it is much cheaper) .......make sure your stories are the same and the dates correspond

you will need cert copies of your birth cert , marriage cert and 2 passport sized photos of yourself

Your birth cetificate is not required. And as I said before...the marriage certificate is not sufficient, it MUST be an extract from Births, Deaths and Marriages...this is a certified document when you get it.

your wife and child will need 4 passport size photos, the childs birth certificate need to be translated to english as well as any other custody docs she has for the child.

if your wife was never officially married to the childs father and custody was never granted to her officially you will have to get permission from the father if he is still on the scene in the form of a letter of consent by him for the child to migrate, if not on the scene your wife will have to obtain a por kor 14 from her local amphur (like a council office) to state when former relationship with child father ended , the living arrangements of the child , who takes care of the child, father support if any etc as they will ask for this to be included in your application

evidence of geniune and continuing relationship, photos of wedding, with friends and family etc, include copies of your plane tickets to thailand to show that you are now visiting her

you seem to have already started to think about getting the docs ready and my advise is dont wait till you get to thailand to do the forms, get them done now, before you go, pay your application fee in australia and attach the reciept in the relevant area of the application, make some notes in your application where you were unable to supply any docs at the moment as you can add them at a latter stage. set out your application neatly, with extra info put into sections with header pages ie these photo are of our wedding, 2 copies of stat dec form 888, etc as it helps when everything is easy to follow and they know what they are looking at.

on the top of your application put a note in large letters that you will be in thailand between these dates to answer/ attend interview if required and give a contact number ( may help , may not ) least it shows your keen,

send your application to the immigration section at the embassy on the day before you and your wife fly out

if you have requested to be contacted via email make sure you check your email in thailand as they will probably assign a case manager to you and give you a file number for your application, the case managers direct number should be on the email somewhere so ring them just to touch base and let them know you are in thailand if they want to see you and your wife together while you are there. they will also give you a list of other requirements like the por kor 14, police clearance etc

health check forms can be downloaded from the site as well as a list of panel doctors and hospitals

Health Check forms are supplied by the Hospital and these are the only ones accepted.

good luck mate hope it goes well for you

[boof623]

hi mate,

most of what you need is online at the diac site, you can download copies of the forms you require, you will need forms 47SP, 40SP, if you dont have broadband it could take a while as they are approx 20 pages long each, your stat dec from friends/family etc needs to be done on the form 888 also available on the site you will need at least 2 of them, take a look at form 47P which gives you the address in thailand for police clearances as well as some info on what your wife needs to take with her.

The Form 888 is not needed as any official stat dec will do.

you will need certified copies of you / wifes /child passports, get the first 2 done here as they will charge you to certify documents at the embassy

The originals can be used as they need them to attach the visas...unless you wish to travel while waiting for the visa to be approved.

two years group certificates for yourself

Proof of current income is required...Pay slips and maybe last years group certificate will suffice.

you will need 2 statements or stat decs about how you met, the evolving relationship, when you got married, future plans etc from you and your wife, if your wifes is done in thai it will have to be translated into english by a certified translator (do that when your in thailand as it is much cheaper) .......make sure your stories are the same and the dates correspond

you will need cert copies of your birth cert , marriage cert and 2 passport sized photos of yourself

Your birth cetificate is not required. And as I said before...the marriage certificate is not sufficient, it MUST be an extract from Births, Deaths and Marriages...this is a certified document when you get it.

your wife and child will need 4 passport size photos, the childs birth certificate need to be translated to english as well as any other custody docs she has for the child.

if your wife was never officially married to the childs father and custody was never granted to her officially you will have to get permission from the father if he is still on the scene in the form of a letter of consent by him for the child to migrate, if not on the scene your wife will have to obtain a por kor 14 from her local amphur (like a council office) to state when former relationship with child father ended , the living arrangements of the child , who takes care of the child, father support if any etc as they will ask for this to be included in your application

evidence of geniune and continuing relationship, photos of wedding, with friends and family etc, include copies of your plane tickets to thailand to show that you are now visiting her

you seem to have already started to think about getting the docs ready and my advise is dont wait till you get to thailand to do the forms, get them done now, before you go, pay your application fee in australia and attach the reciept in the relevant area of the application, make some notes in your application where you were unable to supply any docs at the moment as you can add them at a latter stage. set out your application neatly, with extra info put into sections with header pages ie these photo are of our wedding, 2 copies of stat dec form 888, etc as it helps when everything is easy to follow and they know what they are looking at.

on the top of your application put a note in large letters that you will be in thailand between these dates to answer/ attend interview if required and give a contact number ( may help , may not ) least it shows your keen,

send your application to the immigration section at the embassy on the day before you and your wife fly out

if you have requested to be contacted via email make sure you check your email in thailand as they will probably assign a case manager to you and give you a file number for your application, the case managers direct number should be on the email somewhere so ring them just to touch base and let them know you are in thailand if they want to see you and your wife together while you are there. they will also give you a list of other requirements like the por kor 14, police clearance etc

health check forms can be downloaded from the site as well as a list of panel doctors and hospitals

Health Check forms are supplied by the Hospital and these are the only ones accepted.

good luck mate hope it goes well for you

hi burnsie

your thoughts are interesting, but i beg to differ, i filled health check info out in oz and sent them to los the quacks were quite happy to use them,

only ever used the marriage cert for proof before and obtained spouse visa , child migration visa, and sponsored visitor visa for my wifes sisiter, never have they asked me for anything else

when i did the spouse visa they were quite pedantic about the friends / relative stat etc being on the form 888 not on normal stat decs

they will also requie proof of your oz citizenship you can use either birth cert or cert passport photo

proof of income is required if you have been working for the same company for a while group cert should suffice, if you have changed employment then payslips would be required

[gburns57au]

hi burnsie

your thoughts are interesting, but i beg to differ, i filled health check info out in oz and sent them to los the quacks were quite happy to use them,

only ever used the marriage cert for proof before and obtained spouse visa , child migration visa, and sponsored visitor visa for my wifes sisiter, never have they asked me for anything else

when i did the spouse visa they were quite pedantic about the friends / relative stat etc being on the form 888 not on normal stat decs

they will also requie proof of your oz citizenship you can use either birth cert or cert passport photo

proof of income is required if you have been working for the same company for a while group cert should suffice, if you have changed employment then payslips would be required

I can only quote what the booklet and the forms say....

Health forms....that is a new one on me....but the hospitals supply them so it is not such an issue. I could only fill out her personal details on the forms, the Doctors still have to do the rest.

Marriage extracts....Page 32 of the booklet explains this and states that the decorative certificate is not sufficient...I know it says certificate on the form....but I think that the extract would be a safer option. The certificates can be falsified....the extract cant, thats the way the govt look at it.

I think pedantic is a good word for the form 888....the official Oz Stat Dec form is a legal document and as such they are obliged to accept it.....However I take your point and would suggest here that at least 2 stat decs be done on the form 888.

I should have said that your birth certificate is not required if you have other forms of ID....for example, if you were born O/S then a cert copy of your citizenship certificate will suffice or your passport front page. This would be easier for someone like me who has a UK Birth certificate but I am an Oz citizen by grant....I should have given a more comprehensive answer to this one. Doing this after a 14 hour work day, I tend sometimes to gloss over things.

You stated 2 years of group certs....last years and 6 months of payslips will suffice. A group cert on its own will not show that you got paid last week, you may have lost your job since the GC was issued. That is why I would use current payslips or other proof of job currency. In the end though proof is proof, it isnt a big deal how you provide it as long as you can provide it.

[BAKABAS]

Geez i hate that!!!. i have been typing for 1/2 hour then i bump the bak button on my mouse and i lose all my reply.... Darn it.

Anyways, im not typing it all out again...

In brief.. I just got off the telephone with the Australian Embassy and the saud 3 week wait if you want to make an appointment to lodge the application at the embassy. Tehy encouraged me to go throught the Visa centre at the Thai CC building.

There is a representative from the embassy there on tuesdays and thursdays, for any help needed with the paperwotk.

Can i get a Australian Stat Dec form and get my girl to write her thai version of her letter on it or should i get the translator to translate the letter onot a Auz stat dec form?

Also, is it class UF ( PARTNER -PROVISIONAL )

class BC ( PARTNER - MIGRANT )

or both?

Thanks for those who have thrown thier 2 cents my way.

Cheers.

[Mighty Mouse]

Can i get a Australian Stat Dec form and get my girl to write her thai version of her letter on it or should i get the translator to translate the letter onot a Auz stat dec form?

Statutory declarations must be made pursuant to the legislation applicable in the State of Australia they are made. They also need to be witnessed by only those prescribed to do so.

In the case of your g/f, just write/type out a covering letter for her in English, explain it to her and have her sign it. No need for a Stat. Dec.

Also, is it class UF ( PARTNER -PROVISIONAL )

class BC ( PARTNER - MIGRANT )

or both?

You will be applying with a 47SP Application for migration. At question 2 - Spouse, just tick the top box, Outside Australia. This is regarded as a joint application. The Embassy will allot the correct class.

Edited August 3, 2007 by Mighty Mouse

[0Mix1up]

Is there a more difficult country to get into?

Absurd imo, is there such a big problem with people trying to get immigrants into Aust under false pretenses.

They'd rather see lots of people unhappy cause they cant fulfill those requirements even with a legit relationship.

Best of luck

[Mighty Mouse]

Is there a more difficult country to get into?

Australia is a relatively easy country to get into. In some cases it is too easy. Radical religious trouble makers. (I'm not referring to the Thais.)

As far as Thai tourist and spouse visas are concerned, the successes well and truly exceed the failures.

[BAKABAS]

Can i get a Australian Stat Dec form and get my girl to write her thai version of her letter on it or should i get the translator to translate the letter onot a Auz stat dec form?

Statutory declarations must be made pursuant to the legislation applicable in the State of Australia they are made. They also need to be witnessed by only those prescribed to do so.

In the case of your g/f, just write/type out a covering letter for her in English, explain it to her and have her sign it. No need for a Stat. Dec.

Yes , i should of taken note in this thread about " at least 2 stat decs" after reading the checklist today, in LOS i realsied the stat decs needed to be from Australian Citizens that can support me as to the guinieship of the realitionship. I now have to wait until the stat decs arrive by post from Australia. If i only read the checklist at the rear of the application form properly. Take note , future applicants.

Also, is it class UF ( PARTNER -PROVISIONAL )

class BC ( PARTNER - MIGRANT )

or both?

You will be applying with a 47SP Application for migration. At question 2 - Spouse, just tick the top box, Outside Australia. This is regarded as a joint application. The Embassy will allot the correct class.

Thanks for that tip. It is not explained properly in the application.

Is there a more difficult country to get into?

Australia is a relatively easy country to get into. In some cases it is too easy. Radical religious trouble makers. (I'm not referring to the Thais.)

As far as Thai tourist and spouse visas are concerned, the successes well and truly exceed the failures.

I agree. Although i am posting more than is needed, cause i want everyones opinion, it is easier than i seem to make out. It just reflects my nerves at this stageof the process. Deep down i know i should be ok.. Geez we are married, that must account for a big part. Although easy, it is still a good idea to post everyhing here for future applicants to help them.

Thanks again all. Will keep you posted as soon as step 2 comes around.

Cheers, a big TY to MM. and others.

[BAKABAS]

Sorry, i forgot to ask another question. It says on the Embassy website that don't get a police and medical check until instructed to do so.

We have a week until the stat decs arrive from Australia. Can i go ahead and start to do the checks regardless of thier advice? will it affect my application cause i went ahead against thier advice?

I have researched where to get them done, ie: Bangkok Hospital in Korat ( close to where i live here) and my favourite taxi driver knows where the special branch police is for the police check. Well i think he does. If anyone has that address, in BKK , i would like if you could post the address here.

Ty

[david96]

From the Australian Embassy Website Bangkok.

Partner Migration Visa

Spouse visa is for applicants who are either legally married to or in a de facto relationship with their partners

Prospective Marriage (fiancée) visa is for applicants who are engaged to be married to their eligible sponsors and they intend to marry within 9 months after the visa is granted

Interdependency visa (including same-sex partners) is for applicants and sponsors who are in a same sex relationship or a couple who are mutually dependent on each other

Applications may be lodged in person at the Australian Visa Application Centre, by mail or courier to the Australian Embassy or in person by prior appointment at the Australian Embassy. See: Lodging visa applications

You will be advised if an interview is required to assist in finalising your application.

Documents required for a complete application

You may be asked to provide further documents or information relating to your particular circumstances after your application has been lodged. The list of supporting documentation below is not exhaustive. You may also include additional documents if they are relevant to your application. You should provide original documents and a set of clear copies. All originals will be returned to you after the copies have been certified. You should also provide an English translation of any document in another language.

• Form 47SP – completed in English and signed by the applicant

• Form 40SP – completed in English and signed by the sponsor

• A non-refundable Visa Application Charge (VAC) payable either by cashier’s cheque (if purchased in Bangkok or Nonthaburi, Samutprakarn provinces) or Bank Draft (only if purchased in Thailand) payable to Australian Embassy Bangkok in Thai Baht. Personal cheques are not acceptable. See current Visa Charges.

• Two passport photographs of each person included in the application

• Birth certificates, identity card, household registration for the applicant (and each person included in the application) as well as copies of the details page including photograph of the passports (if available) of all people included in this application and non-migrating children aged under 18 years. Please ensure the passport details are correct. The names must be correctly spelled and all other details must match your other documentation.

• Official name/surname change certificates for all name changes for all persons included in the application

• Death certificates of any deceased children and previous spouses and if applicable, all divorce certificate(s)

Health and Character Clearances

• Medical results for the principal applicant and all persons included in the application and all non-migrating children aged under 18 years whether they are in the applicant’s custody or not. The approved forms must be used. The examination must be undertaken by a doctor who is on the list of approved Panel Doctors.

The medical forms may be obtained from the Australian Visa Application Centre at any time and the medicals may be undertaken in advance of the lodgement of the application, however, you should note that in the event the application is refused no refund of the cost of the medicals is possible.

• Original police clearance certificate(s) from every country the applicants (if aged 16 years and over) have resided in for a total of 12 months or more during the last 10 years. Details are available on form 47P.

Specific forms to apply Australian police clearances are also available at the Australian Visa Application Centre.

The application for a Thai police clearance may be made at the Special Branch Bureau, Royal Thai Police Headquarters, Rama I Road, Bangkok, building 24. Application forms and detailed instructions are also available at that location.

• Military service and/or discharge papers

• If a serving member of a military force, a good conduct certificate

Evidence of Relationship

• Written statement from the applicant detailing the history of the relationship i.e. how, when and where the first meeting took place and how the relationship developed

• Written supporting statements from at least two people who are Australian citizens or permanent residents of Australia and who know you and your sponsor. These statements can be made on form 888 or as a Statutory Declaration.

• Evidence of contact/relationship with the sponsor (for example: letters with original envelopes, emails, telephone bills, photographs, money transfers, etc.)

• The marriage certificate, if married

• Evidence that the relationship has existed for a minimum of 12 months before the lodgement date of the application, if applying as de facto spouse

Prospective Marriage (Fiancée)

• A letter from an authorised marriage celebrant stating date and venue of the marriage ceremony and confirmation that a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) has been lodged with the celebrant

• Official document issued by district office to confirm the applicant’s single status or that the applicant is free to marry the sponsor

• Physical evidence that the applicant had met the sponsor in person before the time the application was lodged such as photographs.

Custody and Parental Consent for Migrating Children

• Documents to verify the custody of all children included in this application, i.e. Divorce memorandum or Por.Khor 14 or death certificate if one of the child’s parents is deceased

• A written statement from the non-migrating custodial parent or legal guardian of each child consenting to the grant of a visa for that child to migrate permanently to Australia with the applicant. A certified copy of the other parent’s passport or identification card must also be provided

Information and documents required from the sponsor

• 1 passport photograph

• Evidence of Australian citizenship or permanent resident status or of being an Eligible New Zealand Citizen. An Eligible New Zealand Citizen is described on form 40SP and in booklet 1, Partner Migration. An Eligible New Zealand Citizen is also required to complete health and character checking

• Evidence that may establish the sponsor’s financial ability to provide settlement support to the applicant(s) (eg. Evidence of employment, Tax assessment notices, business documents if self-employed, superannuation documents if self-funded retiree). If insufficient evidence is provided an Assurance of Support may be requested

• If applicable, all divorce certificate(s)

Visa application processing time

You can expect a decision on your application within 3 months from the day you lodge your application. The processing time may take longer if the application was incomplete at the time of application or if there are other issues with your application such as character issues relating to previous immigration history or criminal convictions, child custody issues, or if further medical checks are required. If your application is likely to take longer than 4 months you will be fully informed of the reason for any delays.

If you wish to discuss any matter face to face with an officer of the Visa and Immigration Office you can make an appointment by telephone 02 344 6449.

See DIAC website for further detailed information about Partner Visa Options

[Mighty Mouse]

Sorry, i forgot to ask another question. It says on the Embassy website that don't get a police and medical check until instructed to do so.

We have a week until the stat decs arrive from Australia. Can i go ahead and start to do the checks regardless of thier advice? will it affect my application cause i went ahead against thier advice?

I have researched where to get them done, ie: Bangkok Hospital in Korat ( close to where i live here) and my favourite taxi driver knows where the special branch police is for the police check. Well i think he does. If anyone has that address, in BKK , i would like if you could post the address here.

Ty

Medical results for the principal applicant and all persons included in the application and all non-migrating children aged under 18 years whether they are in the applicant’s custody or not. The approved forms must be used. The examination must be undertaken by a doctor who is on the list of approved Panel Doctors.

The medical forms may be obtained from the Australian Visa Application Centre at any time and the medicals may be undertaken in advance of the lodgement of the application, however, you should note that in the event the application is refused no refund of the cost of the medicals is possible.

Pick up the proper forms and you can have the medical check and the police clearance completed before you lodge the visa application.

Fingerprinting can be done by the Special Branch Division of the Thai police at:

Special Branch Division, Royal Thai Police Department

Section 3, Sub-division 2, 1st Fl. Building 24

Henri Dunant Road, Patumwan, Bangkok 10330

Tel: 0 2251-4915, 0 2205-2605, 0 2205 2168

(Mon.-Fri. 08:30 - 16:30)

[steffi]

Hmm. did you do Thai Buddhist cermony yet?

If you haven't I suspect that's the first thing you'll be doing or encouraged to do when you return to LOS. Eventually the question of Sin Sot etc will be brought up. Presumably only after you have this emotional attachment.

Edited August 5, 2007 by steffi

[BAKABAS]

Hmm. did you do Thai Buddhist cermony yet?

If you haven't I suspect that's the first thing you'll be doing or encouraged to do when you return to LOS. Eventually the question of Sin Sot etc will be brought up. Presumably only after you have this emotional attachment.

[BAKABAS]

Hmm. did you do Thai Buddhist cermony yet?

If you haven't I suspect that's the first thing you'll be doing or encouraged to do when you return to LOS. Eventually the question of Sin Sot etc will be brought up. Presumably only after you have this emotional attachment.

what is sin sot? dowry money?

[BAKABAS]

The medical forms may be obtained from the Australian Visa Application Centre at any time .............color]

It seems crazy that in this day and age of the internet, the forms cannot be downloaded. Might be a reason for picking them up though.

Fingerprinting can be done by the Special Branch Division of the Thai police at:

Special Branch Division, Royal Thai Police Department

Section 3, Sub-division 2, 1st Fl. Building 24

Henri Dunant Road, Patumwan, Bangkok 10330

Tel: 0 2251-4915, 0 2205-2605, 0 2205 2168

(Mon.-Fri. 08:30 - 16:30)

color="#0000FF"]

On the Embassy website, it says that it is on Rama Rd. I presume that this address has a few SOIs running into/beside it? ie: Henri Dunant Rd.

Hmm. did you do Thai Buddhist cermony yet?

If you haven't I suspect that's the first thing you'll be doing or encouraged to do when you return to LOS. Eventually the question of Sin Sot etc will be brought up. Presumably only after you have this emotional attachment.

Thats next year. I realise that money is involved, but i told my wife that NIT NOY very little will be coughed up, considering that it looks like i will be supporting her mother for eternity. My wife was the sole provider for the family before i took her away from the 1,500 BHT per week job in electronics factory. Just quiclky on that subject.. do you ever feel like a walking money box? yesterday was one of them days for me. I managed to put my foot down at least once. I think this is one of the biggest factors newbees in a Thai-English relationship should be aware of ie: the continueos opening of the wallet. Regulars here know what i mean.

Oh...... and to top the day off, i went refridgerator looking for mothers day on the 12th. I said "towel lay Kharp" 16,900 BHT was the answer. Then the big boss spotted the farang (me) and said "oh no we make mistake" it is 18,900. Ba................... I won't be shopping there..

But i must say that most of my transactions in other shops have been " Thai Price"

Cheers

[Mighty Mouse]

On the Embassy website, it says that it is on Rama Rd. I presume that this address has a few SOIs running into/beside it? ie: Henri Dunant Rd.

It's the same place. Here it is with the Rama Road address.

The Police Clearance Service Center is located at Building 24, Royal Thai Police Headquarters,

Rama I, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330

Phone numbers: 0-2205-2168-9 Fax: 0-2205-2169

E-mail: [email protected]

Suggestion

• The best way to get Royal Thai Police Headquarters is by taking BTS to Siam Square station.• In case of driving the car to Royal Thai Police Headquarters, It will be more convenience to park your car at the shopping mall around Royal Thai Police Headquarters such as Central World Plaza or Siam Square . (Due to not much parking lot available in Royal Thai Police Headquarters.)

[BAKABAS]

Suggestion

• The best way to get Royal Thai Police Headquarters is by taking BTS to Siam Square station.• In case of driving the car to Royal Thai Police Headquarters, It will be more convenience to park your car at the shopping mall around Royal Thai Police Headquarters such as Central World Plaza or Siam Square . (Due to not much parking lot available in Royal Thai Police Headquarters.)

Too right mate, there was no parking. My taxi had to go elsewhere. Thanks for the tip/s.

They put a stop to the "under the table" as someone i know went through 3 years ago.

Current wait for police clearance paper is 2 weeks, not 7 days as advertised at the office.

No problem, i have come to the conclusion she won't be coming back with me this trip. I hope to have her home by November.

Went and picked up the medical forms today. Not many people in the visa office.

We booked the panel doctor , it costs 2000 BHT for me mrs and 1,500 BHT for rug rats. Max... maybe cheaper if they don't spot me? Ha Ha.. Going tommorow to korat.

cheers,

[BAKABAS]

Hi all, i have decided to turn this into a a diary of my spouse visa application journey. Take from it what you want.

today we done the medical tests. Bangkok hospital in Korat " fantastic!" great service and happy people. Gee we don't get that back home.

Cost 3,390 BHT for mrs ( report + Xray ) + 2 children ( no xrays needed for kids )

Points i strongly suggest to others:

1. READ the forms 100% before going. ( i didn't have photos etc )

2. Any translated documents you needed for the visa application, take them along also. ( Had to get ours faxed to us )

3. Lodge your visa application before doing the medical if you can. ( They prefer a case file number alloted to the medical tests that the doctor sends to the embassy, you are not allowed to take the results)

4. Regarding point 3, i will be puttig application in on Friday. I hope the tests get to the embassy after this. If not then i hope the embassy realises whats going on. I rang the embassy from the hospital and they said no problem, they will match them up to our visa application when we put it in. Now i am not comfortable with the whole thing, cause if there is misplcaemnet etc, my whole process may be stuffed up. so, Get the application in before doing the tests.

5. The doctor performed the clinical tests while all in the same room. During this she asked several " off the cuff" questions. i belive this was part of the test too.ie: to check the mental fitness of all, including me. So be carefull what you say , as i'm sure that the doctor has some input as to the relationship geniuness and prospectiveness of success. I have no problems, cause im crazy anyway. Ha.

6. Lastly, during my phone call to the embassy, i asked if i could book an appointment with them to lodge the application. they again said, 3 weeks wait " why don't you lodge at the visa office?" i said, well... i have heard that it is faster getting the visa this way. they said it is a common misconception that it is quicker. they stated that all applications are put in a pile and dealt with case by case. the applications that arrive each day from the visa office to the embassy are in turn placed in the que of those who applied directly at the embassy. the only reason people get it quicker than some is they have every single bit of paperwork done and there are no further investigations as a result from the paperwork.

I questioned tham at length and from the tone/s in thier voices, i believe they were telling the truth.

Next step will be lodgement, at the visa office. I guess after that i will post again, then i will return to Auz and wait for the good news. that we can be a happy family and live happily ever after.

cheers.

Sorry about spelling, no spell check installed.

[Mighty Mouse]

6. Lastly, during my phone call to the embassy, i asked if i could book an appointment with them to lodge the application. they again said, 3 weeks wait " why don't you lodge at the visa office?" i said, well... i have heard that it is faster getting the visa this way. they said it is a common misconception that it is quicker. they stated that all applications are put in a pile and dealt with case by case. the applications that arrive each day from the visa office to the embassy are in turn placed in the que of those who applied directly at the embassy. the only reason people get it quicker than some is they have every single bit of paperwork done and there are no further investigations as a result from the paperwork.

I questioned tham at length and from the tone/s in thier voices, i believe they were telling the truth.

Your posts are very interesting. Everything seems to be coming along nicely.

Just on point 6 of your last post, I have highlighted the pertinent part of lodging the application at the Embassy. The 24 hour decision can be made following the interview, but...it seems that the wait for the interview is growing longer in time. This is possibly because we on this board have been suggesting that it could be faster to lodge at the Embassy rather than at the VFS office and now more people are bypassing the VFS.

Thanks for bringing this to our attention.

[JBL]

With all of the replys you seem to have all of the basses covered, the only thing I would add for this applicationis to do everything in Duplicate,a second original of all application forms and certified copies of all other doucuments and translations, if you are getting copies certified get 6 or more of each, we have certainly used a heap for all sorts of applications from Spouse Visa, Temp & Perm Resedent thru to drivers License,Citezenship and AUS Passport. Application files have been misplaced in the past and its good to have a back up.

The need for doucuments never seem to never cease and be prepared to continue gathering as much information on a continuing and genuine relationship.

Best of luck - was a long process 7 years ago, hope it has become a little more streamlined

[BAKABAS]

With all of the replys you seem to have all of the basses covered, the only thing I would add for this applicationis to do everything in Duplicate,a second original of all application forms and certified copies of all other doucuments and translations, if you are getting copies certified get 6 or more of each, we have certainly used a heap for all sorts of applications from Spouse Visa, Temp & Perm Resedent thru to drivers License,Citezenship and AUS Passport. Application files have been misplaced in the past and its good to have a back up.

The need for doucuments never seem to never cease and be prepared to continue gathering as much information on a continuing and genuine relationship.

Best of luck - was a long process 7 years ago, hope it has become a little more streamlined

[Pink Mist]

With all of the replys you seem to have all of the basses covered, the only thing I would add for this applicationis to do everything in Duplicate,a second original of all application forms and certified copies of all other doucuments and translations, if you are getting copies certified get 6 or more of each, we have certainly used a heap for all sorts of applications from Spouse Visa, Temp & Perm Resedent thru to drivers License,Citezenship and AUS Passport. Application files have been misplaced in the past and its good to have a back up.

The need for doucuments never seem to never cease and be prepared to continue gathering as much information on a continuing and genuine relationship.

Best of luck - was a long process 7 years ago, hope it has become a little more streamlined

and your post was ???Bakabas?