OK, I realise this topic has been surveyed to death, but in my brief encounters with the Thai/Aus immigration departments I am fully aware that things can change from one month to the next.

Here is a brief history. First met my gf on the net July 2007. Met her in real November 2007 and April 2008. We applied for tourist visa in April whilst in Bangkok and was given a 3 month visa without any hesitation. We had ample documentation to prove our relationship was ongoing and serious. She is currently in Aus with me now until early September. We plan to marry in Thailand and register in November.

My question is, should we apply for a fiance visa before marrying in Thailand or should we apply for a spouse visa after the ceremony?

I have no doubt about wanting to marry her, but my first priority is having her here in Aus with me. What is the current "acceptable" time we should allow for each visa to be granted? If we apply for a fiance visa and have it approved, would the visa still be valid if we married in Thailand after it was approved? With all due respect to Thai ceremonies is a Thai marriage acknowledged as a legal marriage in Aus?

If you can make any sense of my ramblings and can offer any advice it would be more than appreciated.

Thanks

Howard

First up a Thai Ceremony wedding is not legal unless it is registered at the local Amphur....once it is registered then it is a legal wedding here in Oz.

There is no real time limits on when you can apply for a Spouse or Prospective Spouse visa...each application as judged on its own merits.

Which visa you apply for is upto you....Generally the Prospective Spouse visa is for those who want to come to Oz and marry...Not sure how it works the other way around.

By the time you marry, you will have known her for 12 months in the Embassy's eyes...the internet part of the relationship would not be considered for immigration purposes.

OK, I realise this topic has been surveyed to death, but in my brief encounters with the Thai/Aus immigration departments I am fully aware that things can change from one month to the next.

Here is a brief history. First met my gf on the net July 2007. Met her in real November 2007 and April 2008. We applied for tourist visa in April whilst in Bangkok and was given a 3 month visa without any hesitation. We had ample documentation to prove our relationship was ongoing and serious. She is currently in Aus with me now until early September. We plan to marry in Thailand and register in November.

My question is, should we apply for a fiance visa before marrying in Thailand or should we apply for a spouse visa after the ceremony?

I have no doubt about wanting to marry her, but my first priority is having her here in Aus with me. What is the current "acceptable" time we should allow for each visa to be granted? If we apply for a fiance visa and have it approved, would the visa still be valid if we married in Thailand after it was approved? With all due respect to Thai ceremonies is a Thai marriage acknowledged as a legal marriage in Aus?

If you can make any sense of my ramblings and can offer any advice it would be more than appreciated.

Thanks

Howard