Spouse Visa While Tourist In Australia

[cablesnake]

Hi everybody,

Although an avid viewer here this is my first post.

Would anybody be able to advise me, as to the likely success of the following application, should I decide to proceed in such a manner.

I met and have been involved with a Thai woman for almost a year. I am sure we would meet most of the usual requirements, with some effort, regarding certain visas'. I think we have more positives than negatives, as in she is of similar age, good family, good work history etc.

When I return in december to see her again, we intend to apply for a tourist visa for her to come and stay for a while, and obtain an extension while she is here. A friend of hers has done this already with relative ease, and returned to Thailand for a Prospective spouse visa.

However, what would prevent us from marrying on the tourist visa, and applying for a spouse visa here ? I am sure the queues and wait would be much less than in bangkok, and with a more objective assessment of our application. Or am I just being naive ?

Apart from Thailand being considered a high risk country, my partner does not really have any of the major negatives they would be looking for, other than looking like we are trying to dupe the system by doing it this way. Obviously I would not want to antagonise the immigration department in any way.

Any feedback welcomed, critical or otherwise

M

[gburns57au]

Tourist visas usually come with a "no further Stay" clause......that means that she cant get a more substantive visa nor an extension unless exceptional conditions apply.

Some have gotten visas that do not carry that condition and so have been able to get extensions etc...

I suggest you have a good read of the Immi site and especially the partner migration booklet.

[cocopops]

I have friends that have done this. IIRC the main drawback is that you will have to be in oz when the visa is issued (they will give your wife permission to stay while they consider the application).

[cablesnake]

Thanks for the input. I just went back to the website and read a little more detail, and it specifically says for the prospective spouse visa, all applications have to be made outside Australia. I think as we have been a couple, for over a year when i next visit in december, we will try for the prospective spouse on first attempt. I dont see why there should be any real issue with that.

thanks again