Australian Tourist Visa Application

[David48]

Tips ... page 1 of 2

Probably good to finish with a Tips Page

These deal with before you get the visa.

Just some quick and easy things that I remember from this application

• The #1 tip and #1reason why the Visa might be declined is that your gf (or bf) has not shown enough reasons why her return to Thailand is compelling when the Visa expires. Her money in the bank or the fact that she owns a car there or that she is leaving her child, each, on their own is maybe not enough. Spend more time on this question then any other.
  

• Don’t fake the employment letter. Your gf’s bank book will reveal all. Plus it is standard practise to ring the Employer and confirm the letter.
  

• If she doesn’t have the money, and you do … it’s not a problem.
  

• Topping up her Bank Account doesn’t work.
  

• If you are going to use the VFS service (and we did) then maybe a telephone call to them before you make the application would be sensible. Ask them what documentation they require.
  

• Your first application is important. Keep a copy of it. When you apply again for a Visa use that information as a starting point.
  

• Use the first tourist visa as intended then the second application is much easier. Ours was!
  

• If you have questions about the application, representatives from the Embassy go to their lodging agency, currently the VFS, on a Thursday between 14.00 and 16.00. Check here for confirmation of the days and times http://www.thailand...._Migration.html
  

• Lodging the application is no biggie and can easily do it yourself. However, if your gf has an ‘interesting’ or non-standard application or find yourself yelling at government employees when things get bogged down, then do your blood pressure a favour and consider using an agent.
  

• No-one has all the answers … but you will find more good information here, on this Forum, then the guy sitting next to you at the Bar … no offence intended to the tea totalers. And yes, not everyone goes to a Bar ... but you get the drift.
  

[David48]

Tips page 2 of 2

These deal with after you got the visa.

• If your gf is travelling to Australia unaccompanied then consider giving her the following:-
  

• A copy of the Passenger Card in Thai … see the ‘Useful web links’ page. She will have to complete the card in English on the plane or in the Australian Airport … but if she speaks, but not reads English well, a mistake here can have serious consequences.
  

• A letter of introduction to the various officers who may stop her and ask questions. Just your name, relationship to her, contact number for you, the fact that she has a Visa and the type of Visa she has etc.
  

• Maybe also ask her to dress conservatively … I don’t mean to offend anyone but some of the ladies, when they arrive at the Airport do dress as if they were in Thailand on a hot summers day, and maybe it’s best not to attract the wrong sort of attention when trying to enter the country … wear what you want when leaving though!
  

• Make sure that when the immigration officer asks her the question .. “Do you plan to work while you are in Australia” …... and she say yes …... (she doesn’t actually mean to say ‘yes’. She is thinking, ‘yes’ I understand your question and actually says the word ‘yes’. While the Officer is thinking ‘Cancel Visa’. Make sure she says no) ... not working Australia, I tourist.
  

• Don’t buy the Airline ticket, nor travel insurance before the Visa is granted.
  

• If she is going to bring food into the country, pack it in the top part of the suitcase which is put in the planes belly. Tell the customs officer where it is and tick the correct box on the Arrivals Card. I bought in a tin of those sickly clam things in a tin (bought from TESCO) and told the officer, she looked, smiled and waved them through.The reason to put them in the large bag is that you can have liquids in it, but not the carry-on bag, but bottles and the like are a definite no-no if you ever have watched the baggage handlers.
  

• Get her to read this page … it’s all written in Thai. http://www.ozvisatha.../thai_page.html
  

None of this stuff is advice, but just my Thai gf’s and my collective experience from this and past Visa applications and other fellow posters.

Probably close to finishing the post now.

Further tips or contradictive argument is welcome.

Good luck with your application.

David48

[BookMan]

Nice work! Be good to see this thread pinned.

[MissFarmGirl]

Thank you for help for get Visa.

[David48]

This Topic has now been pinned and can be accessed both here with the direct link or though the Australian Visa And Pension Topics http://www.thaivisa....pension-topics/ at the top of this Forum.

This tread is not locked and please add to it if you have experiences which differ from mine or PM me and I'll add them for you.

Thanks to all who have contributed to date.

[David48]

Can your Thai visitor use their existing Thai issued licence to drive in Australia?

In Australia, laws and driving regulations differ from state to state. Some states require you to carry an International Licence with your current foreign licence. Other states request you carry your current foreign driver's licence together with a formal translation of your licence into English.

As a general rule, you are able to drive in Australia, as a visitor, on a valid overseas driver's licence that covers the same vehicle class for a maximum of three months after arriving in Australia.

All the links to the different States and Territories requirements can be found here at this Australian Government Website ... http://australia.gov...ng-in-australia

[biggles68]

Great info here, Im about to go through this process myself Im after some info about what other members suggest should be written in a letter of introduction and also a letter of invitation. all help appreciated

[David48]

Great info here, Im about to go through this process myself Im after some info about what other members suggest should be written in a letter of introduction and also a letter of invitation. all help appreciated

I'll PM you with some information.

Others may have some Ideas also.

David

[David48]

Update ...

My Lass is out on her first longer visit and staying 3 months.

Was feeling a tad homesick just recently.

Some Thai radio helped.

Here is a list of Thai Language Radio Stations which don't compete with the English orientated Forum Radio Sponsor.

The Lady particularly likes 103 Like FM Social Network found here ... pleasant enough, and sure to win you brownie points ...

.

[David48]

Some updated information as per this thread of australian visa getting easier?

If you click on the words above australian visa getting easier it will take you to a thread by supaprik discussing the increased issuance of a 12 month multiple entry visa and some good discussion.

Current as at September 2012.

[theoldgit]

Off topic remark and response to this old thread removed.

[krisb]

Here's a couple more pointers for after her visa approval and she's on her way to Australia .

The incoming passenger card can be done with the help of a nice passenger or air hostess.

Everyday thousands of people without the best English skills come to this country. They all do just fine.

A very very good idea though is tell your partner never ever ever hold someone else's belongings in airports. An unweary Thai girl may think she's just helping someone when she's really holding drugs for someone.

Another is tell your Thai girl here in Australia we are lucky to have all the Asian food, sauces veges etc they will need. No need to bring.

If your partner is pregnant, or planning to become, tell her buy any tablets or herbal tablets that Thais seem to use in Thailand for pregnancy or after bubs is born. They are very cheap there and bloody hard if not impossible to find here. Seems silly for us guys but your partner will take it very seriously! Trust me on that one.

Edited April 2, 2013 by krisb

[Surin13]

Hi I thought I would post up some information for people wanting to bring their partner to Australia on a tourist visa, and are wondering whether they might be granted that tourist visa. This is the policy regarding all tourist visa applications, especially in assessing whether an applicant is a 'genuine visitor'. The information is from DIAC Procedures Advice Manual 3 (PAM3), which are the official instructions given to decision-makers on migration law (=case officers).

Hope this helps people.

8.2 Assessing whether the applicant meets the genuine visitor requirement

In establishing whether this criterion is satisfied, relevant considerations may include, but are not limited to:

• the personal circumstances of the applicant that would encourage them to return to their home country at the end of the proposed visit
• the applicant's immigration history (for example, previous travel, compliance with immigration laws of Australia or other countries, previous visa applications/compliance action)
• the personal circumstances of the applicant in their home country that might encourage them to remain in Australia (for example, military service commitments, economic situation, civil disruption)
• conditions that might encourage the applicant to remain in Australia
• the applicant's credibility in terms of character and conduct (for example, false and misleading information provided with visa application)
• whether the purpose and proposed duration of the applicant's visit and their proposed activities in Australia are reasonable and consistent (for example, is the period of stay consistent with "tourism")
• information in statistical, intelligence and analysis reports on migration fraud and immigration compliance compiled by the department about nationals from the applicant's home country. Such information, developed as profiles, may assist officers in deciding whether closer examination of an application is required to ensure the integrity of the visitor visa program.

Personal circumstances that may encourage the applicant to return to their home country ("home country" being country of usual residence), include:

• on-going employment
• the presence of immediate family members in their home country, that is, does the applicant have more close family members living in their home country than in Australia
• property, or other significant assets, owned in their home country and
• currently residing in a country whose nationals represent a low risk of immigration non-compliance, even though the applicant is originally from a country whose nationals represent a statistically higher risk of non-compliance.

Officers should also consider the applicant's economic situation — including unemployment or employment that, based on knowledge of local employment conditions, such as salary rates, would not constitute a strong incentive for the applicant to leave Australia.

Consideration of the applicant's immigration history may include but is not limited to:

• previous travels to Australia; that is:
• has the applicant previously travelled to Australia and, if so
• did they comply with the conditions of their visa (or, if not, were the circumstances beyond their control) and
• did they leave before their visa ceased
• previous visa applications for Australia; that is:
• has the applicant previously applied for a permanent Australian visa and
• previous travels overseas; that is:
  • has the applicant travelled to countries other than Australia
  • has the applicant previously travelled to a country where there would be significant incentives for them to remain, in which case, did they comply with the immigration laws of that country.

In assessing this factor, officers may give weight to applicants who had travelled to and complied with the immigration laws of a country(ies) that has significant incentives for the applicant to remain in that country(ies), either for economic or personal reasons. However, officers may have to use judicious discretion if there is a lack of travel history.

Conditions that might encourage the applicant to remain in Australia, include:

• the applicant's personal ties to Australia, that is:
• does the applicant have more close family members living in Australia than in their home country
• is the applicant subject of adoption proceedings that have not been resolved in their home country
• military service commitments
• civil disruption, including war, lawlessness or political upheaval in the applicant's home country and
• economic disruption, including shortages, famine, or high levels of unemployment, or natural disasters in the applicant's home country.

Where consideration of the factors above raise doubts about the applicant's ability to meet the genuine visitor requirement, such as where the applicant's circumstances may suggest the need for greater scrutiny, officers may consider/request additional evidence that demonstrates that the applicant intends a genuine visit.

Officers may request further evidence from the applicant, where considered appropriate, if departmental statistical or intelligence reports on migration fraud, or profiles based on such reports, indicate that there is a significantly greater likelihood of nationals from the applicant's home country:

• staying in Australia beyond the expiry of their visa
• having their visa cancelled
• being refused entry to Australia or
• making asylum claims or applying for a Protection visa (PV).

Note: The mere fact that an applicant matches the characteristics of a profile is not grounds to refuse to grant a visa. Profiles are merely an alert that closer scrutiny of the applicant's circumstances might be required. All applications must be considered on their own merits taking into account all the information and supporting documentation provided by the applicant.

Additional evidence that officers may wish to consider in deciding whether an applicant is a genuine visitor include:

• evidence that the applicant has been employed for at least the previous 12 months, has approved leave for the period of stay sought and will continue to be employed on their return home or
• if self-employed, evidence they have owned their own business for the previous 12 months or
• if retired/non-working have other financial commitments and/or family/social ties that would provide sufficient inducement for them to return to their home country at the end of their visit or
• good immigration history.

Generally, offers of support or guarantees given by family and friends in Australia are not sufficient evidence of a genuine visit. The onus is on the applicant to satisfy the decision maker that they intend only to visit Australia. Guarantees from connections in Australia can, however, be critical in assessing whether an applicant has or has access to adequate funds.

8.3 Taking a fair & reasonable approach

Officers should take a fair and reasonable approach to the genuine visitor requirement, particularly if the applicant is in a partner relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident and/or there are children involved — see section 46: In a relationship with an Australian for further information. (at the bottom of this post)

The focus should be on the current intentions of the applicant. Consequently, the genuine visitor requirement can be satisfied provided the decision maker is satisfied that the applicant intends to leave Australia within the authorised period of stay, even if there is a suggestion that the applicant might later attempt to seek permanent residence and/or return to Australia.

In cases where the period of stay requested raises concerns about an applicant's ability to meet the genuine visitor requirement, case officers should consider whether a shorter period of stay would enable them to be satisfied that the visa criteria are met.

Section 46, as referred to in the previous post, which is the part that relates specifically to those tourist visa applicants that have an Australian partner:

46 In a relationship with an Australian

46.1 Overview

Decision makers are encouraged to take a fair and reasonable approach where the applicant is involved in a partner relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident. A range of factors should be taken into consideration before deciding that such a relationship creates a strong incentive not to leave Australia.

46.2 Partner visa application lodged offshore

If a visitor visa applicant is the partner of an Australia citizen or permanent resident and has followed standard migration procedures by lodging a Partner visa migration application offshore, decision makers should facilitate short visits by the visa applicant to Australia, particularly in situations where:

• the applicant is e676, eVisitor or ETA eligible or
• the couple have been together for a significant period or
• the couple are well established in their home away from Australia or
• there are no concerns about the genuineness of the relationship or the validity of the marriage or
• the applicant wishes to travel to Australia for a short visit for a special occasion or
• there are compelling circumstances that justify the granting of a visitor visa (for example, family member of Australian partner seriously ill) or it would be in the best interests of a child to do so.

Decision makers must still, however, be satisfied that the applicant meets the genuine visit criterion.

It is open to the decision maker to impose an 8503 if residual concerns exist and the decision maker is concerned that the applicant may try to change their immigration status onshore without compelling reasons to do so.

Imposition of condition 8503 is, however, likely to be unnecessary in such cases given that the applicant has been upfront and already lodged a permanent visa application offshore — and may be unlikely to lodge again onshore and pay a second VAC. See PAM3: Sch 8/8503 for further information.

All applicants, other than subclass 303 holders, who have made a Partner (subclass 309) visa, must be outside of Australia in order for the 309 visa to be granted. Visitor Policy Section does not support delaying decisions on Visitor applications pending the outcome of a Partner visa application. However, case officers should ensure that applicants are aware that, if they satisfy all the criteria for grant of the 309 visa, they will be required to be outside of Australia at the time of the 309 visa grant.

46.3 No permanent visa application lodged

Similar factors, as listed above, should be taken into account if a Tourist visa applicant is in a relationship with an Australia citizen, or permanent resident and eventually may intend to reside permanently in Australia, but has not yet made a final decision to do so and/or lodged a permanent visa application offshore. In these circumstances, decision makers must give careful consideration as to whether the applicant meets the genuine visitor requirement.

The possible eventual intention of the applicant to stay permanently in Australia should not, in itself, be considered ground to refuse a Tourist visa. Decision makers should consider the applicant's current intentions and whether the applicant is attempting to circumvent proper migration channels.

For example, if an applicant seeks to travel to Australia to meet future parents in law and determine whether they wish to live in Australia with their partner, but has a history of abiding by visa conditions and will be returning home to complete a university degree prior to lodging a Partner visa application there may be no concerns about the genuine nature of the visit.

Decision makers may consider imposing an 8503 if they have residual concerns about the applicant’s intentions.

46.4 Cases where pregnancy involved

See section 61.3: Pregnant visa applicants.

46.5 De facto relationships

The fact that an applicant may be seeking to extend their stay in Australia to enable them to meet the regulation 2.03A(3) duration of relationship criterion for a Partner visa is not in itself a reason to refuse to grant a Tourist visa.

In such case, officers should consider whether the applicant meets the genuine visitor requirement and/or whether the applicant is likely to abide by visa conditions. For example, if the applicant is low risk, and the decision maker is satisfied that they will not work whilst in Australia and abide by their visa conditions, it may be appropriate for a visa to be granted. Each case must be treated on its own merits.

Edited April 4, 2013 by Surin13

[krisb]

Here's another tip, after she's been here on a tourist visa, in our case twice, then we went for the fiancee visa, we submitted no more photos, phone bills, etc. Only thing I gave them was the visa application.

There's no need to keep giving them proof of relationship. You've already done that.

[David48]

Here is the Incoming Passenger Card (IPC) in Thai which can be helpful if your Thai Gf/Missus is travelling alone to Australia and needs a little help.

IPC Front

IPC Back

Also attached is a word document which has both the Thai and English versions.

Recently the (IPC) Card was changed ... even caught me out ... was the 'food items' that I noticed the change ... there maybe other changes.

This supersedes an earlier post which has/will be removed.

IPC in English and Thai.doc

[Chao Lao Beach]

The new form is here, http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/pdf/1419.pdf

[David48]

The new form is here, http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/pdf/1419.pdf

Thanks for that ...

This thread only works with people like you helping by updating the information.

.

[noddy77]

My mate in Oz got his gf her first 3 month tourist visa from VSF which took about 15 days. (He was in Bkk at the time). She went for about a 10 day holiday and returned. All is good. Can someone tell me if another application for all the same reasons with VSF will take another 15 days or because they already have most of the info will it be quicker this time? Thanks.

[Will27]

My mate in Oz got his gf her first 3 month tourist visa from VSF which took about 15 days. (He was in Bkk at the time). She went for about a 10 day holiday and returned. All is good. Can someone tell me if another application for all the same reasons with VSF will take another 15 days or because they already have most of the info will it be quicker this time? Thanks.

It should take roughly the same time.

It's a new application so still has to be assessed and processed regardless.

Regards

Will

Edited May 29, 2013 by Will27

[deadman]

hi there

Thank you, very informative thread.

My GF of 5 years was granted a visit visa 12 months ago and we are about to apply for another for a weeks holiday next month (we both live here).

1. Just wondering if we will need to give all the documents (letters) to DIAC again?

2. Can i assume that there will be a high liklihood of success? (she will have a letter guaranteeing her continued employment)

Look forward to any responses.

cheers

D

M

[maggiesim]

Just to add... I did it via a website last year. So that will be another option for people who wants to do it online. www.evisaasia.com . Hope that helps!.

By the way, its my first post and so hello.. to everyone.

Useful web links

Australian Embassy in Bangkok
http://www.thailand..../bkok/home.html

VFS Thailand (the current contracted receiving agent for the Australian Embassy)
http://www.vfs-au.net/

Tourist Visa- the form
http://www.immi.gov....rms/pdf/48r.pdf
If the above link is dead or doesn’t open (which happened to me sometimes) click the link below, it’s numerical in order and go to the 48R Form.
http://www.immi.gov..../forms_num1.htm
Also the 48R is available in Thai/English
http://www.immi.gov....eign/48rtha.pdf
If the above link is dead or doesn’t open the link below and locate the 48R Thai-English version
http://www.immi.gov....nguages_num.htm

Dept of I and C (Passenger Card)
http://www.immi.gov....assenger-cards/
http://www.immi.gov....-ipc-sample.pdf (in Thai)
file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/DAVIDP%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msohtml1/01/clip_image001.gif

Department of Immigration and Citizenship (Dept of I and C)
http://www.immi.gov.au/

Dept of I and C (for Tourists)
http://www.immi.gov....sitors/tourist/

Dept of I and C (Tourists Visa information)
http://www.immi.gov....rs/tourist/676/

Dept of I and C (How to apply)
http://www.immi.gov....ow-to-apply.htm

Dept of I and C (Thailand Visa Information and Lodgement)
http://www.immi.gov....information.htm

Dept of I and C (Australian Visa Office in Bangkok)
http://www.immi.gov....eas/t/thailand/

Dept of I and C (Compliments – complaints policy)
http://www.immi.gov....olicy-06-07.pdf

Dept of I and C (Internet ‘feedback’ form)
http://www.immi.gov....rvices-form.htm

[simple1]

Just to add... I did it via a website last year. So that will be another option for people who wants to do it online. www.evisaasia.com . Hope that helps!.

By the way, its my first post and so hello.. to everyone.

Why would you use a visa processing agent? BTW I checked their site for Thais to enter Australia and their are some factual errors. Also are they a registered as a Visa Agent with DIAC?

Edited October 14, 2013 by simple1

[GrantSmith]

hi there

Thank you, very informative thread.

My GF of 5 years was granted a visit visa 12 months ago and we are about to apply for another for a weeks holiday next month (we both live here).

1. Just wondering if we will need to give all the documents (letters) to DIAC again?

2. Can i assume that there will be a high liklihood of success? (she will have a letter guaranteeing her continued employment)

Look forward to any responses.

cheers

D

M

1. Yes

2. Never assume...

[peptidebomber]

Just wanted to thank David48 for this thread, my gf just received her first visa, it only took 4 working days to process, I probably went overboard with info, but glad I did and hopefully enjoy a lovely trip back to Aus in January.

Thanks again David for all your effort

[luckysmile]

Thanks for the info David48

When your girl got her single entry visa was it basically the same process and information that isrequired for the 12 month multi entry?

I ask because I plan to fly my girl to aus for 2 weeks in April , she has already been once when she was ten years old and has also travelled to USA, both times to visit family members. I don't think they will consider her as much of a risk as she owns a property in Thailand, also I would be sponsoring her trip.

Thanks again for the information

Sent from my HTC_PN071 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[David48]

Mate, my gf actually got her 3 month Visa first then, after successfully fulfilling those conditions (and that was basically her going home before the Visa expired) she then applied for a multiple entry Visa.

The only actual difference was a 'tick' in the 3 month Visa box, or the Multiple Entry 12 month Visa Box.

All the other information was exactly the same.

What is beneficial for your lady's application is that she has already traveled to Australia previously and also to the US.

If that US trip was as an adult for her ... GREAT. My understanding is that countries like Australia, USA, NZ, UK etc view favorably an applicant who has had a Visa for a similar country and has complied with that Visa.

Be sure to mention the USA Visa, and if you think relevant, the older Australian Visa in the covering letter.

While a few of the links may now be a little out of date in this guide ... the basic premise remains the same.

Demonstrate the compelling reason why your lady should return to Thailand at the expiry of the Visa.

Good luck to you and your Partner and I wish you both every success with the application.

Please came back to this thread and add some comment as it's members like you who keep this guide current for the next guy ...

[age4short]

Thanks for the info David, I'm based in NZ & just filling in gf visa applications for both Australia & NZ, this will be her 4th tourist visa, last time we had to go through TT services in BKK who I guess is some sort of agent for NZ immigration. Seems a lot easier than the first time as they don't require the relationship history anymore, I've always filled in the sponsorship form & gf done the rest including telling them she quit job as a teacher without any dramas.

This time the local Thais have advised her to come here on a tourist visa & then apply for the 2 year work visa/permit with the aim of getting residency after that. I note on immigration website it says you have to show why no NZ national can do the job she's applying for but in our case this should be fine as she's been offered work in a Thai restaurant.

We have made some small mistakes in the past incl:

* forgot to include self addressed envelope so visa just sat there until we inquired why it was taking so long

* they require all the original documents (not just scanned & emailed)

* always tell the truth even if it means more paperwork

Overall we found the immigration people very polite & helpful.

[David48]

Mate, thanks for your update ... everyone's experience as they apply for their Visas adds to the knowledge pool and hopefully makes it easier for the next Applicant.

I too was surprised when they asked for her original Bank Passbook.

Just copies of my details were fine.

And I also agree that honesty is the best route to take as the lies get found out eventually ... especially if the Lassie is a keeper and you want to progress all the way with multiple Visas.

Good luck with your partner's application ...

[tw25rw]

I read this on the 600 visa page:

The department decides on a case-by-case basis whether to ask for a security bond. We will tell you in writing if you need to provide a bond.

The bond:

• is usually between AUD5000 and AUD15 000 per person (but we can ask for any amount)
• must be paid in full before a final decision can be made on the visa application
• is refunded if your visitor leaves Australia before their visa ends and if they have complied with all visa conditions.

How often do they ask for this? I'm looking to take my girl in March and can't possibly pay it.

[David48]

^^ Mate, no-one I know has had this experience on the Forum and has recorded it.

The basic Tourist Visa is fairly easy to do, no bond required.

Just demonstrate a compelling reason for the Visitor to return to their country once the Visa has expired.

Plus, if they don't have funds to support themselves in Australia, then you do and can substantiate this.

I'm happy to help if you have specific questions ... but I'm no Immigration Consultant. Sometimes you need the professionals on the case and the Forum Sponsor who has posted early on in this thread, appears to offer a good service for others feedback.

just PM me if you specific concerns ... if I can help, I will.