Migration To Oz

[DavieA]

As some may be aware my Thai GF (soon to be wife) will apply for her spouse visa to Oz in April. We have a very strong and positive case in terms of evidence and time, but fall down in the finance area. I came to Thailand 2 and a half years ago with not a lot of cash, and having been earning 30,000 per month still don't have a lot of cash in the bank. How much will this jepodise our application in regards to my ability to meet my financial sponsorship obligations?

There are 3 points that I have outlined in my letter to immigration that are in my favour (I think).

1) I have a house that is three quarters owned, with a very small mortgage.

2) I have a 16 year unbroken employment record, so finding employment will not be a problem (also have a trade qualification)

3) My Mother and Father have written a stat dec offering to be and assurance of support if requested.

How will all this be weighed up do you think? Anything you'd like to add?

Regards

Dave

[chareehusbee]

As some may be aware my Thai GF (soon to be wife) will apply for her spouse visa to Oz in April. We have a very strong and positive case in terms of evidence and time, but fall down in the finance area. I came to Thailand 2 and a half years ago with not a lot of cash, and having been earning 30,000 per month still don't have a lot of cash in the bank. How much will this jepodise our application in regards to my ability to meet my financial sponsorship obligations?

There are 3 points that I have outlined in my letter to immigration that are in my favour (I think).

1) I have a house that is three quarters owned, with a very small mortgage.

2) I have a 16 year unbroken employment record, so finding employment will not be a problem (also have a trade qualification)

3) My Mother and Father have written a stat dec offering to be and assurance of support if requested.

How will all this be weighed up do you think? Anything you'd like to add?

Regards

Dave

You'll probably be fine. At the time we applied for our's, I had only been working a couple of months full-time, before that it was on and off short-term contracting over 2 years with alot of travelling in between. I didn't have my own place (was staying with parents), not alot of money in the bank.

I reckon if you show them your employment history with figures, employment letters, payslips, etc you'll be okay. Finances was one of our question marks too and I had to give them a statement outlining my employment history with salaries etc. I guess the fact I had a decent full-time job did help tho. I also gave them a letter from my accountant outlining my situation.

You won't know until you try tho, but if they see that you've got a good employment history, I'm sure you'll be ok. A friend of mine sponsored his wife from Sri Lanka while they were both living and working there, so no jobs in Oz, no place to live or anything, and she got the visa no problem in 3 months.

I've never heard anyone getting denied on financial grounds (for sv's). Usually it's on grounds of inability to prove genuine relationship. Maybe I should get out more....

cheers

ch

[DavieA]

NIce one bruvaa!

[gburns57au]

As you are unemployed in Oz and have no income there you will probably need to complete an Assurance of Support form from Centrelink. Multiple Assurers are allowed so if you have others that can help you out, you need to get in touch with them. They will need to fill out the Centrelink forms also. This is explained in Booklet 1, which is readable on the Immi site, as are all the requirements for the spouse visa.

The Immi site also has a link for the Centrelink site which explains it in greater detail. Please visit these sites and read up on it....would hate to see you waste the application fee.

Your other option is to come back solo and find employment, get set up for her to come and then apply for the spouse visa.

Graham

Edited March 13, 2006 by gburns57au

[chareehusbee]

Your other option is to come back solo and find employment, get set up for her to come and then apply for the spouse visa.

Which is what I did as far as getting employment goes. As far as "getting set up" tho, my situation is the same. I thought they might ask me for an AoS but they didn't, so I suspect the job had a big thing to do with it (obviously).

Edited March 13, 2006 by chareehusbee

[DavieA]

As you are unemployed in Oz and have no income there you will probably need to complete an Assurance of Support form from Centrelink. Multiple Assurers are allowed so if you have others that can help you out, you need to get in touch with them. They will need to fill out the Centrelink forms also. This is explained in Booklet 1, which is readable on the Immi site, as are all the requirements for the spouse visa.

The Immi site also has a link for the Centrelink site which explains it in greater detail. Please visit these sites and read up on it....would hate to see you waste the application fee.

Your other option is to come back solo and find employment, get set up for her to come and then apply for the spouse visa.

Graham

Thanks Graham, is it neccessary for me to do this before I apply for the visa? I thought that an AOS comes after the application.....if they ask for it? Would it be acceptable if I had a letter from a potential employer back in OZ to say I have a job to return to?

Dave

Edited March 14, 2006 by DavieA

[gburns57au]

Thanks Graham, is it neccessary for me to do this before I apply for the visa? I thought that an AOS comes after the application.....if they ask for it? Would it be acceptable if I had a letter from a potential employer back in OZ to say I have a job to return to?

Dave

You only have to supply it if they ask for it....and I would think in your case that you can bet they will ask for it. Get it set up so that it is available at the drop of a hat.

If you have a not a potential employer but a guaranteed employer on your return and they detail your salary level and Job permenancy etc... then this may assist with the general application as well as avoid the need for the AoS....but ultimately the decision belongs to the embassy.

Cover your bases, set it all up pre-application so that it avoids delays...if they ask for it then you can supply it straightaway.

Hope that assists

Graham

[DavieA]

Thanks Graham, might just follow your advice!

Regards

Dave

[Nignoy]

Thanks Graham, might just follow your advice!

Regards

Dave

Criminal record also helps(worked for me) its a long burocratic slog but persevere mate, it will all come good nignoy

[DavieA]

Thanks Graham, is it neccessary for me to do this before I apply for the visa? I thought that an AOS comes after the application.....if they ask for it? Would it be acceptable if I had a letter from a potential employer back in OZ to say I have a job to return to?

Dave

You only have to supply it if they ask for it....and I would think in your case that you can bet they will ask for it. Get it set up so that it is available at the drop of a hat.

If you have a not a potential employer but a guaranteed employer on your return and they detail your salary level and Job permenancy etc... then this may assist with the general application as well as avoid the need for the AoS....but ultimately the decision belongs to the embassy.

Cover your bases, set it all up pre-application so that it avoids delays...if they ask for it then you can supply it straightaway.

Hope that assists

Graham

Graham (or anyone). Just had a good read of the centrelink site regarding AOS. Graham you recommended to set it up first so if they ask for it, it will be ready. According to the website I need a letter from the DIMIA to accompany the application for AOS. My mother and father will go AOS if needed, but I don't think it can be set up until they actually DIMIA ask.....is this correct?

cheers Davo

[Mighty Mouse]

Davie,

I know nothing about AOS so I'll let Graham answer you on your question.

Obtaining a spouse visa without regular income could be a problem for you, but not necessarily impossible.

I have a mate who is receiving a pension and who applied for a spouse visa. They put him through the wringer and he had to get letters from friends who were prepared to financially support him and his wife should they fall into financial difficulties.

It was most embarrassing for him to ask for these assurances. The visa was eventually approved.

If Grahams plan doesn't suit, why not just apply for a six month tourist visa which should be relatively easy provided your parents/friends give assurances of financial support to your wife during her stay in Oz.

Your house and employment record are strong points in your favour.

This will give you time to set yourself up with a permanent income flow thus strengthening a spouse visa application later on.

The only drawback to this option is that your wife can't work and will need to return to Thailand at the completion of the visa.

This is a small price to pay in creating a strong foundation for a happy future.

[gburns57au]

Graham (or anyone). Just had a good read of the centrelink site regarding AOS. Graham you recommended to set it up first so if they ask for it, it will be ready. According to the website I need a letter from the DIMIA to accompany the application for AOS. My mother and father will go AOS if needed, but I don't think it can be set up until they actually DIMIA ask.....is this correct?

cheers Davo

From the website...

How do I apply to provide an Assurance of Support?

To apply to provide an Assurance of Support, you need to fill in an Application to Provide an Assurance of Support form and return the completed form to your nearest Centrelink Customer Service Centre. You can telephone Centrelink on your main payment or service telephone number and ask for an Application to Provide an Assurance of Support form to be sent to you or you can download this form below.

Forms:

Download Application to Provide an Assurance of Support form [16 pages, PDF: 320KB].

It doesnt say that here....just that you apply for it from Centrelink...This is what I was working on... However a quick call or a visit to Centrelink by your folks would be a good idea just to confirm. As the AoS doesnt activate till the migrating party arrives I would say it can be cancelled any time prior to that.

meantime I will have a look a bit deeper and see if there is any other references to it.

Edited March 17, 2006 by gburns57au

[DavieA]

Mighty, point taken but not so sure if this suits us too well. I do have regular employment/income. The only prob is because I live and work here in Thailand the income isn't high (30,000/month). I haven't lived in OZ for the last 4 or so years. But do have letters from ALL my employers since 1990 (believe it or not). I have just spoken to a company (somewhere I used to work) yesterday that have also offered me a job upon my return to OZ, they have agreed to put it in writing for me. This should help I suppose.

Secondly, about the tourist visa bit. Are you suggesting that we both go back to OZ now (my missus on a tourist visa) while I get a job. Then she returns after the tourist visa runs out, then we apply for a spouse visa?

That idea kills me as we have everything together for the spouse visa ready to go. I know your pretty clued up on this stuff so any advice from you is well recieved.

From the website...

How do I apply to provide an Assurance of Support?

To apply to provide an Assurance of Support, you need to fill in an Application to Provide an Assurance of Support form and return the completed form to your nearest Centrelink Customer Service Centre. You can telephone Centrelink on your main payment or service telephone number and ask for an Application to Provide an Assurance of Support form to be sent to you or you can download this form below.

Forms:

Download Application to Provide an Assurance of Support form [16 pages, PDF: 320KB].

It doesnt say that here....just that you apply for it from Centrelink...This is what I was working on... However a quick call or a visit to Centrelink by your folks would be a good idea just to confirm. As the AoS doesnt activate till the migrating party arrives I would say it can be cancelled any time prior to that.

meantime I will have a look a bit deeper and see if there is any other references to it.

Thanks again Graham, have got onto my Mother who was going to call centrelink today, thanks for your help on this.

Regards

Dave

Edited March 17, 2006 by DavieA

[Mighty Mouse]

Secondly, about the tourist visa bit. Are you suggesting that we both go back to OZ now (my missus on a tourist visa) while I get a job. Then she returns after the tourist visa runs out, then we apply for a spouse visa?

That idea kills me as we have everything together for the spouse visa ready to go. I know your pretty clued up on this stuff so any advice from you is well recieved.

Davie,

I suggested that you try first for a tourist visa only because you seemed worried about your chances of getting a spouse visa.

Income flow is one key area that your case officer will be closely looking at.

You stated that you have trade qualifications. What trade are you qualified for?

As you know there is a skills shortage in Oz right now and if your trade is one of those listed as being in short supply, you may be able to mount a strong case in your supporting letter as to why your profession/trade is in demand and why it would be in the Immigrations best interest to grant your wife her spouse visa.

[gburns57au]

Income level is a key factor indeed...as he is sponsoring her to come here...this would normally need to be backed up with pay slips and tax return slips, There is a low end level that would require an AoS to be provided. As Davie doesnt have a job then it is certain that he will need an AoS from his parents and/or others. Even a letter offering employment will probably not offset the need for an AoS.

AFAIK As an Oz citizen his Trade Quals wont be taken into account. They dont care what you do for a living as long as you are earning enough to support yourself and your new partner. If he was migrating here then that would be a consideration.

Davie, You will have to consider the visitor visa or coming back solo very carefully as it maybe your best chance of getting her here....No matter how you do it, it is the end result that you are looking for. Remember also that we are giving advice here and we may get things wrong....I understand that it is hard to get info up there so your folks may have to do some legwork for you...get them to ring the Immi here and put the question to them about your situation...

Graham

[DavieA]

Secondly, about the tourist visa bit. Are you suggesting that we both go back to OZ now (my missus on a tourist visa) while I get a job. Then she returns after the tourist visa runs out, then we apply for a spouse visa?

That idea kills me as we have everything together for the spouse visa ready to go. I know your pretty clued up on this stuff so any advice from you is well recieved.

Davie,

I suggested that you try first for a tourist visa only because you seemed worried about your chances of getting a spouse visa.

Income flow is one key area that your case officer will be closely looking at.

You stated that you have trade qualifications. What trade are you qualified for?

As you know there is a skills shortage in Oz right now and if your trade is one of those listed as being in short supply, you may be able to mount a strong case in your supporting letter as to why your profession/trade is in demand and why it would be in the Immigrations best interest to grant your wife her spouse visa.

Mighty, I am a qualified "Optical Technician" (I make spectacles), have been for 16 years. Not sure that it's on the list of wanted skills, but there is always a need for people to have glasses! It is somewhat a little known trade, but rarely difficult to find work.

Where can I find the list of wanted skills?

Income level is a key factor indeed...as he is sponsoring her to come here...this would normally need to be backed up with pay slips and tax return slips, There is a low end level that would require an AoS to be provided. As Davie doesnt have a job then it is certain that he will need an AoS from his parents and/or others. Even a letter offering employment will probably not offset the need for an AoS.

AFAIK As an Oz citizen his Trade Quals wont be taken into account. They dont care what you do for a living as long as you are earning enough to support yourself and your new partner. If he was migrating here then that would be a consideration.

Davie, You will have to consider the visitor visa or coming back solo very carefully as it maybe your best chance of getting her here....No matter how you do it, it is the end result that you are looking for. Remember also that we are giving advice here and we may get things wrong....I understand that it is hard to get info up there so your folks may have to do some legwork for you...get them to ring the Immi here and put the question to them about your situation...

Graham

I'm a bit worried now, I didn't think that income was the major factor here. Apart from income we have a very solid case meeting all requirements. And although I am not employed (yet), I still believe I have a very strong case for easily getting employed.

I was of the opinion that if our income factor was not strong, an AOS would save the day. I didn't really think that they would refuse the visa on these grounds.

We planned to apply for a SV in about 2 weeks......guess I have some thinking to do. Anyone elses comments would be greatly welcomed.

Thanks again guys for your input!

Edited March 19, 2006 by DavieA

[gburns57au]

I'm a bit worried now, I didn't think that income was the major factor here. Apart from income we have a very solid case meeting all requirements. And although I am not employed (yet), I still believe I have a very strong case for easily getting employed.

I was of the opinion that if our income factor was not strong, an AOS would save the day. I didn't really think that they would refuse the visa on these grounds.

We planned to apply for a SV in about 2 weeks......guess I have some thinking to do. Anyone elses comments would be greatly welcomed.

Thanks again guys for your input!

Not trying to scare ya mate, just pointing out the tough bits...An AoS will be of great assistance...but it is not a guarantee either...obviously if you had employment/income in Oz then the process would be a lot easier for you...Pensioners have got girls in using the AoS before.

I think what both MM and myself are saying is that you need to consider the visitor visa or solo return as another option. even as an option of last resort.

[gburns57au]

Graham (or anyone). Just had a good read of the centrelink site regarding AOS. Graham you recommended to set it up first so if they ask for it, it will be ready. According to the website I need a letter from the DIMIA to accompany the application for AOS. My mother and father will go AOS if needed, but I don't think it can be set up until they actually DIMIA ask.....is this correct?

cheers Davo

From the website...

How do I apply to provide an Assurance of Support?

To apply to provide an Assurance of Support, you need to fill in an Application to Provide an Assurance of Support form and return the completed form to your nearest Centrelink Customer Service Centre. You can telephone Centrelink on your main payment or service telephone number and ask for an Application to Provide an Assurance of Support form to be sent to you or you can download this form below.

Forms:

Download Application to Provide an Assurance of Support form [16 pages, PDF: 320KB].

It doesnt say that here....just that you apply for it from Centrelink...This is what I was working on... However a quick call or a visit to Centrelink by your folks would be a good idea just to confirm. As the AoS doesnt activate till the migrating party arrives I would say it can be cancelled any time prior to that.

meantime I will have a look a bit deeper and see if there is any other references to it.

Two points I have made an error with....

You will need the letter from the Immi if they request the AoS.....I found it on page seven of the application on the Centrelink site.....

And the application cannot be cancelled once the AoS has been accepted and the visa has been issued....you cant get out of it even if you die !!!

Edited March 19, 2006 by gburns57au

[Mighty Mouse]

Mighty, I am a qualified "Optical Technician" (I make spectacles), have been for 16 years. Not sure that it's on the list of wanted skills, but there is always a need for people to have glasses! It is somewhat a little known trade, but rarely difficult to find work.

Where can I find the list of wanted skills?

Read through this link:

http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/pdf/1121i.pdf

It is mainly medical professionals and certain blue collar workers that are in short supply.

You can do a Google search for more information on skills shortages in Oz.

If you decide to submit your spouse visa application, you will need to sell yourself in your supporting letter about your prospects of obtaining employment quickly.

Is there any way that you can contact your former optical technician employer to ascertain the current state of the industry? Perhaps sus him out for a offer of a job.

I would think that there would be less demand for this type of skill now that laser eye surgery is here.

If you had a job offer in writing it would strengthen your application considerably.

[Team Bukowski]

Davie, I was in a simliar-ish situation to you. I'd been working in Bkk for almost 2 years, met my wife-to-be at the company I worked for. Bkk was doing my head in and we made the decision to move to oz, which meant quitting my job and technically leaving me temporarily unemployed.

When I called the VFS to enquire about the whole procedure, she made it very clear to me that we shouldn't apply for the spouse visa until I had a job. So we made the decision that I would return to oz, find a job, rent an apartment, and then apply. It meant being apart for a few months, but we felt a lot more confident handing in the application knowing that I could prove I had the financial means to take care of my wife and put a roof over her head.

I recall the visa booklet implying that because your wife can't claim benefits for the first 2 years, you have to be able to prove that you can a) support her financially, B ) provide adequate accommodation etc etc.

In all honesty mate, I sincerely doubt that your wife would get a visa if you're unemployed and share-housing/living at a friends place when you apply. The whole point of being a sponsor is making the declaration that you're willing to be fully responsible for the applicant for 2 years. In the Immigration Depts' eyes, how are you going to be able to do that if you're on the dole at the time you apply? (You have to look at it through their eyes!)

Other TV members might prove me wrong, but I think you're better off holding off until you actually have a job and a place to live before applying.

(off-topic - I'm an ex-optical mechanic myself, used to work for OPSM "Oh Please Sack Me!" years ago.) Thank god I'm a spoilt IT worker on a decent salary now )

So my advice/opinion - hold off, wait until your application is bullet-proof, and then you'll have nothing to worry about. I could imagine nothing worse than having a visa refused...I get the feeling that the ECO's see the applications in black and white. You're either able to take care of your wife, or you're not (in their eyes).

Edited March 20, 2006 by Team Bukowski

[DavieA]

Thanks Team Buk, good post, and thanks to those who have also contributed. I realise at the end of the day it's up to the DIMIA and there is know way in the end of knowing what they would really think. The picture is becoming clearer to me now, and although I may have to do some things I don't like, I need to keep the sight of the longer term and big picture.

Thanks again to all!