Sv Vs Tv

[DavieA]

I wanted to start this as a new thread because it diverts from my other thread (Financial requirements).

Ok Mighty and gBurns57 (and others), I have given my issue some serious thought and I am beginning to think that your suggestions make more sense than I first thought.

What I am now considering is not going for the SV. What I would like to do is go for a TV first but I have some questions.

What the plan is is for my missus to apply for a TV and we both go back to OZ next month. We would ultimately like to her to get a 6 month TV. It has other advantages other than applying for a SV now with the potential of being refused. But I have some questions regarding our situation.

1 - If my missus applies for 6 months, is she likely to get 6 months, or do they just give you what you get? I've seen several posters complaining about getting more and less time than they asked for. (If she got 3 months it would cause probs for us) If she got 3 months, could she apply for an extension in the country?

2 - Is she likely to get 6 months as it's her first TV application? Do they keep it to 3 months for the first time round?

3 - My gal and I are getting married in about 2 weeks. How would the DIMIA take it if my gal and I are married and applying for a TV and not a SV? Would this cause probs?

(would a letter from me explaining the reasons be enough?)

4 - With the TV, my gal has to show reason for returning to Thailand. She has no Job (I have supported her for 18 months), no assetts, and no real way of showing she needs to return. How can I get around this?

Trust you guys and many others may be able to help. Sure I will have some more questions by tommorrow.

Kind regards and big thanks for your assistance!

[gburns57au]

I wanted to start this as a new thread because it diverts from my other thread (Financial requirements).

Ok Mighty and gBurns57 (and others), I have given my issue some serious thought and I am beginning to think that your suggestions make more sense than I first thought.

What I am now considering is not going for the SV. What I would like to do is go for a TV first but I have some questions.

What the plan is is for my missus to apply for a TV and we both go back to OZ next month. We would ultimately like to her to get a 6 month TV. It has other advantages other than applying for a SV now with the potential of being refused. But I have some questions regarding our situation.

1 - If my missus applies for 6 months, is she likely to get 6 months, or do they just give you what you get? I've seen several posters complaining about getting more and less time than they asked for. (If she got 3 months it would cause probs for us) If she got 3 months, could she apply for an extension in the country?

2 - Is she likely to get 6 months as it's her first TV application? Do they keep it to 3 months for the first time round?

3 - My gal and I are getting married in about 2 weeks. How would the DIMIA take it if my gal and I are married and applying for a TV and not a SV? Would this cause probs?

(would a letter from me explaining the reasons be enough?)

4 - With the TV, my gal has to show reason for returning to Thailand. She has no Job (I have supported her for 18 months), no assetts, and no real way of showing she needs to return. How can I get around this?

Trust you guys and many others may be able to help. Sure I will have some more questions by tommorrow.

Kind regards and big thanks for your assistance!

First off you need to realise that every visa has the potential to be refused, each application for whatever visa is taken on its own merits...So your original idea to apply for an SV is not beyond possibility. The AoS will be advantageous in your situation especially as your folks have agreed to it. If you wish to take that course then it is up to you. All we have done is point out some stumbling blocks that you may encounter along the way peculiar to your rather unique situation.. Now to your questions regarding the tourist Visa

1&2....I recently applied for a second tourist visa for my GF we applied for a 3 month visa and received a 12 month multi entry visa, another member also received this on a first time application. Each entry is for 3 months only. It seems to be the flavour at the moment. There are some members who have said that they got a 6 month visa without any hassles, I hope some of them can post here. Any tourist visa granted would have an 8503 condition for "no further stay", so it is unlikely that an extension would be granted. The 12 month ME visa has a final entry date on it but each entry is still for 3 months duration. I think with all visa applications you are at the mercy of the department.

3....Possibly they may want a reason as to why you dont want an SV as you will be married...a Statutory Declaration giving your reasons may well be of assistance to that. Note I said a Stat Dec and not a letter...a Stat Dec is a legal document and is regarded by the Embassy as such. A letter will hold little value to them.

4....My Gf has been approved twice (her first was 3 months as we applied for) being listed as unemployed. She has no assets to speak of and only her child as a reason to return which the Embassy doesnt recognize as a reason. I did a Stat Dec declaring that I would support her financially in everyway, Medical, accommodation, travel, general living costs for her stay here. I also included in the Stat Dec that I am aware of and will ensure that she abides by all conditions of her visa, there is a sponsor section on the application form, but you dont have to declare your earnings or income there. In your case again I would suggest that your folks also do a stat dec stating that they will assist you and her financially etc...

Your biggest stumbling block is your income situation, The Embassy need to know, no matter which visa you apply for, that she wont be a burden on the public purse while she is here...or in the case of the SV is that if she claims any social security for the first 2 years that they can get the money back from the assurers. This is the concern you have to address no matter which way you go.

I dont want to say that if you apply for an SV that you will or will not get it and the same goes for the Tourist visa. That is something that is beyond mine or anybody elses control. I understand that you dont want to be separated from your lady more than is necessary but you do have some difficulties that you need to address in your applications.

Graham

[chareehusbee]

In my opinion if your SV is sound, while it takes longer to process (and it will be a painful process) the chance of success is higher imho. TV's are easily dismissed especially if your gf doesn't have a job and money in her bank account (and if you don't have alot too), based on my experience.

Your case is very similar to how mine was. On first try (prior to marriage) our TV was refused because my gf was in a similar state to your's (no job, not much money, etc). After we got married we applied for TV again and got it easily. We told them the reason we weren't applying for SV was because we wanted her to see if she liked Oz first, which I believe is a valid reason. Your gf having a TV under her belt will also help your SV app. When you apply for TV, give them all your SV stuff you've accumulated (that's what we did, and 3 days later we got the TV). Also say you're staying with your folks (if that is reasonable) so that's an extra financial strain you won't be burdened with (and the embassy will see it thus). We stayed with mine in Oz for a few months when my missus got her TV.

If you're getting married in a couple of weeks anyway, my recommendation would be to apply for TV after you've tied the knot, and apply for SV in Thailand after spending some time in Oz together. You'll also be able to get lots of stat dec's from your family and mates you visit together in Oz.

cheers

ch

[DavieA]

In my opinion if your SV is sound, while it takes longer to process (and it will be a painful process) the chance of success is higher imho. TV's are easily dismissed especially if your gf doesn't have a job and money in her bank account (and if you don't have alot too), based on my experience.

Your case is very similar to how mine was. On first try (prior to marriage) our TV was refused because my gf was in a similar state to your's (no job, not much money, etc). After we got married we applied for TV again and got it easily. We told them the reason we weren't applying for SV was because we wanted her to see if she liked Oz first, which I believe is a valid reason. Your gf having a TV under her belt will also help your SV app. When you apply for TV, give them all your SV stuff you've accumulated (that's what we did, and 3 days later we got the TV). Also say you're staying with your folks (if that is reasonable) so that's an extra financial strain you won't be burdened with (and the embassy will see it thus). We stayed with mine in Oz for a few months when my missus got her TV.

If you're getting married in a couple of weeks anyway, my recommendation would be to apply for TV after you've tied the knot, and apply for SV in Thailand after spending some time in Oz together. You'll also be able to get lots of stat dec's from your family and mates you visit together in Oz.

cheers

ch

Thanks Charee, sounds like your case in nearly identicle to mine. You made some interesting points.

Firstly our SV application is sound apart from the finance side. Even though my parents have stated in a stat dec that they are prepared to be AOS, I still have my doubts because I am technically going to be unemployed temporarily upon arrival to OZ.

Secondly, we are now seriously considering the TV option. The reason for this is like you say, I want the missus to experience Australia first. That would be the reason for not applying for the SV. This will also give me time to get a job and get settled and make better preparations for when we do apply for a SV.

Thirdly, I would be staying at my folks house. I do have a house but it's being rented at the mo, and their lease doesn't expire till Feb 07.

I am beginning to feel as though both visa choices are potentially risky given my financial state. Both require evidence that I can support her. I thought the SV route would be ok given there is an option for AOS (thought that would be my way around it). If I take the TV route I am a little doubtful that being married is alone good enough grounds for being successful, I still need to supply evidence of financial support. I am thinking that either way will require me to go home first to make preparations before applying for a SV or TV....Bastard!

Lastly guys a question. Who can I contact or call to speak about the situation? I have tried to contact the OZ Embassy in Bangkok, but that's just an answer service that palms you on to the VSF. Is the VSF in Bangkok in a position to disscus details like this. I thought they were simply a contractor that takes in the applications. Remember I like in Thailand not OZ.

regards again....Dave

[chareehusbee]

Firstly our SV application is sound apart from the finance side. Even though my parents have stated in a stat dec that they are prepared to be AOS, I still have my doubts because I am technically going to be unemployed temporarily upon arrival to OZ.

I was in the same boat, tho I was doing some contracts on the side (I showed them invoices), but I also didnt have the tax assessment notices they wanted for SV. But if you are married and have been working in Thailand (and can show employment doc's) and have some money in the bank that may be all you need for TV.

Secondly, we are now seriously considering the TV option. The reason for this is like you say, I want the missus to experience Australia first. That would be the reason for not applying for the SV. This will also give me time to get a job and get settled and make better preparations for when we do apply for a SV.

Thirdly, I would be staying at my folks house. I do have a house but it's being rented at the mo, and their lease doesn't expire till Feb 07.

Yeah that's why we also postponed the SV. When we went to Oz on TV, I got a job and got some tax doc's for SV too. Yeah it is a bastard to separate from your spouse but you kinda have to do it to ensure you give the Embassy as much as you can for SV.

I am beginning to feel as though both visa choices are potentially risky given my financial state. Both require evidence that I can support her. I thought the SV route would be ok given there is an option for AOS (thought that would be my way around it). If I take the TV route I am a little doubtful that being married is alone good enough grounds for being successful, I still need to supply evidence of financial support. I am thinking that either way will require me to go home first to make preparations before applying for a SV or TV....Bastard!

While this may or may not be the case, you have less to lose doing TV. So my recommendation remains the same, get married and apply for TV. Go to Oz and get a job and then apply for SV after a couple of months. She'll be right mate! I didn't even have my own place when we applied for our's, was (and still am) at my folks, and she'll be moving in in less than 2 weeks with her SV. So there's hope!

Lastly guys a question. Who can I contact or call to speak about the situation? I have tried to contact the OZ Embassy in Bangkok, but that's just an answer service that palms you on to the VSF. Is the VSF in Bangkok in a position to disscus details like this. I thought they were simply a contractor that takes in the applications. Remember I like in Thailand not OZ.

Getting info from them is like blood from a stone. You might want to go to the Embassy and talk to someone, it might be easier. Look me up if you've applied for SV and are 3 months in and haven't heard from anyone, then I'll tell you who to contact to get things moving!

cheers

[Mighty Mouse]

Great advice from Graham and CH.

When dealing with the Immigration Dept. there are no guarantees. If you apply for a six month visa, you may only get three months. You may not get one at all, or you may get a multi entry.

Again, your lack of regular income could be a hurdle. To cover this aspect, you need stat. decs. from your parents stating that they will assist with financial matters if called upon.

If you get married before applying for a tourist visa, you virtually have eliminated the need for her to return to Thailand. Therefore you must give assurances that she will not breach the conditions of the TV in your covering letter, (if you write one) and stating that you plan to find employment and to apply for a SV at a later date.

You have already given thought to the possibility of you not finding meaningful employment in Australia and she having to return to Thailand at the completion of her TV. How does she survive in Thailand without income. She is currently relient upon your wages as a school teacher.

I'm sure these thoughts would also be in the mind of the person making a decision on your TV application.

Somehow you need to cover them.

[Mighty Mouse]

Davie,

An expensive alternative is to go ahead and apply for a SV. That assures you of an interview with a case officer.

You would then be in a position to ask questions about your chances of having the SP visa approved.

If it was indicated that it was a bit touch and go, your case officer could then issue you with a tourist visa on the spot to allow you time to return to OZ and set yourself up with employment.

Obviously you would need to pay for duel visa applications.

The most obvious option, but the most heartbreaking, is to return to OZ alone, get a job and then make your application.

[chareehusbee]

The most obvious option, but the most heartbreaking, is to return to OZ alone, get a job and then make your application.

That's what I did, and 4 months later I'm smiling. Sure every minute of it apart sucked, but now we're laughing. She'll be here on April 1 and for the first time ever we won't have to worry about visas and having to be apart. Was it worth it? Absolutely!

Just my 2c.

[gburns57au]

So it comes down to 3 basic options...

SV

Tourist

return solo

With a letter of guarantee of employment and the AoS from your folks and maybe others, you may get through on the SV. Being a home owner may also be of assistance to the application (Could you claim the rent received as an income ?). While it may be a bit iffy it is not beyond the realms of possibility. The drawback is it is an expensive loss if rejected.

The tourist visa will probably need a declaration of support from your folks, but gives your wife the chance to see Oz before making the final move and will allow you time to set yourself up and have some payslips etc...to show....the drawback is that you may not get the amount of time that you want.

Both of these have avenues of appeal if rejected. but that will take time.

Coming home solo until you are better set up for a stronger application, while it maybe the most frustrating option, has merit in giving you the time to re-establish yourself in Oz before bringing her over, By then the rental lease is up and you will have a place to live.

Whatever road you take, we all wish you luck.

To contact the Immigration.....get your parents to do it here for you....the Immi in Oz is more accessible than the embassy in Thailand. Most questions can answered over the phone.

[Mighty Mouse]

The most obvious option, but the most heartbreaking, is to return to OZ alone, get a job and then make your application.

That's what I did, and 4 months later I'm smiling. Sure every minute of it apart sucked, but now we're laughing. She'll be here on April 1 and for the first time ever we won't have to worry about visas and having to be apart. Was it worth it? Absolutely!

Short pain for future gain. It does pay off.

I'm just a little concerned about her date of arrival. How would you feel if she played a big April fools joke on you by telephoning you from Thailand as you wait outside the airport customs exit?

Just kiddin'. I'm sure she'll be as excited as you are to finally get here.

[chareehusbee]

Short pain for future gain. It does pay off.

I'm just a little concerned about her date of arrival. How would you feel if she played a big April fools joke on you by telephoning you from Thailand as you wait outside the airport customs exit?

Just kiddin'. I'm sure she'll be as excited as you are to finally get here.

hehe, yeah, well... I don't think she knows about April Fools Day tho...

I'll bet my bottom dollar that she'll arrive too!

[DavieA]

The most obvious option, but the most heartbreaking, is to return to OZ alone, get a job and then make your application.

The most obvious option, but the most heartbreaking, is to return to OZ alone, get a job and then make your application.

That's what I did, and 4 months later I'm smiling. Sure every minute of it apart sucked, but now we're laughing. She'll be here on April 1 and for the first time ever we won't have to worry about visas and having to be apart. Was it worth it? Absolutely!

Just my 2c.

Guys, thankyou sincerely for all your suggestions and concern. Yes, it will be tough, but we have decided to take the safe but sure route. Please let me know if you see a problem in this plan.

We will put in our SV application in a few weeks as originally planned. I will then go home to OZ to find work and get set up (leave the missus in LOS). Once I have found work (shouldn't take long) I will get a letter (stat dec) from my employer and send it to the VSF in Bangkok to accompany our application. This way I have real money coming in and our visa would surely be spotless!

What do you reckon?

Also....is it possible to apply for a TV while we are waiting for a SV? She could possibly spend most of our visa waiting time in OZ, then return to Thailand to pick up her SV?????

regrds Davo

[gburns57au]

Guys, thankyou sincerely for all your suggestions and concern. Yes, it will be tough, but we have decided to take the safe but sure route. Please let me know if you see a problem in this plan.

We will put in our SV application in a few weeks as originally planned. I will then go home to OZ to find work and get set up (leave the missus in LOS). Once I have found work (shouldn't take long) I will get a letter (stat dec) from my employer and send it to the VSF in Bangkok to accompany our application. This way I have real money coming in and our visa would surely be spotless!

What do you reckon?

Also....is it possible to apply for a TV while we are waiting for a SV? She could possibly spend most of our visa waiting time in OZ, then return to Thailand to pick up her SV?????

regrds Davo

good to see you have made a decision...hope it works out for you...still be prepared for a request for an AoS though...the request is made at the embassy's discretion.

Bad news is....My understanding is that if you are granted a TV while applying for an SV then the processing will be delayed for the time that she is out of the country. She must be in the country of lodgement when the decision is made. She cant come here on a TV and make the SV application here.

regards Graham

[chareehusbee]

Bad news is....My understanding is that if you are granted a TV while applying for an SV then the processing will be delayed for the time that she is out of the country. She must be in the country of lodgement when the decision is made. She cant come here on a TV and make the SV application here.

You're right. We looked into that avenue also when my wife was here on TV last year.

Most TV's have that annoying 8503 clause (I think that's the number, it's the No Further Stay clause), and if you research it you will find out it basically means you can't extend stay in any way, shape or form, and that includes getting other visas, while you're in Oz. Plus there is no way to get a waiver on it (looked into that too).

Once I have found work (shouldn't take long) I will get a letter (stat dec) from my employer and send it to the VSF in Bangkok to accompany our application.

Instead of sending additional info thru the VFS, send it directly to the case officer assigned to your case (you will find out about a week after submitting your app thru the VFS). This will certainly expedite receipt of additional info. About 6 weeks later your wife will be called for an interview.

Good luck!

[Mighty Mouse]

Davie,

It's a fairly safe plan.

Stay in Thailand for the interview with your case officer. Explain your predicament to him/her, (probably a 'her') and the case officer will then explain what you need in order to satisfy your financial committements and give you sufficient time to meet the requirements.

(With any luck, your case officer might be satisfied with your current situation and tell you so at the interview.)

I suggest that you then question your case officer about a six month tourist visa for your wife and be guided by the reply.

If the TV is granted, ask the case officer whether the decision on your SV application would be delayed once all your financial committment have been met.

Graham and CH belive that a decision on your SP will be delayed. I suspect the any decision may be delayed. I also believe that your wife must be in Thailand when the decision is conveyed to her, not necessarily when it is made.

I have found nothing on the Immigration web site to suggest otherwise, nor is there any from my personal experience.

Make sure that both you and your wife prepare your answers well for the pending interview. Fire likely questions at her and keep doing so until she answers them perfectly every time.

The questions from your case officer should be in English for you, Thai for her.

Your case officer will ask you both the same type questions to see if your answers differ. Make sure that they don't.

For that reason, keep a copy of all the answers you have put to the application form questions, particularly those relating to the dates that you both met, the circumstances of the meeting and when your relationship commenced.

Also her employment record details, her financial records etc.

She should be prepared to state what she hopes to see and do in Australia.

Fingers crossed for a smooth journey.

[chareehusbee]

Graham and CH belive that a decision on your SP will be delayed. I suspect the any decision may be delayed. I also believe that your wife must be in Thailand when the decision is conveyed to her, not necessarily when it is made.

I have found nothing on the Immigration web site to suggest otherwise, nor is there any from my personal experience.

I didn't say one way or the other. I think it was Bronco that mentioned that you could no longer do a SV and TV at the same time. For us it was compounded by the fact they took my wife's passport at the interview.

[Mighty Mouse]

This page on the Immigration website is very interesting. Link below:

http://www.immi.gov.au/migration/family/pa...t5_afterapp.htm

Of particular relevence is this part:

"Travel during visa processing

You should inform the department if you intend to travel (either to or from Australia) while your application is being processed. This is because, if you have applied for a partner visa:

* in Australia, you must be in Australia at the time your temporary and permanent visas are granted.

or

* outside Australia, you must be outside Australia when the temporary visa is granted. You may be either in or outside Australia when the permanent visa is granted."

The last paragraph says it all.

[chareehusbee]

Best to just check with the Embassy at the time of application tho, then let us all know!

It wouldn't have made any difference in our case for 2 reasons: i) my wife was attending uni; ii) they took her passport. Timing worked out perfectly for us tho in the end, she got the SV at the end of her final exams!

The process is <deleted> tho, and I'm sincerely glad it's over and hope to never have to go thru it again!

[DavieA]

Fanks buruva's! All comments taken on board, will let you know of the outcome. See ya round the traps.

Regards

Dave

[DavieA]

Instead of sending additional info thru the VFS, send it directly to the case officer assigned to your case (you will find out about a week after submitting your app thru the VFS). This will certainly expedite receipt of additional info.

Good luck!

I assume you find out your case file number and who your case officer is shortly after applying. Do they notify you of this by mail?

Stay in Thailand for the interview with your case officer. Explain your predicament to him/her, (probably a 'her') and the case officer will then explain what you need in order to satisfy your financial committements and give you sufficient time to meet the requirements.

(With any luck, your case officer might be satisfied with your current situation and tell you so at the interview.)

Mighty, do you mean the interview that my missus will have 4-6 weeks after applying? I planned to go home the day after applying. Didn't want to hang around too long, you know how money can just flitter away staying in Bangkok, hotels etc? Need to get home and earn some dosh!

[chareehusbee]

Instead of sending additional info thru the VFS, send it directly to the case officer assigned to your case (you will find out about a week after submitting your app thru the VFS). This will certainly expedite receipt of additional info.

Good luck!

I assume you find out your case file number and who your case officer is shortly after applying. Do they notify you of this by mail?

Yeah, email and mail (make sure you give them your email address, it's the most efficient method of correspondence shy of calling them (which they don't seem to like).

Stay in Thailand for the interview with your case officer. Explain your predicament to him/her, (probably a 'her') and the case officer will then explain what you need in order to satisfy your financial committements and give you sufficient time to meet the requirements.

(With any luck, your case officer might be satisfied with your current situation and tell you so at the interview.)

Mighty, do you mean the interview that my missus will have 4-6 weeks after applying? I planned to go home the day after applying. Didn't want to hang around too long, you know how money can just flitter away staying in Bangkok, hotels etc? Need to get home and earn some dosh!

Yeah the interview 4-6 weeks after applying.

I was in Oz when my missus had her's. If you're not gonna be there, write a letter/statement outlining the situation and your wife can give it to the case officer at the interview as well as explain the situation then. Don't be afraid to write as much as you think is necessary to explain all aspects of your relationship, the situation, etc. Type it up, date it and sign it, and pass it on with your application (or at interview). I gave them several such statements throughout our process to make sure everyone was on the same page about our case. I don't see any harm in it as long as there's nothing contradictory in any of your doc's (a migration agent FOAF once told me that one of the biggest reasons apps fail is inconsistency between doc's).

[Mighty Mouse]

Mighty, do you mean the interview that my missus will have 4-6 weeks after applying? I planned to go home the day after applying. Didn't want to hang around too long, you know how money can just flitter away staying in Bangkok, hotels etc? Need to get home and earn some dosh!

If you both turn up on the interview day, you'll both be interviewed. I'm a firm believer of getting involved and putting my side of the case.

This assists the case officer to better establish the true nature of the relationship and to clarify any puzzling aspects of the application.

It also allows the case officer to advise you what further documentation may be required.

With your financial predicament I think that it would be in your best interest to be there to explain in person, your intentions regarding your future employment and to establish the chances of having the SV approved.

My g/f had two interviews. The first with me and the second alone after the results of her medical examination had been completed.

The first was conducted on the same day that our application was lodged.

This procedure obviously has now changed with the interview being conducted well after the date of lodgement.

I'm wondering if there is some way that you can apply to have the interview date brought forward.

You would need to have completed all the medical examinations with the results forwarded quickly to Immigration by the hospital.

If your finances dictate that you must return to Oz quickly, then so be it. It's your decision.

[DavieA]

Mighty, do you mean the interview that my missus will have 4-6 weeks after applying? I planned to go home the day after applying. Didn't want to hang around too long, you know how money can just flitter away staying in Bangkok, hotels etc? Need to get home and earn some dosh!

If you both turn up on the interview day, you'll both be interviewed. I'm a firm believer of getting involved and putting my side of the case.

This assists the case officer to better establish the true nature of the relationship and to clarify any puzzling aspects of the application.

It also allows the case officer to advise you what further documentation may be required.

With your financial predicament I think that it would be in your best interest to be there to explain in person, your intentions regarding your future employment and to establish the chances of having the SV approved.

My g/f had two interviews. The first with me and the second alone after the results of her medical examination had been completed.

The first was conducted on the same day that our application was lodged.

This procedure obviously has now changed with the interview being conducted well after the date of lodgement.

I'm wondering if there is some way that you can apply to have the interview date brought forward.

You would need to have completed all the medical examinations with the results forwarded quickly to Immigration by the hospital.

If your finances dictate that you must return to Oz quickly, then so be it. It's your decision.

Thanks Mighty.

Yeah hanging around until the interview date after application is a big hastle. My GF and I live in Hat Yai (far south of LOS, 17 hrs by train), so going to Bangkok for any reason is not only expensive but time consuming. Anytime spent in Bangkok requires us to stay in a hotel too. I could go back to Hat yai after making the app, but I will just be hanging around for 5-6 weeks waiting for the interview date. This time could be better spent by just going home from Bangkok after making the app and letting the missus take care of the rest.

As far as our application goes we have everything already completed, police check, medical (already sent to immigration), translated docs etc, and I have ticked everything off the list of requirements and then some! What I plan to do is write a cover note explaining my reasons for return and a summary of my financial and employment situation.

I do now have a letter from a previous employer (in OZ) stating that I have a job to return to. This letter outlines my position and salary, and also that there is a job for me. This will be attached to my cover note as the reason for my hasty return.

I'm confident with all this in place, there will be little more thet they will require, and if they do require anything, I assume they will contact me and ask for it.

With regards to having the interview date brought forward, seeing as though we do have everything ready, do you think it is possible? Should I call them (VFS) first or ask them on the day we make the app. It would be to my advantage to be at the interview like you say.

Regards

Dave

[Mighty Mouse]

With regards to having the interview date brought forward, seeing as though we do have everything ready, do you think it is possible? Should I call them (VFS) first or ask them on the day we make the app. It would be to my advantage to be at the interview like you say.

It should only take a phone call to find the answer to your question. Give 'em a buzz.

The job offer from your former employer sounds good. It certainly strengthens your application.

CH was in a very similar situation to you and he succeeded. Let's hope you have the same success.

[gburns57au]

Seems like it is coming together for you now.

Good luck with it all

Graham

[DavieA]

Coming along very well actually. Rang them up like you said Mighty. Lady very nice and helpful. I have booked an appointment in April. We have already been given a case officer and we will lodge our application and have our interview with her all at the same time. Sorted!

Thanks so much for the advice!

KaaaaaahhhhhP

[gburns57au]

well done....and ditto to MM....thats one to keep in the memory banks.

[Mighty Mouse]

Great news. It just goes to show that the Aussie Embassy can be helpful.....when they want to be.

[DavieA]

well done....and ditto to MM....thats one to keep in the memory banks.

Great news. It just goes to show that the Aussie Embassy can be helpful.....when they want to be.

Yeah I was quite taken back the lovely lady at the end of the phone line. I simply asked if it was possible to have the interview at the same time as making the app. She did ask what the reason for this was.

My reasons were me and the missus lived in Hat yai so we had a long wat to travel to make the application. It was also going to be very inconvienient to go Back to Hat Yai and then come back to Bangkok again in a few weeks for the interview. I also stated that I had to return home to Australia to start work asap but did want to be present at the interview to discuss our app, just in case there was anything missing or wrong with it.

She was more than happy to make the appointment there and then, give us a case officer and telephone number for her. The rest is history.

We will however have the interview at the OZ embassy and not at the application centre. Not sure if this is the norm?

Maybe they are working on their customer service skills, so I am thankful to those who have complained in the past. It gives others a smoother ride for the future.

[chareehusbee]

Great news. It just goes to show that the Aussie Embassy can be helpful.....when they want to be.

Maybe they've improved things there since the top guy David Merz was replaced.

Certainly seems that way!

DavieA: glad to hear things are working out. I love it when a plan comes together!