I am trying to help a Thai friend with Australian citizenship and seeking up-to-date guidance. The sponsor earns AUD1,000 net per week, living in a shared house. He has known his Thai GF for six years during which he has traveled to Thailand to meet up with GF. She has a university degree in Chinese studies and currently works as a receptionist at a Bangkok Hospital, but no meaningful savings.

As it takes up to a year to process a fiance visa application, can he in parallel sponsor a tourist visa for say one to three months, if she gets permission for leave, for her to visit him and get some experience of living in Oz.

Constructive advise will be appreciated - thanks

Yep, can lodge both applications at the same time if they want.

I would lodge the tourist visa first. If they're lucky, she might get a 12 month

multiple entry visa.

Really though, no problem either way for lodgement.