Australia Partner Visa

[MichelleRawai]

I have a couple of questions about applying for the Aus partner visa. Do you have to prove a certain amount of savings or wages in your or partner's bank account? If so how much? My husband (he's the Thai one in our relationship) and I are are currently saving up to apply, and once we have the money we will go and apply - but then we will not have much left at all. But we'd be able to save up more whilst waiting for approval. My other question is, if it's approved, how long do you have to use it, how long until you have to enter Aus?

Also, I'd love to hear any recent stories about your application, the length of time it took, and whether approved or rejected. What are some possible reasons for rejection?

I'll just add some more details. I have not been working in Thailand (following artistic pursuits), my husband is a tattoo artist and has been supporting us both. I am 4 months pregnant also. We are aiming to apply for the visa in about a year's time. So if I am to be a sponsor, how will that work without recent employment history? Would we have to have a separate sponsor who would house and support us? What if we had jobs lined up already? Any advice appreciated! Thanks.

[dbrenn]

There is no requirement to have a certain amount of money saved up to apply for a partner visa. What you do have to show is that the sponsor (you) has a means of supporting the applicant (your parter). In the absence of savings, you would need to show that you have a job that pays enough to support both of you, and also a place where both of you can live - rented accommodation is OK.

Once the visa is granted, it is valid for two years in the first instance, and during this period your partner is free to come and go as he likes, as well as work in Oz. At the end of the two year period, you have to show immigration evidence that you are still in a relationship. Joint bank statements, bills with both your names on, etc, along with statutory declarations from both of you and also a witness with an occupation on the approved list (teacher, doctor, vicar, et al). Once immigration are satisfied that you are still together, your partner will get permanent residence.

The process to get the first visa in our case (fiancee visa) took around 8 months, applying in Bangkok.

Edited March 20, 2016 by dbrenn

[redfish44]

The process to get the first visa in our case (fiancee visa) took around 8 months, applying in Bangkok.

Hi

I am an Aus female, husband Thai. We have a 4 year old, been married since 2010.

We applied for spuse visa last June. Still waiting.

My big tip is to go to the VFS Q&A appointments on Thrusdays. We met other couples while waiting and got a lot of info from them.

Biggest help was that we could pay the visa application in AU using a credit card, which saved us $580.

Fee went up drastically 1 July and again since I think.

Is a horrid wait.

Hardly any communication. We don't even know who the case officer is. been told they have enough documentation to make a decision (December), went back in Jan, were told no probs he could come here on tourist visa while waiting. Last week got told no decision will be made while he is outside Thailand, once he returns will be 2-3 months. gee thanks...

dbrenn and anyone else - do you know where the thread about people waiting for spuse visas is?

I was halfway through reading it last year and can't find it again. it should be pinned.

The 2006 Oz embassy one not so useful but is pinned - nothing new since 2011.