Did you have a romantic rendezvous on a vacation abroad?
Have you been chatting with a sexy man on the other side of the world?
Have you met the woman you wish to spend the rest of your life with?
Long distance relationships can be difficult to maintain, even more so if your partner is in another country! If you want to take your relationship to the next level you and your partner will undoubtedly want to reside together in Australia. For some good news, the Prospective Marriage Visa is now available to same sex couples in Australia.
LGBT MARRIAGE VISA AUSTRALIA
When same sex marriage equality was legalised in December 2017, both heterosexual and same sex couples may now avail of this visa. This versatile visa is a great option for the LGBT community where you may have met your fiancé for only a short period of time but want to take your relationship to the next level. Criteria for the Prospective Marriage Visa is not particularly onerous, however you should ensure your evidence is presented correctly and of course ensure you meet the regulations to ensure a valid visa application.
Our recommended steps as follows:
1: Meet Your Fiancé in Person:
You may have met your new girlfriend or boyfriend chatting online. Very often gay and lesbian couples start their relationships online regardless of location. However, as part of the Australia migration requirements you must have met your fiancé in person (online encounters are not sufficient). The location of your first date is not that important, but you must have physically met since turning 18yo. It is essential and better for the relationship that you’ve met your fiancé in person before you spend your time, money, and emotional energy required for the visa process.
Step 2: Gather Evidence For Your LGBT Marriage VIsa Australia.
Evidence for the visa application is quite important, we need to know you have actually met! Did you take photos together. Do you have plane tickets, itineraries, or passport (immigration) stamps. Screenshots of text messages can be useful to help fill in the gaps!
What about Facebook chats, emails, hotel receipts. Perhaps you have some financial evidence; did you transfer funds to each other to pay for flights, hotel etc. In addition, statutory declarations from friends and family who are aware of your relationship are a must. Have your friends or family spoken to your partner on Skype or telephone - keep records of these communications. This evidence is helpful to assist the case officer understand your circumstances and eligibility for an LGBT Marriage Visa Australia
Step 3: Go Online.
To begin the process, complete your online visa application through IMMI (in most cases, paper applications are no longer acceptable). Set up an IMMI account and commence the visa application. Upload your evidence and pay the current Government charges (approx) $8850.00.
You may feel competent to go it alone and lodge the visa application without using our professional services. Firstly we recommend you visit the Australian Government website. Here you can find a checklist of the visa requirements and more information about the process.
As qualified Migration Agents we can assist with the application from start to finish. If you find the process confusing it is better to use a professional. Contact Us Now for an initial chat.
The team at Visa Crew have a 100% success rate for various visa streams including the Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300). Review our many testimonials on Google & Facebook. Make an informed decision in regard to our expertise and professionalism.
Step 4: Wait For A Decision.
The initial temporary visa (subclass 300) if correctly evidenced, should be decided within 12 months. If the Prospective Marriage Visa is granted your fiancé may travel to Australia to 'activate' the visa.
Step 5: Get Married.
Within 9 months of the visa activation i.e when your fiancé comes to Australia, you need to become a married couple. You must get married within the time frame permitted. The marriage can take place in or outside Australia and must be a valid marriage according to Australian Federal law. This visa cannot be extended, the couple should marry within 9 months.
TOP TIP: Do Not Get Marred Until You Have Secured the Prospective Marriage Visa
Step 6: Get Another Visa.
After your marriage has taken place the couple are eligible to make an application for subclass 820/801 onshore spousal visa.
Throughout the time you resided together in Australia, you will have accumulated sufficient evidence for this onshore partner visa application. Again, this will be an online electronic application. The Government have reduced charges for this step of the process; you will pay (approx) $1500.00 Visa Application Charge.
820/801 is a new onshore visa application and probably your next logical step. The process may take an additional 2 years. When you are in love it is worth the wait...
Using A Migration Agent:
As Registered Migration Agents we can help you throughout the whole immigration process. Our expert agents are adept and knowledgeable to assist you with the forms, evidence preparation and we will also handle oficial communication with the Department. Alos worth noting when you use our professional servuce this affords you additional consumer rights as we are licensed top operate in this space.
Need some helpful advice? Call the experts at Visa Crew today.
Follow the link Below To Book An Appointment That Suits Your Availability:
Michael Dooley | Registered Migration Agent | MARN 1789997
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