[Mish]

You have to apply where the applicant is currently a resident (no choice).

Also with people from countries like Pakistan it probably won't matter where they live any apply from anyway because of the security checks. For some reason applications where they are from Pakistan and other very high risk countries take ages.

Best to prepare yourself for at least 18 months and then if you get it before than you are happy (that is what I learnt on our journey).

 

[Mish]

in every email I send them they always reply by saying it will take 12 months... but not sure :/

12 months is their stock standard answer. I know someone who took 18 months and was told 12 months up until it passed the 12 months. After that they were told still processing.

With security checks there is no way to know. Some people are even waiting over 2 years.

 

[Mish]

Hmmm

I know this might sound stupid but what do they mean by security checks
and where do they conduct it from ?

They as conducted by ASIO. They are checking with security organisations in the counties the applicant has been in for more than 12 months. They are checking no terrorist activities and things like that. Obviously DIBP don't tell what they fully do.

 

[Mish]

Try to relax. My husband (then fiance) had 2 tourist visa's refused and his PMV was approved.

Pakistan applicants have to undergo security checks and there is no way to know how long that will take. I read recently that someone had been waiting 17 months for their visa from Pakistan.

Unfortunately all you can do is wait.

Did you apply online or via paper? If online you can always upload some additional evidence if you are worried.

 

[Mish]

They will make sure medicals and police checks are still valid and if not they will need to be redone. After that the visa is granted.

 

[Mish]

Check out the interview sticky - it has a list of what people have been asked. In short they ask about your relationship and questions about your partner.