[greenleaves]

Greetings. I would like to ask your advice on whether a partner visa or a Prospective Marriage Visa would be most appropriate for us. Your help is much appreciated. Circumstances are as follows.

I am Australian citizen of Iranian background. Around September last year, I met a Moroccan woman on Facebook. We had a deep emotional connection from the beginning. Our relationship developed quickly; and we soon decided that we were right for each other. We are now planning to get married and start a life together in Australia.

I travelled to Morocco January this year. I met with her, her close friends, and her family: and we also travelled together within Morocco. However, we haven't lived together: and this wouldn't be feasible any time soon given that (1) I work here in Australia: and my work doesn't allow me to live in Morocco for a long time without huge financial loss. (2) We are both Muslims; and she currently lives in a Muslim country. In Muslim culture, living together before marriage is frowned upon.

I consulted with a few migration agents here in Australia and different agents gave (seemingly) contradictory advice.

Migration Agent A said that the best pathway for us would be to get married in Morocco first; and then apply for a spouse/partner visa, providing the department with a marriage certificate along with social evidence (photos, statements from friends, etc.)

They said that financial evidence and proof we've lived together (bills, etc.) wouldn't be necessary given that we live in two different continents. They advised against applying for PMV 300: saying that it would cost us extra money and time.

Migration Agents B said the opposite. They said that given that we have known each other for a short time and we haven't lived with each other, we don't have enough evidence to support our case for a partner visa; and even if we get married, the application is very likely to be rejected.

They suggested that we should apply for a PMV 300 instead, and then get married later in Australia.

The problem with PMV, however, is that she would have to travel to Australia and live with me before we get married, which would be culturally and religiously unacceptable.

The contradictory advice of these migration agents has left us somewhat confused.

I would appreciate if you could please share your thoughts: any thoughts on how to file a successful application much appreciated. Migration Agent B also scared us saying that the Department is quite suspicious of people who meet online, and of long distance relationships in general. Thanks a lot for your help.

 

[CCMS]

In the case of a PMV your partner would have to make an initial entry into Australia to validate her visa. She would not be not forced to live with you until after you are married. She could stay with friends or relatives or anywhere deemed culturally acceptable.

Either pathway could work for you depending on your exact circumstances, available evidence and your plans for the future.

What you need to do is work out 2 different strategies in some detail, then decide on the one that is most likely to have a positive outcome.

I wouldn’t take advice from anyone who is trying to “ scare” you into any particular course of action.

 

[greenleaves]

In the case of a PMV your partner would have to make an initial entry into Australia to validate her visa. She would not be not forced to live with you until after you are married. She could stay with friends or relatives or anywhere deemed culturally acceptable.

Either pathway could work for you depending on your exact circumstances, available evidence and your plans for the future.

What you need to do is work out 2 different strategies in some detail, then decide on the one that is most likely to have a positive outcome.

I wouldn't take advice from anyone who is trying to " scare" you into any particular course of action.

Thank you for your answer, Nick.

Which pathway do you think is more likely to have a positive outcome; given our circumstances as I have described?

The evidence we have available: (1) screenshots of our chats and calls. (2) our photos together. (3) statements from friends and relatives. (4) bus and train tickets; for our trips together.

But when it comes to financial aspects and nature of household, we don't have much evidence to provide; as we live in two different continents; and have never lived with each other.

 

[CCMS]

Thank you for your answer, Nick.

Which pathway do you think is more likely to have a positive outcome; given our circumstances as I have described?

The evidence we have available: (1) screenshots of our chats and calls. (2) our photos together. (3) statements from friends and relatives. (4) bus and train tickets; for our trips together.

But when it comes to financial aspects and nature of household, we don't have much evidence to provide; as we live in two different continents; and have never lived with each other.

I'd really would need a lot more details about your relationship etc. and would not want to discuss this on a public forum.

Feel free to drop me a line to discuss in private.

Cairo (which processes applications from Moroccan applicants) is not the easiest processing centre to deal with.

 

[Wysiwyg]

Have you considered a third possibility? You could marry and live in Morocco together. This would overcome cultural and religeous differences.