[konji__]

Hi all,

First off, thank you all for sharing your various experiences and advice.
I've been on this forum reading the various experiences for a long time before and during the application for my Fiance's PMV. The information has been really helpful, and I thought it's about time I give something back to the community by starting to share my experience.

Any comments/recommendations are welcomed!

My personal advice for others: Do your research. Search and go through this forum thoroughly before starting a new thread as most of your questions probably already have been asked and answered by others, plenty of information on here. Be aware that some of the information can be outdated but it should give you an idea. Use the information here only has guidance and be sure to cross check with the DIBP(Home Affairs) provided information. If in doubt, talk to an immigration agent (plenty reputable agents are referenced in this forum).

Background: Met my now fiance on one of my 'Boy's trip' to Vietnam (he met his wife on the same trip as well LOL), about 5 years ago. Asked her out on a couple of dates, hit it off almost instantly. Kept in contact when I returned back to Australia.
My fiance went off to study Masters abroad in Japan for about 2 years. I went to visit her in Japan on numerous occasions. During the time apart we kept in contact via FB, phone, messages, emails, Facetime etc.
My fiance then returned to Vietnam after graduating her Masters since. During which, I have made numerous trips to meet/visit her family. My fiance and her family have also visited my family in Australia a couple of times during the last couple of years (Visitor Visas with my Invitation Letters). We've also had multiple holidays in between.
Proposed to her late last year during one of my visits to Vietnam. Applied for PMV in Feb 2018.

=====================================

Visa App: Applied for PMV in Feb 2018 via online. No agent used as I thought my application was quite straight forward.

Submitted with the following evidence/attachments:

• Personal Relationship Statement (past/current/future) from applicant
• Personal Relationship Statement (past/current/future) from sponsor (Stat Dec)
• Form 888 x 4 (all Australian friends of sponsor that have met the applicant)
• Passport pages & photos (both)
• Copy of sponsor Australian citizenship (sponsor)
• Driver's licences (both)
• Birth Certificate (applicant)
• Form 80 (applicant)
• Copy of Invitation Letters from Sponsor that was used for Applicant's previous Visitor Visas
• NOIM & Letter from celebrant
• Photographs - various different locations/events/holidays bundled by date per file, with family & friends
• Extract of FB messages over the years
• Screen shot of Facebook friendship
• Various Travel Documents/itinerary/plane tickets from our trips
• Receipts of presents bought (sponsor to applicant)
• Receipts from AusPost for various packages sent (sponsor to applicant)
• 3x Form 1023 Notification of incorrect answers (had some dates mixed up in the personal statement, and correcting the confusion with "non-migrating family members" questions in the application)
• Police Clearance from two different countries (applicant)
• AFP Clearance (sponsor)

Application Status: Finalised
Applied: 19 Feb 2018
Bio-metrics/ID: Completed Feb 2018
Offshore Location: Vietnam
Visa Sub Class: 300 Prospective Marriage Visa
Application Made Via: Online
Agent Used: No
Medicals Submitted: Completed July 2018
Police Checks Submitted: Completed July 2018 - Vietnam, Japan
Case Office Assigned: Yes - first contact 09/08/2018
Further Details Requested: 9 August 2018 - Completed 20/08/2018
Sponsor AFP Check: Completed 20th August 2018
Further Details Requested: 04 October 2018 - Completed 25 October 2018
Sponsor Single Certificate: Completed 25 October 2018
Visa Granted: YES! 05/11/2018 after approx. 9months
Arrival: TBA


Visitor e600 Visa
Applied: 23 July 2018
Granted: 31 July 2018
Conditions
Visa Stream: Tourist
Visa Grant: Date 31 July 2018
Stay For/Until: 3 Month(s)
Entries: Multiple
Last Date to Arrive: 31 July 2019
8101 - NO WORK
8201 - MAX 3 MONTHS STUDY

====================================

Thank you all!

 

[konji__]

I forgot that I needed an AFP check, would have done it already. I timed my partner's Police Checks for Vietnam and Japan enough.
This adds two weeks into the wait time. Hopefully it won't delay the decision too much.

 

[konji__]

Updated.
Case Office Assigned: Yes - first contact 09/08/2018
Further Details Requested: 9 August 2018 - Completed 20/08/2018

Hopefully not too long now.

 

[iironhide]

Thanks for sharing.

I have submitted my partner visa 309 for my wife recently and thinking about applying a tourist visa for her. She is also from Vietnam.

Do you mind sharing what documents you submit for tourist visa 600?

A lot of people advising not to apply for visitor visa while waiting for partner visa, i am so confused, but I really love to bring her to Australia so she can see the country herself.

 

[Skybluebrewer]

There's nothing that stops someone from applying for a tourist visa after a partner visa application. Plenty of people do it and go on holiday to Australia at some point during the waiting process.

 

[iironhide]

There's nothing that stops someone from applying for a tourist visa after a partner visa application. Plenty of people do it and go on holiday to Australia at some point during the waiting process.

I think it differs from region to region, I could be wrong too but I just heard too much saying the same thing. I think there are too many frauds in Vietnam that's why visa application becomes very strict. I don't know if the worst case scenario the visitor visa failed does it affect too much with the partner visa?

 

[konji__]

I think it differs from region to region, I could be wrong too but I just heard too much saying the same thing. I think there are too many frauds in Vietnam that's why visa application becomes very strict. I don't know if the worst case scenario the visitor visa failed does it affect too much with the partner visa?

Not that I've heard of. The requirements are the same across. They may look at it in depth due to high risk countries but as long as the applicant meets the requirements, I don't see why it should be a problem.

In terms of documents we submitted, nothing out of the ordinary:

Evidence of sufficient funds, such as personal bank statements, pay slips, audited accounts, taxation records or credit card limit.
Her bank statements with a fair bit of funding in there.

If you are visiting relatives or friends, a letter of invitation from your relative or friend in Australia. If your relative or friend is paying for your visit, evidence that they have the necessary funds.
I wrote her an invitation letter, explaining dates, purpose of visit, where she will be staying, what she will be doing at high level.

If you are visiting under the Tourist stream: Your itinerary for your stay in Australia.
Included in above.

Other information to show that you have an incentive and authority to return to your home country, such as:

a letter from your employer stating your intention to return to your job
evidence of enrolment at a school, college or university in your home country
evidence of immediate family members in your home country
evidence of your visa or residence status in your home country, and your right to return
evidence of property or other significant assets owned in your home country.​

​

​

I stated in her invitation letter, she's applied for PMV so she has to leave Australia for that to be granted.
I think that proving beyond reasonable doubt that the applicant have to return home is important.

 

[BMHansen]

I am thrilled to see they assigned a case officer so soon! This gives me hope.

 

[Ellen15]

Much appreciated for your detail sharing.

I've submitted my app in Oct 2017, it's been 9 months now and im still patiently waiting...

I got my first contact with the CO in Jul 2018 but merely work email (not even personal email or phone number). They requested additional information about up-to-date police check and new NOIM as the old NOIM has expired and I provided. They requested the police check again in Aug as the name was in the wrong order and I've handed in asap. I wonder if is there any chance that they will finalise my case soon? (as they have checked my file twice but mentioned nothing about other evidences:-?)

Also, I just left Australia from a 3-month tourist visa, should I notice them that I've left, and provided evidences of me being invited and my trip being covered by my fiance? (I've provided photos during the trip though)

One more thing to ask, in terms of finance, my partner has changed career during the waiting time, should I update in the application? Also, should my financial status be a matter in the application as I am currently unemployed though I've provided them my savings from the last job.

Looking forward to hearing from you. Thanks.

 

[konji__]

Sub300 granted today!

 

[konji__]

Much appreciated for your detail sharing.

I've submitted my app in Oct 2017, it's been 9 months now and im still patiently waiting...

I got my first contact with the CO in Jul 2018 but merely work email (not even personal email or phone number). They requested additional information about up-to-date police check and new NOIM as the old NOIM has expired and I provided. They requested the police check again in Aug as the name was in the wrong order and I've handed in asap. I wonder if is there any chance that they will finalise my case soon? (as they have checked my file twice but mentioned nothing about other evidences:-?)

Also, I just left Australia from a 3-month tourist visa, should I notice them that I've left, and provided evidences of me being invited and my trip being covered by my fiance? (I've provided photos during the trip though)

One more thing to ask, in terms of finance, my partner has changed career during the waiting time, should I update in the application? Also, should my financial status be a matter in the application as I am currently unemployed though I've provided them my savings from the last job.

Looking forward to hearing from you. Thanks.

oh crap, sorry i didn't see this message or i missed it somehow...

"I got my first contact with the CO in Jul 2018 but merely work email (not even personal email or phone number). They requested additional information about up-to-date police check and new NOIM as the old NOIM has expired and I provided. They requested the police check again in Aug as the name was in the wrong order and I've handed in asap. I wonder if is there any chance that they will finalise my case soon? (as they have checked my file twice but mentioned nothing about other evidences:-?)"
I can't say but I would feel that as long as they are reviewing it, it's progressing.

"Also, I just left Australia from a 3-month tourist visa, should I notice them that I've left, and provided evidences of me being invited and my trip being covered by my fiance? (I've provided photos during the trip though)"
It's not required but you can update your relationship in the application.
What I did was, type up a one pager updating the relationship, what we did, how we are going, what's next plan etc...

"One more thing to ask, in terms of finance, my partner has changed career during the waiting time, should I update in the application? Also, should my financial status be a matter in the application as I am currently unemployed though I've provided them my savings from the last job."
Hmmm, not for the PMV I don't think... it's important how you guys share financial responsibilities, but specific financial position details are not requested...
Unless, it dramatically changes how you guys manage financial responsibilities (even then I still don't think you need to mention it), then you don't need to update them specifically.
(maybe as part of the relationship update I talked about above, you can mention it)

 

[wembacr]

Congratulations!!

We applied May 2018, Oct 25th asked for an extra certificate from a previous country I had lived in East Europe. We did our best, but authorities in that country are now being very tough for getting this paper from abroad.
Even though, a friend that still lives there was helping.

So, we just gathered the evidence that we tried hard and submitted. Now, status in Further Assesment.

Fingers crossed and plenty of prayers to have such as good news as you on my application

We also put a very complete application upfront... only this last document, that seems very difficult to obtain for non-residents and internationals.

 

[GoViet]

We applied in Feb 2018 as well, single cert requested August 2018, hoping for an outcome soon.

 

[05Feb]

Hi all,

First off, thank you all for sharing your various experiences and advice.
I've been on this forum reading the various experiences for a long time before and during the application for my Fiance's PMV. The information has been really helpful, and I thought it's about time I give something back to the community by starting to share my experience.

Any comments/recommendations are welcomed!

My personal advice for others: Do your research. Search and go through this forum thoroughly before starting a new thread as most of your questions probably already have been asked and answered by others, plenty of information on here. Be aware that some of the information can be outdated but it should give you an idea. Use the information here only has guidance and be sure to cross check with the DIBP(Home Affairs) provided information. If in doubt, talk to an immigration agent (plenty reputable agents are referenced in this forum).

Background: Met my now fiance on one of my 'Boy's trip' to Vietnam (he met his wife on the same trip as well LOL), about 5 years ago. Asked her out on a couple of dates, hit it off almost instantly. Kept in contact when I returned back to Australia.
My fiance went off to study Masters abroad in Japan for about 2 years. I went to visit her in Japan on numerous occasions. During the time apart we kept in contact via FB, phone, messages, emails, Facetime etc.
My fiance then returned to Vietnam after graduating her Masters since. During which, I have made numerous trips to meet/visit her family. My fiance and her family have also visited my family in Australia a couple of times during the last couple of years (Visitor Visas with my Invitation Letters). We've also had multiple holidays in between.
Proposed to her late last year during one of my visits to Vietnam. Applied for PMV in Feb 2018.

=====================================

Visa App: Applied for PMV in Feb 2018 via online. No agent used as I thought my application was quite straight forward.

Submitted with the following evidence/attachments:

• Personal Relationship Statement (past/current/future) from applicant
• Personal Relationship Statement (past/current/future) from sponsor (Stat Dec)
• Form 888 x 4 (all Australian friends of sponsor that have met the applicant)
• Passport pages & photos (both)
• Copy of sponsor Australian citizenship (sponsor)
• Driver's licences (both)
• Birth Certificate (applicant)
• Form 80 (applicant)
• Copy of Invitation Letters from Sponsor that was used for Applicant's previous Visitor Visas
• NOIM & Letter from celebrant
• Photographs - various different locations/events/holidays bundled by date per file, with family & friends
• Extract of FB messages over the years
• Screen shot of Facebook friendship
• Various Travel Documents/itinerary/plane tickets from our trips
• Receipts of presents bought (sponsor to applicant)
• Receipts from AusPost for various packages sent (sponsor to applicant)
• 3x Form 1023 Notification of incorrect answers (had some dates mixed up in the personal statement, and correcting the confusion with "non-migrating family members" questions in the application)
• Police Clearance from two different countries (applicant)
• AFP Clearance (sponsor)

Application Status: Finalised
Applied: 19 Feb 2018
Bio-metrics/ID: Completed Feb 2018
Offshore Location: Vietnam
Visa Sub Class: 300 Prospective Marriage Visa
Application Made Via: Online
Agent Used: No
Medicals Submitted: Completed July 2018
Police Checks Submitted: Completed July 2018 - Vietnam, Japan
Case Office Assigned: Yes - first contact 09/08/2018
Further Details Requested: 9 August 2018 - Completed 20/08/2018
Sponsor AFP Check: Completed 20th August 2018
Further Details Requested: 04 October 2018 - Completed 25 October 2018
Sponsor Single Certificate: Completed 25 October 2018
Visa Granted: YES! 05/11/2018 after approx. 9months
Arrival: TBA


Visitor e600 Visa
Applied: 23 July 2018
Granted: 31 July 2018
Conditions
Visa Stream: Tourist
Visa Grant: Date 31 July 2018
Stay For/Until: 3 Month(s)
Entries: Multiple
Last Date to Arrive: 31 July 2019
8101 - NO WORK
8201 - MAX 3 MONTHS STUDY

====================================

Thank you all!

Thanks for sharing ur story and congratulations on ur fiance's visa
I applied my 309 on 5th Feb 2018 in Vietnam.
Medical checked June 2018
Police check August 2018
I applied thru an agent in Australia.
My case is quite complicated.
I'm the applicant and my husband is Aus citizen.
I lived in Melbourne for 10 years, got refused my first partner visa with my ex husband. We got divorced after that.
Then when I met my current husband, I had to apply offshore. We lived together for more than 2 years, plenty of evidence like bills, joint accounts, bought house, holidays... we got married in Vietnam Feb 2018. Since then my husband came visit me one more time in June.
Its been over 9 months waiting, I feel so stressed and frustrated. I basically did nothing at home like not apply for job or anything in Vietnam cause I just dont know when to get called from immigration.
Submitted every evidence that I think is convincing to immi.
I got to the point that I kept calling my agent every day to ask if theres any contact from Case officer. And she said get ready as I will get call from immi for interview.
I know my application would take longer than other as I got history with immigration.
But this is just so depressing cause I have to postpone all my future plans (work, having kid...)
Just wanna ask u when u said u submitted the chat logs from facebook. Do u screenshot every single words page after page? Cause I just screenshot the one that has date on it and facebook calls history.
How many times in the past year did u visit ur partner? As in like per year?
My agent said the more time my husband visit me the better as immi will judge on that.

 

[konji__]

Thanks for sharing ur story and congratulations on ur fiance's visa
I applied my 309 on 5th Feb 2018 in Vietnam.
Medical checked June 2018
Police check August 2018
I applied thru an agent in Australia.
My case is quite complicated.
I'm the applicant and my husband is Aus citizen.
I lived in Melbourne for 10 years, got refused my first partner visa with my ex husband. We got divorced after that.
Then when I met my current husband, I had to apply offshore. We lived together for more than 2 years, plenty of evidence like bills, joint accounts, bought house, holidays... we got married in Vietnam Feb 2018. Since then my husband came visit me one more time in June.
Its been over 9 months waiting, I feel so stressed and frustrated. I basically did nothing at home like not apply for job or anything in Vietnam cause I just dont know when to get called from immigration.
Submitted every evidence that I think is convincing to immi.
I got to the point that I kept calling my agent every day to ask if theres any contact from Case officer. And she said get ready as I will get call from immi for interview.
I know my application would take longer than other as I got history with immigration.
But this is just so depressing cause I have to postpone all my future plans (work, having kid...)
Just wanna ask u when u said u submitted the chat logs from facebook. Do u screenshot every single words page after page? Cause I just screenshot the one that has date on it and facebook calls history.
How many times in the past year did u visit ur partner? As in like per year?
My agent said the more time my husband visit me the better as immi will judge on that.

I only screenshot one conversation every 3-4 months to show that we keep in contact, and obviously any special occasions.
Visited her like 3-4 times a year for 4 years.
It really depends on the situation, as long as you provide the evidence, visiting 1-2 times a year is fine. Not everyone has the luxury to travel.