[benkitzelman]

Hi,

I have what I am hoping is a quick question. Is it fine to apply for a spousal visa (subclass 309) offshore, and then while it is being processed, bring my wife to Australia for 3 months on a visitor visa?

Basically we have been told that it will take 9 - 12 months to process our offshore spousal application as my wife is Zambian (and living in Zambia). This is way too long to be apart, so I am hoping that bringing her out on a tourist visa will be acceptable. Obviously I dont want to put the spousal application in jeopardy.

She has to return to Zambia to complete her studies in August anyway - so Im hoping this alone should be enough reassurance to immigration that she will leave when her visa expires.

Thanks

 

[benkitzelman]

Spousal Visa granted in 3 weeks!

Hi all,

I am from a high risk country and I live in the UK. I applied for a subclass 100 visa more than 8 months ago (including 2 months wasted when the case officer forgot to update the referrals), and it has been too long since we went to Australia. I emailed the senior migration officer in London, and was advised that I can apply for a tourist visa to Australia, while the subclass 100 application is being processed, and she actually said that lots of people do while awaiting a decision on their spouse visa applications.
Bear in mind that she knows I have been to Australia before and had 2 subclass 676 visitor visas granted.
She also noted that it's best to wait until the processing of the subclass 100 is completed as it's more convenient for us.

Hope that helps you benkitzelman.

Regards

Mate, I can't believe it, but the visa (subclass 309) was granted in just over 3 weeks... No interview, no extra correspondence, nothing - we both (the applicant and I) received an email to say the application was successful, and we were to send her passport for stamping - which we did! She is coming to Aus in 2 weeks! For the full story, and info on the application process (for anyone who is interested, its all on my blog at

beninzambia dot com

- in News and photos view the posts from 'Back in Oz' to now - not a promotional link - just a blog)
Praise God!