[Super150]

Hi- my girlfriend is from Ukraine and would like to come
to visit me in Australia in February. I know this isn’t as straightforward as coming from many other countries but I am struggling to find the information we need, and the cost of this visa required.
Surely it cannot be that difficult to come on holiday?!.....or can it?
Could anybody give me some idea of the requirements to start this process please and any advice or insight . Thank you for any help.

 

[ampk]

We had to leave a kid behind to get Visitor Visas for my then girlfriend and her 2 kids.

Maybe contact a RMA (there are good ones on a sticky thread on this forum) to meet the GTE requirements - if you are thinking February you better hurry up.

 

[CCMS]

Tourist visas from Ukraine are very difficult to get. You need to provide plenty of evidence to show the applicant has sufficient reason to go home: ongoing employment or education, assets, family ties....

 

[ampk]

But then some just get granted too Nick.

But that is not as common as a refusal and then they seem to just keep refusing until a big change.

 

[Super150]

But then some just get granted too Nick.

But that is not as common as a refusal and then they seem to just keep refusing until a big change.

Thanks for your input.... so is this a waste of time pursuing this as the replies sound pretty negative. Or would they only refuse an application for a good reason in your opinion?

 

[ampk]

You should probably pay a RMA to do your application.

You need to meet the GTE (Genuine Temporary Entrant) requirements in your application, a Case officer will then process your application with reference to PAM 3 (Procedures Advice Manual 3).

While many countries have red flags in parts of PAM 3, Ukraine citizens seem to have a higher rate of refusal of Visitor Visa's. Then once refused, they seem to continue with refusals (it seems one of our applications was not even read).

In general you will need to show strong incentives to return (examples are given in PAM 3), deal with events for reasons to not return, such as Russians on vacation with guns in the East and financial matters.

So if you don't address the GTE requirements fully I.A.W PAM 3, your chance of a grant are not good. All Australian based RMA's are required to have a current subscription of PAM 3 at around $800 per year (from memory) and know what is classified as a GTE.

You will also want to decide at this point if you class her as your "girlfriend" or "partner" as this could be crucial evidence for future visa applications. But that another story in a long journey!

 

[CCMS]

Thanks for your input.... so is this a waste of time pursuing this as the replies sound pretty negative. Or would they only refuse an application for a good reason in your opinion?

With Ukraine, it almost seems like buying a lottery ticket. I had a client who put in a fairly standard application with decent evidence and it was refused on flimsy "genuine visitor" concerns.

I then put in a new application for them with very good evidence : employment, letters of support etc. etc. It was refused for no sensible reason at all and the refusal letter was more or less a copy and paste of the first refusal.

They they engaged (on my advice) their local MP and lodged a family sponsored tourist visa, which was approved. Family sponsored tourist visas are usually processed in Australia. Standard tourist visa applications for Ukrainian applicants are apparently outsourced from Moscow to London.

It's certainly worth giving it a shot, but don't expect too much. Processing is likely to take a month or more.There used to be a Ukraine specific checklist, not sure if that one is still available.

Some more info here, also available in Ukrainian: http://uk.embassy.gov.au/lhlh/immi_ukr_faqs_englishimmi_ukr_faqs_english.html

 

[Super150]

Thanks for your input.... so is this a waste of time pursuing this as the replies sound pretty negative. Or would they only refuse an application for a good reason in your opinion?

With Ukraine, it almost seems like buying a lottery ticket. I had a client who put in a fairly standard application with decent evidence and it was refused on flimsy "genuine visitor" concerns.

I then put in a new application for them with very good evidence : employment, letters of support etc. etc. It was refused for no sensible reason at all and the refusal letter was more or less a copy and paste of the first refusal.

They they engaged (on my advice) their local MP and lodged a family sponsored tourist visa, which was approved. Family sponsored tourist visas are usually processed in Australia. Standard tourist visa applications for Ukrainian applicants are apparently outsourced from Moscow to London.

It's certainly worth giving it a shot, but don't expect too much. Processing is likely to take a month or more.There used to be a Ukraine specific checklist, not sure if that one is still available.

Some more info here, also available in Ukrainian: http://uk.embassy.gov.au/lhlh/immi_ukr_faqs_englishimmi_ukr_faqs_english.html

Thank you very much for that. Quite disheartening as it is. I shall let you know how I go! Much appreciated feedback. Cheers

 

[Super150]

You should probably pay a RMA to do your application.

You need to meet the GTE (Genuine Temporary Entrant) requirements in your application, a Case officer will then process your application with reference to PAM 3 (Procedures Advice Manual 3).

While many countries have red flags in parts of PAM 3, Ukraine citizens seem to have a higher rate of refusal of Visitor Visa's. Then once refused, they seem to continue with refusals (it seems one of our applications was not even read).

In general you will need to show strong incentives to return (examples are given in PAM 3), deal with events for reasons to not return, such as Russians on vacation with guns in the East and financial matters.

So if you don't address the GTE requirements fully I.A.W PAM 3, your chance of a grant are not good. All Australian based RMA's are required to have a current subscription of PAM 3 at around $800 per year (from memory) and know what is classified as a GTE.

You will also want to decide at this point if you class her as your "girlfriend" or "partner" as this could be crucial evidence for future visa applications. But that another story in a long journey!

Thankyou. Is there a difference in their eyes between gf or partner though? I see them as the same thing personally!

 

[CCMS]

Thank you very much for that. Quite disheartening as it is. I shall let you know how I go! Much appreciated feedback. Cheers

It's best to be prepared for the worst. I would refer to your girlfriend as 'partner" or even "fiancee". It makes quite a difference in a a legal sense.

 

[ampk]

If you use the term girlfriend that will be counted as you are dating.

If you use the term partner it will be considered as in a committed relationship.

Should you later wish to apply for one of the Partner Visa's that can make a very big difference. But it will also have different weights as reasons to return after this visit.

If you are going to apply make sure it is a high class application first up.

Our RMA supplied a 6 page submission letter and included the following letters of support.

Attachment Included With This Submission

Annexure A – Letter from applicant’s Employer Cherkasy State Technological University
Annexure B – Residential Certificate of Title – Apt 54, 2 unit Street, Cherkasy
Annexure C – Balance Letter from Joint-Stock Commercial Industrial and Investment Bank (USD $20,000)
Annexure D – Statement of Mr Francis Xavier Kurrupuwu MLA, Member for Arafura
Annexure E – Statement of Mr Gerry Wood MLA, Member for Nelson
Annexure F – Statutory Declaration of Mr, Chief Flying Instructor TEFC
Annexure G – Statutory Declaration of Mr, Director of Island Air Charter
Annexure H – Statutory Declaration of Ms AMPK
Annexure I – Statutory Declaration of Dr kkkk Robertson

 

[gobaam]

Hi- my girlfriend is from Ukraine and would like to come
to visit me in Australia in February. I know this isn't as straightforward as coming from many other countries but I am struggling to find the information we need, and the cost of this visa required.
Surely it cannot be that difficult to come on holiday?!.....or can it?
Could anybody give me some idea of the requirements to start this process please and any advice or insight . Thank you for any help.

There are too many stuffs to proceed and complete. Instead, the better way is to visit Ukraine, moreover with less expenditures!
Also you may easily sort out, sad but true, her sincere intention to you!
As many of them seek another level of life and better conditions, your attempt will definitely reveal her primary aim at you!

Think of it, because thats the most optimal way available for you!

 

[Tobby4078]

Hi I am trying to get my girlfriend over to Australia next year how much money dose she need in her bank

 

[ampk]

Hi I am trying to get my girlfriend over to Australia next year how much money dose she need in her bank

There is no fixed amount, it will depend on the Case Officer. Some have not a great amount and get approved, mine had a bit of $20,000 (USD) and was refused.

It takes far more than money to be granted a visa even then it helps to have luck.