which visa is for partner

[satyams]

Dear folks

Recently I got my PR for WA and am planning to move to perth in Jan 2013. I am going to get married in july 2012.

Now I am exploring visa options for my would be. She is planning to study once she reach there. Could someone advise on the following doubts

• I have not validated my VISA yet (planning to land there on Jan 2013) so it possible to apply partner visa validating my visa

• Under what visa she will be able to study with government benefits (same as permanent resident)

• I understand that if she apply for visa under 309/100, she will not get government funded educaion till she gets permanent residence (100),as she will be treated as international student as far as tution fee is concerned. Further, how long will take for 100 visas.

Thanks in advance
Satyam sadhu

[_shel]

There is no visa where she will get Government benefits. Even PR do not get that for 2 years and only citizens can get loans to pay fees.

She can apply for the 309/100 spouse visa but not until you have validated. As you are newly married she will get the 309 temp visa that will be assessed for the 100 PR visa after 2 years. She will have to pay international fees to study.

[pun-mig]

Originally Posted by _shel

There is no visa where she will get Government benefits. Even PR do not get that for 2 years and only citizens can get loans to pay fees.

She can apply for the 309/100 spouse visa but not until you have validated. As you are newly married she will get the 309 temp visa that will be assessed for the 100 PR visa after 2 years. She will have to pay international fees to study.

Kind of on the same boat here as OP. Got my 175 visa recently; haven't validated yet. So got a few questions:

While on 309, is the partner allowed to work? What restrictions does 309 impose as compared to PR, other than the fact that its temporary?

If I understand correctly, one can apply for 309/100 for a fiancee as well. So what happens if one lodges an application as fiancee, and they get married while the application is still in progress. Is it possible to save on time this way? As it appears from other discussion that it takes around 6 months to get 309 visa?

And, a shot in the dark- Does it help if partner has skills that are in demand or is well qualified? Ideally it appears that one would rather apply for a skilled visa in such case, but with the rules changing next month, that's no longer an option.

[_shel]

No restrictions. They can work, study, although international fees BUT check with the uni because some do make provisions for 309 holders. TAFE make provsions if you dig around on their web site you'll find it.

Spouses can even claim some centrelink benefits whilst on a 309 without a 2 years wait.

The 309 is not temporary, its provisional so slightly different and so long as you are still in a relationship she will get the PR visa after 2 years.

Skilled is a route she could take but it would probably take much longer and cost a load more!

[_Sarah_]

I can also add that on the 309, if your partner meets the other criteria, they can get a Low Income Health care card (from Centrelink) once they have been in Australia for one year. Also, this may not interest you, but although usually only PR's can do an apprenticeship, those on a 309 visa are eligible too. You are eligible for Medicare on the 309 too.