Spouse Visa

[Norm]

I have been with my Australian defacto wife for around 10 years but have never applied for a permanent visa since I have been working as a contractor in various locations outside of Australia all this time. My wife and I have a house in Australia which we own 50:50. I visit Australia for a rest and holiday between jobs using an ETA and of course staying with my wife. I am usually home for the 3 months allowed at any one time. I am originally from the UK. My daughter also lives in Australia but she has permanent residence.

I am just about to finish another job and intend going home( I call Australia my home), but my wife now wants me to stay home so I will need to get a permanent visa. I am 52.

Can I apply for this in Australia, my spouse sponsoring me? I dont have any other place of residence other than my home in Australia.

Should I use an agent or just go straight to the immigration offices?

Thanks to anyone who can help.

[kaz101]

Hi Norm,

Have you checked out the sticky posts at the top of the forum? The "PLEASE READ..." one has links to the visa categories. I'm not an agent but I would have thought that you should be able to get a spouse visa (there are some other posts about spouse visas on this thread too).

The downside of using agents is that they cost money, however the upside is that a good qualified agent (MIA and / or MARA registered) will make sure you get it right and same time. I'm in no doubt that it we had applied by ourselves we wouldn't have got here. Most agents offer a free consultation so that you can get some info and see what they are like.

Regards,
Karen

[Liana Allan]

Hi there Norm
If you have been spending time apart from your de-facto spouse during the last twelve months of your relationship then this will need to be carefully covered using excellent evidence of a genuine and continuing relationship despite the distance.

[Norm]

Thank you all for the information. I will visit the immigration and an agent in Hobart, Tasmania since that is where I will be, so I can have a face to face discussion and ensure I get the paper work and evidence required correct.