Spose visa questions

[mbailey]

Hello,

I have an opportunity to work in my US based company's Sydney office, and have a few questions.

My girlfriend and I are planning to get married soon, but currently are not. Would I be correct in assuming that getting married before the move would be better as far as her obtaining a longer term visa? What are my options, or where can I research them?

Thanks!

[kaz101]

Hi mbailey,

Welcome to the forum.

If you check out the "Please read..." post towards the top of this forum that has links to the Aussie government immigration website and the visa types. I believe that you don't have to be married to use the spouse visa, but you must be able to prove how long you've been together. This also depends on where you are from and what visa you'll be on (if you're not Australian).

We have two agents on the forum too, Alan Collett and Liana Allan who may be able to help (you can contact them through private messaging).

Regards,
Karen

[Dolly]

Hi there,

Here's the DIAC link for a Spouse Visa http://www.immi.gov.au/migrants/partners/spouse/820-801/index.htm

As Karen said, have a squizz at the sticky "PLEASE READ...", there's heaps of info there (and the link to DIAC (Department of Immigration and Citizenship) link where all the visa sub-classes are detailed.

Dolly

[Tiffani]

If you and your girlfriend have been living together for at least a year, she would be eligible (possibly) to come over on a dependent visa as your De Facto spouse. That's how I am here. My boyfriend and I were living together in the US, and when he was offered a job out here, I was able to come as his dependent without marrying him. You would have to show evidence of your life together ie lease agreements, joint bank account statements, etc, but if you're living together that shouldn't be hard.