[jb12]

Hi Leijonasisu,

I have read in this forum from someone's comments that people that got the WHV were not required to show the $5,000. I think that requirement is mostly for people that do not have relatives or husband/wife to help with the housing/food expenses. So like you said above, you should visit DIAC to ask if you really do need to show the $5000 proof since she is married to you and you will be able to provide all those things.

However, may I ask why is your wife applying for the WHV when in a yr, she must go back? Do you guys plan to apply for the partner visa subclass 309 while she is in Australia? Depending how long it does take the process the partner visa subclass 309, wouldn't it be better to go for that visa? That way, she is going to be a permanent resident and I believe entitled to benefits like Centrelink. Yes, it will cost $2000 up front. But at least she doesn't have to buy another airline ticket to go back to Australia if she has to return after her WHV expires.

You did state above that your wife does still want to work 3-4 months in Finland to save some more money. Maybe by doing this, the partner visa would be on its way to be processed? However, you might need to check with DIAC to see how long it does take to complete.

I think after you speak .. probably better to see someone at the DIAC to ask your questions to make it clearer for you and your wife to make the best decision.

 

[jb12]

Thanks for more background information on your situation. Usually when people ask about partner visas, it's because the couple wants to be together in Australia for a permanent stay. It looks like this isn't the situation.

Yes, I would agree that the partner visa at this time would not be timely in your situation. Just because of the cost and it is a permanent visa that likely has a visa expiration which only affects if the person is outside Australia for so long.

I saw the following FAQ on some website. But there might be others on this forum who have applied and used their WHV to confirm what really happens initially entering Australia on a WHV.

Do I need a bank statement stating I have AU$5,000 to apply for the visa?No. Because Visa First will lodge your visa application electronically, there is no requirement to submit any additional documents to have your working holiday visa for Australia granted. However, applicants for an electronic working holiday visa are required to declare in their application that they have sufficient funds for a return onward fare to their intended overseas destination on leaving Australia. Applicants are also required to declare sufficient funds for personal support for the purposes of a working holiday. This would normally be around AU$5000 (€4,200/£3.500/CA$5,500) plus enough funds for the return airfare. Please note that there is no need to purchase the return airfare in advance.You can apply for the working holiday visa without showing evidence of funds however you should have funds at your disposal on entry to Australia.

 

[jb12]

It is understandable why both of you may feel paranoid about not having the funds to show the Australian immigration if asked. It would be a waste of money buying an airline ticket when all that is going to happen is for your wife to be sent back.

But I guess as a precaution, your wife can plan to bring some documents to prove to the Australia Immigration officer that she has no plans to permanently stay in Australia if she is asked.

1) Purchase a round trip airline ticket.
2) Copy of acceptance letter to MBA school? Not sure if your wife has already applied and been accepted?
3) Bring a bank statement of what money she does have in her account.
4) Credit card statement that she has this available credit if she happens to run out of money.
5) Copy of marriage certificate and your bank account statement as additional funds that she can
use while in Australia.

Just a few suggestions because it will all depend on the immigration officer that she ends up with. I don't know if this would work. But it would be what I would do to prove I'm really visiting Australia for a holiday and work for a short time,etc. But your wife shouldn't show anything unless she is asked.

As you said, I don't believe Finland is a high-risk country that your wife would be a standout to question. Unless it's one of those random checks they do.