Are you a non-Australian who's intending to marry an Australian citizen or permanent resident? If so, you should consider getting a prospective marriage visa (Subclass 300). This is a visa that allows you to enter Australia and marry your partner within a stipulated period.
Just like every other visa application, a lot of planning is required to get it right the first time. With this in mind, here are the key things to note when lodging an application with the immigration department.
Start Your Application Early
Start your visa application as soon as you decide you want to get married. The process is lengthy, and it requires you to gather documents and evidence that will be used to process your application. First, you're required to complete the application section and pay the required fee. Once this is done, you gain access to the upload screen where you upload the necessary documents.
Starting the process early gives you enough time to gather the information you may not already have. You have to provide documents such as your ID, police certificates and medical information. Also, there has to be evidence that you know your prospective spouse and have met them in person.
Gather Information
The visa application process can be confusing and can leave you unsure of the information and evidence submitted. To eliminate doubt, gather as much information as possible from friends who've applied before, online forums or immigration officials. Ask successful applicants how they satisfied the categories in the application.
Check online for sample applications and examples of documents people used as evidence. This way, you can get the application right the first time and increase your chances of getting approved.
Prepare for the Wait
According to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, prospective marriage visa applications generally take between 15 and 20 months to be processed. This is a long waiting period for partners who wish to get married immediately. However, you can take advantage of this wait to prepare for your wedding.
The state gives you only nine months after a successful application to get married. If you don't get married within nine months, you cannot apply for another prospective marriage visa. Thus, use the waiting time to plan for your wedding. Once the permit is approved, you can get married within the nine-month window and apply for permanent residency.
Are you ready to get married to your Australian partner? Start the prospective visa application now and adequately prepare for the process. For more information on how to get a prospective marriage visa, talk to an immigration consultant.
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