Spouse visa

[Smithers]

Anyone had experience of sponsoring their wife or partner from the uk?

more interested in how long the whole process took? We applied November 13 and got all the information

they required back by early January so just waiting to hear back.

Can't to get out there!!!

[snifter]

Off shore applications lodged in the UK are currently running at about 8-9 months.

 

Usually medical and police check are done about 3 months after lodging, then once they are out the way, all being well, it's nothing else till visa grant.

[amdaloia]

We are going through the partner visa process at the moment.

 

My partner is English, I am Aussie and our two kids (age 2 and 1) have dual citizenship/passports so only my partner is on the application form (forms 47/40sp), which made it easier and cheaper thankfully.

 

We lodged our paperwork on 18 Nov 2013 and the money was taken from our account almost immediately but we didnt hear from our case worker until mid Jan 2014. We have had to provide some additional information as I also have an Italian passport (although why they need info about that I dont know but hey I am not going to argue with our case officer!) and they have asked that my partner not have his health check or police check done until April due to time restraints so we are in holding at the moment

 

They have stressed that it takes a minimum of 8-9 months because of the fact they get so many applications at the Embassy in London and they work in date order of receipt, plus the whole limit to number of migrants Australia will accept in any one period. They said there was no way to speed up the process, not even getting your checks done early, as it will still take 8-9 months no matter what! The also asked we delay getting the police/health check because they are only valid for 12 months and if the process takes 8-9 for approval if you get it too soon then you only have a short period to depart England after approval (or else the horrible thing can happen and they will expire so you have to pay for them to be done again before departure).

 

Unfortunately it really is a long painful waiting game and my only hope is that after we get my partners police/health check done they will approve us earlier than the 8-9 month limit because, like you, I am desperate to get outta here and back to Adelaide (I have been in London 7 years now and just wish for a little sun, the beaches and family!).

 

Good luck with hearing from the Embassy and your eventual move out to Australia!

[Smithers]

Sounds like we have been told the same thing.was just hoping that 8 months was the worst case scenario

but seems like it will be the best we can hope for!

Good luck

[snifter]

They were granting about the 7 month mark for a short while last year but that seems to be well and truly over. Pretty much everyone I hear about now is getting grant at 8 months 2 weeks. A few a bit before hand, a few a bit later nearer the 9 month mark.

 

I doubt they will speed up anyones application unless there are serious compelling circumstances that can be proved. Everyone who applies is in the same boat and they do tend to stick to their timeframes.

 

Its frustrating but it is what it is. Try not to think about it and time passes