Visa application

Laura-

Hello! I'm new here and could do with a bit of advice.

My husband is Australian and has been living in the UK for the past 12 years. After much thought and consideration, we've decided to move to Brisbane (where he's originally from) permanently. I'm currently in the process of applying for a visa.

We've been asked to both write (separate) declarations to 'prove' that our relationship is genuine. We've been advised to include detailed information about the following:
- How, when and where we met.
- How we developed a relationship.
- When and why we decided to get married.
- How we support each other (financially, emotionally and physically) and when each level of commitment began.
- Our domestic arrangements.
- Any periods of separation.
- Our future plans.

However, we have no idea where to start! I know they've asked for 'detailed information' but I'm not really sure how much detail is actually relevant or appropriate. I don't want to ramble on for pages and pages if they're just after some quick, sweeping sentences. We've never had to document each aspect of our relationship before so it's a bit daunting!

We've also been asked to provide evidence to back up our declarations. We're planning on sending a copy of our marriage certificate and perhaps some documentation we received when we took out a mortgage together.

I thought this would be quite easy but I've been staring at a blank page for a while now.

Does anyone have any advice or suggestions? We just want to make sure we get it right because it's costing us a lot to make the application and we don't really fancy getting it rejected!

Thanks in advance.

sammyjammy

I would suggest you go down the pages and pages route, better to give them too much than not enough and lengthen the process even more. Can you give some names of referrees that have known you as a couple for x amount of years? That might help.

Laura-

I believe that's a slightly separate part of the application process.

We have so much documentation we could send too (i.e. bills, joint bank statements etc.) but I'm worried about it being overkill. You're right though - too much is better than not enough!

sammyjammy

Just a thought but you could post or search on here, people with experience of what you're doing possibly.

http://www.australiaforum.com/visas-immigration/8889-visa-my-british-wife.html

Laura-

Thanks for that. I haven't come across that forum before so I'll definitely have a look!

Fire_Fox

Welcome! IIRC from other threads on this issue it is not legal for just anyone to advise on visa and immigration issues, please see a specialist solicitor or read the Home Office website.

Addiscomber

I have sent you a private message - look towards the top of the page if you are not familiar with pm's on forums.

pimento

How long have you been married? If/when I apply for a New Zealand spouse visa I would consider our marriage certificate to be enough considering we have been married for 26 years and have a 20 year old son who is also a NZ citizen.
I would consider being asked to supply more proof that our relationship was genuine an insult.

Laura-

Thanks Addiscomber. I have replied to your message (I hope!).

Pimento, we have been together for ten years and married for seven of those.

Softstuff

Hi Laura,
I've been through the process myself and now live not too far from Brisbane!

Your declaration need only be a couple of pages. A quick summary really of how you met, how things went, your engagement, your marriage and your life together.

Proof of relationship can take many different forms: letters or emails you sent to each other, cards you gave to each other or received jointly from other people, photos of you in social situations (especially your wedding photos), bills that are in joint names or in individual names but going to the same address, club or social memberships you have as a couple etc, etc. There's a pretty comprehensive list on the immi.gov.au website.

I went for overkill, I had 6 manila folders altogether. The thing was though, the immigration officer wasn't shocked at this, he just remarked it was thorough!

The folks at immigration are really very nice too though, so if you need any help or advice they're really happy to help. Feel free to give them a call. And though it seems very daunting it really is a process where they're just ticking boxes to make sure it's all ok and they'll help you along.

Best of luck.

Laura-

Hi Softstuff. It's really nice to hear from someone who has been through the same thing! We're starting to get a good idea of what we need to say/provide. I'm quite looking forward to going back through our history!

May I ask how long you've been living in Australia? How are you finding it?