Norwood

Hi all Last year I reunited with an old love. She is English, I am Australian. We were first together in 1992, now we are back. In the meantime, she had one son who has just turned 17, and both are UK Citizens who have never been here. Since we reunited in October 2017, I have returned to the UK from Dec 3 2017 -Jan 23 2018 and then March 27 to May 21, 2018. At this time I lived with her and her son. In the current circumstances the best way to be able to continue our relationship is for her and her son to come here. The plan is that they come for a visit first to see what the place is like (hopefully a few months) with a view to returning for good (fingers crossed!). I started to make some enquiries of my own about what visas and so forth but is is quite challenging to work out what the best course of action is. The key elements are that She is 45 in July; Her son will turn 18 next April (2019) I live in Adelaide Her current circumstances are such that she is likely to have to vacate her current (rental) property soon; and her son finishes College in about a month or so. What I need clarification about is this: 1. I thought the partner visa was the logical option. However, the department suggested yesterday that there is up to a two year wait before the temporary visa is granted, and then another two years to assess the permanent visa? I cant see how this could be the case - how can you sustain a long distance relationship for two years waiting for a temporary visa? 2. I'm not sure whether it is better to do an onshore (820/801?) application, or an offshore (309/100?) application. I know you need to be 'de facto' for a year before you apply though. That year will be in late October 2018 so I'm hoping to have all the paperwork ready to go at that date. Is it quicker and easier to do one or the other - ie onshore or offshore? 3. How do I "join" a dependent child? I'm concerned to apply for a visa whilst he is still a dependent child so he comes as a package rather than being assessed independently of his mother. What is the best visa for him to pursue in these circumstances? 4. What are the comparisons to consider regarding a "prospective marriage" visa (300)?? 5. Are Migration Agents useful to use, value for money and worthwhile having? Do things happen any quicker if you use one as opposed to doing it yourself? How much do they cost? 6. When starting the online application process, I couldn't see the whole "form" to know what all the information is that would be sought. I wanted to do this so I could order things if needed and have them being actioned between now and October, ready for submission. Can you see the whole form anywhere? 7. What forms need to be completed and in what order? It seems a 47sp has to be done before I can lodge a 820 application but I cant work out what the order is for everything once you have worked out what the right visa(s) should be? 8. Any other tips, advice and "Heads ups" would also be appreciated. (9. Am I in the best topic or should I post this is another place? This is my first post!) Thanks in anticipation!