SUMMARY: Spouse Visa Processing times OFFSHORE-UK. Please add your Stats.

[jacquiandpaul]

Thanks and yes I waited

That's great. Well done, enjoy Australia. We have a C/O but no contact yet to say have medical and police check done. 3 months today.

 

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[carahunter4]

Visa approved this morning woop! Straight to 100 permanent resident, took a little longer than some which made me nervous, timings below;

 

Visa submitted 22nd July 2016

CO assigned 8th Sep

Police checks uploaded 22nd Sep

Medical completed 28th Sep

Approved 17th Jan

 

Off to Sydney later this year with my wife and young kids, selling up our house and aim to purchase - just need the pound to strengthen or might have to rent for a while!

 

Thanks to everyone on this forum, it's really been a great help

 

Nick

 

Congratulations, that's great news! Good Luck with the move :smile:

 

It's good to see the visa's are still coming in around 5/6 months.

 

Thanks for keeping us updated.

[jacquiandpaul]

Thanks and yes I waited

Hi Clyde 114,

 

Quick question, as your wife was the sponsor did she have to get a police check? It says it's recommended because children are involved, I haven't had one as both of our kids are ours and not from a different relationship.

 

 

 

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[Uhtred]

Hi Clyde 114,

 

Quick question, as your wife was the sponsor did she have to get a police check? It says it's recommended because children are involved, I haven't had one as both of our kids are ours and not from a different relationship.

 

 

 

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

 

 

I think partners only needed police checks pre the recent changes if the children were migrating and not australian citizens. Could be wrong.

[jacquiandpaul]

I think partners only needed police checks pre the recent changes if the children were migrating and not australian citizens. Could be wrong.

Okay, does it say recommended on your wife's? I'm sure if they need anything else they will be in contact.

 

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[hayleykj]

Okay, does it say recommended on your wife's? I'm sure if they need anything else they will be in contact.

 

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

 

My boyfriend's says recommended but we haven't uploaded anything, I think the option to is a default and you kinda have to choose for yourself if it's applicable, his family tree etc we've left out. I don't even know where you'd obtain that from and he's got a bloody big tree...

 

I havent read anywhere else that the sponsor needs to obtain a police check other than on the immiaccount where it says recommended.

[jacquiandpaul]

My boyfriend's says recommended but we haven't uploaded anything, I think the option to is a default and you kinda have to choose for yourself if it's applicable, his family tree etc we've left out. I don't even know where you'd obtain that from and he's got a bloody big tree...

 

I havent read anywhere else that the sponsor needs to obtain a police check other than on the immiaccount where it says recommended.

We left it blank also and of they need it they will ask. But don't think they will.

 

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[Clyde114]

Hi Clyde 114,

 

Quick question, as your wife was the sponsor did she have to get a police check? It says it's recommended because children are involved, I haven't had one as both of our kids are ours and not from a different relationship.

 

 

 

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

 

Nope

[Aprilfool]

Nope

@jacquiandpaul - I was the sponsor for my husband and they required me to do 2. One for U.K. And 1 for Australia as I lived there as an adult. This was even though I provided enhanced DBS checks from my work.

 

 

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[jacquiandpaul]

@jacquiandpaul - I was the sponsor for my husband and they required me to do 2. One for U.K. And 1 for Australia as I lived there as an adult. This was even though I provided enhanced DBS checks from my work.

 

 

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They just say recommended. So we haven't done one as our kids are ours and not from a previous relationship. If they ask for one I can do one.

 

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[Aprilfool]

They just say recommended. So we haven't done one as our kids are ours and not from a previous relationship. If they ask for one I can do one.

 

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

 

I didn't do it till I was asked x

 

 

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[hayleykj]

Just received an email back from the European Service Center, we have a case officer too which is great news, no idea how long we've had one though!

 

Thought I'd post the response here in case it is useful to anyone:

"Dear Ms Jennings,

 

Thank you for your enquiry.

 

As a guide, the majority of applications processed in the Europe Region are

expected to be finalised within 10 to 14 months, however please be advised

that the service standards for processing times are indicative only.

 

We are aware that the stated service standard and information provided on

our departmental website www.border.gov.au are different to those on the

High Commission website. Actual processing times do vary according to the

post you lodge your application due to the planning levels available in the

family stream of the Australian migration program. For more information

regarding the annual migration program please see:

http://www.border.gov.au/about/corporate/information/fact-sheets/21managing

 

If your intention is to migrate to Australia you should be entering the

country on a visa that properly reflects your intention in Australia, e.g.

a permanent visa if you wish to stay permanently. If once you have lodged

your partner visa application you need to visit Australia temporarily you

are able to do this, however, you should be aware that you are required to

be outside of Australia for us to grant your partner visa. Furthermore

there is not a visa which has been created for the purpose of allowing

clients to stay in Australia while awaiting a decision of their partner

application lodged outside Australia. If you propose to visit Australia on

a visitor visa you should be aware that you need to satisfy Australian

border and Immigration staff that you are a genuine visitor. You will need

to be able to demonstrate you have sufficient funds to cover the costs of

your stay without the need to work, that you intend to visit Australia

temporarily and that you have an intention to depart the country before the

expiry of your visitor visa.

 

You do not need to seek the approval of your partner visa application’s

case officer for you to visit Australia, however, you should update them

with any change in your contact details to ensure they can continue to

communicate with you to make any outstanding requests for your application.

 

Please note that your application has already been assigned a case officer.

Your case officer will liaise with you once the preliminary assessment of

your application is completed. Unfortunately we are unable to give you a

specific time frame and thus we ask you to wait patiently for further

instructions.

 

Please note:

 

-The information you are given by the Europe Service Centre will be based

on the information you supply.

-We recommend that you do not make any irreversible travel arrangements

until you have an appropriate visa.

 

Yours faithfully,

 

Mxxxx

Europe Service Centre

Department of Immigration and Border Protection"

Edited January 18, 2017 by MaggieMay24
Removed CO's name

[jacquiandpaul]

Just received an email back from the European Service Center, we have a case officer too which is great news, no idea how long we've had one though!

 

Thought I'd post the response here in case it is useful to anyone:

"Dear Ms Jennings,

 

Thank you for your enquiry.

 

As a guide, the majority of applications processed in the Europe Region are

expected to be finalised within 10 to 14 months, however please be advised

that the service standards for processing times are indicative only.

 

We are aware that the stated service standard and information provided on

our departmental website www.border.gov.au are different to those on the

High Commission website. Actual processing times do vary according to the

post you lodge your application due to the planning levels available in the

family stream of the Australian migration program. For more information

regarding the annual migration program please see:

http://www.border.gov.au/about/corporate/information/fact-sheets/21managing

 

If your intention is to migrate to Australia you should be entering the

country on a visa that properly reflects your intention in Australia, e.g.

a permanent visa if you wish to stay permanently. If once you have lodged

your partner visa application you need to visit Australia temporarily you

are able to do this, however, you should be aware that you are required to

be outside of Australia for us to grant your partner visa. Furthermore

there is not a visa which has been created for the purpose of allowing

clients to stay in Australia while awaiting a decision of their partner

application lodged outside Australia. If you propose to visit Australia on

a visitor visa you should be aware that you need to satisfy Australian

border and Immigration staff that you are a genuine visitor. You will need

to be able to demonstrate you have sufficient funds to cover the costs of

your stay without the need to work, that you intend to visit Australia

temporarily and that you have an intention to depart the country before the

expiry of your visitor visa.

 

You do not need to seek the approval of your partner visa application’s

case officer for you to visit Australia, however, you should update them

with any change in your contact details to ensure they can continue to

communicate with you to make any outstanding requests for your application.

 

Please note that your application has already been assigned a case officer.

Your case officer will liaise with you once the preliminary assessment of

your application is completed. Unfortunately we are unable to give you a

specific time frame and thus we ask you to wait patiently for further

instructions.

 

Please note:

 

-The information you are given by the Europe Service Centre will be based

on the information you supply.

-We recommend that you do not make any irreversible travel arrangements

until you have an appropriate visa.

 

Yours faithfully,

 

Mxxxx

Europe Service Centre

Department of Immigration and Border Protection"

That's good news that you have a C/O. And they are looking at the application, annoying that they can't give any time frame of where they are up to.

 

I don't know if I asked but have you already done the medical and police check.

 

 

 

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

Edited January 18, 2017 by MaggieMay24
CO's name

[hayleykj]

Yeah, I wasn't expecting much advice on the processing times but I got the response I was after regarding a c/o!

 

I have already completed my medical and police check (without prompt). If my application takes longer than 13 months an dI have to re-do (my medical was done 1 month after submission) I would consider myself to be very unlucky!

 

Admittedly this was before I found out the processing times as per the UK Embassy site. Worst case scenario I pay again, best case it speeds up the application.

[jacquiandpaul]

Yeah, I wasn't expecting much advice on the processing times but I got the response I was after regarding a c/o!

 

I have already completed my medical and police check (without prompt). If my application takes longer than 13 months an dI have to re-do (my medical was done 1 month after submission) I would consider myself to be very unlucky!

 

Admittedly this was before I found out the processing times as per the UK Embassy site. Worst case scenario I pay again, best case it speeds up the application.

I hope we both have contact soon. We are quite near each other aren't we?

 

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

[hayleykj]

I hope we both have contact soon. We are quite near each other aren't we?

 

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

 

Yes you are a week behind me I think, I am 6th Oct. Although I'd say your circumstances make for a simpler application as my partner and I aren't married. We satisfy and can prove all the criteria all the same but marriages seem to process faster, sometimes straight to permanent 100.

[jacquiandpaul]

Yes you are a week behind me I think, I am 6th Oct. Although I'd say your circumstances make for a simpler application as my partner and I aren't married. We satisfy and can prove all the criteria all the same but marriages seem to process faster, sometimes straight to permanent 100.

Yes I have heard that, which is great. I hope it's soon, we have do much organising to go.

 

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

[Uhtred]

Just received an email back from the European Service Center, we have a case officer too which is great news, no idea how long we've had one though!

 

Thought I'd post the response here in case it is useful to anyone:

"Dear Ms Jennings,

 

Thank you for your enquiry.

 

As a guide, the majority of applications processed in the Europe Region are

expected to be finalised within 10 to 14 months, however please be advised

that the service standards for processing times are indicative only.

 

We are aware that the stated service standard and information provided on

our departmental website www.border.gov.au are different to those on the

High Commission website. Actual processing times do vary according to the

post you lodge your application due to the planning levels available in the

family stream of the Australian migration program. For more information

regarding the annual migration program please see:

http://www.border.gov.au/about/corporate/information/fact-sheets/21managing

 

If your intention is to migrate to Australia you should be entering the

country on a visa that properly reflects your intention in Australia, e.g.

a permanent visa if you wish to stay permanently. If once you have lodged

your partner visa application you need to visit Australia temporarily you

are able to do this, however, you should be aware that you are required to

be outside of Australia for us to grant your partner visa. Furthermore

there is not a visa which has been created for the purpose of allowing

clients to stay in Australia while awaiting a decision of their partner

application lodged outside Australia. If you propose to visit Australia on

a visitor visa you should be aware that you need to satisfy Australian

border and Immigration staff that you are a genuine visitor. You will need

to be able to demonstrate you have sufficient funds to cover the costs of

your stay without the need to work, that you intend to visit Australia

temporarily and that you have an intention to depart the country before the

expiry of your visitor visa.

 

You do not need to seek the approval of your partner visa application’s

case officer for you to visit Australia, however, you should update them

with any change in your contact details to ensure they can continue to

communicate with you to make any outstanding requests for your application.

 

Please note that your application has already been assigned a case officer.

Your case officer will liaise with you once the preliminary assessment of

your application is completed. Unfortunately we are unable to give you a

specific time frame and thus we ask you to wait patiently for further

instructions.

 

Please note:

 

-The information you are given by the Europe Service Centre will be based

on the information you supply.

-We recommend that you do not make any irreversible travel arrangements

until you have an appropriate visa.

 

Yours faithfully,

 

Mxxxx

Europe Service Centre

Department of Immigration and Border Protection"

 

Almost had a carbon copy response from Mxxxx today too telling me they couldn't guarantee my grant before 23/02 so the best bet would be to get a tourist visa.

 

Great.

Edited January 18, 2017 by MaggieMay24
CO's name

[jacquiandpaul]

Almost had a carbon copy response from Mxxxx today too telling me they couldn't guarantee my grant before 23/02 so the best bet would be to get a tourist visa.

 

Great.

Oh no, take it with a pinch of salt, she could just be a email handler. And just giving the worst case.

 

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

Edited January 18, 2017 by MaggieMay24
CO's name

[hayleykj]

Oh no, take it with a pinch of salt, she could just be a email handler. And just giving the worst case.

 

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

 

I agree, they can't be held responsible for giving misleading information so they stay vague. Frustrating but quite understandable.

[carahunter4]

Thanks for the information @hayleykj.

 

The medical requesting does seem to be random, I've chosen to wait as I want validation that my application is ok. I hope it will be soon but I believe @ashabree hasn't had her medical requested yet and she applied in August.

 

Our situation seems slightly different as everyone seems to be moving with an Australian citizen whereas my husband is British and has a permanent residence visa but hasn't lived there, although we have validated it. We hadn't been together long enough to add me on to his application before his visa got finalised so we are adding me on now so we can move in time to fulfil his 2 year resident return visa. We officially moved in together Dec 14 and got married September 15, no children, so we won't get the 100. Although we were able to provide joint mortgage documents & joint bank account details as well as our marriage certificate for official documents which the Australian High Commission advised was fine. I have had a permanent residence visa in the past to move with my ex husband but it expired as I ended the relationship instead of moving. I have declared this on the application, I hope it won't complicate things.

 

We're staying positive and keeping ourselves busy with getting the house ready to go on the market, sorting and planning. It will happen soon for all of us and this will be a distant memory when we're living the dream :smile:

[carahunter4]

Oh no, take it with a pinch of salt, she could just be a email handler. And just giving the worst case.

 

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

 

Yes I agree, they seem to give out standard responses - I called because I cant view my application properly and she advised that I had a case officer and my application was in progress. She wouldn't give me any other info and stuck to the 10-14 month standard time even though I prompted that people seem to be getting them quicker. I've heard that it is best not to badger them too much as it just slows them down and annoys them.

[ashabree]

Thanks for the information @hayleykj.

 

The medical requesting does seem to be random, I've chosen to wait as I want validation that my application is ok. I hope it will be soon but I believe @ashabree hasn't had her medical requested yet and she applied in August.

 

Our situation seems slightly different as everyone seems to be moving with an Australian citizen whereas my husband is British and has a permanent residence visa but hasn't lived there, although we have validated it. We hadn't been together long enough to add me on to his application before his visa got finalised so we are adding me on now so we can move in time to fulfil his 2 year resident return visa. We officially moved in together Dec 14 and got married September 15, no children, so we won't get the 100. Although we were able to provide joint mortgage documents & joint bank account details as well as our marriage certificate for official documents which the Australian High Commission advised was fine. I have had a permanent residence visa in the past to move with my ex husband but it expired as I ended the relationship instead of moving. I have declared this on the application, I hope it won't complicate things.

 

We're staying positive and keeping ourselves busy with getting the house ready to go on the market, sorting and planning. It will happen soon for all of us and this will be a distant memory when we're living the dream :smile:

 

Hi @carahunter4, do keep positive - there's been a lot of good news on the forum! You are right, we've not had a request for medical or police check yet. I got worried our application had fallen by the wayside, so I called them on Monday. They told me we did, in fact, have a case officer and that there were no documents outstanding, but that was it. It will be 5 months for us on Saturday, so my husband has booked his medical for next week. Even if we have to wait 14 months, we are in the 'safe zone' to activate the visa now, so we figured we'd just run with it. Hopefully it helps. It's a bit disconcerting that there are others getting approved in the time we've been waiting for contact, but, I guess that's our lot! I will keep you updated when we get any more news.

[jacquiandpaul]

Hi @carahunter4, do keep positive - there's been a lot of good news on the forum! You are right, we've not had a request for medical or police check yet. I got worried our application had fallen by the wayside, so I called them on Monday. They told me we did, in fact, have a case officer and that there were no documents outstanding, but that was it. It will be 5 months for us on Saturday, so my husband has booked his medical for next week. Even if we have to wait 14 months, we are in the 'safe zone' to activate the visa now, so we figured we'd just run with it. Hopefully it helps. It's a bit disconcerting that there are others getting approved in the time we've been waiting for contact, but, I guess that's our lot! I will keep you updated when we get any more news.

How bizarre that they have not contacted you to take the medical and police check if there were no more documents needed. Have they not contacted you at all? Is your application straight forward.

 

We may be in for a 2 month plus wait for a email about medical, we are 3 months today.

 

Did you apply through London.

 

 

 

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[hayleykj]

Hi @carahunter4, do keep positive - there's been a lot of good news on the forum! You are right, we've not had a request for medical or police check yet. I got worried our application had fallen by the wayside, so I called them on Monday. They told me we did, in fact, have a case officer and that there were no documents outstanding, but that was it. It will be 5 months for us on Saturday, so my husband has booked his medical for next week. Even if we have to wait 14 months, we are in the 'safe zone' to activate the visa now, so we figured we'd just run with it. Hopefully it helps. It's a bit disconcerting that there are others getting approved in the time we've been waiting for contact, but, I guess that's our lot! I will keep you updated when we get any more news.

 

Fingers crossed for you. I've seen a few people approved around the 5/6 month mark so I really hope it's not too much longer for you. Lots of people on this thread around the aug-oct mark so hopefully the good news comes at once