Getting A Marriage Visa

One of the most common methods of entry to a foreign country is through marriage. However, it is by no means the easiest way to enter. In fact, getting a marriage visa for Australia  is one of the toughest visa application processes offered. And the process is definitely on the heavy side with regards to application fees.

The marriage visa application is usually filed by either a citizen seeking for his or her partner to be recognized as an immigrant. In some cases, like that of Australia, citizens can also petition their would be partners even if they have yet to marry. As with any other visa types, several requirements have to be met in order to be entitled for approval. These are to be submitted along with the general visa requirements.

The first thing required is that the petitioner must be a permanent citizen of the country he wants his partner to go to. Note that both natural born and naturalized citizens are eligible to apply for this one. This can be easily be proven by the petitioner by providing either a birth certificate (for natural born citizens) or naturalization papers.

The next thing is definitely the most difficult part applying for a marriage visa, since you actually have to prove that you are indeed married to the one you are petitioning for. Expect a thorough scrutiny from the embassy officials on this one since many are know for abusing it. First of all, you need to have proof that your partner is indeed of legal age. Marrying ages vary from country to country, so you should be aware of the legal age in your country. Also, you need to be able to show that you were married in a ceremony required by your home country, or the country of your spouse's origin. You will have to present records certifying your marriage as valid or have witness stand in for proof.

Petitioning a fiance is definitely much harder than petitioning a spouse. One main problem with this one is you don't have any legal proof (such as documents) that you are indeed in a relationship. Engaged couples who have already put forth initial wedding preparations will have an easier time with this since they have the much needed proof in the form of documents such as purchase receipts. On the other hand, couples planning on marrying after arriving in the other country will be placed under tighter restrictions. One such restriction requires the couple to be married within nine months after the visa is granted.

After having submitted the documentary proofs, you will then be scheduled for an interview with the consul. Here, you will be further probed, along with your partner. You will be asked to further elaborate on the details of your relationship. Afterward, you will be granted a spouse visa. If you are not yet married, you will be granted a fiance visa and be required to fulfill the above condition. Once completed, you will then required to apply for a spouse temporary visa and finally a permanent visa.