@Caryl21
- What's the difference between the two visas? Is one cheaper, easier, or faster to process than the other? Which one is advisable in my case?
Currently, there are three types of partner visas:
Prospective marriage, onshore spouse visa and offshore spouse visa. The latter 2 visas, you should be married before applying while the PMV,you intend to marry pa lang. You will be given a 9 months visa and should get married before it expires. After that, you can apply any of the last 2 visas depending on your location when you apply. Spouse visa is in 2 stages, u will be given 2 years temp visa first then can apply for PR after that. Total cost of any of the visas around $7500.
- Does it matter where we get married? We're planning to do the wedding ceremony in the Philippines so I can be with my family, but I read that some get married while on visit visa then apply for a partner visa onshore. Is there a difference or benefit in either option?
Place of marriage doesnt matter. You can come as tourist and apply for onshore spouse visa( so dapat kasal na kayo). Once u applied and waiting for approval you are covered by medicare, can study, work and live here till your application is decided
- How long prior should I apply or start preparing and processing for my visa? How long is the expected waiting time?
Check the docs required and u can start preparing. Current waiting time is 1 to 2 years. PMV is shorter but when u apply for spouse visa, same waiting time.
- Lastly, can I study in Australia as soon as my visa is approved? I plan to go back to study in Australia and get a nursing degree (for better pay and career prospects - I'm studying for a business degree right now). My boyfriend is fully supportive of this and suggests I can avail of HECS or government study loans though upon checking it's only applicable to Australian citizens. I read that I will need to live on permanent residency for at least a year before I can apply for citizenship.
HECS is only for citizens. There are courses funded by the govt and u can avail of it even while on spouse visa. For citizenship application, minimum stay of 4 years and 1 year of that on PR visa.
If u want to be with ur partner here in australia soonest, get married, come here on TV and apply for onshore spouse visa. The approval of PMV is shorter but then you are given 9 mos to get married and Still have to apply spouse visa later. Sa offshore spouse visa naman, you can visit him on TV while waiting for your offshore spouse visa application to be decided