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| And So It Begins...; Questions about De-facto Temp Visa | |
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| Topic Started: Mar 31 2011, 06:18:21 PM (1,265 Views) | |
| isabel | Mar 31 2011, 06:18:21 PM Post #1 |
True Blue Mate
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Hey guys, Now I warned y'all that I would have questions, haha  Here we go. My boyfriend and I printed out all of the paperwork and started filling it out. The applications were pretty straight forward, which is a relief, just seems like there will be a lot of paperwork that needs gathering.We already got the letter from his employer saying how much he makes and how long he's worked there. We started working on our "story of us" and if anybody has any examples that they are willing to share with me I would so greatly appreciate it! hahaWe don't have any joint accounts or anything like that, so really the only proof we have are Skype records, emails, copies of the plane tickets that show me going back and forth to visit him and cards that we've sent each other for birthdays, valentines day, etc. I plan on adding pictures as well. I've lost 60 pounds in the time we've been together so it's funny to see the pictures of me looking super jumbo and then me looking mini jumbo. Ok that was off the subject, sorry, LOL For those of you who sent copies of Skype records, did you copy/paste them into a word document or did you do print screen shots of the chats? This is the thing that confuses me a little bit: There aren't any notary publics out here right? So when his family fills out the 888 forms, they can just take it to the doctor and he can "notorize" them? LOL Also, it says they have to show proof that they are Australian citizens, so does the certified copy have to be issued from the state? Or can it be a notorized copy from the doctor? I want to make sure I get his side of the requirements before I leave in May so that I can just do my side of the packet when I get back home and send it off to Washington DC. I plan on sending off the application while I'm waiting on the FBI check to get back and then sending the FBI info when it comes in. What do you all think about that?? Ok that's all for now....   Isabel |
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| sunshine | Mar 31 2011, 07:52:41 PM Post #2 |
True Blue Mate
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Getting it all together does take some effort! I was constantly adding to my list of things to gather by category (stuff to copy, stuff to print, stuff to get copied and certified, etc). I applied for a de facto partner visa offshore, but did all the prep work for it in Australia. Our personal statements were broken up into sections, as per the outline they suggest: how we met, how the relationship developed, our visits and separations, our shared life, our future plans. Mine was two pages. We didn't read each other's until we'd both finished, and it was sweet to see what we'd said about each other For a de facto partner visa, one of the things they require is shared financial commitment. Page 40, Partner Migration booklet: I assume you've been sharing expenses and all, but I'm bringing it up because you said you didn't have joint accounts or anything like that. It is a key form of evidence. There is a list on Form 888 of who can witness/certify those forms. They certify things in Australia, which has a different legal definition than notarizing, I believe? Pharmacies turned out to be a good spot for my friends to get their 888's certified; they usually had someone on staff who could do it. As far as proving citizenship goes, people can just bring in a photocopy of their birth certificate or passport and then have somebody certify the copy. We had a JP at the magistrate's office stamp everything we needed certified. You'll be fine if you submit the application without the FBI clearance; just forward it when you get it. Have you already requested it? If not, you might as well request it now. Best of luck! 
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| Cristin | Mar 31 2011, 10:47:05 PM Post #3 |
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Police stations here can also "notarize" things. (We got most of our documents witnessed at the Kings Cross police station, which always made me feel a bit like an extra in Underbelly). I agree with Sunshine that I'd request the FBI check right away, if you haven't already. It took the longest of any form I did. Also, if you are here until May, you might consider opening a joint bank account now. Even if it's for a short period of time, it may be useful. We had a joint bank account while I was on a tourist visa prior to going back to lodge my application, and did use the statements as evidence. it was only for a couple of months, but better than nothing. Finally, the "story of us" can seem like the most intimidating part, but I really suggest that you both write from the heart. They seem to respond well to a bit of mushy-gooshiness in the statements. I cried when I read what my then-fiancee wrote about our relationship and then cried again as I wrote mine. I figured that they'd have to be pretty heartless to not let such a sweet and adorable couple be together! Good luck with your application. Just remember to keep good lists of everything you need and photocopy everything! |
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| Judy | Mar 31 2011, 11:30:41 PM Post #4 |
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They have to bring in the original birth certificate or passport along with the photocopy, so that the person doing the certifying can certify that he or she saw the original and that the copy is a true copy (they actually have to write that). |
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| Kiandi | Apr 1 2011, 05:24:38 AM Post #5 |
True Blue Mate
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Try this for your Skype Records. My fiance did ours this way. Oh, and it only works on windows and the history of calls only goes back so far. Hope this helps. http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/skype_log_view.html |
 The Visa Gods Answered Our Prayers | |
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| cherryRipe33 | Apr 1 2011, 08:11:34 AM Post #6 |
Chinwagger
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Hi Isabel We didnt have any joint bank accts or anything "shared" either. I provided bank bank & credit card statements (his & mine) over the span of our relationship (3 yreas at that time) reflecting transactions, and I annotated what is was. For instance: -Publix: grocery store -RaceTrac: gas station -Time Warner: cable bill -Withlacoochee River Electric: electric bill -etc... It was meant to show that each of us were splitting costs and taking turns paying the bills that were in my name in Florida. I also dug up any emails, airline itineraries, or anything electronic (all screen shots) I could pull up to show that we were living together, traveling back and forth to be w/each other, emails from his/my side of the family referencing him / me to show that we were genuinely in a relationship and our families knew of it. In addition, I printed out lots of pix of different trips we went on over the last 3 yrs, categorizing them by year and annotated the location. All this stuff helps, and worked out for me. I sent out our app before I had the FBI check, and my CO didnt mind that. I just forwarded it on as soon as I got it in 2-3 months time. Since I provided every bit of evidence from day 1, it totaled just over 3 years worth of relationship status. To my surprise, my CO fast tracked me and granted me Permanent Residency -- totally wasn't expecting that. I didn't even have to do the 2nd Stage stuff. How cool is that!? I've been here officially since Oct 2010. Took just 5 months - would've been shorter, but I had a couple hiccups. Best of luck to you guys! Edited by cherryRipe33, Apr 1 2011, 08:15:00 AM.
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| sunshine | Apr 1 2011, 09:36:22 AM Post #7 |
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True Blue Mate
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Haha, yes, this, I forgot to mention that part
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| isabel | Apr 1 2011, 09:36:57 AM Post #8 |
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True Blue Mate
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Sunshine: Thanks for the info. We asked his parents if they would fill out the stat dec forms and they said that they would and his dad (who knows everything :P) told us that they can take it to the police station and get it notarized. We don't have any joint bank accounts but Cherryripe33 suggested going ahead and opening one now. The only financial evidence that I have from a year ago is me paying for groceries at woolworths and stuff like that. I think I'll just print out my credit card statements and highlight the purchases I made in Australia? Judy: thanks for the clarification, my boyfriend's dad told us that they could do that at the police station. LOL Kiandi: Thanks for the link! I've already downloaded it and started saving the records in html format. How many pages of phone calls and such did you send it? I swear I have like 500 pages in chat transcripts and phone calls! CherryRipe33: I think we will go ahead and open up a joint bank account. We also adopted a kitten together a few months ago in both of our names, do you think I should send that in with my paperwork? LOL |
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| shylady | Apr 1 2011, 10:22:44 AM Post #9 |
oldYank
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YES, definitely! It's one more piece of evidence, really. I sent a copy of my library card at his address, and membership at the same Sportsmen's Club, every little bit helps! Lisa |
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| TerritorianTori | Apr 1 2011, 10:33:40 AM Post #10 |
It couldn't happen here
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When we needed to get our documents certified, we just went down to the Magistrate's Court. They have a JP on-duty there who will do it for you, completely free. edit... Yes, you can also do it at the police station, if that's more convenient. Whatever works! BTW, speaking of Form 888 - be sure your partner's family/friends also provide evidence of their Australian citizenship! My app was held up for months because my SIL forgot to add a certified copy of hers. Keep in mind that when your visa is granted, you'll be given no longer than 1 year past the date of your FBI check to enter Australia. Something to think about when deciding when to request it (now or later). Plus, it's much easier to get your fingerprints done in the States. Police station up here wanted to charge me $100!!! I agree that you might want to consider getting joint accounts. It can only help your application. Good luck! Edited by TerritorianTori, Apr 1 2011, 10:35:58 AM.
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 South Texas to the Northern Territory - since 2004 I'm a huge fan of... Angry Video Game Nerd | The Big Bang Theory | Doctor Who | Pet Shop Boys | Yanks Down Under ~ Americans living in Australia Avatar by Sketch Shop Boys I don't do Facebook, sorry. | |
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| Kiandi | Apr 1 2011, 03:26:10 PM Post #11 |
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True Blue Mate
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You are welcome for the link and I am glad it helped.  To answer your question, I think we topped you in skype calls, we had more then 500. 
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The Visa Gods Answered Our Prayers | |
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| isabel | Apr 6 2011, 05:32:27 PM Post #12 |
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True Blue Mate
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Survey How many of you sent in the Form 80 with the stage one application for the de-facto temporary visa? If you didn't, why didn't you? If you did, why did you?? Should I send it in?? |
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| shylady | Apr 6 2011, 06:03:26 PM Post #13 |
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oldYank
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I did not, because I was never told to until the Permanent Residency stage 2 years later. Then it was asked for. |
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"I could’ve turned a different corner, I could’ve gone another place... " ku,'09 | |
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| blarg | Apr 7 2011, 12:46:15 AM Post #14 |
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Are you going to be applying from within Australia or outside Australia? I did form 80 to start with, but I was onshore. For onshore applications their checklist says, "A completed Form 80 must be provided." Offshore applications, however, say "A completed form 80 is required only if requested by the department." So if you're applying onshore, include it. Offshore, I'd wait for them to request it, but I'd go ahead and fill it out and just file it somewhere so you don't have a panic attack if they do request it, and so that you already have a copy when they request it for the permanent application 2 years later. Here's a full checklist of all the documents you'll need: - If you're applying from within Australia: http://www.immi.gov.au/migrants/_pdf/820-801-checklist.pdf - If you're applying from outside Australia: http://www.immi.gov.au/migrants/_pdf/309-100-checklist.pdf |
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| TerritorianTori | Apr 7 2011, 09:18:07 AM Post #15 |
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It couldn't happen here
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Yeah, pretty much what blarg said. I included Form 80, but I applied onshore. Offshore applicants don't usually need it. |
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South Texas to the Northern Territory - since 2004 I'm a huge fan of... Angry Video Game Nerd | The Big Bang Theory | Doctor Who | Pet Shop Boys | Yanks Down Under ~ Americans living in Australia Avatar by Sketch Shop Boys I don't do Facebook, sorry. | |
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| sunshine | Apr 10 2011, 01:28:28 PM Post #16 |
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True Blue Mate
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Form 80 is now listed on the Partner Migration Visa Application Checklist on the Washington Embassy website, so I would say yes, send it in. |
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| isabel | Apr 13 2011, 10:00:52 AM Post #17 |
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My boyfriend and I went to the bank yesterday and they certified a bunch of copies for us for free!!!!! hip hip hooray!!! The application is coming along nicely, I still have a lot of information to gather, don't get me wrong, but it's nice to see that I have a little stack going. haha I think I'm going to include a "table of contents" since we cant staple and such, i think it would be a good way to still put the paperwork in order so that the CO knows what is where. What do you guys think?? |
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| Kiandi | Apr 13 2011, 12:53:15 PM Post #18 |
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True Blue Mate
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I included a table of contents in my app. It helped me put everything in order and also made sure I had everything included and checked off. I think it helped me more than the C.O. IMO. Good luck isabel!!
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The Visa Gods Answered Our Prayers | |
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| sunshine | Apr 13 2011, 01:59:57 PM Post #19 |
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True Blue Mate
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I had a brief cover letter with a list of documents at the bottom. Like Kiandi said I think it was more for my benefit than theirs, haha. |
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| isabel | Apr 18 2011, 04:36:50 PM Post #20 |
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True Blue Mate
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@sunshine, I agree with you and kiandi, I think its more for my benefit to include the table of contents! I just feel like I need some kind of organization since we cant staple or anything! LOL I just wrote out my "Story of Us" it's about 3 pages long and I can't help but read it and wonder if it's what they are looking for!!!! I tried to make it sound professional but at the same time sometimes you just let yourself get carried away with the story!! Does anybody who's already been through the visa process want to volunteer to read it and tell me what you think?? LOL Tell me if I need to add or delete anything?? hehehe |
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