I think we all know about the Australian visa application charge increases for offshore partner visas on 1 July 2015, don’t we? For those who don’t, they’ve raised the fees for offshore partner visas, ie. Subclass 300 Prospective Marriage Visas and Subclass 309 Partner Visas to match the cost of the ONSHORE Subclass 820 Partner Visa. They call it “harmonising”, as though it was an inequity that applicants paid less for visas lodged in Manila (or other countries) than those who lodge directly in Australia.
In a parallel universe, maybe this makes sense. But in this one, I don’t see anyone saying “Hurray! Thank goodness it’s all fair now!” Anyway, it was a political decision to raise money obviously. And it was made by the politicians and not by the Manila Embassy and its staff. And rest assured, if there is a change of Government there will be no reduction in visa fees. There are no votes to be gathered from partner visa sponsors, and no effective lobbying.
I just did a survey of clients, as you would have seen in the last BLOG post. I was interested in how much money some of our Australian sponsors are spending on their offshore long-distance romances with their Filipina ladies. We’ve had I think 80 or so responses, to which I thank you all. And I particularly thank you all for the level of detail and for your candour. Again, it was and will remain confidential. I couldn’t even guess who was who.
I didn’t count every single figure. I did around half of them as I was starting to go cross-eyed. But I do believe I extracted enough data to back up a point I’m about to make.
Data first, and point after!
Facts and Figures
Meeting the lady of your dreams and building a relationship means you will need to travel, and you will need to spend money. In many cases sponsors choose to send money to support the lady in a more comfortable lifestyle, and in other cases they don’t. But in all cases the sponsor will visit, and that means obviously an overseas trip. And most will visit 3 or more times before she gets her partner visa and comes to Australia. Overseas trips cost money. So do phone calls and internet connections.
The average amount spent over the length of a relationship, which is normally a couple of years, is AUD$29,086.47.
Surprised? I was. But then I’m personally out of touch, as my courting days are long behind me, and all my hotel bills were less than P1,000.00 a night at the time. Costs go up.
And there as a broad range too. Lowest anyone spent was $4,500.00, and I don’t even want to say what the top cost was. There were plenty between $10,000.00 and $20,000. And I’m sure no one had a gun to their heads!
Visa Application Charge increases – Will they stop anyone?
They raised the fees by just over $2,000.00. And this is just 6 months after the last increase. Fair? Definitely not. Taking advantage of couples in love, and men who don’t want to spend the rest of their lives talking to the parrot they bought “for company”? Most definitely!
However, to a bunch of determined men who’ve met the sweetest ladies on the face of this earth and want to be happy for the rest of their lives? To a bunch of men who’ve already spent $29K on getting things this far? Will an extra $2K stop you and make you consider the Norwegian Blue parrot instead? Not bloody likely!
So again, hang in there. Down Under Visa professional fees are remaining the same, and we know they are reasonable because we hear what’s going on out there in the marketplace. And they are the best way of being as certain as you can that you don’t waste the Government fees which you definitely will if you face a refusal! If you need a bit longer to raise the last bit, we understand completely. And like everything else that truly matters in this world, after a few years you will only ever remember how great your life has become due to your great decision, and you won’t even remember the costs let alone care. A client just emailed me today and said “…would spend that 3 times over for her without batting an eyelid!” Well said!
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And I agree with the other guy Jeff, I will spend whatever it takes to bring my baby to Australia…buyag!
I totally agree too. The girl I meet is one of the kind to me and how we meet is out of this world.
I’ve meet a lady in the Philippines. We have known each other for two years. I’mjustt wanting to know the over all price to get the correct visa to bring her to Australia so we can be married. Plus how long it takes. Thank you.
David
Please complete the visa assessment form on the website, David. I can assess your case and give you specific advice that way.
Agreed. …the aussie government is a greedy pack of pricks. Unfortunately my last relationship didn’t last but I would’ve spent whatever it took and I’ll do it again in a heartbeat with the right woman
it will hurt as I am struggling to get the current cost together do to my own move from a country I have been living for 7 years. And the complications associated. But I would just grit my teeth and continue. Just sad the delays mean my baby will be born without her father present. Just a bit late. But together eventually.
I have protested to my local member. I’m sure he get a laugh out of it.
You’re right, the other rabble won’t reduce fees and will probably increase them. Australia is fast becoming a country for only the rich and those who never worked in their lives. Keeps going like this and I will be forced to leave.
Hi, so price increase come July 2015. So once the marriage visa is approved and then married, what is the price for the partner visa after that? Currently, it says around $1100.
I have a friend who is in Australia on PMV and is thinking to Marry just after July, but there is nothing about raising the subclass 300 visa that people apply after married on PMV..
Got anything here??
Hi, so price increase come July 2015. So once the marriage visa is approved and then married, what is the price for the partner visa after that? Currently, it says around $1100.
– They haven’t said anything at all about that so far. It may remain the same, or they may change it. No news as of yet.
Jeff,thanks for the Web site, I have a lady who is applying for a visa, for a three week stay,she lives in Cebu,I’m not sure how she has applied but it’s been six weeks or more and she has heard nothing. I was reading on your Web site they she would have to have a certain amount of collateral herself at home, she has not got nothing at home, period,would I be right in thinking this is doomed before it starts.?
There is a big age difference between us as well.
If the application was prepared properly, neither of those issues would in fact be issues, Reginald. And sometimes they take ages to process visa applications. If it isn’t successful, please complete our visa assessment form on our website and we can see if we can help you.
……I intend to bring my girl who has said yes to my proposal of marriage from Philippines…I’ve not met her but have supported her financially for over six months….she did apply for a tourist visa and was refused on the grounds of unemployment, meaning she has not got a job to go to.
What is the cost of your services. In the event that I’m unsuccessful to gain an entry visa for her …what then…
You need to meet her in person. This is why the tourist visa was refused. Until you meet in person, I really can’t help you.
Good day Sir Jeef, i would like to ask how much cost for applying Prospective marriage, i’ve been there in Australia last 2016 for a holiday visa for 3 months. And i want prospective visa now, can you help me Sir Jeef, looking forward your reply thanks.
Please complete our online assessment form, Janita. I can give you options and costs which will match your situation. https://www.assessments.downundervisa.com
i am currently talking to the sweetest filipina you could imagine i am planning a 3 week holiday to go meet her january 2020 i want to bring this lady to australia and marry what are my choices? should we marry in philippines or wait?
I can well imagine. I live here, and I married a pretty sweet lady myself. Here’s something to read: https://www.downundervisa.com/2018/07/a-philippines-wedding-for-an-australian-is-it-for-you/