The story of how Bob brought his African bride to Australia

Anne and Bob were referred to Aspire Australia by a marriage celebrant, whom Sarah had shared a room with when a guest speaker at the marriage celebrants’ conference in Canberra! The happy couple were arranging their marriage but needed migration advice. The celebrant naturally thought of Sarah!

Their story: Aussie Bob met Kenyan Anne online.

After chatting every day and getting to know each other, Bob realised he was in love with Anne. Common interests and, importantly, an aligned outlook on life, gave Bob hope to have someone to share his later years in life with. No longer spring chickens, Bob and Anne were not new to love. Alone in their mid-life years, both Bob and Anne were looking for a kindred spirit to share their lives with.

Bob proposed – and a delighted Anne accepted! He travelled to Kenya to spend time with his fiancée, meeting her family, and seeing the stunning sights of Africa. Bob returned a happy man, ready to start the next chapter of his life.

Naturally, Bob and Anne wanted to be together as soon as possible. So, soon after his own trip to Kenya, Bob invited Anne to visit him in Australia.

But Bob had no idea what to do next to keep his wonderful bride in Australia.

 

Challenges and Solutions

Bob’s questions bubbled to the surface:

  • What is the best way for Anne to join me in Australia?
  • Which visa is most appropriate for us so that we can spend the most time together?
  • If Anne visits, how long can she stay?
  • Can we start the process before we are married?

Challenge One: Applying onshore or offshore?

We discussed with Bob the risks and implications of applying for a Partner Visa onshore – and how the process would work.

We worked through their joint priorities. We weighed up being together in Australia soon against being able to continue work in Kenya. We weighed up the expected processing time against the need for Anne to maintain contact with family and settle her affairs overseas.

Given their ages, Bob and Anne did not want to waste any time apart. They had found each other and wanted to be together! Making an application onshore seemed to make the most sense, given that Anne would still have travel rights.

Challenge Two: Proving a genuine and continuing relationship

The lovebirds had met online – they had not spent much time physically together and had not yet lived together.

We discussed how Bob and Anne could prove to the Department that their relationship was genuine and continuing – and the evidence required to cover the four relationship elements – cohabitation, financial, social recognition and commitment.

By opting for Anne to apply onshore, Bob and Anne would have the bonus of being able to be together whilst demonstrating commitment to each other and gaining social recognition from friends and family – all valuable to meet the genuine and continuing relationship criteria.

Statutory Declarations were also helpful to provide in depth details of their relationship and their commitment to each other.

 

A Happy Outcome

Anne and Bob were married two months after Anne arrived in Australia.

We were delighted to prepare and lodge Anne’s Partner Provisional visa application and even more so – to call her to advise of its approval some months later.

Touching base with Anne and Bob two years later to prepare the Partner Residence application, we enjoyed catching up with their activities and to see how their love had flourished in Australia!

And, by keeping on top of her eligibility date, we were honoured to help Anne apply for and obtain Australian citizenship earlier this year.

Just take a look at Anne glowing with pride next to the man she loves!

 

Let Us Guide Your Migration Journey

We are in it for the long haul.

Our favourite client is the one with whom we can go on a journey, like Anne. From the very first guided steps, we love to make the complexity of migration simple, by caring for you at each step of the way. And to share the joy when you achieve your dream of living and working in Australia!

At Aspire Australia, we work with many couples hoping to bring their partner to Australia. With 30 years of experience and 99% success rate, your future with your partner, together in Australia, is safe in our hands.

Everyone’s story is different and each situation demands a unique strategy. If you want to bring your life partner to Australia, learn more about the options and processes and how we can help by downloading our guidebook, Reunite with your loved one.

And to obtain your very own step by step MAP: Migration Action Plan, we invite you to book an appointment with our Migration SuperHero, Sarah Gillis.

We look forward to one day sharing your Australian visa story!