Immigration - US Vs Aus

[Snag 57]

Hey folks,

Has anyone here researched the Australian immigration process? Besides the cost, how different is it to US immigration? I admit we never looked into it much because it made much more sense for me to come to the US than my fiance moving Down Under. (He had a stable job, a car, church, a closer knit family etc). But, we're thinking much later down the track, and doing a bit of reading up on it all. Also, are there forums people know of for Australian immigration that people can suggest? Ta.

[Umka36 781]

I'm unsure of the process for Australia, but here is a place to start:

http://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Visa-1/309-

[tayurshu 37]

Australia is very, very expensive. A number of things though:

De facto, fiancees, spouses - all treated the same. There is no special visa for any different category, it all falls in under a Partner Migration Visa.

The only difference is whether you lodge offshore (cheaper, around $4700 and 12-15 month waiting period) or onshore (up to 8k now I think, and you get a bridging visa which gives immediate work rights and access to Medicare straight away).

Australia also allows you to lodge online.

It's more expensive, and the relationship proof is far higher. But it's a much more easier system to navigate and the benefits provided immediately far exceed the ridiculous AOS process in the USA.

[lirpa11 16]

Hi, we have been through both the Australian and U.S. Immigration process.

This is the website I used for Australian http://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Brin

Click on partner visa options and read up what best fits your situation.

We went through the Australian immigration process in 2007 or so, and then completed the U.S. Immigration in May 2015. We applied for my Australian visa with me in Australia (I am the USC) and we applied for my husband's US visa from Australia as well. I did come to the USA in February 2015 though to get a house, job, car etc and be set up. Hubby came in June after his visa was approved for him to enter the USA.

Australian immigration was more involved, more hurdles, more costly, and we needed more relationship proof. We also had a longer waiting period for permanent residence, but that may have been because our relationship was newer then. The U.S. Immigration was quicker, less stressful, and cheaper. But again, we have now been together nine years so that may have something to do with it.

It's good now though, as I am an Australian and American citizen, and hubby can apply for American citizenship in three years.

The main thing to remember either way is to follow the instructions step by step, and the Internet is very helpful I also supplied more info than what is needed so we never received any questions (only received a checklist for US immigration because I completed a box on a form wrong). Some people disagree and send only the bare essentials for evidence but we never had anything to hide so I provide a lot of info. Didn't have any issue with Australian or U.S. immigration.

good luck

[stephelliott 5]

Hi there. I am from the U.S. and I was living in Australia with my partner and we got the de facto visa (this was pre-engagement). All together it cost over $5,000 and took over a year to get approved. I have heard it costs much more now. Not to mention the cost of Medicals, finger print checks etc... It was a giant headache. It got approved but only just before I planned to move back to the U.S. anyway it it turns out it's a waste for us now. The U.S. process seems scarier to me because I just want everything to go smoothly so he can move here asap but overall so far easier & cheaper.

[lirpa11 16]

Hi there. I am from the U.S. and I was living in Australia with my partner and we got the de facto visa (this was pre-engagement). All together it cost over $5,000 and took over a year to get approved. I have heard it costs much more now. Not to mention the cost of Medicals, finger print checks etc... It was a giant headache. It got approved but only just before I planned to move back to the U.S. anyway it it turns out it's a waste for us now. The U.S. process seems scarier to me because I just want everything to go smoothly so he can move here asap but overall so far easier & cheaper.

All up, ours cost $4000-$4500 for the Australian visa from start to finish back when we did it. That was 2007/2008!

We completed the U.S. Immigration process and it cost around $1200-$1500 all up (not including flights from Perth to Sydney and hotel for interview). Simplicity wise and cost wise, U.S. Came out easier and cheaper just seemed more overwhelming at first because I know from the Australian immigration experience it was usually stressful and confusing!

[stephelliott 5]

All up, ours cost $4000-$4500 for the Australian visa from start to finish back when we did it. That was 2007/2008!

We completed the U.S. Immigration process and it cost around $1200-$1500 all up (not including flights from Perth to Sydney and hotel for interview). Simplicity wise and cost wise, U.S. Came out easier and cheaper just seemed more overwhelming at first because I know from the Australian immigration experience it was usually stressful and confusing!

Wow so we got ours for 2014/2015 and it was only a little more then the cost of yours.. I have friends doing it now and I'm hearing its up to 6,000/8,000. Insane!

[tayurshu 37]

Visa fee for a partner visa is now $6865, onshore and offshore lodgement.

This excludes other related expenses such as medicals, police reports etc.