Dave

My Aussie wife and I (a Yank) currently live in the States. Our plan
is to move permanently to Australia in a few years. I have heard that
once an Australian spousal visa has been granted and activated (with
only a short trip to Australia required for activation), the visa
holder need only live in Australia for two of the next five years to
keep the visa active. However, I have not been able to find info
about this on DIMIA's site. If this is indeed the case, I would apply
for a spousal visa sooner than we have originally planned knowing that
I would have essentially three years to move to Australia once it has
been activated. Has anyone heard about this and if so, could you
point me to the spot at DIMIA's site where I can read more?
Thanks
Dave

Bondipom

Originally posted by Dave

    > My Aussie wife and I (a Yank) currently live in the States. Our plan

    > is to move permanently to Australia in a few years. I have heard that

    > once an Australian spousal visa has been granted and activated (with

    > only a short trip to Australia required for activation), the visa

    > holder need only live in Australia for two of the next five years to

    > keep the visa active. However, I have not been able to find info

    > about this on DIMIA's site. If this is indeed the case, I would apply

    > for a spousal visa sooner than we have originally planned knowing that

    > I would have essentially three years to move to Australia once it has

    > been activated. Has anyone heard about this and if so, could you

    > point me to the spot at DIMIA's site where I can read more?

    > Thanks

    > Dave



If your relationship started over 5 years (2 years with children
involved) ago at the time of application you will be issued with
permanent residency. If not you will be issued with a temporary visa. 2
years after application the temporary visa will be converted to PR if
you are still together.



You must enter Australia within a year of the earlier of your medical or
police checks. If you do this your visa is then valid.



I am not sure if you can convert the temporary spouse visa to permanent
outside of Australia.



You must also maintain at least 2 years residence in the 5 years in
Australia to be eligible to renew your permanent residency label to
enable you to travel.