the basics
GLITFSA's primary objective is to assist same-sex partners of Australian and eligible New Zealander gays and lesbians to migrate to Australia.
Under Australia's immigration law, the applicant must show that they are in a de facto relationship (i.e genuine and continuing, at the exclusion of others) for at least 12 months prior to the application. Financial, emotional and social aspects of the relationship are assessed. As such, documentation that attests to all the different aspects of the relationship need to be presented as part of the application submission.
Upon submission of application, the applicant will receive a bridging visa while the application is being processed. If the application is approved, the bridging visa will be converted into a Temporary Residency Permit for the applicant.
If the initial application proves unsuccessful, the applicant can appeal and re-submit the application.
Amongst the information and data provided by Dept of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC), Factsheet 35 provides an overview of the "One-Year Relationship Requirement" that is central to same-sex migration. The fact sheet is available for
download
the handbook
All members will be given a handbook called "The GLITF Guide to Applying for Interdependency Migration" that is included in the membership fee. This handbook is a very useful guide to assist you in designing a framework for your actual application process. You will find concise explanation and suggestions of the type of documentary evidence required by the authorities. Remember that under the same-sex migration process, a couple must show that they are in a interdependent relationship (financially, emotionally and socially) for the last 12 months. As such, there is a whole host of evidence that can be used to demonstrate this relationship.
A second handbook can be purchased from the Secretary for cost of $25.00.
The process
GLITFSA's process is a Do-It-Yourself procedure - we provide information, assistance and importantly moral support to our members for them to write their own migration application.
This process is significantly different from you paying a migration adviser to prepare your application. Our process means that you will have to do more work both in understanding the actual requirements and gathering the necessary documentation required. However, that translates to a substantial amount of dollars saved in fees to the migration adviser.
Please note also that if you have experienced difficulties before in
migration application, or you believe that you will face substantial
difficulties, or if you cannot comprehend the application requirements
as outlined by GLITFSA, you may want to seek out a registered
Migration Adviser to assist you. GLITFSA can help you in the right direction if you desire it.
Using GLITFSA to help you along the way;
- Attend our monthly general forums. Discuss with the committee and other members your situation and assess whether you are comfortable to go with the DIY approach.
- If you do choose to join GLITFSA as a member, there is a Full membership, or a Social membership available. Read more.
- With your membership, GLITFSA will provide a handbook "The GLITF Guide to Applying for Interdependency Migration". Please read the information thoroughly. Another useful document is "Partner Migration" published by DIAC that can be obtained from the DIAC website.
- Begin to organise the required documentation for your application. After a period of 12 months of being in a relationship and collecting evidence of relationship, it usually takes anywhere between 2-6 months to put together the application together.
- About 3 months before you plan to submit your application, you should obtain up to date application forms from DIAC, either through the website or from DIAC's offices Also ensure there have been no substantial changes to the Legislation that may affect you application. You can go to our support page for links to changes in Migration Law.
- Fill out the forms, completed all the necessary statutory declarations (for you and your partner) and compile all accompanying evidence. Remember to check and cross-check the statutory declarations for consistency in information.
- About 1 month before submitting application, contact the Secretary of GLITFSA and request a meeting with the pro-bono Migration Adviser. When you are meeting with the Migration Adviser, be sure to bring along the whole package you intend to submit to DIAC for review and a list of any outstanding questions that you have.
- Make final adjustments to application based on advice provided by Migration Adviser.
- Lodge the application at the DIAC's Adelaide office or at the Australian Embassy if applying form outside Australia. If it required you will be advised by the officer regarding a date for interview. This interview of an hour is normally conduct for both the applicant and the sponsor. The couple are generally interviewed together.
- Alternatively you can call DIAC to arrange for an interview, but you need to advise DIAC when you intend to submit your application.
- On an average, the Adelaide office takes less than 2-3 months to process applications. In general however, applications that are more complete would take less time for processing.
(Updated 24th December 2009)