This stack of papers…

partner visa app

This stack of papers was a complete pain in the ass to put together. It took weeks of gathering, printing, questioning and writing.

This stack of papers is official. There are medical records, police records and certified copies of passports and birth certificates thrown into the mix.

This stack of papers is personal. Conversations I never thought anyone else would read are included; essays on love and the future have been written.

This stack of papers is worth nearly $2575 AUD. This is the price it costs to just hand it in to be processed.

This stack of papers is the partner visa application for Australia. We have officially applied and are just waiting on my FBI checks from the USA to make it complete. Once that happens, it could take 3 to 6 months to process, but in the meantime I will have a bridging visa to remain in Oz.

I’m really excited for this opportunity because there has just been so much anxiety over the question of, “What happens next?” It’ll be a huge weight off our shoulders, plus just give us both more flexibility in our relationship. And, there’s the chance of being on Aussie Medicare for me that will be nice. Fingers crossed!

So, what’s next for me? Well, tomorrow I’m heading to Magnetic Island with Pat for a long weekend of relaxing at the beach. There has been talk of me going to Malaysia in May to visit Patrick’s extended family there, which is both awesome and terrifying at the same time. And, America – you are TOTALLY on this list. I NEED to go home and 2011 is the year I do it. Heck, I might even go TWICE (hear that, Mom?).

Posted October 21, 2010 in: Australia

Tags: , , ,

By on October 21, 2010 in Australia

About Brooke

Brooke is a thrifty traveler and experience collector with a love for language learning, history and cannoli. She is the creator of the female travel focused FTU Newsletter and Her Packing List website. Other thrifty travelers can gain from her years of worldly travel experience by subscribing to the RSS feed. See also: Twitter, Facebook, Google+.

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17 Responses to This stack of papers…

  1. [F]oxymoron October 21, 2010 at 12:27 pm #

    I abhor paperwork… but in this instance, you could make a strong case that stack of paperwork is beautiful!

    Best of luck!!!

    Reply
  2. beth October 22, 2010 at 2:48 am #

    ah man

    Reply
  3. Lauren October 22, 2010 at 7:33 am #

    So happy the process is almost over for you and Pat. Keeping my fingers crossed. Enjoy your much deserved weekend of relaxation.

    Reply
  4. beth October 22, 2010 at 12:55 pm #

    My comment got cut off. I can’t believe all this brooke – this is huge! I really hope things go well for you :)

    Reply
  5. Zablon Mukuba October 23, 2010 at 5:24 pm #

    good luck with your application, and have fun on your weekend

    Reply
  6. Natalie - Turkish Travel Blog November 5, 2010 at 2:21 pm #

    Well done. I would of gave up when at least half of that stack appeared. Hope it all works out for you.

    Reply
  7. Andrea December 7, 2010 at 8:55 pm #

    Argh – the partner visa!! I went through this too (successfully) and it’s such a pain in the arse, huh? You’ll get through it – don’t think I’ve ever been more stressed out in my life though! Good luck – hope you get a nice case officer who speeds through your paperwork!! =)

    Reply

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