Hi all,
After promising to write a few notes on Kuna's thread, I have some time to write some actions that are needed fairly soon after your girls arrives to the land of OZ.
We all know that the keyword in this endeavor is PATIENCE. I also remember reading KenC stating that when your RW arrives, it is like raising a child. I COULD NOT AGREE MORE. Remember that, always.
Remember guys that you have 9 months to have all documentation completed for submission. Do not become complacent AT ALL. Just because you have the first visa in hand, and you are married - you must always remember the next stage.
Pages 39-40 of booklet 1127 on this page gives great guidelines.
http://www.immi.gov.au/migrants/partners/spouse/820-801/evidence-of-relationship.htmOnce your girl arrives:Banking: She has a few weeks to apply for a bank account without needing 100 pts of ID. Get a joint account, and use this account for everything, including your salary being placed in there.
Housing: The dept wants to see commitment, so place her name on your rental agreement or home ownership.
Utilities: As above - so place her name with your on phone, gas, water, electricity. Do this ASAP so there are several statements available when the time comes for next submission.
Medical: Have her on your private insurance. She can't get Medicare until spouse visa application is placed, and the chances are that she will require some medical treatment. Food, climate, lifestyle have affected ALL FSU women we have encountered in Melbourne. Another point, possibly look at travel insurance for the first year to counter those claims that aren't refunded by your insurance.
Travel: If you travel away from home together, book the hotels in both names and keep those receipts along with all air tickets/eticket receipts.
Social: Important for the department, so keep any invitations from friends for dinner parties, weddings, etc. Any email conversations asking for the same can also be submitted.
I will add to this list when things come to mind.
You will find that the documentation exceeds the first lot that was required, so as earlier stated, keep this in mind and begin gathering these papers sooner rather than later.
Also (not related to Australia, but anyway...), and something I found very important and still do. KEEP HER BUSY. I got her a job within my business 3 months after arrival, and that enabled her to feel as she was contributing financially, but was more important that it helped her adapt to society, get a stronger grip on English through immersion and GAIN CONFIDENCE in her new surroundings. The confidence part is important, as she soon will begin a job in her field of design and this was done on her own accord.
