HELPLESS

[juggy]

So my gf(from Moscow) we met overseas for 15days and I came back to Australia. She went to see a migration agent who told her there is no way she can be with me on a Prospective Marriage visa as time spent is not enough. She also said if we get married soon the Australian immigration won't believe that our relationship is genuine. We cannot afford a student visa and now are feeling helpless. Any ideas?
Thanks guys

[dogspot]

Go back for another visit for starters. Meet her family and friends. Spend as much time as possible with her before you start the immigration process. DON'T RUSH. These things take time (sometimes more time than the average person can take). *KNOW* your lady before you make any moves toward marriage.

[Gator]

juggy,

 

Congratulations on finding love!!!


My advice at this stage is to spend more time with your fine woman!   Do not rush the "get married" decision.


Did you meet her family and friends in Moscow?  If not, I suggest another trip to Moscow to do exactly that.   If yes, help her obtain a tourist visa to visit you in Oz.

[Noch1]

I agree with above, a visit to her city is a must,
seeing her with family and friends
is important, a little more time would be wise.
Do not hurry something so important.

[Hammer2722]

If she truely loves you and you her, then you should both be willing to take the time to do things properly. Good luck.

[CDW]

In addition to the above postings, take as much photos as possible, with you together.  The Embassy might want you to show evidence.

[I/O]

Ditch the agent - the bulk of them are unqualified idiots. The rest are usually failed wannabe lawyers. In all my years around this caper I've seen one provide consistently credible advice. That said, you probably do need a couple more runs on the board for the whole thing to "look" real but I've seen worse approved.
 
Personally, if you are set on a SC300, I would complete and lodge the application, goodness, it isn't complicated, just follow the check list and concurrently apply for a tourist visa. Given the time of the year, I would guess there are a few SC300 applications backed up in the system (quota, cough, which allegedly doesn't exist) until after June and an application is likely to get pretty clear passage in the new financial year. 
 
I repeat, ditch the stupid agent.

[southernX]

juggy

id agree with most of whats been written so far
and i would add the following advice

1 if you did not travel to her home city /country , then do so as soon as you can , just meeting in say thailand as a once off for 15 days is probably not solid enough , but as I/O  says it all depends on other factors,/evidence of solid relationship to be proved, like finacial help to her , communication  between you etc etc , id still reccommend you visit her at home in FSU , meet family etc etc  for 3-4 weeks on the ground  if you can swing it ?

2 ditch the migration agent IN MOSCOW !!!  many agents are ok ,some not ok , if you wish to get their advice in the first instance as a guide on your chances , then you need to find one close to YOU IN AUSTRALIA , that YOU  can visit , give them the facts/evidence of the relationship  , no bullshit and let them give you an honest appraisal of where your at % wise, 

this may only need to be a once of visit for you to suss the lie of the land , as you can do the paperwork yourself , however if admin , organisation , time are not your strong points then consider an agent ,
a local agent in australia is used to dealing with IMMI  here,    they should know all,the usual routine procedures and be able to manage it smoother than an agent overseas, ,
 
so go local if your going to use an agent , they will alos be able to certify any docs you need

get your girl to do all translations of birth certificates etc  into english in her city with a local notary , much cheaper

good luck SX