Australian Immigration in Moscow closed!!!

[Daz0187]

Hi All,

My girl in Moscow has just let me know that the Immigration department of the Australian Embassy in Moscow is now closed.
We are/were planning on applying for our prospective marriage visa in early august.
 Can anyone give advice on the best way to proceed now?
We have both started preparing all our documentation but would like to know if it is best to apply here in Australia our somehow through Moscow.


Cheers,
Daz

[Larry1]

Hi All,

My girl in Moscow has just let me know that the Immigration department of the Australian Embassy in Moscow is now closed.
We are/were planning on applying for our prospective marriage visa in early august.
 Can anyone give advice on the best way to proceed now?
We have both started preparing all our documentation but would like to know if it is best to apply here in Australia our somehow through Moscow.

Perhaps you can call the embassy and ask if another Australian embassy has been assigned to handle visa applications for Russians.

[tfcrew]

http://www.russia.embassy.gov.au/mscw/visas_and_migration.html

[calmissile]

Note the applications closed notice for various categories.

There seems to be no explanation.

I wonder if the USA is considering the same actions?

[southernX]

daz,
look here below in this link mate, part posted the info you need
phone call to the embassy in moscow  or your closest city office ,  IMMI in australia to get best info 

id expect there will be some teething issues as they swap over services from moscow embassy to the european service centre
the web site info update is slightly out of sinc with the embassys notice at present

SX

http://www.russia.embassy.gov.au/mscw/PartnerMigra.html


PARTNER MIGRATION
 
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People who intend to migrate to Australia as a partner of an Australian citizen or permanent resident (or an eligible New Zealand citizen) may apply for one of the following visas at the Australian Embassy Moscow:
 •
Fiance – subclass 300 (Prospective Marriage)

•
Partner – subclass 309 (Partner Provisional). This includes married spouses and de facto partners (including same-sex partners)

 
You must be outside Australia when you apply and also when the Partner (Provisional) visa (subclass 309) is granted. You can be in or outside Australia when Partner visa (subclass 100) is granted.
 
Detailed information about Partner and Prospective Marriage visas is available from the website of the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP): www.immi.gov.au
 •
Partner Category Visa Options

•
Booklet 1, Partner Migration

 
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How to apply
 
The Australian Embassy in Moscow would prefer that you lodge your Partner visa application online. If you are unable to do so, you can send your application to us by mail or courier. If you wish to lodge your application in person at the Embassy, you will need to make an appointment through the Europe Service Centre. Please follow the links below for further information:
 •Applying for Visas
•Partner Visa Document Checklist
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Health Requirements
 
All applicants for permanent entry to Australia must meet health requirements before the grant of a visa.
 
Please do not undertake health examinations until instructed to do so by your visa case officer.
 
Please do not contact your visa case officer to check whether they have received the results of your medical examination - your visa case officer will advise you if the results have not been received.
 
See: Medical Requirements
 
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Processing Times
 
The service standard processing time set by the Australian Government for Partner Visa applications in Moscow is 12 months. In some cases the Australian Embassy in Moscow is able to finalise applications within approximately 6-8 months. However, some complex applications may take longer to process. Please apply as early as possible before the time you wish to move to Australia.
 
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Initial entry to Australia
 
If your Partner visa application is successful, you will be advised of the date you are required to enter Australia (your ‘initial entry date’) at the time of the visa grant. This is generally (though not always) within one to three months of the date of visa grant, and is usually linked to the validity of an applicant’s health and character clearances. If you do not enter Australia before this date, you will have breached a condition of your visa and your visa may be subject to cancellation.
 
The initial entry date for a visa cannot be extended after the visa has been granted. If you are aware that you will not be able to travel within one to three months after the grant of a visa (assuming your application is successful) you should notify your visa case officer BEFORE your visa application is finalised, and indicate when you would be able to travel. An extension to the visa entry date will only be granted for up to three months, and only in very exceptional and compelling circumstances. If an extension is granted, you may need to undergo new health and/or character checks.
 
See: http://www.immi.gov.au/migrants/partners/partner/309-100/after-lodgement.htm