Can a Lawyer Help Bring My Spouse From Thailand to Australia?

Is a traditional Thai wedding enough for an Australian spouse visa?

A traditional Thai wedding is not enough for an Australian spouse visa on its own, because a marriage in Thailand is legally valid only when it is registered at a district office. A couple who held a ceremony but did not register is not legally married. That couple may register the marriage, apply as de facto partners if they meet that definition, or consider the prospective marriage visa. Our article on an overseas marriage that is not recognised explains these options.

Which visa suits a couple who are engaged but not yet married?

A couple who are engaged but not yet married may suit the Subclass 300 prospective marriage visa, which allows the Thai partner to come to Australia and marry the sponsor within the visa period. The couple must have met in person and intend to live together as spouses. Our page on the Subclass 300 visa explains the requirements, and our page on the Subclass 309 visa explains the option of marrying in Thailand first.

What Thai documents does the Department usually ask for?

The Thai documents the Department usually asks for are the passport, the national identity card, the house registration book, the birth certificate, the marriage registration certificate where married and a police clearance certificate from the Royal Thai Police. Any name change records are also important, because Thai applicants sometimes change their first name or surname. Documents in Thai need English translations, as explained in our article on partner visa evidence translation.

How are family payments and support viewed in a Thai relationship?

Family payments and support in a Thai relationship, including money sent to the partner's parents or a traditional payment at the wedding, are viewed as part of the couple's financial and social circumstances. They are not a reason for refusal, but the relationship statement should explain them so they are not misunderstood. Our article on partner visa cultural differences explains how cultural practices are presented, and our article on partner visa financial evidence explains what records to keep.

How should a couple with an age gap or a short relationship prepare?

A couple with an age gap or a short relationship should prepare by presenting detailed evidence of how they met, the time they have spent together and their shared plans. Neither factor causes refusal on its own, but the Department may look more closely at whether the relationship is genuine. Our articles on a partner visa age gap and a short relationship explain how to address those concerns.

How does My Migration Lawyers help sponsors with a partner in Thailand?

My Migration Lawyers helps sponsors with a partner in Thailand by establishing first whether the couple is legally married, engaged or de facto, because a ceremony without district office registration changes the visa that should be lodged. The firm then prepares the application, the Thai documents and translations, and relationship evidence that explains family and cultural practices clearly. A sponsor anywhere in Australia, and the Thai partner from Thailand, can attend a video consultation with our partner visa lawyers together.