Need urgent assistance ( Same sex couple )

[robbiefernando]

thanks for your response

 

[amikety]

If you were just friends while living together, that doesn't count as common-law.

Once you are married, you can apply as a spouse. There's no waiting time, other than getting your application together.

 

[amikety]

Thanks Amikety, How do we prove that we were just friends and not in common law relationship. Will the consulate suspect it ? I am jst way too confused and dont want anything to go wrong.


Please advice.

If you can, ask any other flatmates or the landlord to write a statement you didn't share a bedroom and didn't act as a couple. If you have any ex-boyfriend during that time and you are on good terms, you can ask him to write a letter too.

Are you going through the Manila VO?

 

[amikety]

No, I will be applying from Australia. Is there anything else that I need to be aware of ?
Many Thanks

Worry about the Visitor's Visa right now. Starting worrying about the spouse visa once you get the results!

If you're visa exempt (Australian) you don't need one. If you're not visa exempt, use the search bar and look for "TRV refusals." Read several threads to get some ideas on what makes a strong visitor's visa application.

 

[amikety]

Thanks Amikety. I got my visitor visa approved in 24 hours and have got the passport stamped too. I was just going to visit my friend but he has asked me to get married to him now. That came to me as a big surpise. Through I am excited about it but worried too about the next step of the partner visa application.

Cheers

Congrats! The application is a lot of work, but most it is just busy work. Nothing too hard. Do your police clearances first and medical last.

 

[Andym]

Congratulations!

I am not an experienced member here but I would suggest that if the two of you do decide to get married you look at the spousal sponsorship immigration forms before getting married. Of course you don't want to plan a wedding around an application form ;D but it may influence the type of ceremony you have (simple legal ceremony vs something more public - does not have to be big or expensive). Invite friends, relatives, etc. Even if relatives cannot attend due to distance keep their RSVP. Take pictures of course!

You asked originally about a lawyer. Prior to making a decision about using a lawyer you may want to review the application forms and ask as many questions as you can on this board. In the end you may find you do not feel you need a lawyer - or you may feel more comfortable going that route. If nothing else by the time you see a lawyer you will know the questions that you have for him/her.