Your spouse is the most important person in your life. Any issue pertaining to your spouse is definitely something that would be a cause for worry. This is especially true for immigration. Certain guidelines have to be followed when it comes filling a spouse application for Australian immigration. This article is an attempt to clear certain misconceptions regarding spouse visas for Australia. Hope it is an aid to those reading it!

• Joint Bank Accounts are Mandatory – This is one of the most common assumptions made by an applicant. Here, it has to be understood that the visa official is looking for evidence that proves your relationship as being genuine. For this, documents for a joint bank account are not the only evidence that could be provided for the same. The proof for this involves much more than the joint finances. It includes your relationship’s past, views of others regarding your relationship, travels documents for which you have traveled together, personal statements regarding your relationship and so on. So, worry not even if you and your spouse do not have a joint bank account. However, having a joint bank account is an added advantage but not compulsory.
• Spousal Applications are a Cake Walk! This is another common misconception because of which you might lose out on your visa. Spousal applications are of equal importance. It is not mandatory that you must consult an immigration specialist…you are in the rights to file your own application. But, to what extent are you willing to put everything at stake? However, if you consult a specialist, the ride would be hassle free since you would be having an expert by your side. More so, spousal applications are of equal importance. So, don’t neglect it at any cost!
• Do Not Take Anything for Granted – If you are an Australian, it doesn’t provide you with automatic rights to get an approval for your spouse. Your spouse would only be granted a visa provided both of you prove that your relationship is genuine. Or else, the fraudulent practices would simply be on the rise, especially to gain entry to Australia. Thus, a rightful channel has to be passed in order to obtain a visa and enter Australia.
• Apply Yourself and Get Fast Track Visas – Definitely not true! Applying on your own would take around four to six months or may be more than a year till you get a positive response from the Australian High Commission. On the other hand, a consultant has a great network and knows when and who to contact for the right purpose. So, he would know the right person to meet for your spousal application. It is agreed that you might have to spend on the consultant but it’s definitely worth it rather than waiting for months and years together.
• Spousal Visa is guaranteed inspite of an Earlier Denial – It is usually the opposite! If your earlier application has faced a denial, filing for a plea or even a fresh application would mean double stringency being maintained. You might be asked for additional documents as proof of your relationship. Also, causes for denial of your previous application would also be looked into and what has been done to overcome it. So, the process becomes even more tedious. Thus, it is better to succeed in the first attempt itself.
• Lack/Minimal of Documentation would do! This is absolutely not true…submitting the relevant documentation is of utmost importance. The documentation that you submit support is evidence of your relationship. These form the credibility of your relationship which is further used to verify the same.
• Being married and Living together are Important Criteria – Either of the two is important! According to the Australian law, a couple must either be legally married or should be in a relationship that is genuine for a minimum of a year prior to applying for the visa.
• Visas are always obtained for Genuine Relationships! This is not true…making mistakes is a part of the human nature. It is similar with the visa officers where in there are chances of overlooking documents and information provided by you. Your visa officer might also turn out to be biased or even inefficient. In such cases, you must approach a consultant to guide you through the same.
• Any Consultant can do this job! This is absolutely not correct…there are many fake consultants out there who might only be interested in your money. So, ensure that you select the right consultant who deals with Australian immigration and with spousal visas for the same. More so, he should be experienced and authorized personnel with a successful track record.
• A Consultant is a waste of money! This waste of money is your ticket to get your spouse along. So, spend that extra money, save time and resources and get things done quickly. A consultant is an experienced personnel; who is always updated with the latest in this regard. However, select the right one!

All in all, your spouse’s application is of equal importance. So, put your best foot forward!