The Basics
GLITF SA's primary objective is to assist same-sex partners of Australian and eligible New Zealander gays and lesbians to migrate to Australia.
Under Australia's immigration law, the applicant must show that they are in a de facto relationship (i.e genuine and continuing, at the exclusion of others) for at least 12 months prior to the application. Financial, emotional and social aspects of the relationship are assessed. As such, documentation that attests to all the different aspects of the relationship need to be presented as part of the application submission.
Upon submission of application, the applicant will receive a bridging visa while the application is being processed. If the application is approved, the bridging visa will be converted into a Temporary Residency Permit for the applicant.
If the initial application proves unsuccessful, the applicant can appeal and re-submit the application.
Amongst the information and data provided by Dept of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC), Factsheet 35 provides an overview of the "One-Year Relationship Requirement" that is central to same-sex migration. The fact sheet is available for download on our resource page.
The Process
GLITF SA's process is a Do-It-Yourself procedure - we provide information, assistance and importantly moral support to our members for them to write their own migration application. This process is significantly different from you paying a migration adviser to prepare your application. Our process means that you will have to do more work both in understanding the actual requirements and gathering the necessary documentation required. However, that translates to a substantial amount of dollars saved in fees to the migration adviser.
Please note also that if you have experienced difficulties before in migration application, or you believe that you will face substantial difficulties, or if you cannot comprehend the application requirements as outlined by GLITF SA, you may want to seek out a registered Migration Adviser to assist you. GLITF SA can help you in the right direction if you desire it.
Using GLITF SA to help you along the way;
- Attend our monthly forums. Discuss with the committee and other members your situation and assess whether you are comfortable to go with the DIY approach.
- If you do choose to join GLITF SA as a member, there is a full or a associate membership available. Read more.
- With your membership, GLITF SA will provide abooklet titled "Partnership Migration" as a guide. Please read the information thoroughly.
- Begin to organise the required documentation for your application. After a period of 12 months of being in a relationship and collecting evidence of relationship, it usually takes anywhere between 2-6 months to put together the application together.
- About 3 months before you plan to submit your application, you should obtain up to date application forms from DIAC, either through the website or from DIAC's offices Also ensure there have been no substantial changes to the Legislation that may affect you application. You can go to our resource page for links to changes in Migration Law.
- Fill out the forms, completed all the necessary statutory declarations (for you and your partner) and compile all accompanying evidence. Remember to check and cross-check the statutory declarations for consistency in information.
- About 1 month before submitting application, contact the Secretary of GLITF SA and request a meeting with the pro-bono Migration Adviser. When you are meeting with the Migration Adviser, be sure to bring along the whole package you intend to submit to DIAC for review and a list of any outstanding questions that you have.
- Make final adjustments to application based on advice provided by Migration Adviser. Lodge the application at the DIAC's Adelaide office or at the Australian Embassy if applying form outside Australia. If it required you will be advised by the officer regarding a date for interview. This interview of an hour is normally conduct for both the applicant and the sponsor. The couple are generally interviewed together.
- Alternatively you can call or visit DIAC to arrange for an interview, but you need to advise DIAC when you intend to submit your application.