FlyerTalk Forums - Same sex immigration

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Quote:

Originally Posted by wheresmybagba (Post 17642678)

I'm not sure that's entirely true. I'd have described my evidence of 12 months as borderline (my partner and I had been living apart for 6 months when I submitted the application!)...yet I submitted my application to London and was approved about 3 days later. Never once at either stage of processing did anyone ask me a question or request any sort of information or clarification...about anything...personally I found that surprising.

I understand your point about mail order brides...but immigration can't offer anything similar to same sex couples because there is no legal union for them to prospectively enter into, not at a federal level anyway! If that changes, I'm sure immigration will catch up...for now, it's about as 'progressive' as it can be.

again... difference between the interdependence visa for an existing Australian citizen and coming as a de facto partner. the interdenncy requirement was always very hard... friends went through that and went down to some place in st kilda where there was a specialised advice group to help out with the applications.

I would think the new de facto thing would be similar... maybe not for applications originating in the USA or uk, but for Asia I'm pretty sure it would be a lot harder than 3 days.

Quote:

Originally Posted by LHR/MEL/Europe FF (Post 17642741)

I think it more depends on if the applicant is possibly eligible for immediate PR based on the length of the relationship. That will take longer as there are more formalities to be undertaken. Where the applicant is clearly required to do the 2 year provisional period the visa grant can be very quick.

There was an article in the New York Times this morning about a program that provides residency if you invest $500,000 in certain economically depressed areas.

Depending on your partner's financial situation this could be a (perhaps quixotic) way of getting to the U.S.

Being a US citizen, I haven't had to deal with this of course, but my understanding is that, if you're a working professional, virtually any immigration difficulties can be overcome with the help of a good lawyer. If you are serious about working in the US and bringing your partner with, I'd be shocked if your company didn't have a slew of immigration attorneys to help. If you can get your company to sponsor you for a visa, I'm sure there's a way to get your partner here too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ajax (Post 17637317)

Indeed.

I have always felt sad that Australia is so far behind the equivalent Commonwealth countries of Canada and the UK. At least it is less discriminatory than it once was :)

Well, the discussions have started and I've been very clear about saying I'll consider anywhere as long as my partner can come with me which means (a) right of residency and (b) no prohibition on gay sex. First round suggestions were Istanbul, Dubai or Mumbai. Asked them to go away and think again... As for the US, I did talk to them about it but I'm guessing they have more non-US staff keen to go to the US than the other way around, so they may not be so willing to spend their immigration attorney lawyers on that transaction. Discussions will continue in the new year...

As a US born expat, I've found NZ very gay-friendly for immigration purposes, and the country provides a good standard of living in a beautiful setting. That being said, prices for many things are higher than in the US or Australia, and the Auckland real estate market is overvalued IMHO. Also salaries tend to be a bit higher in Oz and there are more job opportunities from what I hear.

Feel free to PM me for any questions you may have, and best of luck! :)