I love babies. I love children. I love seeing loving families with lots of kids. And most of the Australian Filipina couples that Down Under Visa help with their partner visa application management seem to be a remarkably fertile lot! And seeing photos from clients happily settled in Australia, visa in one hand and baby in the other…..lovely! I wonder sometimes how many babies have come into the world for Down Under Visa clients. Would be quite a few hundred by now!
However, much as babies and nice big round pregnant bellies and Australian visas go so well together, pregnant visa applicants who don’t have their visas can lead to a lot of fear and unhappiness especially when prospective dad and mum are in two separate countries! And NEWS FLASH! With good management, all of this is preventable!
Visa applications and pregnancy timing
It’s all about timing! Like most wonderful things, making babies can be a source of great joy or great misery. And the solution really is in your hands. But let me explain why this is such an issue.
One of the frequent insertions in emails enquiring about partner visas is “…..oh, and she’s pregnant”. There’s then usually a wish to (a) give birth in Australia in an Australian hospital (preferably with Medicare) or to (b) give birth in the Philippines with her family.
Here come some facts:
Visa processing can’t be timed, and doesn’t work around baby-making
A partner visa in Manila can take 2 months, or it could take 14 months.
Unless a baby is born to at least one Australian parent inside Australia, they are not an Australian Citizen
And non-citizens need visas and passports. That means babies born in Philippines.
Passport applications need birth certificates (a few months) and passports (sometimes 3 – 4 months)
So without these, baby isn’t going anywhere.
You may add baby to a partner visa application if the partner visa isn’t finished and granted yet
That means if the visa is granted before baby is born, it’s too late to add baby on. PLUS, baby needs a birth certificate to be added to the visa application. Possible delays to a partner visa application!
Once a partner visa is granted, it will have a “must enter Australia by” date.
Mum, the visa holder, can’t delay entering Australia or will breach visa conditions. That may mean leaving new-born baby alone whilst mum makes a quick dash to Australia and back again.
To get baby (without a visa) into Australia means a Citizenship By Descent application
This requires a birth certificate and a few months. Then an Australian passport application.
It also means pregnant visa applicant is going to be spending much of the pregnancy in a state of limbo, with husband/fiancé in another country and a blood stream full of hormones making her feel very vulnerable!
Medical care here can be excellent, but sometimes its woeful. And maybe dad-to-be is still in Australia too. Pregnant women are often easily scared, and often illogical. Her back will ache, her feet will swell. Not a good time to be going through such uncertainty.
And much as many of you who ask me wish we could ask the Embassy to hurry things along or to put you in the Express Buntis Line (“buntis” means “pregnant” in Tagalog), there is no such line. Being pregnant is neither rare nor exceptional in partner visa application matters. You will stay in the normal queue and your application will go onto the Big Dusty Pile like everyone elses!
What I’m getting at obviously is try to get the timing right! Yeah, “accidents” can happen. But most of the time it’s bad planning. Everyone knows how babies are made, right? Please don’t make me give the birds-and-bees talk about mummies and daddies who love each other very much! Unless you have tremendous self-control, staying in a room with someone you love tends to make certain things happen. And unless you took prior precautions before going into that room, there’s a good chance babies may be made. And as I explained above, there is a right time and a wrong time. Please I implore you to take responsibility for this with some proper family planning!
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Judy and I have been through this, we choose to have our baby in the Philippines. After we were able to get all Graysons paperwork like birth ceriticate NSO and other documents, Judy and Grayson returned to Australia on Visitor Visas. We then applied for Graysons citizen by decent and was approved after a little while. Since then Judy and I got married here and partner visa was submitted, Judy is now here on a bridging visa. Now we just have to wait for the partner visa to be approved. All done through Downunder Visa
Shouldn’t be too long hopefully, David. Regards to you all.
Hi Jeff , I do think you tend to exaggerate a bit, my future wife came to Australia with your help at a cost, thank you, on a three month visa, from there we extended it to make it to twelve month, after that you said she must go back to the Philippines, you can’t stay any more than twelve month period in Australia, I thought why not, so after inquiring and applying for a partner visa and bridging her current visa again here till it finally came through, yes I paid the Australian Govement a lot of money, but that’s it, no more fees from you or anybody else, but you keep scaremongering all those out there telling them a lode of codswolup, (untruths,) it’s not that hard to come to Australia as long as you go through the proper channels, tell the truth on all documents, yes it takes time, and time is money.. ..But thanks for your help initially, if your going to post this letter please post it entirely. Cheers Royston
I don’t mind posting it up in its entirety, Royston. Every time someone does an application themselves and it works out fine, they say “No one needs a Migration Agent”. You seem to have done that, and good luck to you. Refusal rates on tourist visas are between 1:4 and 1:5 in Manila. Similarly on partner visas. Our success rate is over 99%. No, we are not the “only answer”, but we do a great job and our clients appreciate it. We wouldn’t be so busy if we weren’t providing consistent value.
Anyway, the point of this particular article is about being realistic in family planning. It doesn’t affect how many clients we get. It’s a plea for applicants and sponsors making life easier for themselves.
I disagree with Royston. There is an incredible risk and a fine line. If you are lucky, or more importantly your timing is lucky, you may not encounter needless difficulty… but so many have been denied and/or have waited for so long their documents are no longer valid.
Jeff helped me bring my husband to Australia – we are a young couple and now have 2 children – I put our lives in Jeff’s hands and I would recommend him to anyone. They were transparent from the start and very responsive. I always knew where the risks were and how to manoeuvre through their guidance. The system is complex – it is not worth the risk of refusal if you yourself are not an expert. Talk to the experts – the cost is minimal and Jeff will tell you straight if the risks are too high.
I had some trouble with a visa application for a relative to visit as a tourist, we were refused twice, I sent it to Jeff, and he didn’t hesitate to say he didn’t think my chances are high.
Trust these guys. It isn’t worth the plan B option and your visas being denied. Jeff will tell it straight and they will do their best for a happy ending.
Hi
Your blog is great.
I have a question, my wife is British and she is in sydney here at the moment on a BVA waiting for our subclass 820/801. We moved to australia after her father passed away, but both her and her mother (in England) are not taking the grieving well. We were wandering if there’s anyway we can move back to England and transfer to an offshore visa? Or get maybe a two year BVB? Your advice is highly appreciated. Thanks
You can’t change the visa, and I doubt very much if you will get a 2 year Bridging Visa B, sorry. I sympathise, but realise you are risking the partner visa if you don’t handle this well.
I SPOUSE MY WIFE AND SHE HAS BEEN LIVING WITH ME 2 YEARS . I DID NOT APPLT PR FOR HER . WE ARE SEPARETED . I WITHDRAW HER SPONSORSHIP. IS SHE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY PR
Under certain circumstances (proven family violence or a child of the relationship) she may continue with the partner visa. She is also free to apply for other visas that she qualifies for.
Hi, I am working under 457 visa and it’s only a month since I enter Australia.
My wife is 5 months pregnant and I wanted her to give birth here in Australia. Is this possible,and what are the circumstances?
thanks!
We don’t manage 457 visa applications, sorry Jerome. I can’t advise you.
Hi I am from Papua New Guinea.Went to Australia under a Business Visa and have been in and out of Australia since February.I met my partner in February and we started seeing each other.Soon in May I realise AI was pregnant.We talked about it and decided to keep the baby.Our problem is my partner has sponsored his ex under the Partner Visa which was granted and they were married 2 years ago. They are now separated and his not file for divorce yet. He wanted me to move to Australia to be with him and give birth there.Its so complicated and I dont know if my Business Visa (multiple entries)can allow me to go to Australia and give birth.
Please advise.
I don’t deal with business visas so couldn’t advise you. And it’s not something for a comments section anyway. I suggest you locate a registered migration agent to help you.
Good morning. I was recently visited, in Australia, by a good friend. We had intercourse and she fell pregnant. Problem is, she lives in Germany. If we wanted to have the baby in Australia, what visa would we need to apply for and is she eligible for Medicare? Thank you.
In theory you could apply for a Medical Treatment Visa, but I doubt if you could meet the criteria. She may give birth while she’s on a tourist visa, but if they suspect this is her intention she probably won’t get the visa. And she certainly won’t be eligible for Medicare. If you are an Australian Citizen, the child will be an Australian at birth. But the mother won’t gain anything.
Hello Jeff. I got my tourist visa with your help too, thanks a lot.
My visa will expire this coming September as i have multiple entry, i go out the country every 3months, a total of 12months stay here in Aus.
And i am pregnant now, I’ll give birth on August.
I just wanna ask if
Is there possible that i could apply another tourist visa again?
Please give me some advice. Thanking you in advance. ???
Hello Lovely. Nice to hear from you. Please email me about this, as its a bit complicated for here. And please let me know (in the email) if you are intending to give birth in Australia or in Philippines.
Hi jaff
I applied partner visa for my wife 8 months ago she is now overseas and I’m in Australia now
She is pregnant in 4 months now should I let immigrants know about this pregnancy
And we can punch offshore visa for this pregnant
Thank you jass
It would be a good idea to inform them, but don’t expect they will fast-track your application because of this. Pregnancy among partner visa applicants is far from exceptional. I don’t know what you mean by “And we can punch offshore visa for this pregnant”, sorry.
Thank you so much jeff
My husband is on student Visa (subclass 500), in Australia. I have applied for subsequent Entrance visa for two times but rejected. I’m now Pregnant and I want to live with him because no body is living with me to take care of me. Which Visa should I apply?
I don’t know anything about your circumstances. I don’t know if you’re in Australia or outside. I don’t know what country you’re in. And I don’t know why your visa application was refused. I suggest you find a Registered Migration Agent and get some professional help.
Hello Jeff,
I applied for student visa (subclass 500) and my two kids and I get granted immediately last month and my application is finalized. However, my wife is pregnant they asked for health examination. We did that last week after she entered the second trimester.
What do you think? is it possible that my wife get her visa? and how long usually does it take after the health examination is sent?
I start to worry!!
I dont deal with student visas, sorry
hi Jeff
very informative blog thanks.
I have question for you. I am Australian Citizen, I applied spouse visa off shore for my wife 8 months ago, waiting for answer. I visit her 4 times last year, now good news arrived she is pregnant. My question is if I applied for her visit Visa and if she deliver the baby here in Australia. is medicare cover the cost? As i (father) is Australian Citizen and of-course born child will be Australian Citizen. Second question is as now Medical cant be done as we cant do X Ray. 6 months visit visa needs medical as well I guess. Can you please advice what are my options.
thanks
Noor
You don’t seem to deal with much at all Jeff! lol. What DO you deal with?
Noor’s question above has been sitting there awhile. Everything ok friend?
So you’re asking about someone else’s post? And you feel I don’t do enough by not answering complex questions for free? I keep busy with paying clients, and less busy with those who think I will solve their problems for free.
Hi Jeff,
I had applied for my wife’s Partner visa from India in May 2018 and based on the current time frames we are expecting it to be towards end of this year. Currently she is staying with me in Sydney on Tourist visa. She is now pregnant and I am not sure on whether we have to update the embassy on it as she is on tourist visa to understand if there is any change in conditions due to that.
Also since I have launched the Partner visa from India, not sure if she is asked to travel back to India for the grant and unfortunately might not be possible at that time due to her health conditions. Is there any waiver we can get for that.
Thanks for your help in advance.
Hi Jeff.
My family will travel to Melbourne from PH next month. We all have temporary visas issued last October (validity more than a year). However, my wife is pregnant. I’d like to ask or know how much is the expected cost for pregnancy and childbirth (normal/caesarian) in AU? For sure pregnancy and childbirth is covered in health insurance but will have to wait for a year before using it. I’m still weighing whether to bring my wife and son to AU or have my wife give birth here and wait for a year before they go there too.
Thanks for the advice.
I’ve heard quotes of $10-15K, Paul.
You also have issues with a child being born in Australia having to remain in Australia while mum goes back when the tourist visa runs out. The child will be an Australian Citizen at birth, but in need of a birth certificate to apply for a passport. No passport = no travel.
Hi, I have been in a relationship with an Australian citizen for 7 years now. 3 years ago I was granted a 300 visa (prospective marriage), went to Australia and lived there with my partner for 7 months but we didn’t end up getting married. however, we want to get married soon and we’d like to know if at the time of applying for 309 subclass we would be expecting a baby, what the situation will be? how long does it take to get the visa? will I be able to give birth to my baby in Australia?
Your 300 would most likely have expired if that was the case. You may apply for a 309 if you are marrying soon. And no, you do not get a fast-tracked visa because you’re pregnant. You will need to wait like everybody else. At this moment, 309’s are taking 12 – 18 months to be processed, based on your experiences. I suggest you get a free visa assessment done. The link is on this page.
I came to Australia as a student with my wife, and finished my studies. I applied for 485 graduate visa and my wife can’t do the medical chest x-ray as she is pregnant now. Will Immigration grant visa after baby born? What should I do?
They will delay the decision until she’s been able to have an X-ray
Hi Jeff,
My Vietnamese wife is in Australia on a bridging A visa (waiting for a new 12 month tourist visa) but is now pregnant!
If we apply for a partner visa, can she be covered by Medicare or did we need to apply before she was pregnant?
Really appreciate your help and if medicare is possible for the birth then I will be using your services to help with a partner visa !
Cheers
Medicare for partner visa applicants covers pre-existing conditions. We’ve had many a baby born in Australia to clients under those circumstances and they didn’t pay a cent.
Hi
we are in a great confusion, my wife had pregnancy and our private health insurance did not cover our pregnancy and birth due to our waiting period of 12 months. we plan to give birth back to our home country Nepal and she is planning to travel back and I plan to stay here working @Western Australia.
Our 485 visa is going to expire soon on 30 September 2022, planning ahead to apply 491/190.
In this situation we have some doubts:
1. Can secondary applicant (my wife) will gets bridging Visa ?
2. Can she go for Medical for Visa purpose or do have to wait till birth of baby ?
2.a. After birth of baby how long does she have to wait for medical ?
2.b. Do we have to go for baby medical checkup ?
Seeing this situation, do you recommend us to give birth in Australia or Back in our home country. We really have a stressful situation of managing work, financial hardship.
I would be really thankful for your kind suggestion.
You need professional help. Not answers in a comments section on a BLOG page.
Hi
We applied for 186DE visa as a civil engineer while my wife is pregnant. 5 months passed and IMMI status is still “recieved”.
Does the department pause the application until the baby is born in October?
Thanks for your helps
No they don’t pause applications
hi there,
greetings. are you sure about it? I mean how sure are you? because my agent said it’d be on hold for until the baby is born then we’ll have to do medical again and add the baby in the application.
Am I sure about what in particular?