Need Immigration Info - US to Australia?

[shezann]

Hi girls just wondering if anyone has any information about Australia's immigration policy? Have any of you been successful in getting your man over here? Any information would be greatly appreciated..

[Patty]

I moved your post here to the Immigration forum so that members with info you need can assist you. Best of luck.

[Mhis]

could you be a little more specific? Is there a felony or anything like that?

[shezann]

Yes my bf is due to be released in 2014 - 2015 and was wondering if the Australian immigration allows felons from overseas to move to Australia? I've sort of looked into it and it says it goes on a case by case scenario. Just wanted to know if there is a possibility he would eventually be allowed to live her with me?

[Mhis]

I think it is possible, maybe not right from the beginning when he's released. It depends on his case. Is it something with violence they might let him stay in the US for a few years. It's difficult to say because no case or situation is the same. The best thing to do is look for an immigration laywer who gives you free advice. Then you have some guidelines or things you need to do or know before you take any action. If you search for a laywer on google there are a few who give you free advice. If I can help you with anything let me know ;-) Im in the same situation haha

[shaunna]

I'll be honest they can be extremely tough on ex felons trying to move to Australia.... they need to pass a 'good character test' and a clear record is essential (I only know this because I have spoken with an immigration attorney as my partner was going to come here however it has since been easier path for me to go to the US). It's not impossible, but it's not easy and is unfortunately hindered by any record regardless of the crime

http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/character-requirements/

[MightGoMightNot]

Australia is one of the harshest on this issue.

IIRC (I'm sure someone will be along with the specifics), both Australia and New Zealand do address prison time in their character requirements- it has to do with the amount of prison time you've spent in the past (X) year.

For example, you will not pass if you've spent (3 months or more) in the past (2 Years)

You will not pass if you've spend (2 years or more) in the past (10 Years)

Either way, trying to enter Aus/NZ with a felony thrusts you in that gray area of 'discretionary admission', where your fate is in the hands of human beings, rather than a firm "rule" and they do take a notoriously hard line.

I've researched the issue of ex offender immigration with a lot of different countries, ranging in desirability, and have learned a few things.

1) 99.9% of the information you might find on the internet about this issue is utter garbage. It's a classic example of people having a bizarre desire to give elaborate 'theories' about something they know nothing about.

2) There is essentially no country on earth that totally "doesn't care if you have a record". They basically all have some statute on the books that addresses immigration character requirements.

3) Having said that, there are a few countries that don't really consider it a total barrier, a few other countries that seem to be pretty easy going about it. There is no country on earth as hysterical as the US as far as this goes.

4) Don't bother calling an embassy. There is nobody there who can give you the information you need over a phone. This goes for every country. The on;y exception is Canada, where they have a lot of experience on the issue due to their proximity to the US. They will simply refer you to information about "Criminal Inadmissabilty" and "Certificates of Rehabilitation".

[shaunna]

Have you thought about maybe moving to America or would you rather he come here? If you are interested in the possiblity of going over there feel free to send me a PM (my bf and I are currently going through the process of obtaining a fiance visa for me to move to america) and I have researched it a lot LOL

Either way whatever you decide to do good luck