Partner/Spouse Visa to Oz - does it really take a year?

HI...I'm an Australian, and have been living in in the UK for 10 years or so. Been married to my British wife for 4 years, we've two sons who already have Australian citizenship by descent.

I've just been offered a job to go back to Australia, but have just come across the process for getting my wife a visa for us to all move as a family, and in addition to it costing A$7K, and being a drawn out process...its suggesting that waiting times are in excess of 12 months. Is this for real?

SO if my job offer wants me to start by the end of the year, basically i cant move my family over with me? There must be some sort of interim measure?

Yes it has process time but process time varies with the region that is just make sure you are aware from where you are applying and which region is best.

Thanks

Sukhwinder

Hi,

Will getting an agent to file my Partner visa application help speed up the process? I am currently living in Uk but I am thinking of hiring an agent in Aus.

Would this help my chances?

Thanks