Immigrationboards.com

All - today I applied in Australia (Melbourne) for the 'fast tracked' Family Permit. Supposedly this will now be processed in as little as 5 days in you pay an extra 180$ AUD which I did today. I am married to an Italian - have been in a relationship since 2012 with my wife and were married in March 2014. I provided limited details, no financials, only comments around our marriage, relationship, certificate and a cover letter from her noting we will travel together to the UK in late June and requesting the Family permit.

Note: I was told at the center today (which is run by VFS, outsoursed) that 'non-Visa' nationales can get an 'automatic' stamp at the airport if they come in with their spouse and marriage certificate and are coming to the UK for the first time (vs coming in to join the spouse). I was also told the Family Permit was 'not really needed' and they rarely see non-Visa nationales apply (note: this is in Australia) for this because they'd just use the 1A stamp at the airport.

I will update again the result here - the only issue I can see is since we have only been married since March 1st, they may want more evidence that this is a real relationship, despite us living together in Australia since 2012.

Has anyone else had similar feedback re the 1A stamp?

You paid 180AU$?????? It's meant to be free and accelerated anyway. My Chinese civil partner paid 0$ and got it within 8 days.

That's an outrage and in direct contravention to EU law! I would complain and ask for the money back.