Hi Julie,

I'm also an American. I got married in Australia whilst on a tourist visa, then applied for my spouse visa onshore.

One thing you need to know right up front is that it's ILLEGAL to come to Australia on a tourist visa (or any other visa) with the intent to apply for a different visa. You can get into some serious trouble if Immigration even suspects you of doing this. I was lucky, but looking back, I shudder to think of the risk I took.

Unless there is some pressing reason why you absolutely have to move to Australia ASAP, my advice would be to wait and do it the right way, apply from the States. The consequences of getting caught and being excluded entry for up to 3 years are not worth it.

Moving internationally is a HUGE deal and there's so much to consider... I'd suggest googling "Yanks Down Under", for starters.

Good luck!

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