As the end of my visa approaches I have been expecting to need to fly out of the country and return asap to get a new tourist visa, with all the associated costs. It does seem that I can instead ask for an extension to this tourist visa, which I will do. This does not change my work restrictions, I will remain unable to work until I can apply for the spouse visa, it does at least avert immediate separation from my family. Fingers crossed they give me a green light on another 3 months!

I have submitted this application for an extension today, $340AUD, it should take about 14 days for a response. This will hopefully buy enough time for me to find the required funds for the spouse visa. THANK YOU for helping me afford this extension!