Hi
I am hoping some of you can help me. My husband, daughter, dog, cats and I are all hoping to come over to Adelaide soon due to my husband getting a new job over there. My parents also want to come but I am really confused what sort of visa they would have to apply for. My mum is retired and my dad is 62 but I think he would like to get a wee job for himself when he came over. Any help would be great.

Nicola

Hello Nicola, and welcome to the forum.

Try this link to Dimia http://www.dimia.gov.au/migrants/family/visa-options.htm

and follow from there to see what your options are. There is known to be a vast waiting list (maybe 15 years) for the straight Parent Visa but the Contributory Visa is probably just a very few months wait. My parents are about to apply for the latter :sign03:

Have a look at the Contributory Parent visa categories - but be aware that for parents to be able to apply for such a visa:

1. They must have a child who will act as a Sponsor and who is "settled in Australia. DIMA policy is to interpret "settled" as "have lived lawfully in Australia for at least 2 years and is a permanent resident or Australian citizen." Note that this requirement pertains at the time the CP visa application is lodged.

2. The balance of family test must be satisfied (see the immi.gov.au website for more details in this regard).

It is often the case that children move to Australia and the parents are unable to move until the child has been living in Australia for at least 2 years. In the interim they may be able to look at long stay visitor visas (permission to holiday in Australia for up to 12 months is often possible).

Note also that processing times for CP visas are typically 12 months at present.

Perhaps explore this more fully by having a chat with a migration advisor - my colleague Lorraine Beaumont would be one person with whom I'd be having a freebie chat: T 023 80 488777 (Southampton, UK).

Hope this helps.