[KazzE]

Parents - yes you do need the balance of family in the country before they can apply - Gollywobbler is our resident expert, you could try looking for her posts on the subject by using the search option.

Don't suppose they have been living with either of you for the last couple of years? they may be able to go on your visa as dependants.

My poor Dad is waiting for us to get over there before we put his application in - we just have to sell the bally house

there are different options when you apply for a contributary parent visa that have thier own criteria.
My Dad is on a year tourist visa at the moment and we are hoping that we can put his application in before Sept when it runs out, we have been told that he will then be able to get a bridging visa (I think) and so stay in Oz while it is processed, he will be told to leave the country when it is about to be granted and will probably go to NZ or Singapore for a holiday.

My DD has a place at Melbourne Uni (may not actually go there, long story), we used these people to help with information and to complete the application, they were really helpful and there is no charge.

Telephone: 020 7353 7200
International: +44 20 7353 7200

Address: 16 Temple Chambers, 3-7 Temple Avenue, London, EC4Y 0DT
Email: sarah@studyoptions.com
Web: Study Options - providing free advice and assistance to students for studies in Australia and New Zealaland

hope this helps

Karen