OwenJohn

Yes indeed your right, all practical questions needing thought. All people differ of course in attitude and needs and demands. My Mother isn't a great mixer in terms of fellow seniors/pensioners, I wish she was, but that's not something she does. Funnily enough one of the things she misses most is not having someone to go on holiday with now as the friend she used to do that with moved to the U.S 2 or 3 years ago to her join her daughter. What I can say is both my wife and I have given this an enormous amount of thought. If I bring her to Australia, she will live in our home and luckily she will have her own privacy in an Annex we have added to the house, yet still be part of the home. She asked for that by the way, when she visited previously. In addition, when I sold my business in the UK, I was able to retire, so I am home now apart from the Charity work I am involved in. My wife is a part time nurse, and her and my Mother get along great and this is a big advantage and she is well versed in elderly care. No, we have no intention of leaving her alone in the evening or at weekends, absolutely not, that would be a terrible thing to do. We want to give her maximum involvement as per her wishes, yet allow her, her own privacy and freedom to have time to herself. In all seriousness, lets be realistic, at 88 years old, we want to cherish the time we have left with her and share the beauty of Australia with her whenever we can. I laughed at some of the points you mention, (laugh in a nice way I mean), her garden back home, quote "it's too bloody big and costs me a small fortune every year" treasured possessions, "It's all Junk Owen, I sold all the good stuff when your father died" I have asked if she wants to bring things with her and apart from a couple of things like items of jewellry, she's only asking to bring her new bed with her!! No health visitor, and no public transport used, but a nice taxi guy who helps her when she calls him. And she's no fan of John Lewis either, she's more of a Tesco girl. So I think Coles or Woolies will work out OK, but a trip now and then to Meyer or David Jones will be fine. There are 4 of us here who drive so we should be capable of organising a lift for her when she needs it. Also the public transport near us is good but on her own, I wouldn't feel happy about her using it until she had been here a while and I had observed her mobility, as she had a fall on a bus once back home when the driver pulled off early before she had taken her seat. But that's no big deal. Another thing she always liked was swimming, she was a really good swimmer in her younger days, but she doesn't even get to do that now back in Blighty. So she would easily be able to swim again here, which is something she really enjoyed when she visited us. She's mentioned that with great enthusiasm. I thank you sincerely for raising these points because this is a serious matter and a big step for all, and it's good to get feedback and asked questions.

Thanks for the reply, you raise some good points. To be honest, She is now very keen to come here as she has changed her attitude completely to past times. In the past the word Australia was a swear word to her as she saw it as the place that broke her family up. We actually went back in 2009 when my Dad became ill, and stayed there. When he died, the Mother was totally anti Australia to the point of embarrassment. (I'll never set foot in that wretched place!!) But time heals and slowly things changed, absence makes the heart grow fonder as they say, I'd like to take the credit for that, but I think it was more to do with Neighbours and Home and Away!! . Back in UK, she has 4 friends, but no family close bye. These friends have their own life's and family so she's not close to them to the point of going on holidays with them or staying over at their houses or anything like that. Infact out of the 4, she's closer to just one, who is possibly moving about 25 miles away soon to be with her son. There is no doubt that moving to Australia at such an advanced age would be a challenge. However I have tried to sell it to her as an adventure to embrace and experience, and She also agrees with that. I think now to be around family and children would be like a real uplift for her. I visit her every year and stay with her, and I see how the Winter and the Dark nights really cause her limitations in her life, as she doesn't even want to go out to Church on certain days in Winter. There is no doubt that loneliness is a factor in her life now there in her life. So I think it would be very stimulating mentally for her to come here. She has no social network Luckily the cost side of things especially relating to health and treatment etc., is not a factor. She is very fortunate there. So hopefully your right, she wouldn't have much to lose. Thank you so much for your reply and best wishes. .

Marisawright you are a legend, thank you so much for the time and effort to reply to me. Yea 30 years would make the Mother 118, so I think we'll swerve that option. But the other option you say sounds very encouraging indeed. (for her to come to Oz on a tourist visa, then apply for a parent visa while she's here. She'll then be given a bridging visa, allowing her to stay until they consider her application -- even though that's going to be 30 years!) So this Bridging visa, would that apply for the whole term she would be here? She would be legally living here awaiting their decision through her bridging visa, even though it's a 30 year wait? Wow, that's incredible. So if we took this route, am I right in thinking I would have to sponsor her? I am not an Australian citizen, only a PR. Do I need to have been settled here for 5 years or more? I own my own house here and have savings and investment in Australia. I understand your words on the downside of this option. Without going into detail here, the financial side of it thankfully and indeed luckily doesn't come into it, as none of this would be an issue. I can guarantee no need for any benefits from the Australian state or burden and a full comprehensive Health cover policy in place. As I say we are in a very fortunate position, thanks be to God. The only thing that would be nice, would be to have the opportunity to travel, say to New Zealand or Singapore for example so if a Bridging Visa that allowed that could be achieved it would be a bonus, though not essential. On the 600 Visitor Visa, I think that could be granted for 12 months, and she could stay for 12 months maximum per visit. My concern would be what happens when that visa comes to an end. I don't fancy the option of sending her back to Blighty and reapplying if we can avoid that. Thank you once again for your great advice which is very much appreciated, you have given us a lot of food for thought this weekend.

I probably should have posted this in PIO Parents Visa thread, but took a chance to post it here. I'm interested to know the best way to bring my Mama out to live here. She's 88, and would love to move out here. She visited at Christmas 2018 and stayed for about 8 weeks. Loved it here. So she retuned back to UK and then Covid struck and of course we all know what that did to many peoples plans, hopes and dreams. Do you think it's possible? She's financially sound, got very good health. Is there any age limit on when they wouldn't grant a visa? Is 88 too old I wonder? I'm interested to read any advice. I hear and read stories of people being on a very long waiting period due to processing times, which I completely respect. So that's kind of put me off bringing her here as I wouldn't want to build her hopes up only to have them dashed by a long wait. (What I mean is, at 88 year old she don't even buy a green tomato if you see my point. ) She's hoping to visit in July but of course that's just on a Visitor Visa just like last time. Just for the record, she's a widow, no family except my oldest son still lives in UK but about 200 miles from her. Any thoughts?

Thanks for the reply to my post. It's good news for my Son who intends to sponsor his fiancé once she's completed her Masters in May. He's already got PR and living in NSW, the past 9 months. I bet him $50 he needed to have lived here 2 years before he could sponsor her. I lost, Thanks once again for your help.

To be eligible to sponsor a Partner on this Visa, Partner Visa 820 (temporary), just checking the IMMI website, a permanent resident PR can sponsor their partner. (be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen) However I thought there was a rule relating to this that a permanent resident can not sponsor a partner or family member unless they have lived in Australia for the immediate previous 2 years ? It doesn't seem to say that on the website, or maybe I can't see it. Can anyone shed any light on this for me please. Has it changed at all Post Covid ?

Thanks for the encouragement. I am leaning towards Perth as my Container full of possessions is there, and would set up as a Gardener and General cleaning operative, (Patio's Driveways and stuff). So who knows? Hopefully there would be enough work available if I can advertise and promote myself. Thanks again for the advice.

Ehhhhhhhhh You got me thinking now, because I must admit I am partial to a bit of State of Origin, XXXX and that QLD way of life. I was there before and loved it, but as I said previously, my container is in storage in Perth, and it would cost a fistful of dollars to send it interstate. But we will see. I knew W.A had hit hard times, but didn't realise it was in as bad a shape as many people seem to be saying. Thanks by the way for the info.

Try these, their pretty good, we have used them a few times and never had a problem, they use big operators like DHL. https://www.worldwide-parcelservices.co.uk/?gclid=CPqKuJjw89ECFYS77QodCQwEhw

I suppose it's the same with most big companies, and dependent on their policy on ageism. I would never for a moment expect finding a job to be an easy process with the likes of the companies you quote. I think that's why I prefer to go it alone and work hard to establish a small business if possible. (although I see W.A looks to be on the floor right now and not in good shape) On a different note, Bunnings are taking over 250 stores in UK now. Should add a bit better competition to B & Q http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-38842021

WOW, this looks a Belter of a post for someone planning on returning to Western Australia. It just goes to show how helpful so much of the information is here on this site. How the mighty have fallen. I remember being there at the height of the mining boom and people were sloshing money around like there was no tomorrow. I recall thinking, what are this lot going to do if all this goes Bit's Up. Many people out of W.A were quite envious of it all. So looking in from an Outside position (still in UK right now) it looks a sad situation.

Thanks for the advice and the good points you make. I would probably look at Queensland, around Brisbane having been there for a couple of years previously. The thing is I have my fully packed 20ft container in storage in Perth, so I was hoping to avoid the cost of having to move that inter state if I could avoid it as it is pretty expensive. So fingers crossed. I am in good shape, (run 10km each day) and am blessed with good health, so hopefully that will hold. I miss the weather from Oz with the running, and yes you need sun protection there, but Rust protection here, as I seem to be getting daily soakings here lately. I take your point on capital, and without going into detail, that is going to be very tight for me especially rental costs. This has been the main thing worrying me as I fear any income I can generate will be eaten up in rental. My pension is already shot here in Blighty and all I have to think about is the state pension I will get in due time. I lost a fortune back in 2006 - 2015, so I am basically starting from the bottom and expect a tough road ahead and a lot of working years. But always count your blessings with health of mind and body and remain positive even when the dark clouds are hovering. I think as well an idea for work is to do some volunteer work such as at a local hospital, maybe portering or whatever is available. I do this at here and there are often opportunities that come from it. Thanks again for the advice, all noted. Best wishes and all the best for the future,

Many thanks for the welcome and the encouraging words. I am sure it is a big change in Perth as the place was Booming a few years back. Let's hope for a pick up in the economy there in the next few years. Regards and thanks again,

Hello, many thanks for the reply. Yes I have PR and have just got my Resident Return Visa to come back so all of that is looking good. I was just looking to do some more research on best places for work, and for finding somewhere to live. Good Luck with your plans and best wishes,