parents contributory visa. HELP!!!

kimdownie · 17-03-2007, 03:49 PM

hi there,
we are in the processes of applying for the 136 visa, and have told our parents. I have read many posts about the cont parent visa and my parents are up for it. I know that we need to be settled in oz for 2 years before they can apply, and then their visa application could take 15 months, my dad is 55 and my mum is 54, by the time they are able to put in their application they will be 58 and 57, they are both very fit and active people but my dad is starting to panic that their health may deteriorate in this time which might make them unacceptable for residency. does anyone know anything about how serious the health issues need to be for a parent to be unsuccessful?, he is also worried that the embassy might change the parent migration options, how likely is this???, he is such a pessamist but he has got me thinking.
anyone help?

**Gollywobbler** · 18-03-2007, 09:31 AM

Hello Kim

Please reassure your parenta from me.

My mother was 85 when her own Contributory Parent visa was granted 6 months ago. Mum is physically disabled, too. She broke her back in an accident a few years ago which has caused permanent spinal chord damage. As a result, she needs a zimmer-frame in order to get aroiund at home and a wheelchair (plus someone to push it for her) when she goes further afield. They made us get a report from a geriatrician but that wasn't surprising. Mum's med were given an unconditional OK after the MoC read the geriatrician's report.

The oldest Contributory Parent I have heard of was an old lady of 97 from Devon. Her visa was granted in or around August 2005.

Currently Contributory Parent visas are taking about 12-15 months to process from start to finish. There is an option for the Temporary CP 173, which is a bit quicker because no Assurace of Support is needed at the temp stage. It has to be upgraded to the permanent CP 173 within 2 years, however. With Mum, we decided that we didn't want to be fiddling around with these visas for longer than absolutely necessary, so we decided on the immediately-permanent CP 143 for her.

I don't think they will abolish the Contributory Parent scheme. It was introduced on 1 July 2003 and as far as I can see, it has been a great success. At the minute, supply and demand seem to be level-pegging. Shortage of staff, not shortage of visas, is slowing things up at the POPC.

I don't think your Parents need worry about anything. Austibeach is waiting till he and his wife can apply for CP visas. A PM to him might help to reassure your Mum & Dad.

Hope this helps and if need be, I can put your parents in touch with loads of other CPs and people who are waiting till their children have lived in Oz for 2 years before they can apply. Better still, I suggest, encourage Dad to join the forum himself? At 86, my Mum doesn't do working computers but younger parents do!

Cheers

Gill

kimdownie · 18-03-2007, 07:41 PM

thanks sooo much Gill, you are the font of all knowledge!!!
kim

randpm · 19-03-2007, 09:19 AM

Hi Kim,

We are parents and have a daughter in Australia.... it will be a difficult time for your parents to decide on what to do.... our daughter has now been in Australia for 7 years now and they have been hard for us.
However you don't say if they will meet the 50% rule. Unless you are the only child they must have 50% of their children in Australia before they can be considered.
Having got over that...they should visit you as often as they can afford over the next two years to make sure its for them.... we have been here now for the last 6 years.
If they want to join you and can afford the fees...then they should just " go fo it " and let matters take there own course. If they apply for a temp. status first it is easier and gives more time to pay the fees , just ina case they dont like it after all!
The main thing is to get a good adviser for their finances as well as their Visa. There are a few agents that advis eon both but that is very important at their age..... we are 57 ourselves and have spent a great deal of time understanding tax, pensions etc. we have used our regular visits to understand many things as well as housing ..the area to live in etc. Tell them not tp worry about the system or the medical...all will take its turn. Spens the next couple of years getting on top of what Australia is all abot for older couples.
Well I hope thats of some help......
Good Luck
Roger and Pat....

**Gollywobbler** · 19-03-2007, 12:24 PM

Hi Roger & Pat

Thanks for your excellent and very helpful reply to Kim.

I've just got one query and you might happen to know the answer.... If Parents are on the Temp CP 173 visa, can they buy a pre-occupied house or are they restricted to new-build only, in the same way as if they were on a tourist visa, do you know?

Thanks

Gill

kimdownie · 19-03-2007, 12:54 PM

hi Roger and Pat,
Thanks for your reply, in answer to your question about balance of family.
We are applying for the subclass 136 which would give us permanent residency, once we have been there the 2 years necessary we will be their 50% requirement for the balance of family test. fortunatly they have no financial worries, so providing they like it, I know that they wiil jump at the chance of the move. My parents both have strong millitary backgrounds and are very used to moving around and settling in different places, so fingers and toes are all crossed that we get their ourselves to make it all possible.

Thanks again for everyones responses
Kim

newnico · 19-03-2007, 03:01 PM

Hi, Roger and Pat

Can you recommend anyone for advice on finances etc? I'm beginning to think about what to do with pension, investments etc (now 60) and don't know where to start? My next visit to Melbourne is in May, so hope to find out a few things then. I think I heard that you have to move your pension fund within 6 months of moving to Oz? Would you happen to know if that's right?

Sorry to bombard you with questions, but you sound as if you've got your heads screwed on!
Cheers
Nico

randpm · 20-03-2007, 10:19 AM

Hi Nico,
We got some great advice in the UK and it seems that the best way to come is with 173 Temp Res. visa. This gives you 2 years to sort out CGT,Savings ,Pensions and Investments. This is because as a Temp Res you are not subject to tax on foreign income and as you have left the UK you are only subject to tax at source on savings etc which you can claim back ( not the 10% on Divs though ).
As far as pensions are concerned there is a lot to understand and it depends on your current situation...eg is it in payment or not etc. The Aus super system is great as after 60 all income from super is tax free. However after investigation it seems to me that you need to look at Industry funds that are open to the public.....
There is a lot to learn if you are not to get it wrong!
As far as recommending advisers is concerned this is not the place for that ..if you wish to PM me I will try to help... in the meantime take a look at these sites:
http://www.selectingsuper.com.au/Provider_profiles.html
http://www.selectingsuper.com.au/index.html
http://www.ifs.net.au/iffp_home.htm

Roger.

randpm · 20-03-2007, 10:53 AM

Hi Gill,
Your question on the property status with 173 visa ...... we have been advised that we can go ahead and buy any property with this visa..... not put to the test yet...however the agents here arn't that interested so its up to the individual if they want to risk it even if my info is wrong.... it will probably take a few months to find and purchase and you have to apply for Perm. status within 2 years so the time line is quite short.

Roger...

SAVTA · 22-03-2007, 12:06 PM

For a 'non Resident' to buy property here, you have to apply to the Foreign Investment Board, otherwise there are hefty fines for everyone.

The property HAS to be brand new. We waited for one month before we received approval to buy our house.