shoebox20

Thank you, this was such a nice thoughtful reply. I have contacted Age Concern (shes not that old - 71 - but is waiting for an operation to remove water on her brain to remove fluid - this should make her much better in general. I will enquire about pension credit - thanks for the idea - I've been out of the UK so many years now I've no idea what entitlements or help for mum is available. Thank you

I've not taken any professional advice at all as yet - really just doing some researching and seeing what steps are worth taking now.

Thanks that is very helpful. If slightly depressing....not a huge shock, I knew it was a long shot. She only has state pension in the UK (my dad left 30 years ago and took everything - mums worked all her life just as a cleaner) and I have a job enabling me to help her if she is here, it sounds like the best could be she spends long stay visas here - the bridging visa as a potential, for all of the in limbo risks, once the borders open (she's too shaked from the solitude and loneliness of the pandemic at the moment to travel anywhere) Thanks everyone :)

Hi all I’m sure it’s a question asked many times - but after travelling around with work, I’m very settled in Sydney, lucky to have a job I enjoy/love and miss my mum in England terribly - her dream was to spend more time here one day, and after the pandemic last year she’s now waiting for an operation that to remove fluid on the brain. once that’s done - I desperately want to move her here, her only half (adopted at birth and found each other 10 years ago) brother is here, and I’m her only child - also now a dual citizen. what, if any are the chances of immigration letting her relocate (she is retired and now 71) and how difficult is it, should I talk to a migration agent (I did my own residency myself but it’s years ago now) am I living on a pipe dream? Any advice or experiences would be super welcome thanks in advance Lisa

sadly...no, she's old school

She was not able, her airline cancelled all flights through HK, with no alternatives offered. So was not an option (cost or availability wise)

Yes she is on an evisitor (651) which expires May 22nd, her airline is cancelled all flights for April/May. She is safer to stay with me, for now, the flights back with alternative airlines are long wait lists and at prices we could never afford. As I am a citizen I think its fine for her to stay, only as a visitor, until Cathay resume flights.

Also...it asks for lots of documents (bank statements to prove funding, home incomes, etc) which she can't access from here... Thanks in advance, crazy times

Hi, My mum is currently visiting on a e600 (3 month) Visa due to expire in May. Obviously current Chaos means, they cancelled her flight back to the UK, and in all honesty as she is fit and well (even at 70) and we are in Lockdown, I would rather her stay longer - I'm a Citizen and her only child. I'm about to apply for the Visitor Visa (should have done that in the first place) Does anyone know how much the 3-6-12 Month prices are? Thanks in Advance :) Stay safe all Lisa x

That really helps thanks so much :) Absolutely would get her some insurance, and its just reassuring she can stay for periods of time (I don't think she would ever be able to live here permanently anyway, but knowing she could stay for 6+ months at a time - thats great) Appreciate the thorough reply, and experience. Lisa

Hi all! after a little advice (and I’m sure it’s in here somewhere but we have a LOT of posts) I’ve recently moved back to Sydney (worked in the UK for two years, missed it so much, and decided here is where I belong) and although I am originally British, I now have dual citizenship (thank goodness I got that after 8 years here) my question is - my mum (only remaining relative - 69, healthy enough, retired, but without a pension, she owns her house and has no debt though) is in England. I miss her so so much. I realise visa wise it would take forever, or involve lots of money (once I’ve been back here 2 years) for her to move here. however...the dream is I could spend a couple months in the UK each year (I’m freelance, well starting my own business, so long term will be possible) and she could come stay with/visit me for terms. how long is she allowed to stay here, each year or at a time? And if (I doubt it but you never know) she ever needed a doctor, or severed a limb...would we/Australia leave or help!? i know slightly silly/obvious questions but I’m keen not to be all excited about her coming here for a few months at a time, if it’s really impossible. thanks so much lisa

fab thanks! I can obviously get toiletries in Sydney, and some fab Aus brand ones too - just keen to stock a few ready of my faves while they're a decent price. And the Syrup...I may bubblewrap a bottle, my stuff is all in plastic containers too. Thanks all!

Hiya, I'm moving back to Sydney (Having been back in the UK for two years - I just miss Aus so much, which surprised even me, huge phew I got the citizenship before I left, sad to be going so far away from my amazing mum, but excited to finally feel I belong somewhere again) Anyway I digress, doing a few boxes to ship, can I take (yes this is random) Starbucks Sealed Peppermint Syrup? Its a strange addiction but the stuff is just so good and also toiletries - shampoo, etc as a rescue pack of beauty stuff to add to the 'boxes have arrived' excitement? Thanks in advance :)

I agree, I was back in England last July, and 27c felt incredibly warm (not humid but just nice!) in Sydney I would be saying that was just a 'nice' day and grabbing a jacket for the evening...ha! So, the new work contract agreed, and decision made, super thrilled if apprehensive about the adapting, new job, new city, but I'm ready to launch back to UK life (though I say forward to the UK, never back ;-) and see how it rolls, somehow having the Australian Citizenship is the biggest reassurance that if I really can't love life there I have the option to return to Australia, if you don't try...you never know. Thanks for all the tips, time to tackle the practice (and most daunting) part next, shipping boxes planning, selling things and the list of paperwork/tax to tie up. This forum has been a HUGE help, and I'll be checking it even when I move for sure, I'll no doubt be more than a regular over the next few weeks before I leave. Thanks! Lisa

Thanks for the tips, and the reassurance. Been back to England most years and always felt one day it would be time to get back, sure the cold, etc isn't ideal...but there are, as you say, LOADS of benefits, nothing quite beats a british summertime with light nights and long days. The t-shirts in Scotland however...rather you than me! ha, I think its cool in Sydney now at 19c. I'll check out the mini move cube...