trishenty

I applied for the Aged Parent Non-contributory visa in 2016. I've just had a request for character & medical checks to be done. Bit of a shock I'd sort of estimated that I probably would never get it approved. 72 now. Does this mean that my application is likely to be examined/determined this year?

Nope, that was what I've been told, the advisor here tried to talk me into contributory but the only advantage he could give me was that I could travel in & out of the country without permission. If I get 10 years good living here I shall be happy. Lifestyle is good, food is good & weather, goes without saying. I've got myself some medical cover and have joined community groups. The only down side is that 4 months after my arrival, my family moved to Top End for 2 years. I am bracing myself for my first trip up there next month, but I'm told its very beautiful,

Absolute horror! Where can I find out more about this please? I'm currently on a bridging visa awaiting decision on non-contributory. At 70 I didn't think it worth going for the contributory visa as I would have been over 80 before being able to claim even Medicare. I have made a very good life here in the few months I have been in Sydney and was looking forward to many more years watching my family grow up.

Thank you for all the comments. I decided to go ahead with the non contributory strand. Application lodged & bridging visa arrived in 10 days. I'd entered on an e-visa so was a bit concerned the bridging visa stated it wasn't in operation. Emailed Perth. Next day had a reply. As soon as my 3 months is up the bridging visa will be operative. Seems I have reciprocal emergency health cover with the UK and am picking my way through the 'private' sector for the best deal in case of long term illness etc. Minefield!! But getting there. Lots to learn, lots to do. I'm enjoying every moment, and not dependent on my children too much; living close but not with them. Great to be independent. From a blazing hot day south of Sydney. Trishenty

Hi, I'm ready now to apply for my 804 Visa. All papers to hand. But, I'm still wrestling with contributory versus non contributory. Does anyone know please of the advantages of going contributory? As far as I can see I wouldn't be able to claim even Medicare for 10 years going contributory & £38000 goes a long way in 10 years

... and ambulance fee. My daughter called it out when grandson fell off his bike & was unconcious. She was charged $900

I need to investigate the healthcare issue too. Thanks for all the comments, it's very helpful.

Thanks. Very sensible advice. I need to talk to my daughter!

Thanks Laura, I need to give this a little thought. Perhaps the longer year visa may be more appropriate. Tricia

My daughter (in NSW), has been advised that she should apply for my visa next time I visit, which will be in January. I have an eVisitor visa, valid for 3 months & she seems to think that once the 804 application is lodged, I can get temporary visas in order to stay in Australia until the application is processed. I've been trawling the immigration sites and am not 100% convinced. At 69 I need to be pretty sure of my facts before I pack up my life. There will be no coming back. I'm sure this has been discussed many times but can't find anything on the forum. Please, please can someone help me! Thank you. Tricia