Fosh Posted October 9, 2015 Share Posted October 9, 2015 Hi guys, i was granted citizenship to australia this year, as my husband is australian, we currently live up north in the UK in the same village as my family. We are emigrating next summer. My mum would love to move to Australia with us, as we have an 8 month old little boy she wants to see grow up and help me look after. My dad is not so keen but is willing to go over to Australia with an open mind. My dad is in his early 50s and is an area sales manager within a bakery sector and is concerned about getting a job in Australia and starting again, has anyone been through this? My mum is qualified to work with severe learning disabilities so she will be fine for a jib as she has excellent experience. Anyone starting over again is their 50s? Anyone emigrating to be with their grandchildren? Anyone working in sales and concerned about getting a job? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marisawright Posted October 9, 2015 Share Posted October 9, 2015 Your parents may be able to get work, BUT only if they can qualify for a visa. So that should be the very first thing you investigate. It's not a foregone conclusion that they'll be able to follow you, by any means. Some people move in their old age and love it, others hate it. I think GbyeGreySky here on the forums has moved to be nearer family - they researched thoroughly, and are very happy with their move. On the other hand, I know a couple who moved last year. Unfortunately the family is in Sydney so the couple have had to settle for a tiny little flat and a much more frugal lifestyle than they had in the UK. The wife doesn't mind, because as far as she's concerned, she'll put up with anything to be near the grandkids. The husband is absolutely miserable and I can't help wondering what will happen. So it's very down to individual circumstances, and I'd certainly suggest your parents come out and visit you once you're settled, preferably for several weeks to really research the place. If they are going to migrate I think they need to want to migrate for its own sake and not just to be near the grandchild. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fisher1 Posted October 9, 2015 Share Posted October 9, 2015 There's all sorts to consider before making a move like this, the visa being just the beginning. We are in our sixties and planning to join our daughter and her family in Sydney. We will be able to go IF we can find 100,000 dollars for the visa IF we can pass the medical and IF we can be sure of our living standards when we get there. We've been over loads of times because our daughter has been there ten years. Last time we were there we spent some days travelling to outlying suburbs, baseline two hours max by train, to see if we could find somewhere we'd be happy to live because we don't want to end up living in a pokey flat - we'd both be miserable. I think your parents are too old to get a working visa on their own account, I think the cut off age is about forty? So they would have to apply for a parent visa. They have to pass the balance of family test - i.e. more of their children in Australia than elsewhere. Then they have to choose the visa - it can be relatively cheap if they are prepared to wait for 6-10 years. I think its really important, when looking at potential places to live, to try to find out what sort of social life you might have. Its easy to do basic research on the internet by typing e.g. Reading Group plus the name of the town; walking group plus the name of the town and so on. The demographics are so important because you need to have a fighting chance of meeting people you have something in common with. I've moved around a lot in my adult life, I think we've had fourteen homes during our forty years of marriage, but this move scares the hell out of me because a move to Australia is not easily undone. We have been on the waiting list for the cheaper visa for two years, and its given us time to really think about what we want to do. The birth of our grandson clinched it for us. Good luck with everything. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gbye grey sky Posted October 9, 2015 Share Posted October 9, 2015 Hi guys, i was granted citizenship to australia this year, as my husband is australian, we currently live up north in the UK in the same village as my family. We are emigrating next summer. My mum would love to move to Australia with us, as we have an 8 month old little boy she wants to see grow up and help me look after. My dad is not so keen but is willing to go over to Australia with an open mind. My dad is in his early 50s and is an area sales manager within a bakery sector and is concerned about getting a job in Australia and starting again, has anyone been through this? My mum is qualified to work with severe learning disabilities so she will be fine for a jib as she has excellent experience. Anyone starting over again is their 50s? Anyone emigrating to be with their grandchildren? Anyone working in sales and concerned about getting a job? You will have been granted PR which is distinct from citizenship - just as an aside. You may have to consider the real possibility that your parents will not be joining you in Oz. Would that become a serious issue for you in the medium to long term. Would your husband be fully agreeable to moving back to the UK if you found yourself unable to settle there? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quoll Posted October 9, 2015 Share Posted October 9, 2015 Honestly? If your parents can get a visa (and that would most likely be the $100,000 for two CPVs) the chances of them getting work to make ends meet is very slim - Australia is very ageist and over 50 is over the hill especially with the current high unemployment levels. They will need to have a substantial income from UK because they won't be able to access any benefits for some considerable time. If they're majorly loaded then, maybe, otherwise they are really going to struggle even if they can get a visa. Even if they can by some chance get work, they won't have enough time to amass any decent superannuation and so they would have to keep working if they could find something to work at well beyond retirement age. Hope your husband has UK citizenship before he leaves because if he doesn't, you may burn any potential bridges for a return if you decide one day you may want to come back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chortlepuss Posted October 9, 2015 Share Posted October 9, 2015 (edited) I came over in my mid 40's and now in mid 50's - IMO Harder for older people to assimilate (don't have the context of school aged kids, uni friends etc....) and I do think as you get older you value things like the constant sunshine less.... Plus for older people there are so many more social activities (hiking groups, interest groups, theatres, night classes etc) in UK than Oz. People who I know who moved in their late 20's/30's enjoy the much more competitive sports culture here (a lot are into marathons. triathlons etc) - Also as Quoll says, work probably challenging to find. Having said that, everyone is different, and 50 is hopefully not considered 'old age' by most.......... TBH - you parents are still young enough to enjoy extended stays in Oz and travel and I think they'd be better off staying home and coming to visit... I doubt they would get a visa, unless they are loaded and very patient..... BTW just second that comment about getting UK citizenship for your hubby - know someone who has become unstuck by this - very important! Edited October 9, 2015 by Chortlepuss Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ramot Posted October 9, 2015 Share Posted October 9, 2015 (edited) I came over in my mid 40's and now in mid 50's - IMO Harder for older people to assimilate (don't have the context of school aged kids, uni friends etc....) and I do think as you get older you value things like the constant sunshine less.... Plus for older people there are so many more social activities (hiking groups, interest groups, theatres, night classes etc) in UK than Oz. i'm sorry but I have to contradict the fact that there are more social activities for us oldies in UK, what a load of rubbish, how many retired bored people do you know here? More likely to be out and about than huddled over a fire in winter in UK, that is meant as an equal exaggeration. Have been retired on the Sunshine Coast for 12 years, never bored, every activity you would want to be a part of is up and running and well supported, walking groups, U3A, choirs to join, organised group trips to the theatre, go to the gym, golf, swimming, water aerobics, excercise classes, there are Probus groups, Smith family, View etc. etc. Absolutely no different to the UK. life is what you make it whatever your age, where ever you live. Edited October 10, 2015 by MaggieMay24 Fixed quote Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skani Posted October 9, 2015 Share Posted October 9, 2015 Have to agree with ramot. I can't speak for Brisbane, where Chortlepuss lives, but certainly in my part of Oz the problem is not lack of activities for older people but not enough hours in the day. Great problem to have though! :wubclub: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 9, 2015 Share Posted October 9, 2015 Agree with much of what has been said. Your parents moving to live in Aus might not even be able to happen. Also they really should visit for a while before making such an important life changing decision. Its not just about being around for the grandkids. Aus as a country is not for everyone and some who move here really don't enjoy it, settle or adapt. My mother loved her visit, plans another one but has said its not a place she would want to live. But she understands and appreciates why we do want to be here. Also she has good friends, a lovely life and home and no real desire to change that at her point in life or later. Of course she misses her grandson but they had those early years with him to form a great bond, they got to see him lots and she is ok with annual visits (although of course she would love to see him more). Marrying or being with an Aussie, having kids together, it can throw up some really tough decisions about where to live and why. And can mean that the family in one country only gets to do holidays. That was the reality for the Aus side of the family for the first 5 years of our son's life. My MIL made annual 6 week visits, a few other family members visited and we also made a trip to Aus when son was about 2. We moved here when he was 5 and that of course meant it was my parents who are now stuck with holidays once a year, perhaps twice if Mum really wants to see us. If they did make it here, work may well be a huge issue for them. Their age is rather against them alas. Also as has been said, their funds/savings may not amount to much once all the costs have been met and they may be living a very different life to make ends meet. Are you really close to your parents? You say you live in the same villiage. I ask as if you are, it may make migrating a really tough thing so be prepared for that. Being the partner of an Aussie, moving to Aus, I do think a good dose of selfishness is required when leaving loved ones and your home. Many of us never planned or really wanted to live in Aus but meeting someone from there changed that of course. Some find it fine, others not. I'm in the former. But then I've always been rather independant and lived overseas before so it wasn't a huge jump to move here. Again, echoing the others, ensure your husband has UK citizenship, otherwise should you decide as a family to return to the UK, you may find that option closed to you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parley Posted October 9, 2015 Share Posted October 9, 2015 Fair go Marisa. 50 is not 'old age'. People in their 50s are not over the hill and quite able to move overseas if that is what they want to do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rammygirl Posted October 9, 2015 Share Posted October 9, 2015 Also for them to apply for a parent visa you would need to be in Australia for two years before they can apply. Tbh they can get long stay holiday visas and come and visit each year, yes flights are expensive but they can buy a lot of them for the price of a parent visa! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rammygirl Posted October 10, 2015 Share Posted October 10, 2015 Fair go Marisa.50 is not 'old age'. People in their 50s are not over the hill and quite able to move overseas if that is what they want to do. we moved to Aus in our early 50s, but we are financially able to do this. For many it is a close call as any income is likely to be from UK pensions or investments and will be taxed and at the mercy of exchange rates. I really do wonder how some parents cope here after shelling out a substantial chunk of cash for the privilege, often leaving them little equity to start afresh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bungo Posted October 10, 2015 Share Posted October 10, 2015 Hi guys, i was granted citizenship to australia this year, as my husband is australian, we currently live up north in the UK in the same village as my family. We are emigrating next summer. My mum would love to move to Australia with us, as we have an 8 month old little boy she wants to see grow up and help me look after. My dad is not so keen but is willing to go over to Australia with an open mind. My dad is in his early 50s and is an area sales manager within a bakery sector and is concerned about getting a job in Australia and starting again, has anyone been through this? My mum is qualified to work with severe learning disabilities so she will be fine for a jib as she has excellent experience. Anyone starting over again is their 50s? Anyone emigrating to be with their grandchildren? Anyone working in sales and concerned about getting a job? You cannot get Australian citizenship just by having an Australian husband and there is no way your parents can move with you. They would be at least three and a half years behind you as you would not be able to sponsor them for two years and then their visa would take about eighteen months. I would suggest they use that first two years for visiting for as long as they can manage and on one hand perhaps they will adapt and get used to the distance. On the other hand it will be a good opportunity for them to weigh up whether Australia might be for them, I agree with the first response on this thread, that they need to be migrating for themselves and not solely for a grandchild. Finding work is going to be hard for a (by then) person in mid 50s who has never worked in Australia before and I wouldn't even be so sure about your mother either. If they do decide Australia is for them, it might make more sense to put this off until retirement or semi retirement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nemesis Posted October 10, 2015 Share Posted October 10, 2015 Your parents may be able to get work, BUT only if they can qualify for a visa. So that should be the very first thing you investigate. It's not a foregone conclusion that they'll be able to follow you, by any means. Some people move in their old age and love it, others hate it. I think GbyeGreySky here on the forums has moved to be nearer family - they researched thoroughly, and are very happy with their move. On the other hand, I know a couple who moved last year. Unfortunately the family is in Sydney so the couple have had to settle for a tiny little flat and a much more frugal lifestyle than they had in the UK. The wife doesn't mind, because as far as she's concerned, she'll put up with anything to be near the grandkids. The husband is absolutely miserable and I can't help wondering what will happen. So it's very down to individual circumstances, and I'd certainly suggest your parents come out and visit you once you're settled, preferably for several weeks to really research the place. If they are going to migrate I think they need to want to migrate for its own sake and not just to be near the grandchild. Errrrr excuse me but since when was 50 'old age'?! Be interested to know the route by which the OP got citizenship as it appears they haven't spent time in Oz - does the OPs husband work for the Australian Governement or something - I'd be interested to know if this was a case of Ministerial Discretion? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lambethlad Posted October 10, 2015 Share Posted October 10, 2015 50 is only old when you're applying for a job. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freesia Posted October 10, 2015 Share Posted October 10, 2015 (edited) I came over in my 50's to be near a daughter & grandchild- I don't understand why people think that's even slightly odd for the OP's parents. They'll be joining a whole family, not just a child- & that equates to a support network for both parties. It's working for me. Yes the costs are high but that's the deal they seem to be willing to sign up for, and if they're prepared for that then good luck to them. I've also had lots of job offers (albeit slightly different from my regular work) & know plenty of 50somethings working- fit 50's are really no different from any other age group! Assistant Nursing posts are pretty easy to get & for the mother in this scenario with particular specialisms that might work. I'm having to rent which is very different from ownership, but I'm perfectly happy not taking responsibility for hpuse repairs etc any more. It might suit them too. Not all rentals are crummy. And in order to make a successful move we all have to appreciate the need to compromise in some areas. You'll need to check the Immigration website on the regulations around the husband's timeline to sponsor. If he's an Aussie Citizen he might be eligible to do that straight away, so the waiting time might only be 2 years ( for 143) & they can spend a full year in Aus visiting you during that time. Edited October 10, 2015 by Freesia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bungo Posted October 10, 2015 Share Posted October 10, 2015 I came over in my 50's to be near a daughter & grandchild- I don't understand why people think that's even slightly idd for the OP's parents. They'll be joining a whole family, not just a child- & that equates to a support network for both parties. It's working for me. Yes the costs are high but that's the deal they seem to be willing to sign up for, and if they're prepared for that then good luck to them. I've also had lots of job offers (albeit slightly different from my regular work) & know plently of 50somethings working- fit 50's are really no different from any other age group! Assistant Nursing posts are pretty easy to get & for the mother in this scenario with particular specialisms that might work. I'm having to rent which is very different from ownership, but I'm perfectly happy not taking responsibility for hpuse repairs etc any more. It might suit them too. Not all rentals are crummy. And in order to make a successful move we all have to appreciate the need to compromise in some areas. You'll need to check the Immigration website on the regulations around the husband's timeline to sponsor. If he's an Aussie Citizen he might be eligible to do that straight away, so the waiting time might only be 2 years ( for 143) & they can spend a full year in Aus visiting you during that time. I don't think anyone said it is odd to move to be nearer a grandchild, just to weigh it up against everything else. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marisawright Posted October 10, 2015 Share Posted October 10, 2015 (edited) Fair go Marisa.50 is not 'old age'. People in their 50s are not over the hill and quite able to move overseas if that is what they want to do. Parley, I'm 62! Of course 50 is not old age, but it's a point in life where you do start thinking about getting older. If the OP's parents move, then they WILL eventually be spending their old age in Oz and in their shoes, I'd want to be thinking about whether they'd be comfortable doing that. Edited October 10, 2015 by Marisawright Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marisawright Posted October 10, 2015 Share Posted October 10, 2015 I came over in my 50's to be near a daughter & grandchild- I don't understand why people think that's even slightly odd for the OP's parents. ...Yes the costs are high but that's the deal they seem to be willing to sign up for, and if they're prepared for that then good luck to them... I'm having to rent which is very different from ownership, but I'm perfectly happy not taking responsibility for hpuse repairs etc any more. It might suit them too.... And in order to make a successful move we all have to appreciate the need to compromise in some areas. I don't see anyone suggesting it's odd to want to be near a grandchild - perfectly understandable. Just that no one should make a huge life change for that reason alone, without being fully aware of all the compromises that may be needed. If they decide, after researching it fully, that the compromises ARE worth it, all power to their elbow. The OP gave no indication that she was aware of the costs involved, so we don't know that the parents have looked into that - it's surprising how many people just suppose their parents have a right to a visa to join them, and it's a major shock to realise it will cost them such a large amount. So we don't know if they've "signed up for the deal" yet or not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 10, 2015 Share Posted October 10, 2015 Be interested to know the route by which the OP got citizenship as it appears they haven't spent time in Oz - does the OPs husband work for the Australian Governement or something - I'd be interested to know if this was a case of Ministerial Discretion? IIRC the OP has PR for Australia. I think they just got things a bit confused and are perhaps not fully aware of the visa differences, processes etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freesia Posted October 10, 2015 Share Posted October 10, 2015 I don't think anyone said it is odd to move to be nearer a grandchild, just to weigh it up against everything else. Oh ok :smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marisawright Posted October 10, 2015 Share Posted October 10, 2015 For those who'd like to discuss Fisher1's thread about getting travel insurance for parents who visit long-term, I've moved it to its own thread to keep this thread on-topic. Here it is: http://www.pomsinoz.com/forum/flights-holidays/240241-long-term-travel-insurance-parents-visiting-over-65-a.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fisher1 Posted October 10, 2015 Share Posted October 10, 2015 Thanks Marisawright - I didnt want to take over the thread but its something that has just reared its head so it was very much on my mind. It is also something the OP's parents might want to consider when weighing up the pros and cons of emigrating ... that actually, you can't just keep on visiting as you get older because there will almost certainly come a point when you find the journey just too much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fosh Posted October 10, 2015 Author Share Posted October 10, 2015 Thanks so much for all your comments...well maybe not all. There seems to be a few people that have a bit of a jealous nature unfortunately, majority of the comments are helpful - thankyou to those of you of whom have a genuine nature to help and not judge. Hopefully a a bit more clarification will help re our situation. 1) my parents do have money and are not short of a bob or 2. My parents are lucky that money is not a problem for them. 2) 50s is not old. Especially when they have just turned 50 - im sure there is a lot of people beginning a new life at 50 in Auz 3) I'm on the second stage of my visa and I app,ice for my visa 3 years ago, my brother ( only sibling) also lives in Australia with his wife too. 4) my parents have visited auz several times with myself and my husband 5) the only social activities my parents need is vineyards - they love wine also their grandchildren. 6) not concerned about my husband having a full UK visa we have been married a long time and we can return when we wish, I hardly think they will close the boarder to young working people with a genuine relationship. 7) my friend is a recruitment agent in Auz who is already looking at work for my parents and feels 50 is not too old St all to all those thinking of moving don't let some people's comments put you off. Investigate well, and follow your heart. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marisawright Posted October 10, 2015 Share Posted October 10, 2015 Thanks Marisawright - I didnt want to take over the thread but its something that has just reared its head so it was very much on my mind. It is also something the OP's parents might want to consider when weighing up the pros and cons of emigrating ... that actually, you can't just keep on visiting as you get older because there will almost certainly come a point when you find the journey just too much. Good point, regardless of whether they can get travel insurance or not, there will come a time when they're too frail to face the long haul flight. And if they delay emigrating till then, they're likely to find they fail the medicals or that the financial requirements are even worse than they are now (the trend is always up!). I do hope the OP's husband gets his UK citizenship sorted out so that they are able to return to the UK later, in case the parents can't migrate. It would be a great shame if both sides were stranded in separate countries for good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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