The Brand New PIO Parents Visa thread

[Fisher1]

11 minutes ago, Ferrets said:

Out of curiosity isn't childcare technically a breach of the working conditions of the 600?  I know that for family it's likely no one will ever check but I understood the visa required that;

• Your main purpose in visiting Australia is tourism, and any voluntary work remains incidental to this.
• The work involved would not otherwise be undertaken, in return for wages, by an Australian resident.
• The work is genuinely voluntary and that no remuneration is received in return for the activities (which of course family childcare would be)

My reading of that is that regular voluntary childcare is therefore not allowed, but happy to be corrected. 

I do apologise for being a bit argumentative at the moment, as all that post here have developed their own strategies based on rules and circumstances and are frustrated by the current wait times & lack of clarity from DIBP, and hope everyone achieves their goal.

I think you are splitting hairs for no good reason. The parents who babysit do so voluntarily while here as tourists - so why would it not be allowed?

[Rosiejaq]

4 minutes ago, Fisher1 said:

I think you are splitting hairs for no good reason. The parents who babysit do so voluntarily while here as tourists - so why would it not be allowed?

I’ve seen episodes of Nothing to Declare where people have been hauled over the coals for this...just looking after children while parents work...need to be careful!

[Ferrets]

1 minute ago, Fisher1 said:

I think you are splitting hairs for no good reason. The parents who babysit do so voluntarily while here as tourists - so why would it not be allowed?

I would assume a difference between adhoc irregular babysitting (i.e. once a month) and regular childcare arrangements (i..e Monday - Wednesday each week).

But you are right - as this is an area of family vs. say childminding for non-family it may be entirely irrelevant!  However on the other hand would a MARA agent guarantee you weren't in breach if you had a regular childcare schedule?

[Brett31]

What is a signature?

[Ferrets]

7 minutes ago, Rosiejaq said:

I’ve seen episodes of Nothing to Declare where people have been hauled over the coals for this...just looking after children while parents work...need to be careful!

I think I saw that as well, but it might have been the Canadian version rather than the UK one, I don't recall it being discussed here before.

That said 2-3 years ago processing times weren't messed up.

[Ferrets]

On 19/05/2018 at 12:18, palaceboy1 said:

As this topic has strayed from POMS in oz , would there be any merit in putting the country of applicant in the signature to maybe see if delays in processing might be due more complex cases from different cultures

This isn't a bad idea; the reality is that PIO is one of the best sources of information out there for migration to Australia, which I assume is why there are more people attracted than just from the UK.

It would also be frustrating to reply to a post on the assumption that the OP is from UK when in fact knowing otherwise would have changed the answer or mean that you wouldn't reply.

Other sites have an "originally from" and "currently in" flag - maybe something to think about?

[LindaH27]

@Ferrets I’m assuming you are sponsoring  your parents application for 143 visa ? If so could  you amend your signature to reflect times/dates please? 

[Ferrets]

2 minutes ago, LindaH27 said:

@Ferrets I’m assuming you are sponsoring  your parents application for 143 visa ? If so could  you amend your signature to reflect times/dates please? 

Nope, not a sponsor, falls to my brother for that one, and my parents are going for the 864 (aged parents onshore).

I don't see any signatures any more (and now wonder what my signature is), need to have a tinker with the settings and will update as it's also good to keep everyone aware of general progress.

[LindaH27]

There’s been a problem with signatures not appearing after a recent update. Try logging off and on again. 

[SusieRoo]

3 hours ago, Ferrets said:

Out of curiosity isn't childcare technically a breach of the working conditions of the 600?  I know that for family it's likely no one will ever check but I understood the visa required that;

• Your main purpose in visiting Australia is tourism, and any voluntary work remains incidental to this.
• The work involved would not otherwise be undertaken, in return for wages, by an Australian resident.
• The work is genuinely voluntary and that no remuneration is received in return for the activities (which of course family childcare would be)

My reading of that is that regular voluntary childcare is therefore not allowed, but happy to be corrected. 

I do apologise for being a bit argumentative at the moment, as all that post here have developed their own strategies based on rules and circumstances and are frustrated by the current wait times & lack of clarity from DIBP, and hope everyone achieves their goal.

No need to apologise and it’s nice to see someone challenging the Blue Rinse Brigade.

You do have a point about the hypocritical nature of some posts.

Clearly you would never get a 600 visa if you indicated on the application an intention to work as an unpaid child-minder (even if just one day a week).

Equally the 600 visa would be refused if you declared an intention to move permanently to Australia while awaiting 143 grant (ie. Selling your house and shipping furniture).

There have been postings here (from real experts) warning against risking or misusing a 600 visa.

But anyone following this thread for the last couple of years will have seen numerous people doing both of these without being discovered or facing any consequences.

And many of us here (including myself) are always happy to whish these parents well, knowing full well they are actually bending the rules.

So it’s wrong for us Brits to condone this use of 600 visas while condemning the age of some Asian dependents. It looks like immi uses a little prudence in both cases and if we need to be carful what we wish for.

We all have the same goals here and we need to be respectful of cultural differences.

Good on you Ferrets for standing up for yourself and good luck to everyone.

[ant111]

3 hours ago, Ferrets said:

Out of curiosity isn't childcare technically a breach of the working conditions of the 600?  I know that for family it's likely no one will ever check but I understood the visa required that;

• Your main purpose in visiting Australia is tourism, and any voluntary work remains incidental to this.
• The work involved would not otherwise be undertaken, in return for wages, by an Australian resident.
• The work is genuinely voluntary and that no remuneration is received in return for the activities (which of course family childcare would be)

My reading of that is that regular voluntary childcare is therefore not allowed, but happy to be corrected. 

I do apologise for being a bit argumentative at the moment, as all that post here have developed their own strategies based on rules and circumstances and are frustrated by the current wait times & lack of clarity from DIBP, and hope everyone achieves their goal.

Not a breach technically or otherwise!

[Ferrets]

17 minutes ago, ant111 said:

Not a breach technically or otherwise!

Well if you are in Australia on a 600 to look after your grandchildren on a regular scheduled basis then it might be a breach (I would ask a MARA agent to confirm). 

Doesn't mean anyone will check but don't pretend to have a clear conscience if you are breaking immigration rules.

Edited May 20, 2018 by Ferrets

[SusieRoo]

3 hours ago, Rosiejaq said:

I’ve seen episodes of Nothing to Declare where people have been hauled over the coals for this...just looking after children while parents work...need to be careful!

Didn’t see the episode myself but I have seen others where immigration do take a hard line when you would expect some compassion. Yes, you are right to say “you need to be careful’ and I think I would be careful what I add to my signature line just in case it gets misinterpreted.

[LindaH27]

@Ferrets so did your parents come over on a 600 tourist visa or other holiday visa before applying for the 864  onshore Visa? 

A lot of parents have done that despite warnings from agents etc that technically you’re not supposed to use a tourist visa to then claim another visa which is probably why more and more 600 visas are coming with conditions attached. Otherwise parents would just go over on a tourist visa and  then claim another onshore and just remain in Oz on bridging visas until finally getting granted PR  

I think it’s quite routine in very many cultures for grandparents to look after grandchildren whilst the young parents are working. 

As so many have pointed out our applications and first vac were made on the premise that the wait list was 18-24 months. To find that time lengthening either because of Au govt deliberately  delaying visas or removing some places for 405/410 applicants or because some applicants have used other “techniques” to get to Oz is probably only adding to the frustrations felt by many. 

 

[Ferrets]

2 minutes ago, LindaH27 said:

@Ferrets so did your parents come over on a 600 tourist visa or other holiday visa before applying for the 864  onshore Visa? 

A lot of parents have done that despite warnings from agents etc that technically you’re not supposed to use a tourist visa to then claim another visa which is probably why more and more 600 visas are coming with conditions attached. Otherwise parents would just go over on a tourist visa and  then claim another onshore and just remain in Oz on bridging visas until finally getting granted PR  

I think it’s quite routine in very many cultures for grandparents to look after grandchildren whilst the young parents are working. 

As so many have pointed out our applications and first vac were made on the premise that the wait list was 18-24 months. To find that time lengthening either because of Au govt deliberately  delaying visas or removing some places for 405/410 applicants or because some applicants have used other “techniques” to get to Oz is probably only adding to the frustrations felt by many. 

 

Nope 600 was not required. A 651 from the UK generally does not have any "no further stay conditions", but really only works if one party is over 65.  We spent a modest amount with a reputed MARA agent who specialises in parent visas and it has been invaluable to us.  As I have said previously we all have strategies, and the best way to do that is with a good agent.

Frustrations are felt by all but we need to make sure that advice here is compliant with legislation and not what people want to hear.

[LindaH27]

So what you’re saying is that many parents on this forum aged over 65 could simply rock up on a 651 then apply for 864 once they get there and stay in Australia  on bridging visas till PR grant ?? 

[Ferrets]

11 minutes ago, LindaH27 said:

So what you’re saying is that many parents on this forum aged over 65 could simply rock up on a 651 then apply for 864 once they get there and stay in Australia  on bridging visas till PR grant ?? 

Yes, with reciprocal healthcare and no restrictions.

Personally I do not believe that the 600 in anticipation of 143 grant is a viable option given the current political environment here.

Suggest appropriate consultation with a MARA agent.

Edited May 20, 2018 by Ferrets

[Kathss56]

4 hours ago, Ferrets said:

Nope, not a sponsor, falls to my brother for that one, and my parents are going for the 864 (aged parents onshore).

I don't see any signatures any more (and now wonder what my signature is), need to have a tinker with the settings and will update as it's also good to keep everyone aware of general progress.

I can see ur signature no probs / seems to be hit and miss some days I can’t see on iPhone but can today ! 

Edited May 20, 2018 by Kathss56

[Kathss56]

7 hours ago, Ferrets said:

Out of curiosity isn't childcare technically a breach of the working conditions of the 600?  I know that for family it's likely no one will ever check but I understood the visa required that;

• Your main purpose in visiting Australia is tourism, and any voluntary work remains incidental to this.
• The work involved would not otherwise be undertaken, in return for wages, by an Australian resident.
• The work is genuinely voluntary and that no remuneration is received in return for the activities (which of course family childcare would be)

My reading of that is that regular voluntary childcare is therefore not allowed, but happy to be corrected. 

I do apologise for being a bit argumentative at the moment, as all that post here have developed their own strategies based on rules and circumstances and are frustrated by the current wait times & lack of clarity from DIBP, and hope everyone achieves their goal.

My childcare is going to be regular but unpaid. In new temp parent  visa they are looking to roll out -they actually suggest parents could  to do this. (Childminding!)

Edited May 20, 2018 by Kathss56

[LindaH27]

600 visas are not actually an exploitation. They are legally available  to 143 visa applicants. I’m not sure if Im allowed  to quote directly from it but @Alan Collett has a very good blog on it if you google for it. 

[Kathss56]

7 hours ago, Brett31 said:

What is a signature?

Click on Your name on Top right corner of screen  

go to account settings and then click onto signature you can then add your details to a pop up box ie date application lodged and any other info you wish to give

Edited May 20, 2018 by Kathss56

[SusieRoo]

4 hours ago, LindaH27 said:

So what you’re saying is that many parents on this forum aged over 65 could simply rock up on a 651 then apply for 864 once they get there and stay in Australia  on bridging visas till PR grant ?? 

I think it may be 66 now but this has always been the best option for anyone of pension age. And you can also do this with the 804 visa if you want to save money. You do have to be onshore to apply.

[LindaH27]

I see but surely in order to do that they would have to sell up etc in UK or wherever and I thought you weren't supposed to enter on a tourist visa knowing you didn't intend to go back?  Apparently on a bridging visa you can't re-enter if you leave unless it's a really compelling reason so visits home are a no no till you have PR - is that right? 

[Alan Collett]

2 minutes ago, LindaH27 said:

I see but surely in order to do that they would have to sell up etc in UK or wherever and I thought you weren't supposed to enter on a tourist visa knowing you didn't intend to go back?  Apparently on a bridging visa you can't re-enter if you leave unless it's a really compelling reason so visits home are a no no till you have PR - is that right? 

You can enter Australia on a visitor visa if you are a genuine temporary entrant.

The logistics of lodging an onshore application and the interaction of a visitor visa with a Bridging Visa should be worked through with an experienced advisor.

Best regards.

 

[SusieRoo]

18 minutes ago, LindaH27 said:

I see but surely in order to do that they would have to sell up etc in UK or wherever and I thought you weren't supposed to enter on a tourist visa knowing you didn't intend to go back?  Apparently on a bridging visa you can't re-enter if you leave unless it's a really compelling reason so visits home are a no no till you have PR - is that right? 

There are different types of bridging visas each with their own conditions. It’s really an area where good professional advice is invaluable. You would not go wrong talking to GoMatilda.