Hi there

Can anyone tell me if their parents came over to Australia after them and how they did it.

The situation is thus:
3 siblings - one in Aus (me), one on Isle of man (soon to be in South Africa) and one in Namibia (but a south african resident).
Parents are 63 (dad) and 58 (mum)
Parents would like to start a b&b here in Aus - currently run one in the UK
Would probably have $500K to bring with them.

Does anyone know if there is any way we can get them over here since the balance of children test doesn't pass muster.

Any help advice would be greatly appreciated.

Sarah

I do know a "bit"about this visa, and from what I understand they are not allowed to work once they arrive here, not sure about just owning a business and not working in it though.

Mine came over after us on a contributory parent visa, but we didnt have the balance of family issue you have, it was a couple of years back so im not sure on the exact details and requirements of that visa now, but I know they do have full work rights in Australia (if they wanted them)
I would think some sort of business visa would probably be their best bet considering what they are doing with the B&B etc. I would suggest speaking to an agent to get there view of the options available to you. Maybe try contacting Alan Collett of Go Matilda on here, someone in his office should be able to give you some advice.
Steve

........ hi........ and also post it up in the Immigration Forum where some of the Mods (JAJ in particular) might take it up for you.

Regards

Jim

Could maybe check the visa for starting your own business on www.immi.gov.au ............

Sarah,

I recommend telephoning the Small Business Development Corporation in Perth:
www.sbdc.com.au .

I'd usually recommend trying to speak with Bruno Delfante (who heads up the SBDC), but he is (I believe) in the UK presently attending the migration expos in London/Manchester/etc.

I'd be asking the SBDC whether they will consider sponsoring your parents for a State Sponsored Business Owner visa, even though they are aged over 54. There is scope for State Governments to sponsor business skills applicants who are aged over 54 (we had one in QLD earlier this year), but the applicants need to be exceptional - which is generally interpreted as being fairly substantially wealthy. You can but ask ...

If a sponsorship is in the offing your parents would be looking at a provisional visa under subclass number 163, before moving onto the permanent business owner visa (subclass number 892) once they have set up or acquired a business, employed people, etc - more information is here:
http://www.gomatilda.com/visas/busin...ration.cfm#163

Feel able to mention my name if you decide to call the SBDC and Bruno in particular.

Hope this helps.

Alan, this is excellent advise, I have passed it onto my folks. They aren't very wealthy I am afraid, so I am hoping there is some way we can still get them over here. They run a very successfull b&b (4 stars) in the UK and would like to be able to do the same here in Australia.

My folks live near Portsmouth (lee on solent) so I have asked my dad to contact your offices in Southampton to make an appointment to see them.

Once again, thanks for your help.

Regards,

Sarah

Thanks Sarah.

I suggest they ask to speak with my colleague John Sylvester.

Best regards.