Urno

Brian/Hoops,

Thanks for the further info, that's very helpful.

However, the thick plottens, as i've just discovered that my uncle is on a "mature(d) age pension", which he was granted at 60, because, i think, the state decided that he wasn't going to get another job until 65....he's 65 in June and will move to a "proper" pension.

Does anyone know if this affects his ability to be my sponsor?

Cheers,

Urno.

spartacus

Hi Urno

Have a look at http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/booklets/books6.htm for more information.

The criteria for your uncle being your sponsor are:

1. That he is your relation

2. That he is a permanent resident(of at least two years standing), or Australian citizen.

3. That he isn't currently sponsoring any other family member.

cheers

Urno

Thanks Spartacus, that's quite categorical advice, which is reassuring!

I had a quick chat with an agent who stated, also quite categorically, that if my uncle was retired or pensioned it'd be fine, but if he was on any benefits it'd be a "no way". Which is why i was getting a bit spooked....but i'm feeling positive again

Urno.

JAJ

Points 2 and 3 are incorrect as regards sponsorship (in many cases) : you seem to be confused between sponsorship and the Assurance of Support.

JAJ

Probably not, but it may have a serious impact on his ability to be your assurer. I think you need more than a "quick chat" with an agent, you should be seeking professional advice.

A problems with the Assurance of Support is a common reason for an application to be refused, often at the last minute.

Be careful.

Urno

JAJ,

I think i've got a cast iron AoS; my cousin and her husband, who earn well over the new threshold. No (foreseen) problems there then.

Just the slight question mark over my uncle, which the consensus seems will be ok (as spartacus mentions, the "Booklet 6" from the DIMIA doesn't make any reference to any special "status" conditions attached to the sponsor).

I think you're probably right about needing further specialist advice; i'll probably email the people in London, and maybe pay for a chat with an agent. I'm not inclined to go with an agent as i think they're too expensive, and the forms are perfectly do-able with careful attention. I reckon that if i can get a successful RPL from the ACS then the visa will be a doddle....

hoops

Hi

with regard to the sponsor, it doesnt matter if they are retired as long as they can show that they own something i.e. a house or a car or some form of agreement that to show they live in oz and have some form of assets. this may be a simplified answer but as far as i know tahts all centrelink asked our sponsor

cheers steve

Urno

Thanks for all the helpful information, everyone, but we've decided to go the "invest 100K AUD and get 5 bonus points" route!! After all that hoo-har....

JAJ

Centrelink don't have any dealings with sponsors, only assurers.