Hi,

We had our visa granted in September 2008 and are validating in April 2009. We are waiting to try and sell our house before we emmigrate though

We (as in myself, hubbie, 3 1/2 year old Son and 4 1/2 month Daughter) are happy to go as soon as we can, but my Mum who will be in the UK on her own ( down to her own stubborness!!!) has been told by friends that the citizenship has now changed from 2 years to 4 years, so if she decided to definately come out to live with us, what would we do? She has just turned 69. Could she come out with us as we have our visa, or would she have to wait until we gained citizenship?

Your help and advice would be greatly appreciated.

Rachel (The other half of Claretandblue)

She cannot come over automatically to live - unless she was a dependent on your visa (i assume she isnt) - that would have had to be done at the time of your application. With that you are restricted to proably Parent visas only. An agent can give you a full list of options if she is dependant, single, children she has, relatives she has in Australia for other sponsorship etc.
Other Aged Dependant visas dont apply as the state provides her a pension to live on (ie food clothes etc).

Investigate the Parental Visa options on immi's website http://www.immi.gov.au/migrants/family/visa-options.htm

Usually a 2 year stay by the sponsoring child is required for for parent visas and the balance of family test is required to be met - citizenship is not required.

A parent visa has a 8 year wating list, and a contributary parent is around 2 years at least with a $35,000 fee.

"Settled" permanent residents can sponsor for family class visa. "Settlement" is usually after 2 years (sometimes less). Citizenship takes 4 years, normally.

Does she meet the balance of family test?