Flossyhall

My mother in law has been visiting us in Australia as a UK citizen from the UK (we are Australian citizens) every 6 months for 1 month at a time, however my father in law has now died & she would like to stay for longer periods, not to live, but to visit for 3-6 months. Can she do this & how long does she have to leave Australia for between visits? Thanks

steven9818

As far as I am aware she can stay for up to 6 months and only has to leave Australia for a day to start the 6 months over again.

Flossyhall

Thanks Steven,
ok so on an E-visa.Is there a limit how often she can do this? It doesn't state on the immigration website.Her plan is approx 3-6 months in Oz & 6-9 months in the UK each year.
Also can she go on a cruise to do the visa run if required? I think it would need to be outside Australian waters, eg Fiji.

steven9818

My in-laws have been over for 6 months and whilst here flown to NZ for a few weeks to see family. I am no expert but I assume that there wouldn't be any problem. But as I say, I am no expert

Dorothy

That sounds fine. 3 to 6 months a year is not trying to live here and a cruise should be ok. However bear in mind that as a non citizen there will always be the chance of her not being admitted. Only citizens have the right to be - visitors can always be turned away if the border guards think she's trying to live in Australia without the correct visa.

Jilliebee

Not sure about using a cruise to re-set the visa. According to the immi website the time spent on a round trip cruise, if it's under 30 days (even if visiting other islands) is classed as still being in Australia for the purpose of a visa. It doesn't state a specific visa so it may be all of them.

Could be worth checking direct with immigration on that point x

Alan Collett

Agreed that a short term cruise that leaves from Australia usually doesn't cause the visa holder to depart Australia.

The need will be to depart Australia from an airport.

Best regards.