Retirement Visas

Letter to the Editor - Wanneroo Times
16 November 2005

Dear Sir/Madam

In response to Mr Blundell’s letter to the editor (Case for retirement visa, 9/11/05), there have been a number of changes recently that have provided certainty for retirement visa holders and allow an indefinite stay in Australia.

On 7 November 2005, changes were announced which double the roll-over period from two to four years for retirement visa holders seeking to renew their visa from 1 December 2005. This follows changes in November 2003 where the Government streamlined the financial and health requirements for retirement visa holders seeking to renew their visa.

While the retirement visa remains of temporary status, recent changes mean that very little prevents the indefinite and lawful stay of retirees in Australia.

The Government will continue to look at ways to support overseas retirees to enjoy an active and fulfilling life in Australia. However, a permanent visa option is not envisaged for retirement visa holders primarily because of the impact this would have on Australia’s health and welfare budgets.

Retirees with children in Australia may be eligible to apply for one of the contributory parent visas introduced in June/July 2003. The contributory parent category substantially increases the number of visa places available for parents to migrate each year on the basis that they or their sponsor make a fairer contribution to their health and welfare costs and applications in the contributory parent category are processed to grant stage much more quickly than applications in the parent category.

Mr Blundell may obtain further information on the retirement visa changes as well as the Contributory Parent visas from the department’s Perth office or the department’s website, at www.immi.gov.au.

Yours sincerely,

Cian Manton
Acting Director, Public Affairs
DIMIA