Australian Visa for family to look after newborn child

[n0mad]

Hi,

My wife is pregnant, she will take off 1 year of work to look after the baby. What we want is one of her family members preferably an Aunt to come and look after the child for hopefully a couple years after that. Main purpose is to save on childcare costs which are significant in my area.

My wife works at a childcare centre and 1 of the mothers from Vietnam had her mother in law granted a 3 year visa, with conditions she has to leave the country every year or 6 months (not sure which). She tried to get more info but the husband organised it so info was limited to what the mother knew.

i have looked on immi website and also google but can't find info on this, does anyone have any knowledge of what Visa would be applied for or anything they can add.

[culicine]

My mum came from Australia to help look after my boy, but she was given a multi entry O visa, needing to leave every 90 days.I've never heard of a longer visa than that.

[Jay Sata]

If your aunt is under 27 years old she could try for a working holiday visa.

I don''t think you'll have much luck trying to claim childcare is expensive as that's a fact that all Aussies face.

You say your wife works at a childcare centre. Why not negotiate a reduced rate.

[David48]

@ culicine ... the OP is in Australia. Your Mum came from Australia ... slightly different Visa Options.

@ Jay Santa ... Usually an Aunt implies the sister of the OP's wife ... you would have to doubt that the Aunt in question is 27 years or under ... 72 maybe ...

BTW ... that 'working holiday visa' is designed for someone with a University Education looking to combine and Australian working experience with an Australian Tourism Experience ... not a defacto baby-sitter or au-pair.

@ n0mad ... I think many here would like to know the answer to your questions, for exactly the reasons that you have outlined. Maybe you may have to progress the enquiries with the MiL of the Vietnam lady.

Do come back if you discover the answer, as I keenly wish to know ...

.

[Jay Sata]

I assumed the OP was using the term aunt loosely as Thai's do.

I must admit I can not see this application succeeding.

[Jasun]

Tourist visa would be the quickest / easiest if she can prove she has stuff to go back to, but the fact she has family in Oz will make her a flight risk. You could also go down the Remaining Relative (offshore) option. Alternatively, boats leaving to Christmas Island daily.

[David48]

I assumed the OP was using the term aunt loosely as Thai's do.

I must admit I can not see this application succeeding.

I will agree that when the gf says 'Aunt' or 'Uncle' ... I do ask the question 'Are they blood Uncle/Aunt'

.

[David48]

... You could also go down the Remaining Relative (offshore) option. ...

Could you expand on that option ...

.

[Jay Sata]

Link here

http://www.immi.gov.au/migrants/family/115/

I doubt it applies in your case.

You will also be looking at spending thousands of dollars on the application etc which might make the

option more expensive than looking for cheaper childcare.

Edited June 12, 2013 by Jay Sata

[krisb]

Something I also want to know. My wife has mentioned getting her Mother dear over to Australia for exact same thing.

[krisb]

Link here

http://www.immi.gov.au/migrants/family/115/

I doubt it applies in your case.

You will also be looking at spending thousands of dollars on the application etc which might make the

option more expensive than looking for cheaper childcare.

Hmm, remaining relative visa? Doesnt sound like the correct 1.

Couldnt the Aunt just come out on a tourist visa?

Edited June 12, 2013 by krisb

[Jay Sata]

She could come out on a tourist visa but would not be allowed to work.(Childcare is classified as work).

The problem is that would only allow her a three month stay before either applying for an extension or returning to Thailand.

She'll also have to convince them that she is only planning a short term visit and will leave afterwards.

If you are looking for long term childcare this will not work.

Edited June 12, 2013 by Jay Sata

[n0mad]

Ok, to clear up some little questions that have popped up,

Aunt would be my wifes blood aunt either sister of her Father prob in 60's or sister of mother probably late 40's early 50s who is our preferred.

The Aunt would not be working in child care, she would be assisting us with the care of our child.

I know for a fact i have seen many Mothers/MIL who get 12 month visas when a child is born, i believe they are tourist visas, my main question was in relation to a 3 year visa which was mentioned in the OP.

I have looked at the remaining relative visa but that's for parents and it takes many years, even if she is an only child which she is so she would get a higher priority on the application.

i'll see if the wife can ask for further clarification, but as we are waiting till the end of the month to tell people she may need to wait. I may try and contact Immi first and see what they say.

[David48]

^^ I read a lot of stuff on Australian Visa Applications ... maybe going back 5 years that have been discussed on this Forum ... but I've never read a situation as you have mentioned it.

So if you don't get any exacting replies back from us ... it's just that we haven't had experience in that area.

There was one original poster who was a stalwart of the Visa Forum which related to Australians by the name of gbnurns57au

Is his day, he was the one who you referred to. Maybe a PM to him?

Otherwise, you might be 'breaking the ground' here and we will learn from you.

As for Tourist Visas. They come in 3 month, 6 month and 12 months variety ... but the 12 month has a condition that makes you leave every 3 months and then can return.

Many of the guys partners here have had them ... mine has.

There is (or was) the discretion to grant a single entry visa longer then 12 months ... though I haven't read anyone obtaining one and reporting back here.

I, and I'm sure, many others here, wish you the best of luck and we all look forward to the answer to the question you ask.

[n0mad]

^^ I read a lot of stuff on Australian Visa Applications ... maybe going back 5 years that have been discussed on this Forum ... but I've never read a situation as you have mentioned it.

So if you don't get any exacting replies back from us ... it's just that we haven't had experience in that area.

There was one original poster who was a stalwart of the Visa Forum which related to Australians by the name of gbnurns57au

Is his day, he was the one who you referred to. Maybe a PM to him?

Otherwise, you might be 'breaking the ground' here and we will learn from you.

As for Tourist Visas. They come in 3 month, 6 month and 12 months variety ... but the 12 month has a condition that makes you leave every 3 months and then can return.

Many of the guys partners here have had them ... mine has.

There is (or was) the discretion to grant a single entry visa longer then 12 months ... though I haven't read anyone obtaining one and reporting back here.

I, and I'm sure, many others here, wish you the best of luck and we all look forward to the answer to the question you ask.

Great news, after waiting over 30mins to speak to someone at immi i have an answer and it's as i mentioned in the op,

http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/tourist/676/parents-longer-tourist-visa.htm

link is provided, looks to be from 18months - 5 yrs depending on validity although i think most will qualify for 3 yrs.

maximum 12 month stay in 18 months, multi entry.

must hold health insurance

only for parents.

FYI relatively new visa Nov 2012

surprised i'm the one delivering the info for once instead of absorbing all i can from the pro's in TV

Edited June 13, 2013 by n0mad

[David48]

Only hitch I see is it has to be a parent ... not an Aunt and your wife has to be an Australian citizen or a permanent resident.

Am I reading that correctly?

Still ... great news ...

.

[Jasun]

^^ I read a lot of stuff on Australian Visa Applications ... maybe going back 5 years that have been discussed on this Forum ... but I've never read a situation as you have mentioned it.

So if you don't get any exacting replies back from us ... it's just that we haven't had experience in that area.

There was one original poster who was a stalwart of the Visa Forum which related to Australians by the name of gbnurns57au

Is his day, he was the one who you referred to. Maybe a PM to him?

Otherwise, you might be 'breaking the ground' here and we will learn from you.

As for Tourist Visas. They come in 3 month, 6 month and 12 months variety ... but the 12 month has a condition that makes you leave every 3 months and then can return.

Many of the guys partners here have had them ... mine has.

There is (or was) the discretion to grant a single entry visa longer then 12 months ... though I haven't read anyone obtaining one and reporting back here.

I, and I'm sure, many others here, wish you the best of luck and we all look forward to the answer to the question you ask.

Great news, after waiting over 30mins to speak to someone at immi i have an answer and it's as i mentioned in the op,

http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/tourist/676/parents-longer-tourist-visa.htm

link is provided, looks to be from 18months - 5 yrs depending on validity although i think most will qualify for 3 yrs.

maximum 12 month stay in 18 months, multi entry.

must hold health insurance

only for parents.

FYI relatively new visa Nov 2012

surprised i'm the one delivering the info for once instead of absorbing all i can from the pro's in TV

Great research, thanks for posting this.

[Jasun]

There's a clause at the top of this page that states that from 23rd March 2013, this visa is no longer open to new applicants. That blows.

[n0mad]

There's a clause at the top of this page that states that from 23rd March 2013, this visa is no longer open to new applicants. That blows.

wow missed that, that's the link the lady sent me via email and the visa she recommended. I may need to call again now, will let you know if i do it today but i may wait till tomorrow. very strange, maybe it was a 6 month trial?

[Jasun]

Maybe the program had a better reaction than they were expecting and have had to close the tap. Politically, the costs associated with immigration is a dark topic in Australia at the moment, they're looking to close as many doors as they can. Let us know how you get on with further discussion.

[n0mad]

OK, called and spoke to a different lady this time,

basically, the previous link to tourist visa subclass 676 is now out of date as mentioned.

it has been replaced by subclass 600 visa, http://www.immi.gov.au/visas/visitor/600/ , the subclass 600 has now had the family sponsorship stream added to it.

i would say getting 12 months off the bat may be difficult, but if you have previously had them over and they obeyed their visa conditions then it may be possible.

realistically, there is nothing stopping you from getting 12 months (if approved) then waiting 6 months before they apply again.

you may be asked to provide a bond of usually $5k-$15k which would be returned if visa conditions are not breached.

[krisb]

Maybe the program had a better reaction than they were expecting and have had to close the tap. Politically, the costs associated with immigration is a dark topic in Australia at the moment, they're looking to close as many doors as they can. Let us know how you get on with further discussion. 

Politically its the boats that keep coming and the abuse of 457visas. As for getting a relative over to assist parents with a baby, this seems to be news to all of us. Will is usually cluey at these things, havnt heard from him yet or Simple(member) havnt heard from him either.

Don't give up op, keep us posted and question them why they sent outdated info to you? They must learn on the job I think.

[n0mad]

Maybe the program had a better reaction than they were expecting and have had to close the tap. Politically, the costs associated with immigration is a dark topic in Australia at the moment, they're looking to close as many doors as they can. Let us know how you get on with further discussion.

Politically its the boats that keep coming and the abuse of 457visas. As for getting a relative over to assist parents with a baby, this seems to be news to all of us. Will is usually cluey at these things, havnt heard from him yet or Simple(member) havnt heard from him either.

Don't give up op, keep us posted and question them why they sent outdated info to you? They must learn on the job I think.

I won't be giving up, and am pretty confident in getting 12 month visa's. I won't be applying for a while as my wife is due in January and then we would want her Aunt here end of next yr prob.

Don't be too concerned, i have heard of many people bringing family over to look after young babies before. It was always for 1 year until recently as i mentioned in the OP of the 3 yr visa. I'm happy with 12 months and then bringing someone else over for 12 months. I think we can persuade a couple aunties to do it at least.

will keep you all updated when we eventually do apply

[Will27]

Maybe the program had a better reaction than they were expecting and have had to close the tap. Politically, the costs associated with immigration is a dark topic in Australia at the moment, they're looking to close as many doors as they can. Let us know how you get on with further discussion.

Politically its the boats that keep coming and the abuse of 457visas. As for getting a relative over to assist parents with a baby, this seems to be news to all of us. Will is usually cluey at these things, havnt heard from him yet or Simple(member) havnt heard from him either.

Don't give up op, keep us posted and question them why they sent outdated info to you? They must learn on the job I think.

I won't be giving up, and am pretty confident in getting 12 month visa's. I won't be applying for a while as my wife is due in January and then we would want her Aunt here end of next yr prob.

Don't be too concerned, i have heard of many people bringing family over to look after young babies before. It was always for 1 year until recently as i mentioned in the OP of the 3 yr visa. I'm happy with 12 months and then bringing someone else over for 12 months. I think we can persuade a couple aunties to do it at least.

will keep you all updated when we eventually do apply

I'm like David48, it seems to only apply to parents so if you want the Aunt over, I think she would only be

eligible for a stock standard tourist visa. And for the first one, would more than likely get a 3 month single entry visa.

To be honest, before this new visa was made eligible, I'd never heard of anyone getting 12 months visa's to look after grand kids.

Regards

Will

[n0mad]

Maybe the program had a better reaction than they were expecting and have had to close the tap. Politically, the costs associated with immigration is a dark topic in Australia at the moment, they're looking to close as many doors as they can. Let us know how you get on with further discussion.

Politically its the boats that keep coming and the abuse of 457visas. As for getting a relative over to assist parents with a baby, this seems to be news to all of us. Will is usually cluey at these things, havnt heard from him yet or Simple(member) havnt heard from him either.

Don't give up op, keep us posted and question them why they sent outdated info to you? They must learn on the job I think.

I won't be giving up, and am pretty confident in getting 12 month visa's. I won't be applying for a while as my wife is due in January and then we would want her Aunt here end of next yr prob.

Don't be too concerned, i have heard of many people bringing family over to look after young babies before. It was always for 1 year until recently as i mentioned in the OP of the 3 yr visa. I'm happy with 12 months and then bringing someone else over for 12 months. I think we can persuade a couple aunties to do it at least.

will keep you all updated when we eventually do apply

I'm like David48, it seems to only apply to parents so if you want the Aunt over, I think she would only be

eligible for a stock standard tourist visa. And for the first one, would more than likely get a 3 month single entry visa.

To be honest, before this new visa was made eligible, I'd never heard of anyone getting 12 months visa's to look after grand kids.

Regards

Will

Hi Will,

Not sure if you saw a little further down the 676 visa which is specifically for parents is no longer being used, they have amended the 600 visa adding an option to sponsor family, terms are:

"a relative of the applicant (partner, parent, child, brother, sister, grandparent, grandchild, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, or the 'step' or adopted equivalent of any of these)"

link is here http://www.immi.gov.au/visas/visitor/600/sponsors.htm

hope this assists you.

600 visa link http://www.immi.gov.au/visas/visitor/600/

[Will27]

G'day mate

Sorry for the new post but it wouldn't let me quote you.

After reading that link you provided, it seems DIAC have just put all of the previous visa's under 1 umbrella, being the S/C600.

The visa you highlighted http://www.immi.gov....ourist-visa.htm before, was basically for parents who have applied

for permanent residency S/C 103 which is a whole different subclass. It was not intended for long baby sitting visits.

It was for people who were waiting in the queue for their permanent residence.

The visa you're referring to now (S/C 600 family sponsored), was the S/C679.

It's basically the same visa using another name. Here is something from the application form:

"A person coming to Australia as a sponsored family visitor will

generally be able to stay in Australia for a period of up to

3 months. In certain circumstances the period may be longer,

usually up to 6 months, but no more than 12 months.

Their visa, if granted, will generally only allow them to travel"

Basically, this visa was intended for relatives who might not be able to obtain a tourist

visa on their own, hence the need for a security bond.

So the length of the visa granted would generally be the same as a tourist visa. ie. 3 months.

From my experience, the circumstances referred to obtain a 6 or 12 month visa would not be

to help look after a grandchild. In fact, a lot of case officers would refer to this as actual work.

So you may want to think again what you put down as the reason for the purpose of stay.

So the bottom line is, IMO, the S/C600 visa (sponsored family steam) is virtually just a tourist visa

with a security bond attached and gives no special advantages because the applicant is a relative.

So sure, go ahead and request for 12 months, but I think you will be pushing poo uphill. So you

might want to have a contingency plan if the aunt only gets a 3 months visa which is probable I'd suggest.

Regards

Will

Edited June 19, 2013 by Will27

[n0mad]

G'day mate

Sorry for the new post but it wouldn't let me quote you.

After reading that link you provided, it seems DIAC have just put all of the previous visa's under 1 umbrella, being the S/C600.

The visa you highlighted http://www.immi.gov....ourist-visa.htm before, was basically for parents who have applied

for permanent residency S/C 103 which is a whole different subclass. It was not intended for long baby sitting visits.

It was for people who were waiting in the queue for their permanent residence.

The visa you're referring to now (S/C 600 family sponsored), was the S/C679.

It's basically the same visa using another name. Here is something from the application form:

"A person coming to Australia as a sponsored family visitor will

generally be able to stay in Australia for a period of up to

3 months. In certain circumstances the period may be longer,

usually up to 6 months, but no more than 12 months.

Their visa, if granted, will generally only allow them to travel"

Basically, this visa was intended for relatives who might not be able to obtain a tourist

visa on their own, hence the need for a security bond.

So the length of the visa granted would generally be the same as a tourist visa. ie. 3 months.

From my experience, the circumstances referred to obtain a 6 or 12 month visa would not be

to help look after a grandchild. In fact, a lot of case officers would refer to this as actual work.

So you may want to think again what you put down as the reason for the purpose of stay.

So the bottom line is, IMO, the S/C600 visa (sponsored family steam) is virtually just a tourist visa

with a security bond attached and gives no special advantages because the applicant is a relative.

So sure, go ahead and request for 12 months, but I think you will be pushing poo uphill. So you

might want to have a contingency plan if the aunt only gets a 3 months visa which is probable I'd suggest.

Regards

Will

thanks for your interest,

the 676 visa is not just for people who are applying for a parent visa, although they are the only ones who qualify for a 5 year visa. All others would have qualified for 3 years or 18 months depending if they had been to Australia before. So i think you are incorrect with this assertion, particularly since this was recommended to me (incorrectly) when i contacted immi on the first instance.

I actually contacted immi regarding my options, and what was possible a second time. They get these inquiries all the time and people are getting visa's for relatives all the time. The points from the visa you posted are correct, it does not specifically say what would constitute extending a visa up to 6 or 12 months. However, after speaking with immi they mentioned visiting and assisting family is an acceptable reason to request a longer visa. This does not mean it would be approved, naturally they would still need to fulfill other requirements such has have a reason to go back etc. this replaces the 676 visa which did allow family members to come over long term, i see no reason and was given no indication that the new visa would now restrict family members from coming over now.

I did not lie to immi, told them exactly what i was wanting and what the aunt would be doing. At no time did they tell me that would be considered working. As i have said i know of several people who have brought family over for 12 months before, this was never really of a concern to me as i was more interested in the 3 year 676 visa. I will most likely bring the Aunt over after the baby is born for a short trip and then use that as greater support for the application that she will return home.

I am interested if you are speaking from experience in that you have applied for similar before or just opinion. If you are speaking from experience then i may call again and see if i can get further information. At the end of the day i the more info i get the better.

[Will27]

G'day mate

Sorry for the new post but it wouldn't let me quote you.

After reading that link you provided, it seems DIAC have just put all of the previous visa's under 1 umbrella, being the S/C600.

The visa you highlighted http://www.immi.gov....ourist-visa.htm before, was basically for parents who have applied

for permanent residency S/C 103 which is a whole different subclass. It was not intended for long baby sitting visits.

It was for people who were waiting in the queue for their permanent residence.

The visa you're referring to now (S/C 600 family sponsored), was the S/C679.

It's basically the same visa using another name. Here is something from the application form:

"A person coming to Australia as a sponsored family visitor will

generally be able to stay in Australia for a period of up to

3 months. In certain circumstances the period may be longer,

usually up to 6 months, but no more than 12 months.

Their visa, if granted, will generally only allow them to travel"

Basically, this visa was intended for relatives who might not be able to obtain a tourist

visa on their own, hence the need for a security bond.

So the length of the visa granted would generally be the same as a tourist visa. ie. 3 months.

From my experience, the circumstances referred to obtain a 6 or 12 month visa would not be

to help look after a grandchild. In fact, a lot of case officers would refer to this as actual work.

So you may want to think again what you put down as the reason for the purpose of stay.

So the bottom line is, IMO, the S/C600 visa (sponsored family steam) is virtually just a tourist visa

with a security bond attached and gives no special advantages because the applicant is a relative.

So sure, go ahead and request for 12 months, but I think you will be pushing poo uphill. So you

might want to have a contingency plan if the aunt only gets a 3 months visa which is probable I'd suggest.

Regards

Will

thanks for your interest,

the 676 visa is not just for people who are applying for a parent visa, although they are the only ones who qualify for a 5 year visa. All others would have qualified for 3 years or 18 months depending if they had been to Australia before. So i think you are incorrect with this assertion, particularly since this was recommended to me (incorrectly) when i contacted immi on the first instance.

I actually contacted immi regarding my options, and what was possible a second time. They get these inquiries all the time and people are getting visa's for relatives all the time. The points from the visa you posted are correct, it does not specifically say what would constitute extending a visa up to 6 or 12 months. However, after speaking with immi they mentioned visiting and assisting family is an acceptable reason to request a longer visa. This does not mean it would be approved, naturally they would still need to fulfill other requirements such has have a reason to go back etc. this replaces the 676 visa which did allow family members to come over long term, i see no reason and was given no indication that the new visa would now restrict family members from coming over now.

I did not lie to immi, told them exactly what i was wanting and what the aunt would be doing. At no time did they tell me that would be considered working. As i have said i know of several people who have brought family over for 12 months before, this was never really of a concern to me as i was more interested in the 3 year 676 visa. I will most likely bring the Aunt over after the baby is born for a short trip and then use that as greater support for the application that she will return home.

I am interested if you are speaking from experience in that you have applied for similar before or just opinion. If you are speaking from experience then i may call again and see if i can get further information. At the end of the day i the more info i get the better.

Hi again

I realize that the S/C 676 was not just for people applying for a parent S/C 103 visa, but the visa you highlighted http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/tourist/676/parents-longer-tourist-visa.htm is for: Longer Tourist Visas for Parents of Australians.

The bottom line is,the 3 year 676 visa you're interested in is for parents only. Usually those who intended to migrate or visit family for longer periods.

Obviously, I don't know what you told DIAC, but the purpose of a S/C 600 sponsored family visa is to

• visit family and friends in Australia (your sponsor might have to pay a bond)
• have a holiday
• study in Australia for up to three months.

This is quite different to what you have stated. I'm sure if I rang up DIAC and said "my wife is having a baby

and she would like a family member to visit and help out", that wouldn't be a problem. But you are saying that you

want someone to take care of the baby for 12 months full time and then do it again 12 months later. That is not the

purpose of this visa and AFAIK, there isn't a visa for this.

I have no doubt that if I rang DIAC and said "I want a visa for my aunt to come and look after our new born child

for 12 months" that they would suggest the S/C 600 (old 679) visa, but your chances I'd imagine would be remote

at least to get anything more than a 3 month visa. Again, this visa is for holidays and visiting family/friends, not a

full time job doing child care. And taking care of a baby full time for 12 months would be considered work IMO.

I guess we won't know until you apply further down the track. I'm just adding what I know on this type of visa. At a guess,

you could probably ring DIAC up 3 times and get 3 different responses so you won't really know until you do apply.

Regards

Will

Edited June 19, 2013 by Will27

[n0mad]

Will,

firstly, the 676 is for parents this was determined after i called up the first time and was not known in the OP in fact the visa itself wasn't even known at the time. regardless, the visa is no longer available so why you keep being argumentative on it i don't know, perhaps you like having the last word.

back to the 600 visa, i think you are being very pedantic why would i tell immigration i want them to come back for a second visa? what if i change my mind and decide i don't want them back? Also, who is giving them a full time job in child care, they would be assisting us in the care of our child. Why would immigration want specifics?

to humor you i called again. I asked if my family was to apply for the 600 tourist visa and they came over and while visiting they were taking care of our baby while we work is it considered work. She clarified would they be paid and i said no. She put me on hold, came back and said the requirements of the Visa is that they come to visit family and friends, what they do in that time is their business and as long as they are not being paid it would not be considered work. if you doubt this i challenge you to call yourself and ask the same 131 881. I have called 3 times and none have said it is an issue. Why don't you make it a 4th, if you call right on 8:30am there is no wait.

that being said, as i mentioned there is still no guarantee of a visa greater than 3 months but your reasoning will not be why it is not given. They must still provide evidence of reasons to return, be able to support themselves (show $1k per month of stay) and be of good character etc. As i said i would bring them over for a short stay first to hopefully strengthen the application for 12 months whether that helps i have no idea but considering the 676 visa gave an extra 18 months if the person had been here before i think it couldn't hurt.

[Jasun]

I think your plan to gets some runs on the board with the short term visa before attempting a longer stay is a good one.