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Living overseas

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Original poster

PIL want to move to Australia

12 replies

PILinOz · 19/03/2023 18:13

My parents in law have just come back from visiting their daughter, her husband and kids in Melbourne. They have told us that due to the health benefits of living in a warmer climate they want to move over there permanently and are seriously looking into making it happen.

We are very close to them and my kids absolutely adore them. Whenever they leave to visit, usually for a few months at a time, my kids are incredibly upset and miss them terribly. If PIL move away permanently they will be absolutely devastated.

They are in their late 60s and financially comfortable. They suffer from some health conditions. How realistic is it that they would be granted permanent residency?

OP posts:
echt · 19/03/2023 22:22

This is what the PILS need to look at:

immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/aged-parent-804

Much depends on the status of the daughter. Health requirements are also in the link.

Original poster
PILinOz · 19/03/2023 23:16

Thanks for the link, that's really helpful. Their daughter has citizenship however I don't think they'd pass the health requirements.

OP posts:
Hop27 · 20/03/2023 08:34

It's pretty likely if they are happy to pay a 'bond' against their existing health concerns, having adequate private health and a lump sum in savings to cover them for the waiting period. (Circa 250k each from memory)
They are mad to think Melbourne is warmer than the UK tho, they have very seasonal weather and a cold winter .... if you are looking for a reason to convince them not to go. Plus the houses are cold and don't have central heating. Plus it's something like 30% more expensive here, and they won't benefit for getting the inflated salary!

mondaytosunday · 20/03/2023 09:23

I've been watching The Block (renovation competition in Melbourne) and they are always going on about how (comparatively) awful the weather is there! Rain, cold - all the projects have underfloor heating because if 'Melbourne weather' and roofs need doing carefully due to 'Melbourne rain'...
However if it was Sydney I can see the attraction. But other than you and your kids, don't they miss their friends? Australia is great, just soooo far away!

maddy68 · 30/03/2023 16:18

This isn't about you it's about them
I moved to a warmer climate as the British weather was crippling me with my arthritis

Its soooo much better

FaceTime is your friend

FiveHundredDucksWentOutOneDay · 30/03/2023 16:25

Melbourne is gorgeous. I've only been there for three months; but it felt totally different to the UK, even if there is rain. Worlds apart.

Their health would likely be their biggest barrier; but if they have access to savings, or a house here that would mean they could release cash, they could get a bond to cover health costs and that would allow them to move over.

To be honest, I wouldn't be looking into the practicalities - I'd be planning that if they want to go; they'll find a way, and preparing yourself and your children for that. It seems brutal now, but it must have also been difficult for her own daughter, if she's a great MIL.

They've given you a heads up. Make the most of the time that they are here. How often do you go over to see DH's sister? At least you know how often they come back now; and that they are realistic about costs - and that they plan for decent-length visits, so you'll still have good contact with them.

YukoandHiro · 30/03/2023 16:37

Melbourne is a very liveable city, I can see the attraction after a holiday and returning to bloody Blighty. I nearly jacked everything in and moved there after visiting a friend but I couldn't quite handle the idea of dealing with the spiders while living alone (pathetic I know).
I don't think there's much you can do except help them explore the options transparently.
Are they prone to impulsive decisions, or whims that pass? Or is this more likely something that's been brewing for a long time?

Southstand · 30/03/2023 16:38

My parents did this. Paid a bond to cover health costs or some contributory visa. Moved to be near my sister and it was to help Mum's arthritis and they went with a 'to hell with everyone' attitude.

It was an utter disaster. They aren't getting on, haven't managed to make friends. Mum's arthritis is much better but she's become alcoholic and reclusive. My sister steers clear of them. Dad (a) hates Mum and (b) hates Australians.

I've let they get on with it.

Southstand · 30/03/2023 16:39

Them not they.

maddy68 · 30/03/2023 17:15

Southstand · 30/03/2023 16:38

My parents did this. Paid a bond to cover health costs or some contributory visa. Moved to be near my sister and it was to help Mum's arthritis and they went with a 'to hell with everyone' attitude.

It was an utter disaster. They aren't getting on, haven't managed to make friends. Mum's arthritis is much better but she's become alcoholic and reclusive. My sister steers clear of them. Dad (a) hates Mum and (b) hates Australians.

I've let they get on with it.

That doesn't seem a problem with moving abroad. That's a relationship problem

trulyunruly01 · 30/03/2023 17:20

I think you may have to convince your children that it's their cousins' turn to have the grandparents nearby for a while.
If finances are no object, then it may become reality whatever you or we reckon to the weather, housing costs etc.
I remember the shenanigans here when Grandma decided to retire to Bournemouth, so don't envy you that. However, after a few years she missed us too much and came back, boomerang granny.

CloudPop · 30/03/2023 17:36

Why don't they split their time across the 2 places? Do summer in each country ? I know it's a long flight but surely best of both worlds

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