Temporary Australian Immigration
Australia offers a wide range of visa categories to enable visitors to stay in the country on a temporary basis. Over the 1997-98 financial year almost 100,000 temporary visas were granted to overseas citizens.
Retirement Category
Qualifying retirees may live in Australia for a period of four years. Further extensions of two years may be gained if the applicant still meets the requirements for the issuing of the visa.
The requirements for the visa are that you:
- are at least 55 years of age
- have no dependants other than a spouse or de facto partner
- meet the health and character requirements
- have capital of A$870,000 to transfer to Australia (or A$800,000 if you have a non-dependent child living permanently in Australia ) or,
- have capital of A$350,000 to invest plus a yearly income of at least A$52,000 from a pension or capital (or A$315,000 to invest plus other yearly income of A$50,000 if you have a non-dependent child living permanently in Australia )
- have adequate health insurance.
Retirement visas now include limited work rights which will allow the holder to work for a maximum of 20 hours per week.
Emergency Category
This category allows applicants who have applied for a temporary residency visa, but are awaiting approval on the health and character criteria, the right to travel to Australia if they can demonstrate an urgent need to do so.
Confirmatory Category
This category approves the stay of people who have entered Australia on an emergency visa once their outstanding health and character checks have been met.
Exchange Category
This category allows citizens from countries that have reciprocal arrangements to enter Australia.
Foreign Government Agency Category
The category gives employees of foreign governments which have no official status, or those officials that do not have diplomatic or official status, the right to stay in Australia on the basis of carrying out official business.
Special Programme
This programme allows Churchill fellows or other approved community-based non-commercial programmes' members the chance to enter Australia to develop international relations.
Visiting Academic Category
People who have been invited by an Australian research or tertiary institute may travel to Australia to observe and participate (without payment) in projects.
Entertainment Category
This category grants entry for performers and their supporters who will be involved with the Australian entertainment industry.
Sport Category
This category allows sportspeople, sporting officials and support staff to engage in competitions and training in Australia.
Media and Film Category
Professional media and support staff may seek entry under this category.
Public Lecturer Category
This category enables professional lectures and recognized experts to take up invitations to make public presentations.
