PROSPECTIVE SPOUSE CATEGORY

Are you engaged to be married to an Australian citizen. Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen?

If applying under the prospective spouse category you will need to demonstrate that your relationship is genuine. You will have to show that you intend to marry your fiancé(e) within nine months from the date you are granted a visa and give an undertaking that you intend to live with your partner as their spouse. A further requirement that you and your fiancé(e) are known to each other is included in the criteria.

To satisfy the requirements of this category both you and your fiancé(e) must be aged over 18 years.

For the prospective spouse category, your application must be lodged outside Australia and the applicant at the time of applying must also be outside Australia.

There are three stages to this application process for this category.

Stage one – prospective marriage temporary visa

The first stage allows you to apply for a temporary visa.

You will need to provide evidence in support of your relationship and complete a medical examination, and provide character/police clearances from any country you have lived in for more than 12 months in the last ten years. If the DIMA wants to assess the information you have supplied in support of your application they may request you and your fiance(e) to attend an interview.

If this first stage is approved you will be granted a temporary visa valid for nine months from the date it is issued. Within that time you must travel to Australia, get married and then apply for the spouse temporary category.

Stage two – spouse temporary visa

You must be in Australia when you apply for stage two. You apply for this after your marriage.

You must be in Australia when you apply, complete the application forms, pay the application fee and provide documentary evidence in support of your marriage demonstrating that it is genuine and continuing.

If successful, you will be granted a temporary visa until a decision on your application for a permanent visa is decided. This temporary visa allows for multiple re-entry to Australia.

Stage three – spouse permanent visa

Stage three will commence approximately two years after you lodge your application for spouse category after your initial prospective spouse category application.

At this time DIMA will require documentary evidence from you and your spouse that your relationship is genuine and continuing, statements from friends or family who know you, your spouse and your circumstances supporting the claim that your relationship is continuing and genuine and an Australian police clearance if you have been living in Australia for more than 12 months. You may be invited to attend an interview by DIMA. If you meet the requirements your permanent resident’s visa will be granted. You must be in Australia at the time the visa is granted.

PROSPECTIVE SPOUSE DOCUMENT CHECKLIST

The following documentation should be forwarded to the Australian High Commission together with the completed Forms 47SP and 40SP.

To be eligible for this category of visa you must be able to show evidence of the following:

• You genuinely intend to marry your fiancé(e) within nine months from the date you are granted a visa, and intend to then live with your partner as their spouse. You should provide evidence that you have a celebrant in place to marry you.
• You and your fiancé(e) have met and are personally known to each other.

Joint relationship history

• A joint signed statement outlining the nature and duration of your relationship:
  • 1.How, when and where you met.
  • 2.Details of when you became engaged to marry.
  • 3.How you support each other emotionally and financially (if applicable).
  • 4.Dates when you met each other’s families.
  • 5.Dates of joint holidays and travel.
  • 6.Reasons for any periods of separation.
  • 7.Your future plans.

You should also supply any documentary evidence available of the time you have been a couple – Photographs, cards and letters/emails and if you have lived together at any time utility bills, bank statements, council tax details, etc.

• Four statutory declarations from next of kin, close relatives or friends stating the following:
  • 1.Their relationship to you both.
  • 2.How long they have known you as a couple.
  • 3.They regard you as a genuine couple.
  • 4.Any other information regarding your relationship that they feel is appropriate.

NB: Statutory declarations must be signed, stamped and witnessed by a solicitor.

Main applicant

• 1.Certified copy of full length birth certificate for each person included in the application.
• 2.Certified copy of marriage certificate (if applicable).
• 3.Certified copies of divorce papers (if applicable).
• 4.Certified copies of adoption papers (if applicable).

NB: If there are children from a previous marriage or relationship included in the application, a statutory declaration giving permission for the child to leave the UK must be provided by the child/children’s other parents.

Identification

• 1.Certified copy of the identification pages of your passport.
• 2.Four passport photos for main applicant and any children included in the application (names to be written on reverse of photos).

If you have been self-employed you should provide a letter from your accountant confirming the periods of self-employment together with evidence of tax and national insurance contributions.

Sponsorship (Form 40SP)

Your Australian partner must complete Form 40SP and supply the followingdocumentation:

• 1.Certified copy of birth certificate.
• 2.Certified copy of marriage certificate (if applicable).
• 3.Certified copy of Australian citizenship papers.
• 4.Certified copy of proof of address in Australia (utility bills) (if applicable).
• 5.Certified copy of proof of employment (letter from employer or wage slips).
• 6.Statement confirming that your Australian partner fully supports your application both emotionally and financially.

Police clearances

Each person included in the application who is over the age of 16 years will be required to obtain a police clearance certificate from the relevant Police Authority. Police clearances must also be obtained for any country that you have lived in for more than 12 months in the last ten years. Details can be found on Form 47P.

Medical and radiological examinations

The main applicant will be required to undergo a complete medical and radiological examination by an appointed medical practitioner.

The Australian High Commission is accepting what it calls ‘front end loaded’ applications. Basically, this means that you provide police clearances and medical examination results at the time of submission of your application.

This does not give any guarantee that your application will be successful, though it does mean that a decision is likely to be made within six weeks of application as opposed to four to six months should you wait until these are requested.

DE FACTO SPOUSE CATEGORY

The de facto category covers relationships where you are living with an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. For this category you must satisfy the genuine relationship requirement. This means that you and your partner must have a mutual commitment to a shared life together without marriage. This commitment must be to the exclusion of any other spouse or de facto relationships. You will need to demonstrate that you and your partner are living together, and that you do not live separately or apart on a permanent basis. The relationship must have existed for a minimum period of 12 months before the date of application.

At the time of application you and your partner must be at least 18 years of age.

This category of application is processed in two stages.

Stage one – De facto temporary visa

The first stage will assess your eligibility for a temporary visa under the de facto category. You will need to supply documentary evidence in support of your relationship, undergo a medical examination and submit character/ police clearances for any country in which you have lived for more than 12 months in the last ten years.

If your application is approved at this first stage you will be granted a temporary visa until the time that your application for a permanent visa is decided.

Stage two – De facto permanent visa

Stage two will begin approximately two years after the time that you submitted your temporary visa application. At this time DIMA will assess your eligibility for a permanent visa.

You will be required to supply documentary evidence in support of your relationship. Your relationship must be genuine and continuing. You will require declarations from friends and family supporting the circumstances of your relationship.

If you have been living in Australia for more than 12 months you will need to supply an Australian police clearance. You and your partner may also be requested to attend an interview by the DIMA.

DE FACTO CATEGORY DOCUMENT CHECKLIST

The following documentation should be forwarded to the Australian High Commission together with the completed Forms 47SP and 40SP.

Australia’s migration regulations stipulate that a de facto relationship is one where the parties have cohabited for at least one year prior to the lodgement of their application.

Joint financial information

• 1.Certified copies of joint bank account.
• 2.Wills or life assurance policies made out with the other partner nominated as the principal beneficiary.
• 3.Certified copies of joint property ownership.
• 4.Certified copies of joint savings plans or investments.

NB: If a partner has no independent income, evidence must be provided that they are supported by the other partner and have access to their partner’s finances.

Joint relationship history

• A joint signed statement outlining the nature and duration of your relationship:
  • 1.How, when and where you met.
  • 2.Dates and reasons you commenced cohabitation.
  • 3.Your domestic arrangements.
  • 4.How you support each other emotionally and financially.
  • 5.Dates when you met each other’s families.
  • 6.Dates of joint holidays and travel.
  • 7.Reasons for any periods of separation.
  • 8.Your reasons for not marrying.
  • 9.Your future plans.
• Four statutory declarations from next of kin, close relatives or friends stating the following:
  • 1.Their relationship to you both.
  • 2.How long they have known you as a couple.
  • 3.They regard you as de facto spouses.
  • 4.Any other information regarding your relationship that they feel is appropriate.

NB: Statutory declarations must be signed, stamped and witnessed by a solicitor.

• Certified copies of the following evidence must also be provided:
  • 1.Joint mortgage agreement/tenancy agreement.
  • 2.Joint utility bills – telephone, gas, electricity, cable TV, etc.
  • 3.Proof of purchase of household items.
  • 4.Proof of joint travel.
  • 5.NHS cards.
  • 6.Official letters showing joint address.
  • 7.Bank statements.
  • 8.Driver’s licences.
  • 9.Couoncil tax documentation.

Main applicant

• 1.Certified copy of full length birth certificate for each person included in the application.
• 2.Certified copies of divorce papers (if applicable).
• 3.Cedrtified copies of adoption papers (if applicable).

NB: If there are children from a previous marriage or relationship included in the application, a statutory declaration giving permission for the child to leave the UK must be provided by the child/children’s other parent.

Identification

• 1.Certified copy of the identification pages of your passport.
• 2.Four passport photos for main applicant and any children included in the application, and two passport photos of the sponsor (names to be written on reverse of photos).

Education

• 1.Certified copies of all tertiary qualifications and certificates for the main applicant.

Work experience/employment history

Periods of employment in the last five years must be supported by:

Certified copies of reference, on company letterhead, stating occupation, dates of employment and a list of duties and responsibilities.

If references for each period of employment are not available please provide certified copies of:

• 1.P60s.
• 2.Pay advice/wage slips.
• 3.Job specifications.
• 4.Letters of appointment.

If you have been self-employed you should provide a letter from your accountant confirming the periods of self-employment together with evidence of tax and national insurance contributions.

Your Australian partner must supply the following information

• 1.Certified copy of birth certificate.
• 2.Certified copy of marriage certificate.
• 3.Certified copy of Australian citizenship papers.
• 4.Certified copy of proof of address in Australia (utility bills) (if applicable).
• 5.Certified copy of proof of employment (letter from employer or wage slips).
• 6.Satatement confirming that your partner fully supports your application both emotionally and financially.

Police clearances

Each person included in the application who is over the age of 16 years will be required to obtain a police clearance certificate from the relevant Police Authority. Police clearances must also be obtained for any country that you have lived in for more than 12 months in the last ten years. Details can be found on Form 47P.

Medical and radiological examinations

The main applicant will be required to undergo a complete medical and radiological examination by an appointed medical practitioner.

SPOUSE CATEGORY

The spouse category covers relationships where you are married to an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. For this category you must satisfy the genuine relationship requirement. This means that you and your spouse must have a mutual commitment to a shared life. You will need to demonstrate that you and your spouse are in a genuine relationship and that you have not married solely for the purposes of migration. The relationship must have existed for a minimum period of 12 months before the date of application.

At the time of application you and your partner must be 18 years of age or over.

This category of application is processed in two stages.

Stage one – spouse temporary visa

The first stage will assess your eligibility for a temporary visa under the de facto category. You will need to supply documentary evidence in support of your relationship, undergo a medical examination and submit character/ police clearances for any country in which you have lived for more than 12 months in the last ten years.

If your application is approved at this first stage you will be granted a temporary visa until the time that your application for a permanent visa is decided.

Stage two – spouse permanent visa

Stage two will begin approximately two years after the time that you submitted your temporary visa application. At this time DIMIA will assess your eligibility for a permanent visa.

You will be required to supply documentary evidence in support of your relationship. Your relationship must be genuine and continuing.

You will require declarations from friends and family supporting the circumstances of your relationship. If you have been living in Australia for more than 12 months you will need to supply an Australian police clearance. You and your partner may also be requested to attend an interview by the DIMIA.

SPOUSE CATEGORY DOCUMENT CHECKLIST

The following documentation should be forwarded to the Australian High Commission together with the completed Forms 47SP and 40SP. You should provide the following information:

Joint financial information

• 1.Certified copies of joint bank account.
• 2.Wills or life assurance policies made out with the other partner nominated as the principal beneficiary.
• 3.Certified copies of joint property ownership.
• 4.Certified copies of joint savings plans or investments.

NB: If a partner has no independent income, evidence must be provided that they are supported by the other partner and have access to their partner’s finances.

Joint relationship history

• A joint signed statement outlining the nature and duration of your relationship:
  • 1.How, when and where you met.
  • 2.When and why you decided to marry.
  • 3.Your domestic arrangements.
  • 4.How you support each other emotionally and financially.
  • 5.Reasons for any periods of separation.
  • 6.Your future plans.
• Four statutory declarations from next of kin, close relatives or friends stating the following:
  • 1.Their relationship to you both.
  • 2.How long they have known you as a couple.
  • 3.That your marriage is genuine.
  • 4.Any other information regarding your relationship that they feel is appropriate.

NB: Statutory declarations must be signed, stamped and witnessed by a solicitor.

Main applicant

• 1.Certified copy of full length birth certificate for each person included in the application.
• 2.Certified copy of marriage certificate.
• 3.Certified copies of divorce papers (if applicable).
• 4.Certified copies of adoption papers (if applicable).

NB: If there are children from a previous marriage or relationship included in the application, a statutory declaration giving permission for the child to leave the UK must be provided by the child/children’s other parent.

Identification

• 1.Certified copy of the identification pages of your passport.
• 2.Four passport photos for main applicant and any children included in the application, and two passport photos from the sponsor (names to be written on reverse of photos).

Education

Certified copies of all tertiary qualifications and certificates for the main applicant.

Work experience/employment history

Periods of employment in the last five years must be supported by:

Certified copies of reference, on company letterhead, stating occupation, dates of employment and a list of duties and responsibilities.

If references for each period of employment are not available please provide certified copies of:

• 1.P60s.
• 2.Pay advice/wage slips.
• 3.JOb specifications.
• 4.Letters of appointment.

If you have been self-employed you should provide a letter from your accountant confirming the periods of self-employment together with evidence of tax and national insurance contributions.

Your Australian partner must supply the following documentation

• 1.Certified copy of birth certificate.
• 2.Certified copy of marriage certificate.
• 3.Certified copy of Australian citizenship papers.
• 4.Certified copy of proof of address in Australia (utility bills) (if applicable).
• 5.Certified copy of proof of employment(letter from employer or wage slips).
• 6.Statement confirming that your partner fully supports your application both emotionally and financially.

Police clearances

Each person included in the application who is over the age of 16 years will be required to obtain a police clearance certificate from the relevant Police Authority. Police clearances must also be obtained for any country that you have lived in for more than 12 months in the last ten years. Details can be found on Form 47P.

Medical and radiological examinations

The main applicant will be required to undergo a complete medical and radiological examination by an appointed medical practitioner.

The Australian High Commission is accepting what it calls ‘front end loaded’ applications. Basically, this means that you provide police clearances and medical examination results at the time of submission of your application.

This does not give any guarantee that your application will be successful, though it does mean that a decision is likely to be made within six weeks of application as opposed to four to six months should you wait until these are requested.

INTERDEPENDENT PARTNER CATEGORY

The interdependent category covers same-sex relationships where you are living with an Australian citizen. For this category you must satisfy the genuine relationship requirement. This means that you and your partner must have a mutual commitment to a shared life together. This commitment must be to the exclusion of any spouse or any other interdependent relationships. You will need to demonstrate that you and your partner are living together, and that you do not live separately or apart on a permanent basis. The relationship must have existed for a minimum period of 12 months before the date of application.

Under this category if you have compassionate circumstances due to difficulties living together or cohabitating in the country you have been living in previous to applying then this can be brought to the attention of the DIMA office.

At the time of application you and your partner must be 18 years of age or over.

This category of application is processed in two stages.

Stage one – Interdependency temporary visa

The first stage will assess your eligibility for a temporary visa under the interdependent category. You will need to supply documentary evidence in support of your relationship, undergo a medical examination and submit character/police clearances for any country in which you have lived for more than 12 months in the last ten years.

If your application is approved at this first stage you will be granted a temporary visa until the time that your application for a permanent visa is decided.

Stage two – Interdependency permanent visa

Stage two will begin approximately two years after the time that you submitted your temporary visa application. At this time they will assess your eligibility for a permanent visa.

You will be required to supply documentary evidence in support of your relationship. Your relationship must be genuine and continuing. You will require declarations from friends and family supporting the circumstances of your relationship. If you have been living in Australia for more than 12 months you will need to supply an Australian police clearance. You and your partner may also be requested to attend an interview by DIMA. If you and your partner have been in your relationship for five years or more you may not need to fulfil the normal two-year temporary visa period.

INTERDEPENDENT PARTNER CATEGORY DOCUMENT CHECKLIST

The following documentation should be forwarded to the Australian High Commission together with the completed Forms 47SP and 40SP.

Australia’s migration regulations stipulate that an interdependent relationship is one where the parties have cohabited for at least one year prior to the lodgement of their application.

Joint financial information

• 1.Certified copies of joint bank account.
• 2.Wills or life assurance policies made out with the other partner nominated as the principal beneficiary.
• 3.Certified copies of joint property ownership.
• 4.Certified copies of joint savings plans or investments.

NB: If a partner has no independent income, evidence must be provided that they are supported by the other partner and have access to their partner’s finances.

Joint relationship history

• A joint signed statement outlining the nature and duration of your relationship:
  • 1.How, when and where you met.
  • 2.Dates and reasons you commenced cohabitation.
  • 3.Your domestic arrangements.
  • 4.How you support each other emotionally and financially.
  • 5.Dates when you met each other’s families.
  • 6.Dates of joint holidays and travel.
  • 7.Reasons for any periods of separation.
  • 8.Your future plans.
• Four statutory declarations from next of kin, close relatives or friends stating the following:
  • 1.Their relationship to you both.
  • 2.How long they have known you as a couple.
  • 3.They regard you as a genuine couple.
  • 4.Any other information regarding your relationship that they feel is appropriate.

NB: Statutory declarations must be signed, stamped and witnessed by a solicitor.

• Certified copies of the following evidence must also be provided:
  • 1.Joint mortgage/tenancy agreement.
  • 2.Joint utility bills telephone, gas, electricity, cable TV, etc.
  • 3.Proof of purchase of household items.
  • 4.Proof of joint travel.
  • 5.NHS cards.
  • 6.Official letters showing joint address.
  • 7.Bank statements.
  • 8.Council tax documentation.

Main applicant

• 1.Certified copy of full length birth certificate for each person included in the application.
• 2.Certified copies of adoption papers (if applicable).

NB: If there are children from a previous marriage or relationship included in the application, a statutory declaration giving permission for the child to leave the UK must be provided by the child/children’s other parent.

Identification

• 1.Certified copy of the identification pages of your passport.
• 2.Four passport photos for main applicant and any children included in the application, and two passport photos of the sponsor (names to be written on reverse of photos).

Education

Certified copies of all tertiary qualifications and certificates for the main applicant.

Work experience/employment history

Periods of employment in the last five years must be supported by:

Certified copies of reference, on company letterhead, stating occupation, dates of employment and a list of duties and responsibilities.

If references for each period of employment are not available please provide certified copies of:

• 1.P60s.
• 2.Pay advice/wage slips.
• 3.Job specifications.
• 4.Letters of appointment.

If you have been self-employed you should provide a letter from your accountant confirming the periods of self-employment together with evidence of tax and national insurance contributions.

Your Australian partner must supply the following information

• 1.Certified copy of birth certificate.
• 2.Certified copy of Australian citizenship papers.
• 3.Certified copy of proof of address in Australia (utility bills) (if applicable).
• 4.Certified copy of proof of employment (letter from employer/wage slips).
• 6.Statement confirming that your partner fully supports your application both emotionally and financially.

Police clearances

Each person included in the application who is over the age of 16 years will be required to obtain a police clearance certificate from the relevant Police Authority. Police clearances must also be obtained for any country that you have lived in for more than 12 months in the last ten years. Details can be found on Form 47P.

Medical and radiological examinations

The main applicant will be required to undergo a complete medical and radiological examination by an appointed medical practitioner.

You will be advised by the Australian Mission processing your application when these are required.

PARENT MIGRATION

In March 2003 legislation was passed by the Australian Parliament to allow the number of parent category visas available to be increased tenfold.

There are now four different categories of visa available for parents residing outside Australia who wish to reside in Australia. There are two classes of visa, the parent visa or the contributory parent visa. The main difference between these two classes of visa is that those applying under the contributory parent visa class are required to make a higher contribution toward their future health costs.

Contributory Parent visa

The two offshore contributory parent visa subclasses are as follows:

• Subclass 143 Contributory Parent (Migrant) visa.
• Subclass 173 Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa.

The threshold requirements for the contributory parent visa categories will be substantially similar to the parent visa categories.

Both categories will have the same first Visa Application Charge (VAC) which is payable at the time of application. This should be confirmed at the time of application.

The key differences would be the level of the second VAC (payable before a visa is granted) and the level and duration of the Assurance of Support bond.

There are significantly more places available under the contributory parent visa categories than for the parent categories. This recognises the fact that contributory parent visa applicants are willing to pay a significantly higher second VAC as a contribution to their ongoing health costs.

There would be two payment options for contributory parent visa applicants:

• Permanent visa: pay a A$27,850 second VAC per person (at 1 November 2005; A$l,205 for dependants under 18); or
• Temporary visa: pay a A$16,710 second VAC per person (at 1 November 2005); A$l,205 for dependants under 18) which would entitle parents to a two-year temporary residence visa including Medicare access and work rights. During that period, parents may apply at any time for a permanent visa at which time the remaining payment is required (nil for dependants under 18).

The contributory parent visa category also requires a ten-year, A$10,000 Assurance of Support bond for main applicants and A$4,000 for adult secondary applicants (for temporary visa holders, this is payable during processing of the permanent visa).

There are two further categories of visa available, the parent visa and the aged parent visa. Applications made within this visa class will take substantially longer to process than those of the contributory classes.

The basic criteria for these visa categories are based on the same principles as the contributory scheme. The main difference is that you are not required to pay the second VAC.

Aged parent visa

You can apply as an aged parent if you are old enough to be granted an Australian aged pension. You must be the aged parent of a child who is an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.

Your child must be a resident in Australia for at least two years before your application is submitted. Your child will have to sponsor or nominate you. Under this category you will also require an assurance of support.

You must pass the balance of family test (see pages 93-94).

Working aged parent

A working aged parent is an applicant who at the time of applying is not at an age where they would be granted an Australian aged pension.

You must be the working aged parent of a child who is an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. Your child must have been resident in Australia for at least two years at the time of application.

To be eligible for this category you must pass the balance of family test (see page 97).

You will need to be sponsored by an appropriate person and you will need to provide an assurance of support.

Age requirements

An aged parent is one who is old enough to be granted an Australian aged pension. If you are married only one parent needs to be aged.

Qualifying ages for Australian aged pension
For men – the qualifying age is 65 years.
For men – the qualifying age is 65 years.
For women – the qualifying age for women depends of their date of birth.
Date of birth	Qualifying
Before 1 July 1935	60
1 July 1935 – 31 Deccember 1936	60.5
1 January 1937 – 30 June 1938	61
1 July 1938 – 31 December 1939	61.5
1 January 1940 – 30 June 1941	62
1 July 1941 – 31 December 1942	62.5
1 January 1943 – 30 June 1944	63
1 January 1944 – 31 December 1945	63.5
1 January 1946 – 30 June 1947	64
1 January 1946 – 30 June 1947	64
1 July 1947 – 31 December 1948	64.5
1 January 1949 onwards	65

Balance of family test

For parent applications you must pass the balance of family test:

• At least half of your children must live in Australia, or
• You must have more children living in Australia than in any one other country.

The test is to measure your family links to Australia compared to your family links elsewhere.

Sponsorship/nomination

If you are making your application outside Australia, you and any dependants included in the application must be sponsored. The sponsor will be required to give a written undertaking to provide support for you during your first two years in Australia, including accommodation and financial assistance if required to meet your family’s reasonable living needs.

If you are making your application in Australia, you and any dependants included in the application must be nominated. The nominator does not have to give the same undertaking as a sponsor, but they are still expected to provide assistance to you and your family during the first two years that you are resident in Australia.

A sponsor/nominator must be 18 years or over.

If you are making your application outside Australia generally you must be sponsored by your child (natural, adopted or stepchild) who is a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or settled eligible New Zealand citizen. The definition of settled for this purpose is being resident in Australia for the previous two years at the time of application.

Assurance of support

All applicants making an application for a parent visa whether aged parent or working aged parent will require an assurance of support.

Your sponsor and assurer do not need to be the same person. The person giving an assurance of support, however, must be over 18 and an adult Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen who is usually resident in Australia and financially able to support the sponsored person and demonstrate their ability to repay certain social security payments should they have been made to people covered by the assurance.

The assurance of support is a commitment to provide financial support to the person applying to migrate so that the applicant will not have to rely on any form of government support. It is also a legal commitment by the person to repay the Commonwealth of Australia any social security payments that may have been made to the person covered by the assurance. The assurance lasts for a stipulated period from the date of arrival in Australia.

An assurer must be able to demonstrate that their taxable income is sustained at a level that would allow them to provide financial support to the applicants whom they assure and also that they would be able to repay any debt incurred by payment of social security payments during the stipulated period.

The assurer will have to undergo an income test. You should confirm the required level of income with Centrelink at the time of application.

PARENT CATEGORIES DOCUMENT CHECKLIST

The following documentation should be supplied together with the completed Forms 47PA/47PT and 40.

Relationship

• 1.Certified copies of full length birth certificates for each person included in the application.
• 2.Certified copy of marriage certificate.
• 3.Certified copies of divorce papers (if applicable).
• 4.Certified copies of adoption papers (if applicable).

Identification

• 1.Certified copies of the identification pages of passports.
• 2.Four passport photos for each person included in the application (name to be written on reverse of photos).

Sponsorship (Form 40)

You must provide evidence of your relationship to your child/children in Australia and they will be required to complete the Form 40 and forward it with the following:

• 1.Certified copy of birth certificate (proving relationship to you).
• 2.Certified copy of marriage certificate.
• 3.Certified copy of Australian citizenship papers.
• 4.Proof of address (utility bills).
• 5.Proof of employment (letter from employer or wage slips).

Assurance of support

Your sponsor must undertake to assist you with accommodation and financial support if necessary, for a stipulated period immediately following your entry into Australia. It will also be necessary for your sponsor to lodge an assurance of support with an approved banking institution in Australia. You will be advised when this is required.

Balance of family test

If all your children are living in Australia, your application will receive priority over applications where only an equal number are in Australia and an equal number living overseas. To support the balance of family test you must provide the following evidence from all your children:

• 1.Full birth certificates proving their relationship to you.
• 2.Adoption certificates (if applicable).
• 3.Citizenship documents or residency stamps in passports for their usual country of residence.
• 4.Proof of registration on the electoral roll.
• 5.Pay and employment advice.

Police clearances

Each person included in the application who is over the age of 16 years will be required to obtain a police clearance certificate from the relevant Police Authority. Police clearances must also be obtained for any country that you have lived in for more than 12 months in the last ten years.

Medical and radiological examinations

Everyone included in the application will be required to undergo a complete medical and radiological examination by an appointed medical practitioner.

You will be advised by the Australian Mission processing your application when these are required.