• is old enough to be granted an Australian age pension (see Age requirement section below); and

• is single, having never married, or is widowed, divorced or formally separated from your spouse; and

• has been dependent, and remains dependent, on your Australian relative for a reasonable period (normally three years).

Visa Requirements:

Age Requirement:

For males, the qualifying age for an Australian age pension is 65. For females, the qualifying age is gradually being increased from 60 to 65 (until 1 January 2004, the qualifying age is 62).

Marital status:

You must demonstrate that you do not have a spouse (married or de facto).

Relationship:

Your relative in Australia must be a close relative. That is, a child, adopted child, parent, brother or sister, grandchild, uncle, aunt, niece or nephew (or step relative of the same degree).

You must be sponsored by your close relative in Australia who must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.

Dependency:

You must demonstrate that you are wholly or substantially dependent on the Australian relative for financial support for the basic needs of food, shelter and clothing, and that the support has been provided for a reasonable period (normally three years).