Retirement visas are available to applicants who are over 55, have no dependants (other than a spouse), and are able to be self-supporting in Australia without cost to Australia's social and welfare services.

The retirement visa is initially granted for a period of four years and can then be extended every two years, provided the financial and other criteria continue to be met.

As the holder of a temporary visa, you will not be covered by Medicare (Australia's national health cover) system or social security benefits. You must take out private medical and hospital health care insurance cover in Australia or make other arrangements in your home country.

A s the holder of a retirement visa, you will be entitled to work part-time up to 20 hours per week in any occupation except the Australian public service.

Retirement Visas information on this website is an outline only. For more accurate information on Retirement and visa requirements please check the Australian Governments Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (http://www.immi.gov.au/study/index.htm)