Could I spend 6 months in Australia to escape the winter each year
 

My wife and i recently retired. During the summer I live in Iowa but during the November to March period I would like to live in Australia. We have the money top rent a nice spot but wonder if we could get a VISA to stay in that country for up to 6 months a year. Does anyone have any advice?

Hi, I could be wrong, and I've been known to be a couple times, but I think when you get your Australian visa it says that it's good for up to three months. Your idea sounds lovely, perhaps you could look into three months Australia and three months New Zealand.

I can understand your wish to escape the winter in Iowa having lived myself in Edmonton Alta, Ca. I have neighbours who come to Australia for 6 months of the year and then go home to the UK for the other 6 months so it certainly is doable but I think you will have to talk to the Australian Consulate about it. I presume that there is a special visa you can get or you could possible get an extension on an ordinery one without much trouble. Anything is doable if you find the correct path to do it.

You can certainly get a tourist visa for up to 6 months from the UK without having to do any real amount of paperwork. Specialist travel agents do them (3 month ones seem to be the norm, but you can get 6 month ones.) However, what I'm not sure of is how many/often you can get.... I know some types of Australian visas are limited - i.e. only 1 working holiday visa ever ... Probably your best bet is to enquire to Australia House in London.<BR><BR>Good Luck!<BR><BR>

or the Australian Embassy in Washington - at least I think its in Washington.

Duh ... of course. I'm sorry, I really was having a brain-melt day, and missed the fact you were US citizens. Apologies - I didn't mean to add any confusion to the discussion.<BR><BR>:-) Jenny