Reference no: EM133472340

SCENARIO

Prudence, an Australian citizen, left Australia 4 years ago to visit her sister Stacey who was about to give birth in Ecuador. Prudence only intended to stay for a couple of weeks to be there to support her sister during and just after the birth. Stacey gave birth to a healthy baby girl, Florence. Unfortunately, due to medical complications, Stacey passed away just after giving birth. Prudence decided that she needed to remain in Ecuador as long as it was needed to help Stacey's partner and Florence's dad, Bernardo. Bernardo and Stacey grew up in the UK and met each other through the foster care system, as they were both given up by their parents since birth and have no family other than Prudence. Stacey and Bernardo had moved to Ecuador to start a new life.

Bernardo found it hard to deal with the loss of Stacey's and turned to drugs. Six months ago, Bernardo overdosed and died. There are no other family members that are able to take care of Florence. Given Prudence is the only other person remaining in her life, Florence thinks Prudence is her mum.

Florence has recently been granted a Visitor Class FA (subclass 600) visa so that she can come to Australia with Prudence. Her visa is in the Tourist stream, and her visa is subject to conditions 8101, 8201 and 8501. Prudence needs to return to Australia as her right to remain in Ecuador ceased in two months.

Once Prudence and Florence arrive in Australia, Prudence comes to see you to seek your advice about whether Florence has any visa options to remain in Australia.

QUESTION

1. Is Florence eligible for a permanent visa? If so, explain which visa(s) and why the visa(s) would be appropriate for Florence's circumstances.

2. If Florence applies for a visa while she is in Australia as the holder of the Visitor Class FA (subclass 600) visa, which bridging visa would she be eligible for.