Australia is renowned for its high quality of life, stunning landscapes, and diverse culture, making it a dream destination for many families around the world. For those who have migrated to Australia and established their lives there, the desire to reunite with aging parents is a natural and heartfelt aspiration. Fortunately, the Australian government offers a range of Parent Visas designed to help families reunite and build a life together in this beautiful country. In this article, we will explore the different types of Parent Visas, their requirements, processing times, costs, and the steps involved in bringing your family to Australia.
Understanding Australia’s Parent Visas
Parent Visas are a category of Australian visas specifically designed to allow parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to join their children in Australia. These visas are divided into two main categories: Temporary Parent Visas and Permanent Parent Visas. Each category has its own subclasses, eligibility criteria, and processing times.
1. Temporary Parent Visas
Temporary Parent Visas allow parents to live in Australia for a limited period, typically between 3 to 5 years. These visas are ideal for parents who wish to spend extended time with their families without committing to permanent residency.
Subclass 870 – Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa
The Subclass 870 visa is a popular option for parents who want to stay in Australia for up to 3 or 5 years. Key features of this visa include:
- Sponsorship Requirement: The visa requires a formal sponsorship from an eligible child who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- No Family Balance Test: Unlike some permanent parent visas, the Subclass 870 does not require applicants to meet the family balance test (explained later).
- Multiple Entries: Parents can enter and exit Australia multiple times during the visa’s validity period.
- No Work Rights: Holders of this visa are not permitted to work in Australia, but they can study for short periods.
2. Permanent Parent Visas
Permanent Parent Visas are designed for parents who wish to settle in Australia indefinitely. These visas provide full residency rights, including access to Medicare and the ability to work or study.
Subclass 103 – Parent Visa
The Subclass 103 visa is a permanent visa for parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents. Key features include:
- Long Processing Times: This visa is known for its lengthy processing times, often exceeding 30 years due to high demand and limited quotas.
- Family Balance Test: Applicants must meet the family balance test, which requires at least half of their children to be permanently residing in Australia or more children in Australia than in any other single country.
- Lower Costs: Compared to other permanent parent visas, the Subclass 103 has lower application fees.
Subclass 143 – Contributory Parent Visa
The Subclass 143 visa is a popular choice for parents who are willing to pay higher fees for faster processing. Key features include:
- Faster Processing: This visa is processed much quicker than the Subclass 103, typically within 3 to 5 years.
- Higher Costs: Applicants must pay a significant contribution fee (currently around AUD 47,000 for the main applicant) in addition to the visa application charge.
- Family Balance Test: Like the Subclass 103, this visa requires applicants to meet the family balance test.
Subclass 804 – Aged Parent Visa
The Subclass 804 visa is designed for elderly parents who wish to settle in Australia permanently. Key features include:
- Age Requirement: Applicants must be of retirement age (currently 67 years old).
- Long Processing Times: Similar to the Subclass 103, this visa has lengthy processing times.
- Onshore Application: Applicants must be in Australia when applying for this visa.
Eligibility Criteria for Parent Visas
To apply for a Parent Visa, applicants must meet several eligibility requirements, including:
- Sponsorship: An eligible child must sponsor the parent(s). The sponsor must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen who is settled in Australia.
- Family Balance Test: For most permanent parent visas, applicants must demonstrate that at least half of their children live in Australia or that more children reside in Australia than in any other single country.
- Health and Character Requirements: All applicants must meet Australia’s health and character requirements, which may include medical examinations and police checks.
- Financial Assurance: Sponsors may need to provide an Assurance of Support (AoS) to ensure that the parents will not rely on government welfare.
Costs Associated with Parent Visas
The cost of Parent Visas varies significantly depending on the type of visa and the number of applicants. Here’s a breakdown of the costs:
- Subclass 103 (Parent Visa): The application fee is approximately AUD 4,990 for the main applicant.
- Subclass 143 (Contributory Parent Visa): The total cost can exceed AUD 50,000, including the contribution fee and visa application charge.
- Subclass 870 (Sponsored Parent Visa): The application fee ranges from AUD 5,000 for a 3-year visa to AUD 10,000 for a 5-year visa.
Processing Times
Processing times for Parent Visas can vary widely:
- Subclass 103: Up to 30 years or more.
- Subclass 143: Approximately 3 to 5 years.
- Subclass 870: Around 3 to 6 months.
Steps to Apply for a Parent Visa
- Choose the Right Visa: Determine which visa subclass best suits your family’s needs.
- Gather Documentation: Collect all required documents, including proof of relationship, health checks, and character assessments.
- Lodge the Application: Submit the application online or via paper, depending on the visa subclass.
- Wait for Processing: Be prepared for potentially long waiting periods.
- Provide Additional Information: Respond promptly to any requests for additional information from the Department of Home Affairs.
- Receive the Visa: Once approved, your parents can travel to Australia and reunite with their family.