Australia offers several pathways for parents wishing to live in the country, including both permanent and temporary visa options. Whether you’re considering a Contributory Parent Visa or the Temporary Sponsored Parent Visa, it’s important to understand the differences and requirements. Here’s a breakdown of the main Parent Visa options:
Contributory Parent Visa (Offshore)
- Permanent (Subclass 143)
- Temporary (Subclass 173)
These visas provide a quicker route to permanent residency, with the Subclass 173 allowing parents to reside in Australia temporarily for up to two years. After that, they can apply for the permanent Subclass 143 visa. The key features of the Contributory Parent Visa are the higher application fees and the Assurance of Support requirements.
Note: Offshore applicants are not eligible for a Bridging Visa and must apply for a visitor visa or consider a temporary Parent Visa during processing.
Aged Contributory Parent Visa (Onshore)
- Permanent (Subclass 864)
- Temporary (Subclass 884)
The Aged Contributory Parent Visa offers both temporary and permanent pathways. Applicants must meet the ‘Aged’ requirement, meaning they are old enough to qualify for an Australian pension. This visa allows applicants to stay in Australia on a temporary visa and later convert to permanent residency.
Onshore applicants can obtain a Bridging Visa and work full-time while waiting for processing.
Temporary Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870)
- Temporary visa (3 to 5 years)
This visa allows parents to live in Australia for up to 10 years in total, but it does not lead to permanent residency. To apply, a Family Sponsorship must be approved first. The sponsor must be an Australian Citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen living in Australia for at least four years.
Parent Visa or Aged Parent Visa
- Permanent (Subclass 103/804)
These non-contributory Parent Visas provide a permanent pathway to residency but come with significantly longer waiting periods. The Subclass 103 Parent visa can take up to 20 years to process.
Onshore Aged Parent Visa applicants can obtain a Bridging Visa during processing.
What You Need to Know:
- Most Parent Visas have a Balance of Family Test, which requires applicants to have at least half of their children as Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens living in Australia.
- Consideration should be given to financial costs, waiting periods, and eligibility criteria before applying.
- Processing times can vary greatly depending on the visa type and individual circumstances.
For more detailed information on the Parent Visa options available, get in touch with one of our immigration agents for assistance.