Did you know that almost half of all Australians either come from overseas or have parents who do? If you're considering bringing your parents to live in Australia, understanding the various visa options available is crucial. Discover the pathways that can lead to a joyous reunion, as you navigate the process of obtaining an Australian Parent Visa.

Temporary Routes

Visitor Visas

If you find permanent parent visas financially out of reach or are deterred by lengthy processing times, there is an alternative. A visitor visa can be a quick and affordable way to bring your parents to Australia for a visit. Parents of Australian permanent residents and citizens can apply for longer validity visitor visas, allowing them to stay in Australia for up to 12 months within an 18-month period.

Sponsored Parent Visas

The Subclass 870 visa is a temporary option that permits parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to visit Australia for three (3) or five (5) years. With this visa, parents can stay in Australia for extended periods without leaving the country, providing a viable alternative to shorter-stay visitor visas. It also offers an option if you don't meet the "balance of family" requirement needed for permanent parent visas.

Permanent Routes

Parent Visa

The Parent Visa is designed to enable parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents to become permanent residents themselves. However, it's important to note that the Parent visa program has limited places and long processing times, with some visa types taking up to 30 years to be processed. Applications are processed in the order they are submitted.

Primary Requirements:

To be eligible for a Parent Visa, you must meet certain criteria:

• You must be a parent of an Australian citizen or permanent resident who has lived in Australia for at least two (2) years.
• You need to pass the balance of family test, which means that at least half of your children and step-children must be Australian citizens or permanent residents, or more of your children must be settled citizens or residents of Australia than any other single country.
• If you apply for the parent visa onshore, you need to be 66.5 years of age or older. This means you should be old enough to receive the age pension in Australia. Note that the age requirement has gradually increased from 67 years starting from July 1, 2023.
  
  

What is the difference between the Contributory and Non-Contributory Parent Visa?

There are two options for permanent parent residency: the non-contributory and contributory parent visa. The non-contributory visa has a longer processing time, but a lower application fee imposed by the government. On the other hand, the contributory parent visa can be processed much faster but comes with a higher application fee.

The contributory parent visa also offers a cost-spreading option. You can apply in two stages: first, the provisional visa, which is valid for two years, and then the permanent stage, where you pay the remaining fees, before the provisional visa expires.

Navigating the Australian parent visa process can be complex. To ensure a smooth journey, it's highly recommended to seek assistance from experienced immigration consultants. Contact us TODAY for guidance and support with your immigration journey.