CAN I GET AN AUSTRALIAN PARENT VISA FOR MY PARENTS?
There’s nothing more meaningful than family, and for many South Africans with children living in Australia, the chance to reunite is a dream worth pursuing. The Parent Visa Australia provides a pathway to bring parents closer to their loved ones, offering the opportunity to live in one of the world’s most sought-after destinations.
WHAT IS AN AUSTRALIAN PARENT VISA?
A Parent Visa is a type of Australian visa that allows parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to join their children and live in Australia either temporarily or permanently. This visa category is specifically designed to reunite families, offering parents the opportunity to be close to their children and grandchildren while enjoying the benefits of Australia’s high quality of life.
There are several types of parent visas, each catering to different family circumstances and financial situations:
- Subclass 143/864 (Contributory Parent Visa)
- Subclass 103/804 (Parent / Aged Parent Visas)
- Subclass 870 (Sponsored Parent Temporary Visa)
Parent visas require sponsorship by a child who is settled in Australia and meets certain financial and residency criteria. Sponsors may also need to provide an Assurance of Support bond, a financial safeguard to cover potential welfare costs for the applicant.
CAN I GET AN AUSTRALIAN PARENT VISA FOR MY PARENTS?
1. Are You Eligible to Sponsor Your Parents?
To sponsor your parents for a parent visa, you must:
Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Be “settled” in Australia, meaning you have lived there legally for at least two years or four years for some visas, before lodging the application.
Meet financial requirements, including providing an Assurance of Support bond, which serves as a safeguard to cover potential welfare costs for your parents.
2. Do Your Parents Meet the Eligibility Criteria?
Your parents must meet certain requirements, including:
Balance of Family Test: At least half of your parents’ children must reside permanently in Australia, or more of their children must live in Australia than in any other country.
Health and Character Requirements: Your parents must pass mandatory health checks and provide police clearances to demonstrate good character.
Age Requirements: For certain visas like the Subclass 864 (Contributory Aged Parent Visa), one or both parents must meet the age requirement for an aged pension in Australia.
3. Which Parent Visa Should You Apply For?
Choosing the right visa depends on your parents’ circumstances and financial preferences:
Subclass 143/864 (Contributory Parent Visa): Ideal for those seeking a faster pathway to permanent residency. This visa comes with higher application fees but shorter waiting times.
Subclass 103/804(Parent / Aged Parent Visa): Suitable for families looking for a more affordable permanent residency option, though waiting times can extend to several years.
Subclass 870 (Sponsored Parent Temporary Visa): Best for those who want their parents to stay temporarily, allowing up to five years of residence, which can be renewed for another 5 years, without the need for permanent residency and is processed quickly.
4. Are You Prepared for the Costs and Waiting Periods?
Parent visas can involve significant costs, particularly for the contributory visa categories, which have application fees of around $50,000 per applicant. Non-contributory visas are more affordable but involve much longer waiting periods. It’s essential to weigh these factors when planning the application process.
HOW TO APPLY FOR A PARENT VISA
Step 1: Determine the Right Visa Subclass
Australia offers several parent visa options, and choosing the right one depends on your family’s needs and financial situation:
Subclass 143/864 (Contributory Parent Visa)
Subclass 103/ 804 (Parent /Aged Parent Visa)
Subclass 870 (Sponsored Parent Temporary Visa)
Step 2: Ensure Eligibility
Both the sponsor (you as the child) and the parent applicant must meet specific eligibility requirements:
● Sponsor Requirements:
Must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Should have lived in Australia for at least two years, or four years, depending on the visa, to qualify as “settled.”
May need to provide an Assurance of Support bond, ensuring financial independence during the parent’s stay.
● Parent Requirements:
Must pass the Balance of Family Test, ensuring at least half of their children live permanently in Australia.
Must meet health and character requirements, including mandatory medical checks and police clearances.
Step 3: Gather Required Documentation
Documentation plays a critical role in the application process. Common documents include:
Proof of the parent-child relationship (e.g., birth certificates).
Evidence of the sponsor’s residency status in Australia.
Financial statements or evidence of the Assurance of Support bond.
Health and police clearance certificates for the parent applicant.
Step 4: Lodge the Visa Application
Once all documents are prepared, submit the visa application. For temporary visas like the Subclass 870, you’ll need to ensure the sponsorship application is approved before lodging the visa application.
Step 5: Pay the Application Fees
Parent visa application fees vary significantly depending on the visa subclass. Contributory visas (Subclass 143/864) involve higher fees (approximately $50,000 per applicant), while non-contributory visas are more affordable but come with extended waiting times. Ensure you’re prepared for these costs before lodging your application.
Step 6: Wait for Processing
Processing times differ based on the visa type:
Contributory parent visas typically have shorter processing times, currently around 8 years.
Non-contributory visas like the Subclass 103 or 804 may take over 20 years to process. During this time, be responsive to any requests for additional information from immigration authorities.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T QUALIFY TO GET A PARENT VISA?
Not qualifying for a parent visa can be disappointing, but it doesn’t mean your dream of reuniting with family in Australia is unattainable. One alternative to consider is the Subclass 870 (Sponsored Parent Temporary Visa), which allows parents to live in Australia for an initial period of up to five years, and can be further applied for another 5 years, without the long-term commitments and financial demands of permanent parent visas.
This temporary visa offers a practical solution while you explore other pathways or work on meeting permanent visa requirements. Additionally, ineligibility might be due to specific criteria that can be addressed over time.
For instance, if your parents don’t meet the Balance of Family Test, encouraging other siblings to migrate to Australia could help improve eligibility in the future. Similarly, sponsors may need to focus on meeting financial requirements, such as saving for the Assurance of Support bond, to strengthen their application later. Exploring these options and seeking professional guidance can help you navigate the challenges and keep your family reunion plans on track.
WHY WORK WITH HITCHCOCK & ASSOCIATES?
Applying for a parent visa is a detailed and often lengthy process, but Hitchcock & Associates can make it easier. We specialise in assessing eligibility, preparing comprehensive applications, and guiding families through each step of the process. From understanding financial requirements to ensuring all documentation is complete, we’re here to maximize your chances of success.
