Table of Contents
⟢ Your Parents to Settle with You in Australia
⟢ Visa Options for Parents
⟢ Eligibility Criteria and Application Process
⟢ Practical Considerations
⟢ Closing Thoughts
⟢ Your Parents to Settle with You in Australia
Bringing your parents to settle with you in Australia can be a deeply rewarding experience, but it involves navigating a complex immigration process. Australia offers several visa options that allow parents of Australian citizens and permanent residents to join their families. This guide provides an overview of the available visa options, eligibility criteria, application processes, and practical considerations for bringing your parents to Australia.
⟢ Visa Options for Parents
1. Parent Visa (Subclass 103)
The Parent Visa (Subclass 103) is a permanent visa that allows parents to live in Australia permanently. To be eligible, parents must have a child who is an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. The child must be settled in Australia, which generally means living in Australia lawfully for at least two years.
Key Points:
• Cost: The application fee is substantial, and additional costs may apply for health checks, police certificates, and biometric data.
• Processing Time: The processing time for this visa is very long, often exceeding 30 years.
• Balance of Family Test: The applicant must pass this test, meaning at least half of their children must be living permanently in Australia, or more children must live in Australia than any other single country.
2. Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143)
The Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) is another permanent visa but has a shorter processing time compared to the Parent Visa (Subclass 103). This visa is more expensive but offers faster family reunification.
Key Points:
• Cost: This visa has a significantly higher application fee than the Subclass 103 visa. It also includes a second installment fee that must be paid before the visa is granted.
• Processing Time: The processing time is shorter, typically around 4-6 years.
• Balance of Family Test: Applicants must meet the Balance of Family Test.
• Assurance of Support: An assurance of support is required, which is a commitment to provide financial support to the parents and repay any recoverable social security payments made to them.
3. Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 173)
This visa is a temporary visa valid for two years. It allows parents to live temporarily in Australia and is a pathway to the permanent Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143).
Key Points:
• Cost: The initial cost is lower than the Subclass 143 visa, but applicants must still pay a substantial fee for the subsequent permanent visa.
• Processing Time: The processing time is relatively shorter.
• Balance of Family Test: Applicants must pass this test.
• Assurance of Support: Similar to the Subclass 143 visa, an assurance of support is required.
4. Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)
The Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804) is for older parents who are eligible for an age pension in Australia. This is a permanent visa, but applicants must be in Australia when they apply and when the visa is granted.
Key Points:
• Cost: The application fee is similar to the Subclass 103 visa.
• Processing Time: The processing time is very long, often exceeding 30 years.
• Balance of Family Test: Applicants must pass this test.
• Work Rights: This visa does not come with work rights.
5. Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864)
This is a permanent visa for older parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. It has a shorter processing time than the Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804).
Key Points:
• Cost: The application fee is high, with an additional second installment.
• Processing Time: The processing time is shorter, typically around 4-6 years.
• Balance of Family Test: Applicants must pass this test.
• Assurance of Support: An assurance of support is required.
6. Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870)
This temporary visa allows parents to stay in Australia for up to five years. It does not require the Balance of Family Test and has no pathway to permanent residency.
Key Points:
• Cost: The application fee is high, but less than permanent visa options.
• Processing Time: The processing time is relatively short.
• Validity: The visa is valid for up to five years, with the possibility of renewal.
• No Permanent Residency: This visa does not lead to permanent residency.
⟢ Eligibility Criteria and Application Process
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility criteria vary depending on the visa subclass but generally include:
Sponsorship: The applicant must be sponsored by their child, an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Balance of Family Test: Except for the Subclass 870 visa, all parent visas require passing this test.
Health and Character Requirements: Applicants must meet health and character requirements, which include medical examinations and police checks.
Application Process
1. Sponsorship Application: The process begins with the child lodging a sponsorship application. This includes proving their relationship with the parent and their residency status in Australia.
2. Visa Application: Parents can lodge their visa application once sponsorship is approved. This involves completing the necessary forms, paying the application fees, and submitting supporting documents such as proof of identity, relationship evidence, health examinations, and police certificates.
3. Waiting Period: Applicants will undergo a waiting period which can vary significantly depending on the visa subclass. It is crucial to plan for this period, especially for long-processing visas like Subclass 103.
4. Visa Grant: Once the application is processed and all requirements are met, the visa will be granted. Parents can then move to Australia and live with their children.
⟢ Practical Considerations
▸Financial Planning
Bringing parents to Australia can be expensive. Application fees, assurance of support bonds, and costs associated with health checks and police certificates add up. For contributory visas, the fees are particularly high. It is essential to budget for these expenses and plan financially for the long term.
▸Health Insurance
Australia’s healthcare system, Medicare, may not cover all medical expenses for newly arrived parents. It is advisable to consider private health insurance to cover any gaps, especially for parents on temporary visas like the Subclass 870.
▸Accommodation
Finding suitable accommodation for parents is another crucial aspect. Depending on their health and mobility, they may need a home that is accessible and close to healthcare facilities. Consideration of their preferences and comfort is also essential.
▸Social Integration
Helping parents integrate socially is vital for their well-being. Encouraging them to join community groups, engage in social activities, and build a network of friends can enhance their experience in Australia. Language barriers should also be considered, and enrolling in English language classes might be beneficial.
▸Legal and Administrative Tasks
Upon arrival, parents will need to complete various administrative tasks, such as applying for a Tax File Number (TFN), enrolling in Medicare (if eligible), and setting up a bank account. Ensuring these tasks are completed promptly can ease their transition into Australian life.
⟢ Closing Thoughts
Bringing your parents to settle with you in Australia is a multifaceted process that requires careful planning and consideration. Understanding the available visa options, meeting the eligibility criteria, and preparing for practical aspects such as financial planning, health insurance, accommodation, and social integration are crucial steps. While the process can be lengthy and costly, the emotional and familial benefits of having your parents close by in Australia can make it a worthwhile endeavor.
