PARENT VISA
- Parent Visa
- Contributory Parent Visa
(Subclass 173 and 143) - Contributory Aged Parent Visa
(Subclass 884 and 864) - Parent Visa
(Subclass 103) - Sponsored Parent Visa
(Subclass 870)
A parent visa falls under the family visa category. There are numerous family visas available in Australia and one of them is the parent visa. On 2 June 2014, the government implemented major alterations to the Other Family visa category.
There are two main categories for parent visas. One visa can be utilized within Australia, while the other can be used outside of the country.
If you happen to be in Australia
Applications for aged parent visas are currently closed
These visas are designed for parents who are the same age as someone who qualifies for an Australian Age pension.
Visa for elderly parents who are dependent (subclass 864)
If you have children living in Australia, this is especially for parents like you. It is a visa for elderly parents that is valid indefinitely. The visa is more expensive than the aged parent visa, but typically has a quicker processing time.
Temporary visa for elderly parents making contributions.
This visa is only temporarily valid for a period of two years. If you possess this visa, you are eligible to request the permanent Contributory Aged Parent (Residence) visa (subclass 864).
Changing from subclass 884 to subclass 864, the visa allows older parents to be sponsored by their children
If you have a temporary Contributory Aged Parent visa (subclass 884), you can apply for a permanent Contributory Aged Parent visa (subclass 864).
If you are not in Australia
Parent (Migrant) visa (subclass 143) for contributing individuals.
This visa is for parents who have children residing in Australia and is valid indefinitely. This visa has a higher cost than the Parent visa but is usually approved more quickly.
Temporary Parent visa (subclass 173) for contributing parents.
This temporary visa is valid for two years and is for parents who have children residing in Australia. Having this visa enables you to then proceed with applying for the permanent Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143).
Contributory Parent (Migrant) visa has been transitioned from subclass 173 to subclass 143.
If you possess a temporary Contributory Parent visa (subclass 173) and are looking to apply for a permanent Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143), this information is relevant to you. You can apply for this visa while in Australia.
FAQs
A Parent Visa is a visa type that permits parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to reside in Australia either temporarily or permanently in order to be with their children.
Parents with children who hold Australian citizenship, permanent residency, or are eligible New Zealand citizens are eligible to apply for a Parent Visa.
Options for Parent Visas include the Contributory Parent Visa, Non-Contributory Parent Visa, Aged Parent Visa, and Parent (Temporary) Visa.
The Contributory Parent Visa, although more expensive to apply for, typically has quicker processing times than the Non-Contributory Parent Visa. The Non-Contributory Parent Visa has reduced fees but extended processing durations.
In general, work rights are not automatically given to Parent Visa holders. Nevertheless, certain Parent Visa categories permit restricted employment privileges once specific requirements are fulfilled.
Certainly, you are able to add your partner (whether they are your spouse or de facto partner) to your Parent Visa request, but they must also satisfy the qualification standards.
There is no set age restriction for applying for a Parent Visa, however, certain visa types like the Aged Parent Visa may have age-related criteria.
In most cases, you are only eligible to submit an application for a Parent Visa if your child is currently a citizen of Australia, a permanent resident, or a qualified citizen of New Zealand.
Parent Visa holders typically do not qualify for Medicare, the public healthcare system in Australia, and are advised to have private health insurance for their medical costs.
Having a Parent Visa does not guarantee you Australian citizenship by default. Meeting the eligibility requirements and completing the citizenship application process are necessary steps to obtain Australian citizenship.
Processing times differ based on the specific Parent Visa being applied for. In general, Contributory Parent Visas are processed quicker than Non-Contributory Parent Visas.
Usually, individuals with a Parent Visa can enter and leave Australia freely as long as their visa remains valid. Nevertheless, it is important to be attentive to the visa requirements and make sure you fulfill them.
This temporary visa permits a parent of an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident, or a qualified New Zealand citizen to visit Australia for either 3 or 5 years. Commencing on July 1, 2023, changes to the requirements for Australian citizenship will be enforced for certain New Zealand citizens with a Special Category (subclass 444) visa.
The Contributory Parent visa (subclass 173 and 143) enables parents to reside in Australia provided that their child is an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. The temporary 173 contributory parent visa permits the applicant to reside in Australia for a duration of two years. Applicants cannot extend or renew this visa, but they can seek permanent residency in Australia by applying for the Contributory Parent (subclass 143) visa within 2 years of living in Australia on the 173 visa.
Both visas require sponsorship from their Australian-residing child for the applicants. If the child is under 18 years old, applicants can receive sponsorship from:
- The spouse of a minor (who must be a minimum of 18 years old and a resident of Australia, either a citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen)
- A family member or caregiver of a child
- A family member or caretaker of the spouse of a minor who is a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen under 18 years old.
- A community organization
Note: If a community organization is supporting the applicant, the immigration department requires valid proof of the relationship between the organization and applicant or a written agreement from the senior representative approving support after their arrival in Australia.
Advantages of having a visa
As a parent holding the contributory parent visa (subclass 173), you have the ability to
- Reside, learn and be employed in Australia for a period of 2 years.
- Obtain medical insurance through Medicare (Australia's program for healthcare services and costs).
- Travel to Australia regularly for a period of two years following the visa approval date.
As a holder of the contributory parent 143 visa, you are able to
- Reside, learn, or be employed in Australia with no fixed end date.
- Obtain medical insurance through Medicare.
- Submit an application for Australian citizenship once the requirements have been met.
- Support qualified family members to obtain permanent residency.
- Depart from Australia and return after a span of five years from the visa issuance date.
Criteria for Qualification
For applicants of Subclass 173
- Your child is either an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Your child has resided in Australia legally for a minimum of 2 years.
- You are sponsored
- You are faced with the family balance test.
- You fulfill the requirements for health and character.
For applicants of Subclass 143
- You are required to possess a Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 173).
- You are required to comply with all the requirements for the temporary contributory parent visa (subclass 173).
Evidence needed for both visas (Subclass 143 and 173) to prove relationship
Certified copies are required, such as:
- Certificates of birth
- A book belonging to a family that displays connections between members
- Marriage certificates are required if the sponsor is a child's parent.
- Proof of being responsible for a child, in case the sponsor is their guardian.
- Additional valid proof demonstrating the connection between the child and sponsor.
If the sponsor is a community organization, it is required.
- Enrollment certificate
- Proof of delegation of power to the representative of an organization to act on behalf of the organization, such as the authority of the board or management committee.
- Proof of having enough money to support you upon your arrival in Australia.
Inclusion of Family Members in the Visa Application
You have the option to add the following individuals to the visa application:
- Your significant other
- The child of you or your partner
Requirements concerning Health and Character
All dependent family members along with you must possess:
- Health requirements must be met by having medical tests completed within one year before submitting the visa application.
- Certificate from police required for each country resided in over 12 months in the last decade.
Statement of Australian Values
If you are older than 18, you need to sign an Australian values statement to promise to follow all Australian laws.
Obligations owed to the Australian Authorities
Before your visa is approved, you need to have no debts to the Australian government, or have a repayment plan in place for them.
FAQs
The Contributory Parent Visa is a visa option for parents who have children that are either Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. It permits parents to reside in Australia on a temporary basis (Subclass 173) or permanently (Subclass 143).
In order to seek the Contributory Parent Visa within Australia, it is necessary to lodge an application with the Department of Home Affairs. This visa classification is designed for parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.
You must have a child that is either an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen in order to qualify. You need to meet age criteria, pass family balance evaluations, and meet health and character criteria.
The Subclass 173 visa offers a brief stay of two years in Australia, whereas the Subclass 143 visa provides permanent residency for living in Australia indefinitely. The 173 visa can transition to the 143 visa, allowing for permanent residency application after holding the temporary visa.
The processing times may differ, however, on average, the Subclass 173 visa usually takes approximately 24 to 32 months to process, while the Subclass 143 visa usually takes around 31 to 43 months. Remember that these times are estimations and may vary depending on personal situations.
Indeed, individuals holding Subclass 173 and Subclass 143 visas are permitted to work in Australia. The Subclass 173 visa allows you to work fully, and with the Subclass 143 visa, you also get unrestricted work rights.
Indeed, you do have the choice to add your spouse or de facto partner in your visa submission. Health and character requirements must be met and included in your application at the time of submission.
Indeed, every individual applying for a visa, along with their dependent family members, must complete both health and character evaluations as a requirement for the application. This includes undergoing medical exams and obtaining police checks.
Although there is no exact income requirement for the visa, you may be required to obtain an Assurance of Support (AoS) from your child residing in Australia. This shows that you will not depend on welfare.
You may qualify to apply for this visa category while you are in Australia in specific circumstances. It is important to note that certain visa holders may face restrictions when applying for visas within the country.
Certainly, you are able to add your children who are dependent to your application. They need to satisfy the requirements for qualifying children as specified by the Department of Home Affairs.
The subclass 884 and 864 visa permits elderly parents to reside in Australia if their child holds Australian citizenship, is a permanent resident of Australia, or is an eligible citizen of New Zealand.
The temporary visa, aged parent 884, permits applicants to reside in Australia for two years. This visa is not eligible for extension or renewal. The parents can apply for the permanent Contributory Aged Parent 864 visa before the temporary 884 visa expires if they wish to stay in Australia permanently.
Both visas necessitate that the applicants are sponsored by their child. Sponsors can support applicants if they are under 18 years old:
- The child's partner must be at least 18 years old and a citizen or resident of Australia or an eligible New Zealand citizen.
- A family member or caretaker of a child or the child's partner who must be 18 years old or older and a legal citizen of Australia, a permanent resident of Australia, or an eligible citizen of New Zealand.
- A community organization
Note: If a community organization is supporting an applicant for a contributory parent visa, there needs to be evidence of a relationship with the sponsor or a written statement of support from a senior representative upon the applicant's arrival in Australia.
Advantages of the Contributory Aged Parent Visa
The 884 visa grants temporary permission.
- Experience life, education, and employment in Australia for a duration of two years.
- Receive medical insurance through Medicare, the federal health coverage program in Australia.
The 864 visa grants permission for permanent residence.
- Reside, learn, and carry out employment in Australia permanently
- Obtain medical insurance from Medicare, the Australian government's healthcare scheme.
- Seek to gain Australian citizenship (if you meet the criteria)
- Support qualified family members in applying for residency.
- Depart Australia after receiving visa and return after five years.
Criteria for Qualification
Temporary 884 visa applicants are required to:
- Ensure that your child is established in Australia as either an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Satisfy the age criteria.
- Find a sponsor
- Introducing the family balance test.
- Satisfy the criteria for health and character.
Applicants for the Permanent 864 visa are required to:
- Hold a temporary 884 visa.
- Follow all the requirements of Temporary 884 visa.
Requirements for proving a relationship
If your child is sponsoring, you will need to submit certified copies of the following items as proof of your relationship, such as:
- Certificates of birth
- A book that illustrates familial connections.
- Additional proof of your relationship
Certified copies of documents must be provided if the sponsor is a relative, partner, or guardian of the child, such as:
- Certificates of birth
- A book that depicts familial connections.
- Official documentation of marriage
- Proof of protection and care.
- Additional credible proof of the relationship between you and the sponsor
If the sponsor is a community organization, it is required to have
- A registration certificate
- Proof of the organization's power as a representative.
- Proof of ability to financially support the applicant
Including family members in the visa application
You have the option to add the following family members to your visa application:
- Your significant other
- The child of either you or your partner.
Requirements for Health and Character
All dependent family members, including yourself, must possess:
- Medical check conducted within one year of applying for a visa.
- Police certificates are required from every country where you resided for over 12 months within the past decade.
Statement on Australian Values
If you are older than 18, you are required to sign an Australian Values Statement to commit to following Australian laws and way of life.
Obligations owed to the Australian Government
Before the visa is approved, it is important to not have any unpaid debts to the Australian government.
FAQs
The Australian government offers the Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 884 and 864) for elderly parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia. It includes a significant financial outlay to pay for different expenses.
Subclass 884 offers a two-year temporary stay in Australia, whereas Subclass 864 provides elderly parents with a permanent residency in Australia. Frequently, individuals request a temporary visa first before moving on to the permanent one.
In order to qualify for this visa, a person needs to have their child who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen sponsor them.
Requirements for eligibility involve meeting the designated age limit (typically 65 years or above), fulfilling the balance-of-family assessment, meeting health and character expectations, having a sponsoring child, and being ready to make the necessary significant financial donation.
The balance-of-family test requires the applicant to have at least half of their children living in Australia, or more children living in Australia than in any other one country.
The amount of money needed for this visa is substantial and is meant to pay for healthcare and welfare costs. It is recommended to verify the latest information on the official Australian immigration website, as the exact quantity may vary.
Yes, applicants can apply for both the temporary Subclass 884 and the permanent Subclass 864 visas in Australia if they have a valid visa allowing onshore applications.
Subclass 884 visa holders typically have the freedom to work without any restrictions for the duration of their stay. Permanent Subclass 864 visa holders in Australia are given complete permission to work.
Indeed, it is possible to include family members like a spouse and children who rely on the applicant in the visa request.
Indeed, those with Subclass 884 and 864 visas usually qualify for Medicare, the public healthcare system in Australia.
Temporary subclass 884 visa holders are allowed to travel to and from Australia without restrictions as long as their visa stays valid. Holders of Subclass 864 visa can travel too, but they need a valid Resident Return Visa if they intend to come back to Australia.
The process of applying for these visas may be complex because of different requirements and paperwork. It is advisable to seek expert advice or carefully adhere to the official instructions given by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
The amount of time needed for processing can differ depending on factors like the completeness of the application, the number of applications being processed, and other factors. The Australian Department of Home Affairs website provides information on how long processing times are expected to take.
In case of visa denial, one can appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) within a specific period.
To access current and thorough information, such as application forms and guidelines, check out the official website of the Australian Department of Home Affairs or seek advice from a certified migration agent.
The Parent 103 visa enables parents to reside in Australia permanently if their child is a citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen already settled in Australia.
Nevertheless, the visa necessitates that the parents obtain sponsorship from their child or another qualified sponsor in Australia.
- If a child is less than 18 years old, parents can be sponsored by either:
- The partner of an adult child who is at least 18 years old and living in Australia as an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- A family member or caretaker of the individual (who is at least 18 years old and living in Australia as an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen)
- A family member or caregiver of your child's partner (who is 18 years old or older and living in Australia as an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen) or
- An organization within the community
Note: It currently takes around 25 years for the parent visa to be approved.
Criteria for Qualification
As a parent visa holder, you and your dependent family members listed on the visa application have the following privileges:
- Reside, learn, and be employed in Australia without any time limit.
- Submit your application for Australian citizenship once you have met the necessary criteria.
- Join Australia's program for healthcare and medical expenses.
- Supporting qualified family members for immigration purposes
- Depart and return to Australia on a regular basis over a period of five years starting from the day the visa is issued.
This visa is only available if:
- Your child is someone who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or a eligible New Zealand citizen.
- You fulfill the necessary health and character criteria.
- You pass the family balance test.
- You have a sponsor.
The only way you can support someone for a parent visa is if:
- Your are 18 years old or older
- You have resided in Australia for a minimum of 2 years before submitting the visa application.
Community organization sponsors must be either one of the following:
- Evidence that demonstrates a connection between you and the child of parental visa candidates
- A formal declaration by the organization's top official expressing willingness to assist the parents upon their arrival in Australia.
Family members
You have the option to add the following individuals to your visa request:
- Your significant other
- The child of either you or your partner/stepchild
Requirements for Health and Character
All family members listed on the visa application, including yourself, must meet the following requirements:
- Verification of medical tests completed within 12 months prior to visa application.
- A police certificate is required from any country where you have resided for 12 months or longer within the last decade.
Obligations owed to the Australian Government
Before the visa is approved, you cannot have any unpaid debts to the Australian government.
FAQs
The Subclass 103 Parent Visa permits the parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to reside in Australia on a permanent basis.
Parents who have a child with Australian citizenship, permanent residency, or eligibility as a New Zealand citizen are eligible to apply for the Subclass 103 Parent Visa.
Candidates need to satisfy different requirements, such as the "balance of family" assessment, where a minimum of half of their offspring must reside in Australia as either citizens or permanent residents.
The "balance of family" assessment necessitates that a minimum of half of the applicant's children must be either Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens residing in Australia.
Certainly, your spouse or de facto partner can be added to the application, as long as they satisfy specific eligibility requirements as well.
The time it takes to process can differ depending on factors like the number of applications and personal situations. It's advisable to consult the Department of Home Affairs website for the latest processing times.
Certainly, the Subclass 103 Parent Visa is a visa with permanent status that permits individuals to reside in Australia for an unlimited period of time.
Indeed, the Subclass 103 Parent Visa enables you to both work and study within Australia.
Applicants typically must be outside of Australia when seeking the Subclass 103 Parent Visa. Nevertheless, there could be specific cases depending on personal situations.
Indeed, there is a limit on the quantity of Parent Visas granted annually. This occasionally results in extended processing times or waiting periods.
Subclass 103 Parent Visa holders can indeed utilize Australia’s healthcare system, commonly referred to as Medicare, once they have been approved.
No, the Subclass 103 Parent Visa does not allow you to sponsor other family members for permanent residency in Australia.
Visa holders must follow Australian laws and have a valid address in Australia. It is important for them to follow any requirements linked to their visa.
Subclass 103 Parent Visa holders are allowed to travel to and from Australia as often as they wish within five years from the visa's granting date. Following that, a Resident Return Visa might be needed in order to return to the country.
To access more precise and current updates, you should check out the Department of Home Affairs' official website in Australia or seek advice from a certified migration agent.
This fiscal year, the Australian government and its Department of Home Affairs have announced positive news for permanent residents who wish to have their parents stay with them for longer periods, as well as for parents who have been limited to short visits with their children. The newly announced policies on 1 March 2019 allow you to spend more time with your family than the Visitor Visas.
Sponsorship will begin on April 17th, 2019 and once the application is approved, the sponsored parent can apply for the visa starting on July 1st, 2019.
Convenience provided by this Sponsored Parent(Temporary) Visa
- In contrast to the visitor visa, you are able to remain for a longer duration, specifically five years, along with your children and grandchildren, allowing for ample quality time together.
- It also gives you an additional advantage where you can visit Australia temporarily while waiting for your permanent parent visa application to be processed.
The Visa and its Present Alternative Routes
- This offers advantages to the parent by allowing them to stay longer than with a regular visitor visa. There have been no changes to the standard Visitor Visa and its rules; this allows you to visit your children and grandchildren in Australia temporarily while waiting for your permanent parent visa application to be processed, providing some relief.
- The role it plays is to address the community's worry over the scarce availability of parent spots in the immigration program and the extended wait times that separate you from your eagerly awaited family happiness.
- Nevertheless, it puts you in a favorable position to determine which option is better suited for your situation, considering that each visa comes with its own set of prerequisites, visa fees, terms, and durations of stay.
Criteria for eligibility for sponsorship and Qualification
Two parents can be sponsored simultaneously in order to ensure both can reap the benefits. Sponsors must have the capacity to offer financial backing and housing for their parent in Australia, as well as cover their medical costs. Sponsors are required to adhere to certain criteria, including:
- When seeking sponsorship, the sponsor must meet the criteria for the relationship.
- The sponsor needs to be either an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or a privileged New Zealand citizen with at least four years of residency in Australia.
- The sponsor must have fulfilled all previous sponsorship commitments.
- You should not possess any negative or harmful information unless there is a valid reason for disregarding it.
- Should not owe any money to the government or have any outstanding public health debts without making necessary arrangements for payment first.
- A minimum household income is necessary to cover the costs of their parents' visit to Australia.
Visa Eligibility Requirements
In this case, it is important not to disclose details about the family's financial situation, even if you are not their biological child. The parent must be the sponsor's biological, adopted, or step-parent. The guidelines that need to be adhered to:
- You must be sponsored by a parent sponsor who is authorized.
- If you already hold a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa, you must remain outside of Australia for at least 90 days.
- You need to have access to funds with appropriate documentation and proof of health insurance.
- You must have no outstanding public health debts and meet health, character, and national security criteria.
How long are you allowed to stay for?
This fresh visa permits parents to reside for a period of 5 years. Nonetheless, you must be out of Australia for at least 90 days in order to be eligible for a successive Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa application. Therefore, a parent can have the visa for a decade in Australia, but then must depart or seek a new visa for continued stay as another Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa will not be given.
What is the expected timeframe for approval?
The approval of the visa will be determined by factors such as the quantity of submitted applications, the timeliness of your response to the necessary additional information, and whether all required information has been given.
Are you granted the right to work?
This new visa does not permit you to engage in employment. You are under conditions where no work is required.
Therefore, in order to obtain the Sponsored parent (Temporary) visa and arrive smoothly to spend quality time with your children, Further Education and Migration Services is the ideal option as they will assist you in submitting all necessary documents and provide guidance throughout the process.
FAQs
The Subclass 870 visa enables qualified Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to sponsor their parents for longer stays in Australia. This visa is created to allow parents to have additional time with their children and grandchildren residing in Australia.
If they meet specific criteria, the visa can be applied for by the parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. These criteria consist of meeting health and character standards, having sufficient health insurance, and being sponsored by their child in Australia.
To sponsor a visa application, individuals must be 18 years or older, a qualifying child of the applicant, and fulfill specific financial and residency criteria. Sponsors must offer financial assistance for their parents while they are in Australia and serve as their guarantors for any medical expenses or public debts that may arise.
The Subclass 870 visa offers two options: a 3-year visa and a 5-year visa. Parents have the option to select between these two choices based on their preferences. The visa permits entry into Australia multiple times during its validity.
The Subclass 870 visa does not have the option to be extended. After the expiration of the visa's validity period, the parent is required to depart from Australia. Nevertheless, if they still qualify and are sponsored by their eligible child, they can reapply for another Subclass 870 visa.
No, work rights are not provided by the Subclass 870 visa. This visa is mainly intended to give parents the chance to visit their children and grandchildren in Australia.
Indeed, individuals with a Subclass 870 visa are allowed to pursue studies in Australia for a maximum duration of three months. Nevertheless, the primary intention of this visa is not for educational purposes, so it is crucial to ensure that the study goals coincide with the main objective of the visa.
Indeed, Subclass 870 visa holders need to possess sufficient health insurance that includes their medical expenses while in Australia. They are accountable for covering their own healthcare costs and should not burden the Australian public health system with any expenses.
The process includes two steps: first, the sponsor submits an application to become an approved sponsor, and then the parent submits a visa application. Both submissions need to be made online using the Department of Home Affairs’ website.
Sponsors need to earn at least $83,454.80 in taxable income. When considering the sponsor-parent connection requirements, the parent must be the biological, adoptive, or stepparent of the sponsor. Furthermore, step-parents are eligible to apply only if they are in a current marriage or de facto relationship with the biological parent of the sponsor.