Are you a proud Australian permanent resident or citizen who wishes to reunite with your parents in the Land Down Under? Australia offers a range of visa options that provide parents with the opportunity to join their loved ones temporarily or permanently. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the various parent visa options, eligibility requirements, and key considerations to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding Parent Visa Options

Australia provides several parent visa options for eligible sponsors, each with its unique features and benefits. Let's delve into some of these options:

1. Visitor Visa (Temporary)

For those facing financial constraints or seeking a quicker solution, the Visitor Visa (Temporary) is a cost-effective alternative. It allows parents to visit their family members in Australia, offering longer validity visas that permit stays of up to 12 months within an 18-month period.

2. Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa

The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa is another excellent choice, allowing eligible parents to reside in Australia for either 3 or 5 years. With up to 15,000 visas granted annually, this option offers families a substantial amount of time to reunite.

Parent Visa Options

Parent visas to Australia can be broadly categorized into two groups: those that grant a bridging visa and those that do not. Let's explore these options:

No Bridging Visa Granted

• Parent Visa (subclass 103)
• Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143)
• Contributory Parent Temporary Visa (subclass 173) to Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143)

Bridging Visa Granted

• Aged Parent Visa (subclass 804)
• Contributory Aged Parent Visa (subclass 864)
• Contributory Aged Parent Temporary Visa (subclass 884) to Contributory Aged Parent Visa (subclass 864)

Key Requirements

Before proceeding with your parent visa application, it's crucial to meet certain primary requirements, including:

1. Parent of a Citizen or Permanent Resident

The applicant must be the parent of an Australian citizen or permanent resident who has spent at least 2 years living in Australia.

2. Family Balance Test

Passing the balance of family test is mandatory. This test requires that at least half of the applicant's children and step-children must be citizens or permanent residents in Australia, or more of the main applicant's children must be settled permanent citizens or residents of Australia than any other single country.

Temporary Parent Visa (Subclass 870)

If the balance of family test is not met, the Temporary Parent Visa (Subclass 870) offers an alternative solution.

Additional Requirements

Depending on the specific visa you're applying for, additional requirements may apply. These include:

1. Criteria for Contributory Aged Parent Visa

The main applicant for this visa must be over 66 years of age. If they have a partner aged younger than 66, they can be included as a secondary applicant.

2. Health and Character

Applicants need to meet health and character requirements, including a medical assessment, chest x-ray, and HIV test. Note that non-contributory parent visa applicants also require a medical assessment.

Application Process

The application process varies based on the type of visa you're seeking. Generally, you can apply for both Parent (under 66 years old) and Aged Parent Visa (over 66 years old) from inside or outside Australia. However, the availability of bridging visas differs.

Visa Application Charges

Visa application charges vary depending on the type of parent visa you apply for. Here are some examples:

• Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804): Processing time of 20+ years, with a base application charge of $4,990 and a second installment of $2,065.
• Contributory Parent & Aged Parent Visa: Processing time of 24 – 36 months, with a base application charge of $4,765 and a base application contribution of $47,825.

Temporary Parent Visa (Subclass 870)

If you prefer a more budget-friendly option, consider the Temporary Parent Visa (Subclass 870).

Processing Time

It's essential to understand that non-contributory visas have significantly longer processing times compared to contributory visas. Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for a bridging visa, allowing you to stay in Australia lawfully until your visa is granted.

Contributory Parent Visa

While contributory parent visas come with a higher upfront cost, they offer faster processing and a more predictable visa pathway, making them a preferred choice for some families.

Non-Contributory Parent Visa

Non-contributory Parent Visas have limited places available each year and can have processing times of approximately 10 - 30 years. Careful planning and consideration of your circumstances are crucial when choosing this option. Consulting with migration experts or immigration lawyers can provide valuable guidance.

Book a Migration Consultation

Navigating the Australian visa application process can be complex, and each family's situation is unique. If you're uncertain about where to start or need personalized guidance, consider scheduling a consultation with our Registered Migration Agent. They can provide a step-by-step walkthrough tailored to your needs.

In conclusion, reuniting with your parents in Australia is possible through various visa options. By understanding the requirements and considering your family's circumstances, you can make an informed choice that best suits your needs and priorities.