Parent Visa

The Australia Parent Visa allows parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live with their children in Australia. This visa provides both temporary and permanent pathways for parents to join their families.

Types of Parent Visas

There are several types of parent visas available, depending on whether you want to apply for a temporary or permanent visa and your financial situation.

  1. Contributory Parent Visa (Temporary - Subclass 173)

This visa allows parents to live temporarily in Australia and later apply for the permanent Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143).

  • Duration: The visa is valid for 2 years.
  • Work and Study: You can work and study in Australia.
  • Pathway to Permanent Visa: This visa is a pathway to the permanent Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143).
  • No Medicare Access: Temporary visa holders are not eligible for Medicare but can obtain private health insurance.

  1. Contributory Parent Visa (Permanent - Subclass 143)

This is a permanent visa that allows parents to live in Australia indefinitely.

  • Work and Study: You can work and study in Australia without restrictions.
  • Medicare Access: You have access to Australia’s public healthcare system, Medicare.
  • Permanent Residency: This visa grants you permanent residency, allowing you to live in Australia long-term.
  • Higher Visa Application Charge: The Contributory Parent Visa has a higher application charge but offers a quicker processing time compared to non-contributory visas.

  1. Parent Visa (Permanent - Subclass 103)

This visa allows parents to live permanently in Australia. It has a lower visa application charge than the contributory visa, but with significantly longer processing times.

  • Duration: Permanent visa with a long waiting period.
  • Work and Study: You can work and study in Australia.
  • Medicare Access: You will have access to Medicare once granted permanent residency.
  • Extended Processing Time: This visa can take over 10 years to process due to high demand.

  1. Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Temporary - Subclass 884)

For parents old enough to receive the Australian age pension, this temporary visa allows them to live in Australia for two years before applying for the permanent Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864).

  • Duration: Temporary visa valid for 2 years.
  • Work and Study: You can work and study in Australia.
  • Pathway to Permanent Visa: You can apply for the permanent visa during or after your temporary visa duration.

  1. Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Permanent - Subclass 864)

This permanent visa is for aged parents who wish to live in Australia indefinitely.

  • Work and Study: You can work and study in Australia without restrictions.
  • Medicare Access: You will have access to Medicare once granted the permanent visa.
  • Permanent Residency: This visa allows you to live in Australia permanently.

  1. Aged Parent Visa (Permanent - Subclass 804)

The Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804) allows aged parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live permanently in Australia. This visa has a lower application charge but comes with a longer waiting period.

  • Duration: Permanent visa with a lengthy processing time.
  • Eligibility: This visa is available for parents who are of pension age and meet the balance of family test.
  • Work and Study: You can work and study in Australia without restrictions.
  • Medicare Access: You will have access to Medicare once the visa is granted.
  • Extended Processing Time: Due to the high demand for this visa, processing times can extend to 12-15 years, but applicants can live in Australia on a bridging visa while awaiting a decision.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for an Australia Parent Visa, you need to meet certain eligibility criteria:

  1. Parental Relationship: You must be the parent of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
  2. Balance of Family Test: At least half of your children must be Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens, or more of your children must live in Australia than in any other country.
  3. Sponsorship: You must be sponsored by your child, who must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. The sponsor must be settled in Australia for at least two years and be over 18 years of age.
  4. Health and Character Requirements: You must meet Australia’s health and character requirements, which may include medical examinations and police clearances.

Processing Times

Processing times for parent visas vary based on the visa type:

  • Contributory Parent Visas: Faster processing time (approximately 5-7 years) with higher visa application charges.
  • Non-Contributory Parent Visas (Subclass 103 and Subclass 804): Longer waiting times (up to 12-15 years for Subclass 804) due to high demand and lower visa caps.

Parent Visa Benefits

  • Live in Australia: These visas allow you to live with your children in Australia, either temporarily or permanently.
  • Work and Study: Most parent visas grant work and study rights in Australia.
  • Medicare Access: Permanent visa holders and some temporary visa holders can access Australia’s public healthcare system.
  • Pathway to Permanent Residency: Temporary visas offer a pathway to permanent residency for parents.

Financial Considerations

Parent visas can require a significant financial commitment. The Contributory Parent Visa options have higher application charges but offer faster processing. The Non-Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 103 and Subclass 804) is a lower-cost option but comes with extended waiting periods.

How We Can Help

At A Square Migration Services, we specialize in assisting families with parent visa applications. Our experienced team will guide you through the complex visa process, ensuring your application is accurate and complete. We will:

  • Assess Your Eligibility: We help you determine which visa is best suited for your needs.
  • Prepare Your Application: We assist with gathering documentation, lodging the visa application, and monitoring its progress.
  • Provide Guidance on Financial and Processing Time Considerations: We help you understand the costs and waiting times involved with each visa.

Reunite with Your Family in Australia

If you’re ready to join your children in Australia, A Square Migration Services is here to support you through the visa application process. We’re committed to helping families reunite and making the process as smooth as possible.

Contact us today to begin your parent visa application.