How to Choose an Australian Parent Visa？
Introduction
Australia, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and excellent education and healthcare systems, has always been an appealing destination for individuals seeking a better future. For parents with Australian citizenship or permanent resident children residing in Australia, numerous parent visa options are available to facilitate family reunification. In this blog post, we will explore the different types of Australian parent visas, their requirements, application fees, processing times, and provide guidance on choosing the most suitable visa for your situation.
Parent Visa Types
There are five primary parent visa categories available for parents to join their children in Australia:
- Parent Visa (Subclass 103)
- Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143)
- Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)
- Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864)
- Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870)
Additionally, temporary parent visa options include the Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 173) and the Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 884).
General Visa Requirements
To be eligible for an Australian parent visa, applicants must meet certain criteria, including:
- Relationship: You must be the parent of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen residing in Australia
- Balance of Family Test: At least half of your children must be living in Australia as Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens (except for Subclass 870 Visa)
- Age Requirement: Applicants must be old enough to receive the age pension in Australia (for Aged Parent Visas only)
- Assurance of Support: Applicants must obtain an Assurance of Support (AoS) from their sponsor or a third party (except for Subclass 870 Visa)
- Health and Character Checks: All applicants must meet health and character requirements to ensure they do not pose a risk to Australia’s community.
Visa Application Fees
The fees associated with Australian parent visas can vary depending on the selected visa type. It is important to note that these fees are subject to change. As of the fiscal year 2023-2024, the application fees for the main parent visa categories are as follows:
- Parent Visa (Subclass 103) and Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)
– First Instalment: Main Applicant – AUD4,990, Secondary Applicant Over 18 – AUD2,495, Secondary Applicant Below 18 – AUD1,250
– Second Instalment: AUD2,065 per person
- Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) and Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864)
– First Instalment: Main Applicant – AUD4,765, Secondary Applicant Over 18 – AUD1,605, Secondary Applicant Below 18 – AUD805
– Second Instalment: AUD43,600 per person
- Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870)
– First Instalment: AUD1,145
– Second Instalment: Temporary up to 3 years – AUD4,590, Temporary up to 5 years – AUD10,325
Processing Time
The processing times for Australian parent visas can be lengthy due to high demand. On average, the processing times are as follows:
- Parent Visa (Subclass 103) and Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804): Around 29 years
- Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) and Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864): Around 12 years
- Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870): 47 days to 5 months
How to Choose the Right Parent Visa
Choosing the most suitable parent visa for your situation requires careful consideration. Here are a few factors to consider:
- Financial Considerations: Assess your financial capabilities and determine whether you can afford the higher contribution required for the Contributory Parent Visa.
- Long-Term Goals: Consider whether you want to reside in Australia permanently or if you prefer a temporary stay. This will help you decide between permanent and temporary parent visa options.
- Processing Time: If you are seeking a faster processing time, the Contributory Parent Visa might be a more suitable choice.
Conclusion
Australian parent visas provide an opportunity for parents to reunite with their children and enjoy the benefits of living in this beautiful country. Understanding the different visa types, requirements, fees, and processing times is crucial in making an informed decision. By carefully evaluating your circumstances and seeking professional guidance, you can navigate the application process more effectively and increase your chances of a successful outcome.
