The importance of family is something that cannot be understated. As a result, the reunification of children and their parents across borders is something long recognised within Australia’s immigration policies. While there are a number of visas available to applicants who fall within the Parent visa category, it can be difficult to judge what is required in order to apply for the various different visa types and even harder to make a successful application.
This post can be used as a guide for applicants to understand the different parent visa options that may be available, what the requirements of these different visas are and what should be provided in order to make a successful application.
If applicants need further information, tailored advice or want guidance throughout the application process, they can contact an Australian Migration Agent who is committed to helping applicants make ‘decision-ready’ applications and maximise their chances of success.
Overview of Parent Visas in Australia
Applicants should be aware that there is no one ‘Parent visa’ in Australia, rather this is a categorisation of the various visa types available that are typically used by Parents when relocating to Australia. These visas include:
- Aged Parent visa (subclass 804)
- Contributory Aged Parent visa (subclass 884/subclass 864)
- Contributory Parent visa (subclass 173/subclass 143)
- Parent visa (subclass 103)
- Sponsored Parent visa (subclass 870)
The eligibility criteria for these parent visas can vary, however, some of the critical requirements that applicable to all visas include:
For applicants:
- Applicants must be a parent of a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen
- The eligible sponsor must be the child of the applicant and an approved parent sponsor
- Any debts owed by the applicant to the Australian Government must be settled (or arrangements must be in place to settle them)
- Applicants must meet the various health and character requirements
- Applicants must fulfil the balance of family test (except for the subclass 870 visa). The balance of family test refers to the applicant having more children residing in Australia than in any other country, or at least half of the applicants children must be eligible to be sponsors
For the sponsor:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Agree to provide accommodation and support for the applicant (an assurance of support) (where applicable)
Any visa applicant needs to consider that not every Australian Parent visa is permanent (see e.g., permanent contributory parent visa/temporary contributory parent visa). Permanent Parent visas will grant the applicant permanent residency, entitling them to various benefits ( such as certain Australian Government payments and the ability to reside in Australia indefinitely) and providing them with a path to apply for Australian citizenship where eligible. Temporary visas will stipulate how long the applicant is allowed to remain in Australia, but are often a timely and cost effective alternative to seeking a permanent visa type.
Where families need help choosing between the different visa types and assessing the applicants eligibility for a visa, they can contact an Australian Migration Agent who is familiar with making Parent visa applications and can provide specific information and guidance.
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Parent Visa application process
Generally, applying for a Parent visa occurs over several stages.
Firstly, applicants are heavily encouraged to prepare for the making of a Parent visa application. While this includes collecting the relevant supporting documents and filling out the necessary application form, applicants need to carefully consider what visa type to apply for. For Parent visas, applicants also need to ensure that they have an eligible sponsor who is able to sponsor their application. This will help to ensure that the application is validly made and does not contain insufficient material to support the applicant’s claim
Secondly, applicants should consider where and how they are required to lodge their application. Some visa types will require an applicant to either be onshore or offshore, and can require that applicants lodge their application on paper via postage. Applicants will also need to pay the correct visa application charge before making their lodgement. Ensuring that the application is lodged correctly is critical as the Department of Home Affairs will not consider the application otherwise.
Thirdly, after lodging the application, applicants will have to wait for the Department to make their decision. The processing times for Parent visa applications can vary depending on a range of factors. Applicants who are in Australia should know that they may be eligible for a bridging visa if their current visa expires during this time. Furthermore, the Department may contact applicants to request further information, ask additional questions or conduct an interview. Applicants should promptly respond to these requests as a decision cannot be made until the Department has been totally satisfied. If applicants notice that their application includes mistakes or is missing relevant information, they should contact the Department as soon as possible.
Finally, once a decision has been made by the Department, they will notify the applicant in writing. If successful, the Department will provide an applicant with their visa grant number, the starting date of the visa and any attached conditions. If an application is refused, the Department will communicate the reason for refusal and if the applicant has any appeal rights.
Clearly, this process can be time consuming and stressful for families and applicants alike. If applicants need any additional assistance at any stage in the applicant process an Australian Migration Agent can provide support where necessary.
Parent Visa document checklist
In making a Parent visa application, applicants and their sponsors are required to provide various documents and supporting evidence in order to make a successful application. While this is not a comprehensive list of all the documents that need to be submitted, it covers the key areas applications should provide information about. These documents include:
For the sponsor:
- Identify documents some text
- Visa documents (where applicable)
- Evidence of relationship to applicant
- Assurance of support (where applicable)
For the applicant:
- Identity documents
- Current passport or travel document
- National identity card (if applicable)
- Proof of name change (if applicable)
- Sponsor documents
- Balance-of-family documents (if applicable)
- Assurance of support documents (if applicable)
- Character documents
- Police certificates
- Health documents
- Health insurance (if applicable)
At Australian Migration Agents, we are able to assist applicants with identifying and preparing the various documents that are required to support a Parent visa application.
Benefits of using an Australian Migration Agent
At Australian Migration Agents, we are committed to supporting applicants at every stage of their Parent application. Our team has vast amounts of experience and knowledge in preparing and lodging Parent visa applications, including where applicants may have a variety of visa options available or where they are struggling to meet certain eligibility requirements. An Australian Migration Agent can significantly ease the stress and pressure of making a visa application, as we can assist you to compile documents and gather the relevant evidence to make a strong application. No matter what part of the process an application is up to, with the support of an Australian Migration Agent, applicants can ensure that they have given themselves the best possible chance at a successful application.
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