Are you an Australian Permanent Resident or citizen looking to bring your parents to the land Down Under? Read this comprehensive guide to navigating parent visas and living in Australia with No Borders Migration Law. This article covers non-contributory and contributory pathways, and how to obtain a Parent Visa with work rights in Australia. We also cover the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Subclass 870 Visas and Parent (Permanent) Subclass 103 Visas.
Firstly, let’s explore why Parent Visas are valuable solutions for reuniting with your loved ones.
Parent Visas allow your parents to:
- Stay in Australia indefinitely;
- Travel to and from Australia with no restrictions;
- Potentially be entitled to Medicare, which is Australia’s Government health system;
- Fewer restrictions on work rights;
- Apply for Australian citizenship, once eligible, when the residence in Australia requirements are met.
The Australia Parent Migration Visa encompasses two main categories:
- Non-Contributory Parent Visas:
These are Permanent Residency (PR) visas with a comparatively lower processing fee.
Eligibility criteria include having a sponsor, meeting health and character standards, and passing the balance of family test. To satisfy the balance of family test, at least half of the parent’s children must be permanent residents in Australia.
- Contributory Parent Visas:
This category offers a fast-tracked pathway to Permanent Residency for selected applicants, based on queue and cap considerations.
Eligibility requirements entail having a sponsor, meeting health and character prerequisites, passing the balance of family test, and securing an assurance of support. An assurance of support constitutes a legal commitment from the sponsor to provide financial assistance.
There are temporary and permanent options, and various pathways you can take to secure a parent visa for your family. We’re here to make the process of applying for the right parent visa in Australia for your situation, seamless and easy.
What you need to know about the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Subclass 870 Visa
For those seeking a temporary solution, a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Subclass 870 Visa may be the answer. This option allows parents of Australian permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens to spend 3 or 5 years in Australia per visa.
Your parents must:
- Have an approved Parent Sponsorship before you can lodge an application for this visa
- Apply online for this visa
- Lodge your visa application within 6 months of the sponsorship approval, or 60 days if you are given Permission to Apply in Australia
This visa allows your parents to:
- Reunite with children and family members
- Visit Australia for up to 3 or 5 years per visa
- Re-apply for visas to visit up to a maximum period of 10 years in Australia
It’s important to note that your parents cannot work while on this particular visa.
Learn more about the Parent (Permanent) Subclass 103 Visa
The Permanent Parent Visa is the ultimate goal for many families. However, this route involves meeting specific criteria, including the Balance of Family Test, which requires a substantial presence of children or step-children who are Australian citizens or permanent residents.
Your parents must:
- Have an eligible child who is a settled Australian citizen, Australian Permanent Resident or eligible New Zealand Citizen
- Meet all applicable visa conditions and follow Australian law
- Not have already applied for or hold a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) (Subclass 870) visa when applying for this visa
The Parent (Permanent) Subclass 103 Visa allows your parents to:
- Stay in Australia indefinitely
- Work and study in Australia
- Enrol in Australia’s public health care scheme, Medicare
- Sponsor your family members to come to Australia
- Apply for Australian citizenship, if eligible
Additionally it’s important to note that applicants must meet health and character requirements and commit to an Assurance of Support (AoS), ensuring financial stability during their initial stay in Australia.
Navigating the Process of Applying for a Parent Visa for your loved ones
An essential aspect of the application process is the Assurance of Support (AoS), which acts as a guarantee of financial assistance if needed. The duration of AoS varies depending on the visa type, ranging from four to ten years, and requires the assurer to meet specific financial criteria.
Understanding the nuances of each visa subclass and meeting the stringent requirements can be daunting. This is where the expertise of a migration lawyer becomes invaluable. Processing times may vary and there are many factors to consider. A Registered Migration Lawyer in Australia can guide you through the intricacies of the application process, ensuring all documentation is in order and submitted correctly.
Bringing parents to Australia is an important and significant decision, requiring careful consideration and meticulous planning. Whether opting for a temporary solution or pursuing permanent residency, understanding the stages of the visa process and what each requires, is essential. By seeking guidance from our experienced migration lawyers at NB Migration Law, applicants can navigate these complexities with confidence, paving the way for a seamless reunion with family and a future together.
Ready to bring your parents to Australia?
Connect with our team of experienced Migration Lawyers specialising in parent visas here. We will help you with exploring suitable visa options for your situation and taking the right steps to securing a successful application.