As a country that values family, Australia offers several options for parents to join their children living there. However, obtaining a parent visa for Australia can be complex and confusing.
In this blog, we will answer some commonly asked questions about parent visas in Australia to help you better understand the immigration process.
A parent visa is a family visa that permits the parent of an Australian or permanent resident or an eligible citizen of New Zealand to visit or live in Australia.
These visas aim to reunite families and allow parents to live with their children and grandchildren. In Australia, there are two primary types of parent visas: contributory and non-contributory.
Contributory parent visas require a larger upfront payment to the Australian government to cover the cost of health care and other services, while Non-Contributory Parent Visas have a lower application fee but a much longer processing time.
In addition to having a child who is a citizen or permanent resident of Australia or an eligible citizen of New Zealand, you must also meet the Balance of Family test and fulfil health and character standards to be granted a Parent Visa.
FAQs about different visas to Australia for parents of Australian permanent residents, citizens or eligible New Zealand citizens residing in Australia.
Q: Can I bring my parents to Australia permanently?
A: Yes. You can sponsor your parents for either temporary or permanent residency in Australia with a Parent visa. When you sponsor your parents, you must meet certain conditions, such as assurance of support, where you will need to demonstrate that you can provide for your parent’s basic needs and support them financially for the specified period during their stay in Australia.
Q: Which visa is best for parents in Australia?
A: This depends on the purpose of their travel to Australia. Parents who wish to travel to Australia for a short visit can apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, an Electronic Visitor Visa (eVisitor) or a visitor visa (subclass 600). Parents who wish to remain in Australia longer can apply for a visitor visa for parents SC 870. This visa requires a Sponsorship from an eligible child and allows for a stay between 5 to 10 years. Parents who wish to live in Australia permanently must be sponsored by their child in Australia and meet all other requirements, such as the Balance of Family Test, health and character. Depending on the age of a parent, they may be able to apply for a Contributory aged parent visa in Australia.
Q: Can I work in Australia on a Parent Visa?
A: It depends. Temporary visas such as Electronic Travel Authority or SC600 visas come with no work rights. A longer stay SC 870 visitor visa for parents also allows no work. If you hold a Contributory Parent Visa or a Parent Visa, or an Aged parent visa, you can work in Australia without any restrictions.
Q: Can I travel in and out of Australia on a Parent Visa?
A: You can enter and leave Australia with a Parent Visa, but you must adhere to certain guidelines. For the time your Contributory Parent (Resident) Visa is active, you may enter and exit Australia as often as you please. After five years, the travel facility on your visa will expire, and you will need to apply for a Resident Return visa to be able to enter Australia after you leave. If you hold an Australian temporary visa, you must ensure you have multiple travel facilities on your visa before you make your travel plans.
Q: How difficult is it to migrate parents to Australia?
A: Australian citizens and permanent residents can apply for a Parent Visa to bring their parents to Australia permanently. But the immigration process is not a straightforward one, so you should seek professional assistance. Heenan & Browne Visa Migration Services has extensive expertise in providing immigration services to Australia and can assist you and your parents with migration to Australia.
Q: How long does it typically take for an Australian parent visa to be issued?
A: Applications for Contributory Parent, Parent, Contributory Aged Parent, and Aged Parent visas are not provided with estimated processing periods by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. There is a quota and a waiting list for certain visa applications.
They predict that it will take at least 12 years for new Contributory Parent visa applications that fit the criteria to be released for final processing once they have been queued.
If you apply for a non-contributory parent visa and fulfil the conditions to be queued, it can take at least 29 years for your application to be processed.
Q: How much does it cost to apply for a Parent Visa?
A: The primary applicant must pay $4,355 for a Contributory Parent Visa. The visa can’t be issued unless the applicant pays the $43,600 contributory cost. This amount is requested after all the necessary health and criminal background checks have been done. The Department will notify you when this payment is due.
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