Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Parent Visa Australia

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Parent Visa Australia

Many reports show that elderly parents living away from their children deal with countless issues. This is why parent visas have become so important in Australia, where one in every four citizens is born overseas.

With this in mind, the authorities offer a wide range of Australian parent visas. These visas allow permanent residents and citizens of the country to ensure the entire family lives together. 

But the catch is navigating the complexities of these visas, which involve countless procedures. If this is an issue for you, read this blog to understand the steps for applying for a parent visa in Australia. 

What are the Steps for Applying for Parent Visas in Australia? 

The overall process to apply for a permanent or temporary parent visa Australia is quite simple as long as you follow the right steps. These steps include:    

Step 1: Online Application and Documentation 

The first thing you need to do is apply for the visa online via the department’s official website. You can create an ImmiAccount for a Sponsored parent visa, but you will need paper forms for the parent, child, or other family members. Then, you must provide all the necessary documentation to verify relationships, financial records, and identity. 

Step 2: Balance of Family Test  

The Balance of Family test determines the number of children the applicant has living in Australia as citizens or permanent residents. The test requires that at least half of the applicant’s children live as permanent residents or citizens in the country. This helps verify if the applicant has close family ties to the country.     

Step 3: Character and Health Evaluation 

Every generic or aged parent visa Australia has certain health and character requirements that you must meet. In general, the medical assessment is quite simple, including a generic check-up, HIV tests, and an x-ray of the chest.  For character verification, you will need police certificates from every country you have lived in for over 12 months. Failing to pass either of these tests will adversely affect the chances of visa approval.      

 

Read More:- Australian Parent Visa: Everything You Need to Know!

Step 4: Assurance of Support (AoS)

The Assurance of Support (AoS) is like a guarantee that the sponsor or the children living in the country can financially support their parents. This ensures that applicants will not have to rely on the country’s government for any assistance. Here, one needs to produce their asset holdings or income statements as evidence of their ability to support their parents.     

Types of Parent Visas in Australia 

Australia is one of those few countries that still offer a wide range of generic and aged parent visas. If you are planning to bring your parents to the country, you must understand these visa types. So, let’s check the breakdown of different parents’ visa types to get better clarity:

 

Type of Visa  Description  Visa Cost  Distinctive Characteristics  Processing Time 
Subclass 143 (Contributory Parent Visa)  Parent visa 143 is a permanent visa that allows parents of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to move into the country,  AU$ 47,755 Higher cost with fast processing time  4 to 6 years 
Subclass 103 (Parent Visa) Parent visa 103 is a permanent parent visa that allows parents of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to move into the country permanently, AU$ 6,490   Longer processing time and must meet the balance of family test  It can take up to three decades 
Subclass 804 (Aged Parent Visa)  This is also a permanent parent visa that allows aged parents of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to move into the country permanently, AU$ 6,490  Applicant must be in the country, and meeting the family-balance test is a must.   Up to 30 years 
Subclass 173 (Contributory Parent) (Temporary Visa)  This is a temporary parent visa that allows parents of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to move into the country temporarily, AU$ 31,930  Can apply for the Subclass 143 visa after getting this visa.  4 to 6 years 
Subclass 884 (Contributory Aged Parent Visa)  This is a permanent parent visa that allows aged parents of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to move into the country permanently, AU$ 47,755 Applicants must be in Australia, and while this visa is costly, the processing time is quite fast.  4 to 6 years 
Subclass 870 (Sponsored Parent) (Temporary Visa) This is a temporary parent visa that allows parents of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to move into the country for 3 to 5 years, AU$ 5,090 for three years and AU$ 10,180 for 5 years  Sponsors can be eligible children, and it does not require a balance of family tests. 6 to 12 months 
Subclass 884 (Contributory Aged Parent) (Temporary Visa)   This is a temporary contributory parent visa that allows parents of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to move into the country temporarily, AU$ 31,930  Applicant must be in Australia and can apply for Subclass 864 after getting this visa.  4 to 6 years 

    

Must Read:- Australian Parent Visa Processing Time: Your Ultimate Guide

What is the Difference Between Contributory and Non-Contributory Parent Visa? 

There are quite a few differences between non-contributory and contributory parent visas Australia that you must understand. This will help you make a more informed choice and proceed accordingly. So, refer to this table below to understand the difference between these visas:

 

Criteria  Contributory Parent Visa  Non-Contributory Parent Visa  
Visa Subclasses  Subclass 143 and 864  Subclass 103 and 804
Visa Fee  Higher fees  Affordable fees 
Processing Time  Quicker processing time  Longer processing time
Best Suited For  Anyone without budget constraints and a preference for shorter processing time.  Anyone with budgetary constraints can deal with longer processing time.  

  

Concluding Thoughts 

Parents living away from you never do any good to you or them. Carefully analyzing the criteria for the right visa is essential to ensure your loved ones can live closer to you. This improves their physical health and positively impacts their mental well-being.

To improve your chances of approval, follow the necessary steps and select the appropriate visa type. For expert guidance, consult our Registered Migration Agent Perth, and make living closer to your parents a reality.