The Parent visa is one of the popular migrant visas. It allows parent to join their children in Australia permanently. The child should be eligible sponsor for the parents. The Australian government restricts the number of available Parent visas each year. Consequently, if applicants meet core criteria, they can acquire position in the global queue. Owing to the popularity of this program, applicants are facing substantial delay before the visa being issued.
Another option is to apply for Contributory Parent visa, wherein a larger application fee is demanded and an Assurance of Support bond. The waiting period for this option is lesser as compared to the Parent visa.
Parent visa is broadly divided into two categories. One can be applied while you are in Australia, while the other visa can be applied when you are out of Australia.
If you are in Australia:
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Contributory Aged Parent (Residence) visa (subclass 864)
If you are a parent of child or children who are living in Australia, this is for you. It is a permanent visa for aged parents. This visa costs more than the aged parent visa but is generally processed faster.
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Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 884)
This is a temporary visa valid for two years. If you hold this visa you can apply for the permanent Contributory Aged Parent (Residence) visa (subclass 864).
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Contributory Aged Parent (Residence) visa (from subclass 884 to subclass 864)
If you are a holder of a temporary Contributory Aged Parent visa (subclass 884), you are eligible to apply for a permanent Contributory Aged Parent visa (subclass 864).
If you are outside Australia:
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Contributory Parent (Migrant) visa (subclass 143)
This is a permanent visa for parents with children living in Australia. This visa costs more than the Parent visa but is generally processed faster.
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Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 173)
This is a temporary visa valid for two years for parents with children living in Australia. If you hold this visa you can then apply for the permanent Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143).
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Contributory Parent (Migrant) visa (from subclass 173 to 143)
If you are a holder of a temporary Contributory Parent visa (subclass 173), who want to apply for a permanent Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143), this is for you. An application for this visa is able to be made in Australia.
Basic Requirements of Parent Visa (Subclass 143 or 173) – Offshore Application:
- Age of the parent should be under 65 years
- Applicants should meet the ‘Balance of family’ test
- Affordability to make a non-refundable deposit to the Government of Australia per migrating parent
- Visa processing time of approximately 24 months or more
- Parents should pass the authorised health and police checks
On the contrary, the onshore applications need the parents to be 65 years or above. These applicants can enter Australia on a visitor or tourist visa without the ‘No Further Stay’ condition. The parents can apply for the valid parent visa whilst in Australia.
Basic Requirements of Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804) – Onshore Application:
Known for its long processing time, over 25 years, this visa allows the parents to live in Australia till the decision is pending. These parent applicants hold Bridging Visa A and should apply for Bridging Visa B if they want to temporarily depart from Australia.
Basic Requirements of Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864) – Onshore Application:
This is a permanent visa, allowing the parent to,
- Stay indefinitely in Australia or apply for citizenship
- Study or work in Australia
- Enrol in Medicare Australia
- Sponsor eligible family members for permanent residency
- Travel to and from Australia upto 5 years from the date the visa was granted