VISAS
Parent Visas
The Australian Family Migration Program includes several temporary and permanent parent visas that allow a child (permanent resident of Australia, Australian or an eligible New Zealand citizen), subject to certain criteria, to bring a parent or several parents for a family reunion.
Parent visa requirements
In order to successfully complete the process and get your visa approved, applicant and family members, as well as sponsor, should satisfy criteria established by the Department of Home Affairs.
- Family balance test (only for visas 143, 173, 804, 864, 103) where applicant must have at least 50% or more residing in Australia as Permanent Residents or Australian citizens.
- Sponsorship by a child who has been living in Australia for at least 2 years and is currently Permanent Resident or Australian citizen. It is also necessary to provide a Assurance of Support – a certain amount of money (bond), which is deposited in a special account with an Australian bank for 10 years.
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- The main part of parental visas is intended for elderly parents, and it does not require passing an English proficiency test, professional compliance, and also does not require an exam when obtaining citizenship.
- However, for all types of visas, it will be necessary to prove family or close family ties between the applicant (parent) and the child living in Australia.
In my practice, I recommend to clients the best strategic plan for parent visas based on their family circumstances and financial capabilities. To review your individual case please book a consultation.
There are two programs for parent visas
Standard parent visas are considered within the framework of limited quotas on the number of visas per financial year. Processing time for those visas (for example, subclass 103 or 804) can be quite lengthy. According to statistics, the current time is about 30 years.
The second option of parent visas is with contributions (Contributory Parent visas). They are significantly expensive, but their processing time is usually up to 3-5 years. High government fees partially offset government spending on migrant parents.
Temporary parent visas in Australia
Visitor visa (Tourist Stream SC600) – for parents, a visa can be arranged for a longer stay (12 months of continuous stay, visa duration 3-5 years, multi-entry). The parent must undergo a medical examination, and provide biometrics and medical insurance.
Visas are granted to parents of permanent residence visa holders or Australian citizens. The application should be made only outside of Australia.
If a child does not yet have permanent residence status or is an Australian citizen, the child can invite parents on a regular visitor visa.
Decision time is approximately 30 days, sometimes up to 4 months.
The government fee is 150 AUD.
Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa SC870 – a temporary visa with a stay of 3 or 5 years, with the opportunity to extend up to 10 years in total.
A visa requires formal sponsorship from a child who is in permanent residence status, is an Australian citizen or a New Zealand citizen living in Australia. Applicant’s child must have been resident in Australia for at least 4 years and must meet the mandatory income requirements.
The application should be made outside of Australia, under limited circumstances it can be made from Australia.
Decision time is approximately 3-4 months. Sponsorship fee 420 AUD.
The government fee is 5,090 AUD for 3 years; 10,180 AUD for 5 years.
Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa SC173 – a temporary visa with a further opportunity to transit to a permanent residence visa.
173 visa requires formal sponsorship from a child who is a holder of a permanent residence visa or an Australian citizen. The child must have been a resident of Australia for at least 2 years.
Income requirements are assessed at the time of the decision and the financial guarantor can be either a child or any other person who is not even a member of the family.
The application should be made outside of Australia.
Decision time is approximately 4-5 years.
The government fee:
VAC 1 from 2.935 AUD per adult applicant payable at lodgement,
VAC 2 is 29,130 AUD per adult applicant payable before the visa is granted.
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Permanent Visas for Parents
Contributory Parent visa SC143 – this permanent residency visa requires formal sponsorship from a child who is a holder of a permanent residence visa or an Australian citizen.
The child must have been a resident of Australia for at least 2 years. Income requirements are assessed at the time of the decision and the financial guarantor can be either a child or any other person who is not even a member of the family.
The application can be made outside of Australia or from Australia.
Decision time is approximately 4-5 years.
The government fee:
VAC 1 from 4,355 AUD per adult applicant payable at lodgement,
VAC 2 is 43,600 AUD per adult applicant payable before the visa is granted.
Parent visa SC103 – permanent residency visa, that requires formal sponsorship from a child who is a holder of a permanent residence visa or an Australian citizen.
The child must have been a resident of Australia for at least 2 years. Income requirements are assessed at the time of the decision and the financial guarantor can be either a child or any other person who is not even a member of the family.
The application should be made outside of Australia.
Decision time is approximately 30+ years due to the long queue.
The government fee:
VAC 1 from 4,560 AUD per adult applicant payable at lodgement,
VAC 2 is 2,065 AUD per adult applicant payable before the visa is granted.
Aged Parent visa SC804 – a permanent visa for elderly parents who meet the age criteria (special matrix, 66 years and older). A visa requires formal sponsorship from a child who is a permanent residence visa holder or an Australian citizen.
The child must have been a resident of Australia for at least 2 years. Income requirements are assessed at the time of the decision and the financial guarantor can be either a child or any other person who is not even a member of the family.
The application should be made only from Australia.
Decision time is approximately 15+ years.
The government fee:
VAC 1 from 4,560 AUD per adult applicant payable at lodgement,
VAC 2 is 2,065 AUD per adult applicant payable before the visa is granted.
Contributory Aged Parent visa SC864 – a permanent visa for elderly parents who meet the age criteria (special matrix, 66 years and older).
A visa involves formal sponsorship from a child who is a permanent residence visa holder or an Australian citizen. The child must have been a resident of Australia for at least 2 years. Income requirements are assessed at the time of the decision and the financial guarantor can be either a child or any other person who is not even a member of the family.
The application should be made only from Australia.
Decision time is approximately 4-5 years.
The government fee:
VAC 1 from 4,355 AUD per adult applicant payable at lodgement,
VAC 2 is 43,600 AUD per adult applicant payable before the visa is granted.
Important facts for Australian parent visa applicants:
- Visas 143, 103, 173, 804, and 864 have family balance test – when most of the children should live in Australia as permanent residents or Australian citizens. There are no such criteria for visa SC870.
- When applying for visas SC804 or 864 only in Australia, a bridging visa will be granted to allow applicants to stay in Australia lawfully and wait for a decision in Australia. If you apply for a 143 visa from Australia, a bridging visa will not be granted.
- The applicant’s health assessment is required only before the decision on parent visas, therefore it is very important to independently monitor the health during the years of waiting.
- Medicare (health care card in Australia) can be issued to applicants only after obtaining a permanent residence visa, not during the processing time.
- In order to receive a pension, the applicant must live in Australia for at least 10 years from the date of issue of the visa, while continuously for 5 years out of these 10.
You can ask me questions at any time.
Just email me at office@yuliamoiseeva.com.au and describe your migration issues!
