Navigating through the myriad of Parent visa options available for parents wishing to migrate to Australia can be a complex and often daunting task.

This guide aims to elucidate the various pathways available, highlighting key criteria and providing a succinct overview of the application process.

Understanding Eligibility: Who Can Sponsor?

To begin, it's pivotal to comprehend the eligibility criteria for sponsors of parent visa applicants. The sponsor must be:

• A child of the parent, who is either an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen, and who ordinarily resides in Australia.

• In exceptional cases where the child is under 18, another eligible relative or a community organisation may suffice.

Core Criteria for Permanent Parent Visas

Applicants for a permanent parent visa must adhere to several core criteria, including:

• Meeting the balance of family test.

• For onshore parent visas, being of age to receive the Australian age pension.

• Fulfilling health and character requirements.

• Arranging for an eligible Australian to lodge a refundable bond.

Two-Stage Visa Process: Temporary to Permanent

Some parent visas operate on a two-stage process, initially granting a temporary visa. Subsequently, upon payment of an additional visa application charge within a 2-year window, the parent can apply for a permanent visa.

Navigating Through Various Visa Pathways

The visa pathway chosen can significantly impact processing times and application charges. A brief overview of the parent visa options leading to permanent residency is provided below:

• Aged Parents (Onshore Applications)

  • Visa Subclass 804: No two-stage process, assurance of support required, $2,065 per applicant, with a processing timeline exceeding 30 years.

  • Visa Subclass 864: No two-stage process, assurance of support required, $43,600 per applicant, with a processing timeline of 3-5 years.

  • Visa Subclass 884: Two-stage process (must apply for 864 within 2 years after 884 approval), assurance of support required at 864 application stage, two-thirds of $43,600 at 884 stage with the balance at 864 stage, and a processing timeline of 2-4 years.

• Other Parents

  • Visa Subclass 103: No two-stage process, assurance of support required, $2,065 per applicant, with a processing timeline exceeding 30 years.

  • Visa Subclass 143: No two-stage process, assurance of support required, $43,600 per applicant, with a processing timeline of 3-5 years.

  • Visa Subclass 173: Two-stage process (must apply for 143 within 2 years after 173 approval), assurance of support required at 143 application stage, two-thirds of $43,600 at 173 stage with the balance at 143 stage, and a processing timeline of 2-4 years.

Special Considerations for Subclass 405 and 410 Visa Holders

In certain instances, individuals who held a subclass 405 Investor Retirement visa or a subclass 410 Retirement visa on 8 May 2018 (and no other visa since that date) may be eligible to apply for a permanent parent visa without needing an eligible sponsor, meeting the balance of family test, or having an assurance of support.

Exploring Temporary Visa Options: Subclass 870

The subclass 870 Sponsored Parent temporary visa offers parents the opportunity to stay in Australia for a period of 3 or 5 years, without the need to meet the balance of family test. Core requirements include being sponsored by a “settled” Australian citizen/permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, meeting health and character requirements, and maintaining valid health insurance from an Australian provider.

How Ultimate Migration Can Assist

Navigating through the visa application process can be intricate and demanding. Ultimate Migration offers a suite of professional services to assist with parent visa applications, including risk assessment, advice on visa pathways, assistance with document collection, and communication with applicants and sponsors until a decision is received.

Conclusion

Choosing the most suitable visa option will invariably depend on the parent’s individual circumstances and intentions. Whether opting for a permanent or temporary visa, understanding the nuances of each pathway is crucial to ensuring a smooth application process and securing a positive outcome.