Parents Visa Australia: How to Bring Your Loved Ones to Join You
Australia is a top destination for South Africans seeking better opportunities, a safer environment, and a high quality of life. If you have successfully migrated to Australia, you may now be considering bringing your parents to join you. Fortunately, there are several visa options available that allow parents to reunite with their children in Australia.
In this guide, we explore the various parents visa Australia options, eligibility requirements, and application processes to help you understand the best pathway for your parents to migrate. Knowing the right visa pathway can make the process much smoother. Let’s dive in.
Types of Parents Visa Australia
When considering bringing your parents to Australia, there are several visa options, broadly classified into permanent and temporary visas. The right choice depends on factors such as processing time, costs, and eligibility.
1. Parent Visa (Subclass 103) – Permanent
The Parent Visa (Subclass 103) allows parents to live permanently in Australia if they meet the eligibility criteria. However, this visa has an extensive processing time—often exceeding 30 years.
Key Features:
- Permanent residency for parents
- No age restriction
- Requires sponsorship from an eligible child
- Significant processing backlog
This visa may not be ideal if you want to bring your parents to Australia quickly.
2. Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) – Permanent
The Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) is a popular choice as it offers a much faster processing time than the Subclass 103. However, it comes with a higher cost.
Key Features:
- Permanent residency for parents
- Processing time is typically 3-5 years
- Requires a significant financial contribution
- Sponsorship from an eligible child
This visa is ideal for South African expatriates who want to bring their parents to Australia sooner rather than later.
3. Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 173)
If you don’t want to pay the full cost of the Contributory Parent Visa upfront, the Subclass 173 is a temporary solution that lets your parents live in Australia for up to 2 years. It provides a pathway to permanent residency.
Key Features:
- Two-year temporary visa
- Lower initial cost compared to the Subclass 143
- Can transition to the permanent Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143)
- Allows work and study rights
4. Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)
This visa is suitable for parents who are old enough to qualify for an Australian Age Pension.
Key Features:
- Permanent residency for eligible aged parents
- Allow parents to stay in Australia on a bridging visa while the application is processed
- Long processing times of 30+ years
5. Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870)
For parents who may not qualify for permanent visas or are looking for temporary stay options, the Subclass 870 is an excellent alternative.
Key Features:
- Allows parents to stay in Australia for up to 5 years
- Renewable for an additional 5 years
- Does not lead to permanent residency
- Faster processing times than permanent parent visas
This visa is particularly useful if you’re looking for a short-to-medium term solution for your parents’ migration.
Who Can Sponsor Their Parents for an Australian Visa?
To apply for a parents visa Australia, the applicant must have an eligible sponsor, usually their child who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Key Sponsorship Criteria:
- The sponsor must be over 18 years old.
- They must have been living in Australia for at least two years.
- They should be able to show financial ability to support the parent (in some cases).
Meeting the Balance of Family Test
Most parent visa categories require applicants to meet the Balance of Family Test, which ensures that at least half of the applicant’s children live permanently in Australia.
Examples of Eligibility:
- If the applicant has two children, at least one must be a permanent resident in Australia.
- If the applicant has four children, at least two should be residing in Australia permanently.
If your parents don’t meet this requirement, they may need to consider temporary visa options instead.
Processing Times and Costs
The processing times for parent visas vary significantly:
- Parent Visa (Subclass 103): Over 30 years
- Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143): Around 3-5 years
- Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804): 30+ years
- Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870): A few months
Costs also differ, with contributory visas requiring a substantial financial investment. The Subclass 143 visa costs more than AUD 47,000 per parent, whereas the Subclass 870 has lower fees but must be renewed periodically.
Choosing the Right Parent Visa
Deciding on the best parent visa depends on several factors, including:
- Your parents’ age and eligibility
- Your financial capacity
- How quickly you want your parents in Australia
- Whether your parents want permanent residency or temporary stay
If you’re uncertain about the best visa pathway, consulting a MARA-registered migration agent, such as those at Migrate 2 Oz, can help simplify the process.
Final Thoughts
Bringing your parents to Australia is a significant step in your migration journey. Whether you’re looking for a temporary solution or a permanent move for your parents, Australia offers several visa options to suit different family circumstances.
By understanding the eligibility criteria, processing times, and costs associated with each visa, you can make an informed decision that best suits your family’s needs. If you’re ready to begin the journey of bringing your parents to Australia, expert migration guidance can help ensure a smoother application process.
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