Parent's Visa: Bringing Your Parents with You

Airborne Migration & Education

At Airborne Migration & Education, we understand the importance of family. If you are planning to live abroad, bringing your parents along can provide emotional support and a sense of comfort as you start a new chapter. A Parent Visa allows you to sponsor your parents to join you in your new country, ensuring they can live with you long-term and enjoy the benefits of being close to their children.

Why is a Parent's Visa Important?

A Parent Visa allows you to reunite with your parents in your new country of residence, helping you maintain a strong family bond even when living far away. In many cases, a parent visa can also provide your parents with the opportunity to live, work, or even become permanent residents of the country. Whether your parents are retired or still active in the workforce, bringing them to your new home can offer peace of mind, both for you and for them.

• Family Reunification: It enables you to live with your parents and enjoy their company as you build your life abroad.
• Access to Healthcare: Depending on the country, parent visa holders may be eligible for healthcare and other government benefits.
• Work and Study Rights: In some cases, parent visa holders may be able to work or study, improving their quality of life while staying with you.
• Permanent Residency Pathways: Some countries offer pathways to permanent residency for parents after meeting certain criteria, allowing them to stay long-term.

In Australia, Parent Visas are one of the most requested visas, with thousands of applications processed annually for parents wanting to join their children. ( Australian Department of Home Affairs, 2023)

Eligibility for a Parent's Visa

Eligibility for a Parent Visa depends on a variety of factors, including the country of application, the applicant's age, and the relationship between the parent and the sponsor. Generally, the following conditions apply:

• Sponsor’s Status: The applicant’s child (sponsor) must be a citizen, permanent resident, or eligible visa holder of the country they wish to bring their parent to.
• Age: Most countries have an age limit for parent visa applicants, with some countries allowing only elderly parents or those who are financially dependent on the sponsor.
• Financial Support: The sponsor must prove they have the financial ability to support their parents and ensure they won’t require government assistance.
• Health and Character Requirements: The parents must meet specific health and character requirements. This usually involves medical examinations and background checks.

In Australia, the Parent Visa requires the applicant to pass the "Balance of Family Test," meaning at least half of their children must live in Australia or more children must live in Australia than in any other country. (Australian Department of Home Affairs, 2023)

Parent Visa (Subclass 103)

The Parent Visa (subclass 103) allows parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia permanently. It's a migration pathway for families looking to reunite long-term, though processing times can be very lengthy due to high demand and limited places.

To apply, the applicant must pass the **Balance of Family test** (at least half of their children must be Australian citizens or PR holders), meet health and character requirements, and be sponsored by an eligible child. Processing can take **up to 30 years**, and this visa does not allow for priority processing. Travel is permitted once granted, and it allows permanent residency status in Australia.

Conditions: Once granted, the parent has full access to Medicare, work rights, and the ability to apply for citizenship later. However, until the visa is granted, the applicant cannot remain in Australia indefinitely unless holding another visa.

Proof of Funds & Medical: There is no explicit financial requirement, but a sponsor must provide an Assurance of Support. Medical assessments are required before the visa is granted.

Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143)

The Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143) is a permanent visa that allows parents to move to Australia more quickly than the standard Parent Visa. It comes at a higher cost but offers significantly shorter processing times (around 4–6 years).

Applicants must be sponsored by a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealander and meet the Balance of Family test. An Assurance of Support is required, and higher visa application charges apply to offset the cost of healthcare services. This visa allows travel to and from Australia freely and grants permanent residency.

Conditions: Full work and study rights, Medicare access, and eligibility for citizenship later. It is one of the fastest permanent options for parents but comes with a cost of over **AUD $47,000** per applicant.

Medical Requirements & Funds: A full medical examination is required. You’ll also need to show that the sponsor can meet financial support requirements through the Assurance of Support process.

Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864)

The Contributory Aged Parent Visa (subclass 864) is for aged parents who are eligible for the Australian age pension and wish to live permanently in Australia with their children. It's a faster alternative to the regular Parent Visa and is processed while the applicant is in Australia.

Applicants must meet the **age requirement** (usually 67 years or older), pass the Balance of Family test, be sponsored by an eligible child, and lodge the application onshore. This visa grants full permanent residency, including access to Medicare and work rights.

Conditions: Applicants must hold a valid visa at the time of application. Bridging visas may apply while awaiting the outcome. Travel is unrestricted once the visa is granted.

Medical & Financial: Medical exams and an Assurance of Support are required. This visa has similar costs to the 143 visa, with contributions typically above **AUD $47,000** per person.

Required Documents for a Parent's Visa

Each country and visa type may require different documentation, but generally, you'll need the following:

• 1. Valid Passport: Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
• 2. Proof of Relationship: Documents showing your relationship, such as joint leases, utility bills, photos, and letters from friends/family.
• 3. Visa Application Form: Complete and submit the visa application form provided by the embassy or consulate.
• 4. Proof of Financial Support: Evidence that the sponsor can financially support the applicant (bank statements, income statements).
• 5. Health Check Reports: Medical exams for both partners to meet health requirements.
• 6. Police Clearance Certificate: Criminal background checks from both partners’ home countries.
• 7. Character Reference: Statements from family, friends, or colleagues supporting the genuineness of your relationship.
• 8. Parent’s Immigration History: Previous visa applications or travel history, if applicable.