Parent Visas: Eligibility Criteria and Application Requirements

If you’re a parent of an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you may be eligible to apply for a parent visa to live in Australia. There are several types of parent visas available, each with its own pair of eligibility requirements and application procedures.

 In this blog, we’ll explore the different types of parent visas and what you need to know before applying.

Australia Parent Visa Types

1. Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 173/143): This is a permanent visa that requires a significant contribution to the Australian economy. The visa holder must pay a higher visa application fee and a second installment of the visa costs.
2. Parent Visa (Subclass 103): This is a permanent visa for parents who meet the balance-of-family test. This means that at least half of their children live in Australia or more of their children live in Australia than in any other country.
3. Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804/864): For parents who are old enough to be eligible for an Australian-age pension, they can apply for a permanent visa. The visa holder must be sponsored by their child, who must be an Australian citizen, and permanent resident.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a parent visa, you must meet the following criteria:

• Have a child who is an Australian citizen and a permanent resident.
• Meet the specific visa type’s age requirements. For example, the Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 173/143) has an age limit of 64 years old.
• Meet the health and character requirements.
• Meet the balance-of-family test or age requirements, depending on the visa type.
• Be sponsored by your child or spouse.
• Be able to pay the visa application fee and any other costs associated with the visa.

Application Requirements

The application requirements for a parents visa can be extensive.

Here are some of the main requirements:

1. Complete the appropriate visa application form: The application form will vary depending on the visa type you’re applying for.
2. Provide proof of identity: You’ll need to provide a range of identity documents, including your passport and birth certificate.
3. Provide evidence of your relationship to your child: This may include your child’s birth certificate and evidence of your custody or guardianship.
4. Meet the health requirements: You’ll need to undergo a medical examination to ensure that you don’t have any health conditions that would put a burden on Australia’s healthcare system.
5. Meet the character requirements: You’ll need to provide police certificates from every country you’ve lived in for more than 12 months in the past 10 years.
6. Meet the financial requirements: You’ll need to provide evidence that you have sufficient funds to support yourself in Australia.
7. Provide evidence of your sponsorship: Your child or spouse will need to complete and submit a sponsorship form.
8. Pay the visa application fee and any other costs associated with the visa.

Conclusion

Applying for a parent visa immigration can be a complex and lengthy process, but it’s worth it if you want to live in Australia with your child. Before applying, ensure you meet all the eligibility criteria and have all the necessary documents. If you need help with your application, consider consulting an immigration lawyer or registered migration agent.