For many Australian citizens and permanent residents, having their parents join them in Australia is a cherished goal. The Australian parent visa provides a pathway for parents to live with their children in this beautiful country. However, the process of obtaining such a visa can be complex and requires careful understanding of the requirements and procedures. This article will guide you through the steps of getting an Australian parent visa.
Types of Australian Parent Visas
Contributory Parent Visa (Subclasses 143 and 864)
Subclass 143 (Offshore)
Purpose and Eligibility
The Subclass 143 is for parents who are applying from outside Australia. To be eligible, the sponsor (the Australian – based child) must meet certain income requirements. This ensures that the sponsor can support the parents financially and prevent them from relying on Australian government welfare. For example, the sponsor may need to show an annual income above a specific threshold, which is adjusted regularly. The parent applicant must also pass health and character checks. A general medical examination, including a chest x – ray and blood tests, is required to ensure the parent does not have any serious health conditions that could burden the Australian healthcare system. Additionally, a police clearance certificate from the parent’s home country and any other countries where they have lived for an extended period is necessary to prove good character.
Contribution Payment
One of the key features of the Subclass 143 visa is the contribution payment. The parent applicant needs to pay a significant amount, which helps cover the potential costs associated with their long – term stay in Australia. The contribution amount is substantial and is non – refundable. It is designed to offset some of the costs that the Australian government may incur in providing services to the parent over time.
Subclass 864 (Onshore)
In – Country Application
The Subclass 864 is for parents who are already in Australia and wish to apply for a parent visa from within the country. The eligibility criteria are similar to the Subclass 143. The sponsor still needs to meet the income requirements, and the parent must pass health and character checks. However, applying onshore can be convenient for parents who are already visiting their children in Australia and decide to stay permanently.
Application Process Specifics
When applying for the Subclass 864, the parent must be in a valid visa status at the time of application. They need to ensure that their existing visa allows them to apply for a parent visa onshore. The application process involves submitting the necessary documents, including proof of the sponsor’s income, the parent’s health and character certificates, and evidence of the parent – child relationship, through the ImmiAccount system.
Non – Contributory Parent Visa (Subclasses 103 and 804)
Subclass 103 (Offshore)
Long – Term Waiting List
The Subclass 103 is an offshore non – contributory parent visa. It does not require a contribution payment like the contributory visas. However, it has an extremely long waiting list. The number of visas available each year is limited, and as a result, the waiting time can be over a decade in some cases. The sponsor still needs to meet the income requirements, and the parent must pass health and character checks. For example, if a large number of parents apply for this visa in a given year, the processing time for new applications will be further extended.
Eligibility Criteria
Similar to other parent visas, the parent – child relationship must be proven. Birth certificates or adoption papers are commonly used to establish this relationship. The sponsor’s income is also carefully assessed. The Australian government wants to ensure that the sponsor can support the parent without relying on welfare.
Subclass 804 (Onshore)
In – Country Option with Long Wait
The Subclass 804 is the onshore equivalent of the Subclass 103. Parents who are in Australia and wish to apply for a non – contributory parent visa can use this subclass. But like its offshore counterpart, it has a long waiting period. The application process involves providing the same types of documents as the Subclass 103, such as proof of relationship, sponsor’s income details, and health and character certificates. The parent must also be in a valid visa status at the time of application.
Application Process for Australian Parent Visas
Step 1: Determine Eligibility
Sponsor’s Income Assessment
The sponsor needs to check their income eligibility. This may involve providing recent tax returns, payslips, and employment contracts. The income requirements are set to ensure that the sponsor can support the parent’s living expenses, including accommodation, food, and healthcare. For example, if the sponsor is self – employed, they may need to provide detailed business financial statements to prove their income.
Parent’s Health and Character Checks
The parent applicant must arrange for a medical examination. This can be done at a panel doctor approved by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. The medical examination typically includes a general physical check – up, chest x – ray, and blood tests. For the character check, the parent needs to obtain a police clearance certificate from their home country and any other countries where they have lived for more than 12 months in the past 10 years.
Proving the Parent – Child Relationship
Birth certificates, adoption papers, or other official documents that clearly show the parent – child relationship are essential. If the names on the documents have changed over time, additional documentation, such as name change certificates, may be required.
Step 2: Gather Required Documentation
Identity Documents
Both the sponsor and the parent need to provide valid passports. If the parent does not have a passport, they should apply for one as soon as possible. In addition, other forms of identification, such as national identity cards, may be required depending on the country of origin.
Income Documentation for the Sponsor
As mentioned earlier, the sponsor needs to provide tax returns, payslips, and employment contracts. If the sponsor has investments or other sources of income, relevant documentation, such as bank statements showing investment earnings, should also be included.
Health and Character Certificates for the Parent
The medical examination report from the panel doctor and the police clearance certificates from relevant countries are crucial documents. These certificates should be up – to – date, usually issued within a specified time frame, such as the past 12 months.
Evidence of Parent – Child Relationship
Birth certificates, adoption papers, and any other relevant documents should be provided. If the relationship is more complex, such as in cases of step – parents or legal guardians, additional documentation may be needed to establish the relationship.
Step 3: Submit the Application
Online Application through ImmiAccount
Most parent visa applications are submitted online through the ImmiAccount system. Create an account if you don’t have one already. The sponsor and the parent will need to fill in the application forms accurately, providing all the required information. This includes details about the sponsor’s income, the parent’s personal information, and the relationship details.
Pay the Application Fee
There is an application fee for each parent visa subclass. The fee for the contributory parent visas (Subclasses 143 and 864) is relatively high, considering the contribution payment aspect. The non – contributory parent visas (Subclasses 103 and 804) have a lower application fee, but keep in mind the long waiting times. The fee amount can change, so it’s important to check the official Australian Department of Home Affairs website for the current fee. The fee is usually paid online at the time of submitting the application.
Step 4: Visa Processing
Assessment by the Department of Home Affairs
The Australian Department of Home Affairs will review the application. They will verify the authenticity of the documents, assess the sponsor’s income, and review the parent’s health and character. The processing time can vary significantly. For contributory parent visas, it may take a few years, while non – contributory parent visas can take much longer due to the long waiting lists.
Additional Information Requests
During the processing, the department may request additional information. This could be further clarification on the sponsor’s income, updated medical certificates if the initial ones are about to expire, or more detailed evidence of the parent – child relationship. It’s important to respond promptly to these requests to avoid delays in the application process.
Step 5: Visa Decision
Approval
If the application is approved, the parent will be notified through the ImmiAccount. The approved visa will have details such as the visa subclass, the date of issue, the expiration date, and any conditions attached to the visa. For example, some visas may have conditions regarding the parent’s ability to work (usually not allowed for parent visas) or requirements to maintain health insurance.
Refusal
If the visa is refused, the department will provide reasons for the refusal. This could be due to insufficient evidence of the sponsor’s income, failure of the parent to meet health or character requirements, or problems with the documentation. In some cases, there may be an option to appeal the decision, but this is subject to specific regulations.
Common Issues and How to Avoid Them
Meeting Income Requirements
Accurate Income Documentation
The sponsor should ensure that all income documentation is accurate and up – to – date. Using estimates or providing incorrect information can lead to the application being rejected. For example, if the sponsor’s income has fluctuated, they should clearly explain the reasons and provide supporting documentation, such as a letter from their employer stating the nature of the income changes.
Understanding the Income Threshold
It’s important for the sponsor to understand the income threshold clearly. The threshold may change over time, and different visa subclasses may have slightly different requirements. Staying informed about these changes can help the sponsor plan and ensure they meet the requirements.
Health and Character Issues
Early Medical and Police Checks
Parents should not delay in getting their medical examination and police clearance certificates. If there are any health issues, such as a pre – existing medical condition, early detection can give them time to seek appropriate advice or treatment. Similarly, if there are potential character issues, such as a minor criminal record, early disclosure and explanation can be beneficial.
Honesty in Disclosure
Complete honesty in disclosing all relevant health and character information is crucial. Hiding a medical condition or a criminal record can lead to a visa refusal. In some cases, a minor criminal record may not necessarily result in a refusal, but hiding it will definitely work against the applicant.
Conclusion
In conclusion, obtaining an Australian parent visa is a significant step that requires careful planning, meeting strict eligibility criteria, and providing accurate and comprehensive documentation. Whether you are considering a contributory or non – contributory parent visa, understanding the process is key. The long waiting times for non – contributory visas and the high costs associated with contributory visas make it essential to plan ahead. By ensuring that the sponsor meets the income requirements, the parent passes the health and character checks, and all documentation is in order, you can increase the chances of a successful visa application. If you find the process overwhelming, seeking advice from a registered migration agent can be a wise decision. This way, you can look forward to a future where your parents can join you in Australia and enjoy a new life together.
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