Family reunions are one of the most popular reasons to migrate to Australia. For many people in Australia, this means bringing a parent to Australia. When you look at the best parent visa in Australia, there are a lot of options that can become confusing for families because of different costs, processing times and eligibility criteria.
Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143 and Subclass 173)
If a fast and permanent option is preferred, the Contributory Parent Visa stream is the best choice. It is the quickest permanent parent visa currently on offer, with Subclass 143 being the permanent visa option and Subclass 173 being a two-year temporary visa that allows you to lodge your Subclass 143 later on.
The primary difference is that the contributory option is more expensive, with current fees being AUD 47,000 per applicant plus application costs. This is a price to be paid for the visa fast-tracking as a recognition of the expected strain on public services, such as healthcare, that older migrants are known to require on average. Processing times are thus shorter, on average 12 to 14 years, rather than waiting 30 to 40 years in the Non-Contributory Stream.
As a rule, all parent visa applicants must satisfy the Balance of Family Test (BOFT), i.e. at least 50% of their children must be permanent residents or citizens of Australia. They also have to be sponsored by an eligible child and give an Assurance of Support (AoS), an undertaking by the sponsor to financially support the parent so that they can’t turn to social security.
The contributory visa also grants full work rights, Medicare coverage, and permanent residency from the day of permanent visa grant. It is the best option for a family that has the financial resources to cover the cost and wants their parents to live with them in Australia permanently within a reasonable waiting time.
Non-Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 103)
The Non-Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 103) grants permanent residency, like the Contributory Visa, but at a lower cost of around AUD 6,500. This comes with a significant compromise in terms of processing time. The waiting period is typically 30 to 40 years or more. It is a relatively unknown stream, as it is rarely applied to, unless the applicants are very young or are willing to wait a considerable amount of time.
Eligibility criteria are essentially the same for Subclass 103: pass the BOFT, be sponsored by an eligible child, and meet health and character requirements. AoS is also required, as for the contributory visa.
Most applications for Subclass 103 are lodged solely to secure a queue place, while other, quicker options are explored or underway, or while parents are in Australia on temporary visas.
Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804 and Subclass 864)
As the name suggests, this visa stream is for applicants who are old enough to receive the Australian Age Pension. The cut-off age varies depending on the year of birth, but is around 65 or more. Subclass 804 and Subclass 864 are the Non-Contributory and Contributory streams, respectively, which means that all the criteria above about fees and processing times also apply to these visas.
The great benefit of the Aged Stream is that if an applicant is already in Australia on a valid visa, they can apply for the permanent visa onshore and be granted a bridging visa in the meantime. A Bridging Visa (BV) is a temporary legal status to stay in Australia until a final decision is made about their permanent application. This makes it a very popular and practical option for aged parents who are already here for a temporary reason and want to stay with their families here for as long as it takes for the visa to be processed.
As always, there is a choice between the Contributory and Non-Contributory streams. Subclass 864 (Contributory) requires a much larger fee but is faster, while Subclass 804 (Non-Contributory) costs less but has the same multi-decade wait. This option is best for older parents already in Australia on another visa who wish to remain in the country, even if for many years, while their children want them nearby.
Temporary Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870)
A relatively newer visa, part Contributory and part Temporary stream, the Temporary Sponsored Parent Visa, also known as Subclass 870, is essentially a short-term option for 3 or 5 years, with the possibility of extension up to a total of 10 years. As with all temporary streams, it does not lead to permanent residency, but it is a flexible and relatively fast option that parents can use to be with their children and grandchildren.
Requirements are also less stringent. The sponsor can be a citizen or permanent resident of Australia, but they also have to meet minimum income requirements. An AoS is not required, nor BOFT or any other standard requirement, which makes this a more accessible and a relatively good option for parents from other countries who want to reunite with their children. It is a very popular temporary visa, which is a surprise since it is only a temporary solution.
Subclass 870 is an excellent option for families who want to spend time together, and the parents are willing to spend some years here on a temporary visa. It is also a popular option to use while waiting for the permanent option to be processed.
In conclusion, the choice of the best visa for the parent to Australia really depends on your family’s personal situation and your own priorities. Do you want a cost-effective or a faster option? Is the parent old enough for the Aged Stream, or perhaps already in Australia for a temporary purpose? Are you prepared to go for a temporary solution instead of a permanent one? These are some of the questions you should ask yourself as you consider all four options above and decide what will best suit you and your family.
As always, immigration law and policies are complex and constantly evolving, so most families will be best advised to obtain a professional opinion on their options from trusted migration services in Australia. With professional assistance, a little planning and a good understanding of all requirements, you can reunite with your parents and keep your family close and together.
