Author: isoadmin

Due to the rising number of Australians with parents who reside overseas, Australian Parent visas are in great demand; however, the processing timeframes for these visas can be lengthy. Depending on whether applicants select to pursue either a contributory visa or a non-contributory visa, applicants can expect differing processing times ranging from a few years up to three decades. For many applicants, these lengthy processing timeframes can be a major challenge; they can significantly impact applicants, including separation from family members and the uncertainty of visa approval. This article details up-to-date information on processing timeframes and visa grants, as well as various factors and options to consider for an applicant’s visa strategy.

The Latest Statistics

According to the Department of Home Affairs,  processing times for Contributory Parent, Parent, Contributory Aged Parent and Aged Parent visa applications are not provided. Applications for these visas are subject to capping and queueing. A cap is an upper limit of places available for a visa, and when the number of visas has been reached, no more will be granted. You are then placed in a queue after the cap is reached. All queue places are ordered by date, and this cant be changed.  

A queue date is a date that your application meets all requirements, and one needs to understand that this is not your date of lodgement. 

The Department of Home Affairs estimates new Contributory Parent visa (Subclass 143 and 864) applications lodged that meet the criteria to be queued are likely to take at least 12 years to be released for final processing.  

New Parent (Subclass 103) and Aged Parent (subclass 804) visa applications lodged that meet the criteria to be queued are likely to take at least 29 years for final processing.  

These lengthy processing times can certainly be a challenge for applicants, who may face separation from their loved ones for an extended period.  

As of 31 December 2022, the Department of Home Affairs has released for final processing:

• Contributory Parent visa applications with a queue date up to March 2017
• Parent visa applications with a queue date up to August 2011
• Aged Parent visa applications with a queue date up to December 2012.

The Australian Governments Migration Program planning levels for 2022-23 have increased to a total of 8500 places. Compared to the number of existing applications on hand, these numbers show the wait times ahead. As of 31 October 2022, the following numbers of visas were on hand at the Department of Home Affairs:

• 34,733 Subclass 103 Parent Visa applications
• 15,208 Subclass 804 Aged Parent Visas,
• 70,153 Subclass 143 Contributory Parent visas
• 7,090 Subclass 864 Contributory Aged parent visas

Choosing the Right Visa Stream and Category

Contributory and non-contributory are the two visa streams available to applicants seeking an Australian Parent Visa. These in turn can be broken into onshore versus offshore subclass. The Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143) and the Non-Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 103) are permanent residency visas that can be lodged whilst the applicant offshore. 

The Contributory Aged Parent Visa (subclass 864) and the Non-Contributory Aged Parent Visa (subclass 804) require the applicant to be old enough to receive the age pension in Australia. On the 1 July 2023 the pension age changes to 67 years. 

The main distinction between the contributory versus non-contributory streams is the payment that the applicant is obliged to make towards the cost of their Visa. This helps cover the costs of their healthcare while in Australia.  

The Subclass 103 and 804 Parent and Aged Parent Visa, which has cheaper costs but a lengthier processing timeframe, is a part of the non-contributory visa stream. The Subclass 143 Contributory Parent Visa and the Subclass 864 Aged Contributory Parent Visa from the contributory visa stream have higher costs but quicker processing timeframes. 

On the other hand, non-contributory visa applicants must wait longer for their visas but do not have to make a large second payment.  

With the longer processing times, the strategy an applicant may choose to follow may be influenced by factors such as age, life expectancy, financial resources, and location.  

Is a Contributory Parent Visa Worth Applying For?

An individual’s situation and priorities will influence their decision to submit an application for a Contributory Parent Visa or Aged Contributory Parent Visa. The second visa application charge for these Contributory Aged Parent visas is $43600. While the cost of applying for a Contributory Parent Visa is significantly more than a Non-Contributory Parent Visa, it historically offered quicker processing times. This was a significant benefit for those looking to bring their parents to Australia as soon as possible. It’s essential to consider the financial implications of this Visa. For many, the non-contributory visa stream could be a better choice.  

Applying for a 103 Visa as an Alternative Strategy

Historically the Subclass 103 Parent Visa was one of the least favoured Parent visas with most applicants adopting the more costly Contributory parent visa. With the processing times Contributory Parent visa no longer a major advantage the Subclass 103 may again be a subclass worth considering.  

Although this visa subclass does come with the downside of much longer processing times, taking between 25-30 years to be approved.  

A major and often overlooked advantage of applying for a 103 is that you will not lose your place in the queue if you, at a later stage, decide to convert and lodge an onshore Aged Parent visa or Aged Contributory Parent should you so choose.  

For example, you would look to convert from subclass 103 to subclass 864 because a Bridging visa is available during the wait time of the Subclass 864, but you will receive credit for the time already spent in the queue.  

Overall, it’s essential to carefully weigh up all of the options before deciding which is the most appropriate visa stream and category for your unique situation. That’s where MigrationBuro can help. The expert team of accredited migration agents at MigrationBuro specialise in Australian visas, specifically parent visas. We help our clients navigate the complexities of the Australian visa system and thoroughly understand visa application processes from beginning to end. We offer qualified and knowledgeable guidance to ensure each client’s parent visa application is managed professionally. To schedule a consultation, get in touch with the MigrationBuro team today!

There are a variety of Australian visa options to reunite families in Australia; Parent Visas allow parents to live with their children who are Australian citizens or permanent residents. When applying for an Australian Parent Visa, it’s essential to have a well-thought-out strategy, as the process for attaining a Parent Visa is complex and requires careful preparation and planning in order to achieve success. The main factors to consider when developing your parent visa strategy include the age of the parent applicants, onshore vs offshore applications, the family’s financial situation and various health insurance and costs. 

Age as a Prominent Factor

Age plays a significant role in determining eligibility for various visa streams and may impact the application procedure. Once a parent is of Australian pensionable Age they may be eligible to lodge an onshore parent visa assuming that they meet all the criteria and are not restricted from lodging an onshore application. The major benefit for onshore applications is that the parent receives a bridging visa allowing them to remain in Australia whilst their Visa is being processed.  

Additionally, older applicants may struggle to meet some Parent Visa health standards, affecting eligibility for either type. 

For parents younger than age 67 they may have little option but to apply for either a subclass 103 Parent Visa or Subclass 143 Contributory Parent Visa. There are no bridging visas with either of these subclasses, so they are often used in conjunction with other applications with the family wishing to be reunited sooner than later.  

Alternatively, applicants can consider other visa streams, such as other Employer nominated visas, Investor or Business Visas, which have different eligibility requirements and may be more suitable for their circumstances. 

Onshore vs Offshore Applications

The processing time and eligibility for various visa streams may vary depending on where the application is submitted. An offshore application is one that is submitted from outside of Australia, whereas an onshore application is one that is submitted while the applicant is already in Australia. Both come with advantages and disadvantages. 

Onshore applications have the advantage that applicants are able to stay in Australia while their application is being processed, giving them the chance to spend time with relatives and get ready for their future life in Australia. This is achieved assuming that they are in Australia holding a substantive visa that does not prevent them from submitting a further application onshore. Their onshore Aged Parent visa or Aged Contributory visa is also an application for a Bridging Visa, which enables them to stay in Australia while their Parent Visa application is being reviewed.  

When deciding whether to pursue an onshore or offshore application, it’s important to take into account individual circumstances, such as family and job obligations, financial status, and processing delays. 

The Financial Situation of the Family

It is crucial to have a sound financial plan as part of the application strategy because the financial requirements for Parent Visa applications can be substantial. There are two main types of Parent Visas: Contributory and Non-Contributory. While a Non-Contributory Parent Visa offers cheaper application costs, it takes longer to process than a Contributory Parent Visa, which requires a larger financial investment. As of February 2023, the application fee for a Non-Contributory Parent Visa is AUD $6,415 per person, whereas the application fee for a Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 173/143) is AUD $43,600 per person. While not requiring the same amount of financial support, Non-Contributory Parent Visas are subject to lengthy processing timeframes, often taking between 25-30 years to be accepted. 

Saving money beforehand, taking into account various payment plans, and looking into financing choices like loans or sponsorships are all methods for easing the financial strain of a Parent Visa application. Budgeting appropriately requires having a clear awareness of the financial commitments of the specific Visa you are applying for.

Health Insurance and Costs

Health insurance is a critical consideration for any individual applying for an Australian Parent Visa. Private health insurance and Medicare, Australia’s public health system, are just two of the various health insurance options in Australia. 

Medicare is a public healthcare option available to those within Australia; however, eligibility for this program is dependent on meeting a range of criteria, including residency status and income level. If you do not fall within these criteria, then private healthcare alternatives need to be your next consideration. Examining several insurance providers, contrasting plans and expenses, and negotiating with insurance companies are all strategies for managing the often high cost of health insurance. In attaining your health insurance, it’s essential you ensure your health care plan’s coverage meets the visa’s health requirements to avoid cancellation.

A well-thought-out plan should be developed in order to submit a successful Australian Parent Visa application. While creating a strategy, it’s important to take into account elements, including the age of the parent applicants, onshore vs. offshore applications, the family’s financial status, and varied health insurance and prices. By taking the time to learn about and comprehend these various factors, you can develop a customised plan which fits your individual requirements and circumstances. If you’re thinking about applying for a parent visa, it is wise to get assistance from a registered immigration agent or migration agent who can offer individualised advice and guidance based on your unique situation. The expert team of accredited migration agents at MigrationBuro specialise in Australian visas, specifically parent visas. We help our clients navigate the complexities of the Australian visa system and thoroughly understand visa application processes from beginning to end. We offer qualified and knowledgeable guidance to ensure each client’s parent visa application is managed professionally. To schedule a consultation, get in touch with the MigrationBuro team today!