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!
Parent Visa Types
