In a perfect world, moving parents closer to where we are would be a breeze. However, as many people know, the process can be difficult if it involves permanent migration.
In this article, we’ll outline different pathways to PR for parents looking to immigrate to Australia, as well as some of the key considerations that you need to take into account.
So, whether you’re just starting on the journey or have hit a few bumps in the road already, we can help you navigate the next steps.
Pick the stream most specific to your situation
The first step is to decide which visa subclass is right for your personal situation. There are five different streams that parents can apply for:
The Parent Visa (subclass 103)
The subclass 103 Parent visa allows parents to be sponsored by a child who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible citizen of New Zealand.
The applicant must meet all visa requirements and not have already applied for or hold a temporary sponsored parent visa. This visa allows parents to remain in Australia indefinitely.
Parents are also able to work and study in Australia on this visa.
The Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143)
The Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143) is a fast-track, permanent visa for the parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.
Parents who meet the balance-of-family test, have an Assurance of Support and pass health and character checks may be eligible for this visa.
This visa allows parents to live in Australia permanently and provides access to Medicare and other social security benefits.
Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa (Subclass 173)
This temporary visa allows parents to visit their children in Australia for up to two years. This visa also allows the applicant to work and study while they are in Australia, however, government support is not available on this visa.
To be eligible for this visa, applicants must pass the balance-of-family test, have a sponsor, and meet health and character requirements. If you are a parent who wants to come to Australia to visit your children, this visa may be right for you.
Aged Dependent Relative visa (Subclass 838)
This subclass is for parents who are of old age, single, and dependent on a relative who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
It allows you to live as a permanent resident in Australia and sponsor eligible family members for permanent residence. To be eligible for this visa, the applicant must be dependent and old enough to receive an age pension in Australia.
You’ll also need to obtain Assurance of Support, health, and character certificates to complete and submit the application.
Remaining Relative visa (Subclass 115)
This is visa is for people who have a near relative (partner or child) in Australia. It allows you to live with your near relative in Australia permanently.
To qualify, you must be outside Australia when you apply for this visa and be a remaining relative of an Australian permanent resident or a citizen.
If you are granted this visa, you will be able to live and work in Australia indefinitely. You will also be eligible for Medicare, the Australian public health care system.
For more information on these visas, including eligibility requirements and how to apply, please visit the website of the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
Parent requirements for a PR visa
There are several requirements that immigrant parents must meet to be eligible for an Australia PR visa.
The most important requirements are that parents must pass the balance of family test and that they must have Assurance of Support.
Balance of Family Test
The Balance of Family Test is designed to ensure that migrant applicants have strong family ties to Australia. The test requires that at least half of an applicant’s children live in Australia, or that more children live in Australia than in any other country.
The Balance of Family Test applies to all above-mentioned visa subclasses including subclass 804, subclass 864, and subclass 884. You and your partner’s children, stepchildren, and adopted children will be counted for the test, as well as any other dependent children you might have.
However, if your children are deceased or have been removed from your care, they will not be counted towards the test.
Assurance of Support
Your sponsor in Australia will also need to provide an Assurance of Support (AoS) for each applicant 18 years or over.
The AoS is a legal undertaking by the sponsor to provide financial support to you and any dependent family members included in your application. This will help ensure that you do not become a burden on Australia’s social security system.
The amount of money required for an AoS varies depending on the visa subclass and the number of family members included in the application. For example, the AoS for a single applicant on a contributory parent visa is currently $10,000.
The period for which an AoS is required also varies depending on the visa subclass. For example, the AoS for a single applicant on a contributory parent visa is currently 10 years.
However, certain requirements must be met to qualify as an assurer, including the following:
- Must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or eligible citizen of New Zealand.
- 18 years of age or over.
- Meet income test requirements such as earning a certain amount of money per year.
- Have had no prior bankruptcy proceedings instituted against them.
If an assurer can’t meet one or more of the above requirements, they may still be able to provide an AoS if they can get someone else to co-sign the AoS with them.
This co-signer must meet all of the requirements for qualification as an assurer listed above.
Reunite your family in Australia
Now that you know some of the most important requirements for parents wanting to move to Australia, it’s time to start planning your reunion.
- Get documents in order: The first step is to make sure you have all the necessary documents in order. This includes your passport, birth certificate, character certificate, and any other relevant documentation.
- Get a medical examination: All applicants for an Australian visa must undergo a medical examination. This is to ensure that you are in good health and do not have any serious medical conditions that could pose a risk to public health in Australia.
The medical examination will include a chest x-ray and tests for things like tuberculosis.
- Get a police check: You may also need to obtain a police clearance certificate from any country in which you have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. This is to ensure that you have no criminal history that could pose a threat to public safety in Australia.
- Find eligible sponsors: As mentioned earlier, you will need to find an eligible sponsor in Australia who is willing to provide an Assurance of Support for you.
- Apply for a visa: Once you have all the necessary documents and your sponsors are lined up, you can apply for your visa. The type of visa you apply for will depend on individual circumstances.
If you meet the requirements, you should have no problem getting your visa and reuniting with your family in Australia.
Express Entry PR can help you secure PR for your family quickly and easily!
While there are different visa options and requirements for parents looking to obtain PR status in Australia, it is important to seek professional help to ensure the process runs as smoothly as possible.
Express Entry PR can help you secure a permanent residency visa in Australia. Our team of experts will work with you to create an application that is tailored to your unique situation and stands the best chance of being approved.
We have helped many families reunite, and we are confident we can do the same for you. If you would like more information or want to get started on your application today, please visit our website.