Applying for a Permanent Parent Visa – Reuniting families in Australia

In the midst of a global pandemic, it has further become clear as to why Australia is an attractive country to be of residence. On a global standard, it is safe to say Australia is in a very comfortable position based on the most current COVID19 statistics.

The safety and security Australia offers is evident based on the enormous influx of visa enquiries we have received since March 2020. One class in particular, Permanent Parent Visas. And we can understand where the interest in this particular visa class stems. As the elderly are known to be of increase risk due to COVID19, Australian residents and citizens with parents of foreign residence are now more than ever, looking to permanently relocate their loved ones.

Lucky for you and them, we have a number of different visa options.

NOTE: As of today (21 Dec 2020), visa applications are currently closed but as we know, the visa process is a lengthy one so why not get the ball rolling ASAP.

Parent Visa options (Permanent):

• Onshore Aged Parent (Subclass 804) visa;
• Onshore Contributory Aged Parent (Subclass 864) visa; or
• Offshore Contributory Parent (Subclass 143) visa.

Visa	Subclass	Overview	Cost	Processing time
Aged Parent (Onshore)	804	Lower cost, longer processing time	$6,415	30+ yrs
Contributory Aged Parent (Onshore)	864	Higher cost, short processing time	$47,755	+- 3 yrs
Contributory Aged Parent (Offshore)	143	Higher cost, short processing time	$47,755	+- 3 yrs

There is also the option of the offshore Non-Contributory Parent (Subclass 103) visa option, but there is a 30-year processing time. So really no point in applying for it as you will be required to wait overseas during this processing time – which makes this visa pretty much redundant.

The permanent parent visas are divided into two categories, Contributory and Non-Contributory.

The “Non-Contributory” Aged Parent (Subclass 804) visa has a much lower visa application charge, but a much longer processing time. This visa currently has a 30+ year processing time estimate. This is due to a couple of factors. Firstly the huge number of parents wanting to join their children in the land of Oz and secondly the low number of visa allocations per financial year.

The Contributory (Subclass 143 or 864) visa has a shorter processing time, but a much higher visa application charge (Surprise! They’ll charge you more to process your application sooner – Like we haven’t heard that before – it’s like flying First Class and skipping the check-in line!).

The good:

Fortunately, for some, the Non-Contributory Aged (Subclass 804) visa can be applied for onshore in Australia, providing a bridging visa to applicants which permits them to remain in Australia over the 30-year processing period.  

Due to the 30-year plus processing times of this visa, it is unlikely you will be around to see the processing times out to be granted the permanent visa (but here’s hoping you do make it to the age of 95 years and six months old) but the bridging visa allows you to remain in Australia whilst waiting, so all is not lost.

There are specific age requirements for the Non-Contributory Aged (Subclass 804) visa and we would be more than happy to further discuss this with you.

Permanent Parent Visa Requirements:

• Balance of family test: One of the first requirements you must consider is whether or not you meet the balance of family test. This means, you must have more or equal eligible children, than ineligible children. An eligible child is an Australian permanent resident or Citizen who resides in Australia. An ineligible child resides overseas. If you have one child who is of Australian permanent residence, and another child who is not then congratulations! You meet the balance of family test.
• There are many other variables when applying for these visas, including meeting health, character, your eligible children demonstrating they are settled in Australia, financial bonds etc

Reuniting families is important to Australia and if you meet the above criteria, you may be eligible for one of Australia’s many Parent visa options.

Australia has also increased the number of family visa allocations for the 2020/21 financial year which is a positive move for anyone looking at applying for a Permanent Parent Visa.

Please contact our office should you require further information.