As an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you may have aging parents living overseas who you would like to bring to Australia to live with you in their later years. It is a complex process, but there are a few different visa options available to help you reunite with your loved ones.
The most common visa for this purpose is the non-contributory Aged Parent visa (subclass 804). This visa is for parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents who are aged 65 or older. The Aged Parent visa (subclass 804) is a permanent visa that allows your parent to live in Australia indefinitely. However, the application process can be extremely lengthy, often taking over 30 years to be processed at the present time.
The attraction of this subclass is due to the access to a Bridging visa that is provided if the application is lodged onshore, where applicants can remain indefinitely in Australia as they await processing of the application.
The subclass 804 is often preferred to its sister visa, the Contributory Aged Parent visa (subclass 864), which is similar to the non-contributory Aged Parent visa, but requires a significantly higher visa application charge visa fees are over $50,000 AUD, which is not viable for all families. The advantage is that the processing time is faster, taking anywhere between 8-12 years based on projected processing times as at the present date.
A third possibility is the Temporary Sponsored Parent visa (subclass 870). This allows your parent to come to Australia for a stay of up to 3 or 5 years. It has less stringent eligibility criteria than the permanent parent visas, but your parent will need to depart Australia at the end of the visa period. The application charge is also much lower.
Whichever visa option you pursue, be prepared for a complex and lengthy application process. It’s highly recommended to seek assistance from a registered migration agent who can guide and represent you through the process.
Reuniting with your aged parents in Australia can be a wonderful experience, but it does require significant time, cost and effort. By understanding the different visa pathways available, you can make the best choice for your family’s circumstances. Reach out to a migration expert today to start the process of bringing your loved ones to Australia.
