The Parent visa allows parent to join their children in Australia permanently. The Australian government restricts the number of available Parent visas each year. If applicants meet core criteria, they can acquire position in the global queue, consequently. Applicants are facing substantial delay before the visa being issued, owing to the popularity of this program. However, Parent places visas about 4000 have recently been added in the Family Migration stream.

Contributory Parent visa is another option to apply for wherein a larger application fee is demanded and an Assurance of Support bond. The waiting period for this option is lesser as compared to the Parent visa.

Australian Parent Visa Basic Requirements

Applicants should be able to clear the balance of family test, to be eligible for Parent visa. The parents (applicants, here) should be sponsored by their child who must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen*. It is important that the visa has been applied from outside Australia. Applicants should also satisfy character and health requirements.

Balance of Family Test: Applicants who are applying for Parent visa, this test is applicable for them. Applicants should satisfy either of these conditions, as per the rules:

• They should have more children living legally and permanently in Australia than in any one single country overseas.
• They should have at least half of their children living legally and permanently in Australia.

Australian Parent Visa Entitlements

The Australian Parent visa allows the candidates to enjoy permanent residence of Australia. Holders of this visa are permitted to live, study and work in Australia, permanently, just as permanent residents. They can also avail the advantages that give access to certain social security benefits, government-subsidized healthcare (Medicare), and the opportunity to apply for Australian citizenship. A visa label is placed on applicants’ passport as proof of permanent residence status, once permanent residence is granted.

However, 2 year residence visa is allowed for Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa holders. They can avail government-subsidized healthcare (Medicare), work and study rights, during this period.

* New Zealand citizens those who are allowed to enter and/or remain in Australia, are eligible.