For many Australian permanent residents (PR) and Australian citizens, a key concern is bringing their parents to Australia on a Parent Visa, whether for an extended stay or permanent migration. While visitor visas may seem like an easy option, they often fall short for families who wish for a more long-term solution. This is where Parent Visas come in, offering several pathways to either temporarily or permanently reunite parents with their families in Australia.
Why Not a Visitor Visa?
Visitor visas are primarily designed for short-term stays, typically allowing visits of up to 12 months. These visas don’t provide a pathway to permanent residency, making them unsuitable for families who want their parents to stay longer or settle permanently. Additionally, Australia’s Department of Home Affairs has recently increased its scrutiny of visitor visa applications, particularly through the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criteria. This requires applicants to prove that they intend to return to their home country after their visit.
The latest data reveals that visitor visa applications have surged since Australia reopened its borders. Over 3.3 million visitor visas were granted in the 2022-2023 program year, more than double the number issued the previous year. However, the approval rate for visitor visas has declined from 91.6% in 2022 to 85.8% in 2023, with over 460,000 applications refused. The most common reason for refusal is the failure to meet the GTE criteria, especially for applicants from countries like Pakistan, India, Fiji, and Indonesia. These nations have seen significant increases in refusal rates, with many applications rejected due to concerns about the applicant’s intent to return home.
Given these hurdles, many Australian PR holders and Australian citizens prefer to explore Parent Visa options, providing a more reliable and long-term solution for bringing their parents to Australia.
Parent Visa Options
Australia offers a variety of Parent Visas, depending on whether your parents are looking for temporary or permanent migration. Factors like your parents’ age, the time they’re willing to wait for permanent residency, and the funds available to expedite the process will determine the most suitable visa.
Temporary Parent Visa
For those seeking a temporary option that allows parents to stay in Australia for extended periods, the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870) is an ideal choice. This visa allows parents to stay for up to three or five years, providing a long-term alternative to visitor visas without the need for frequent renewals. This is a great option for parents wanting to spend time with family, such as after the birth of a grandchild, without intending to migrate permanently.
Permanent Parent Visas
For families interested in permanent migration options, several Parent Visa subclasses are available. These visas are categorised into two main types: Non-Contributory Parent Visas and Contributory Parent Visas.
Non-Contributory Parent Visas:
These visas offer a lower Government Lodgement Fee (GLF) but come with extremely long processing times—currently around 30 years. There are two main subclasses:
- Parent Visa (Subclass 103): Available to offshore applicants.
- Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804): For onshore applicants who meet the age requirement for the Australian age pension.
Due to the lengthy processing times, these visas are not generally viable for most applicants unless they are willing to wait decades.
Contributory Parent Visas
These visas offer much faster processing times—around 12 years—but come with significantly higher fees, including a second Visa Application Charge. There are four visa options within this category:
- Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 173): For offshore applicants who wish to distribute the high visa costs over two applications. The initial temporary visa is valid for two years, after which the applicant must apply for the permanent Contributory Parent (Migrant) Visa (Subclass 143)
- Contributory Parent (Migrant) Visa (Subclass 143): Also for offshore applicants, this visa requires full payment of the visa cost upfront and grants permanent residency upon approval.
- Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 884): For onshore applicants who meet the age criteria and wish to distribute the visa costs across two applications. This visa is valid for two years, after which the applicant must apply for the Contributory Aged Parent (Residence) Visa (Subclass 864).
- Contributory Aged Parent (Residence) Visa (Subclass 864): For onshore applicants who meet the age requirement and can pay the full visa cost upfront, leading to permanent residency once approved.
Visitor Visa Application Challenges
Given the rising visa refusal rates for visitor visas, particularly for applicants from developing countries, it’s important to ensure that sufficient evidence is provided when applying. Gone are the days of simply submitting identity documents, an invitation letter, and a travel itinerary. Applicants must now provide stronger documentation proving their intent to return home, such as:
- Employment contracts and approved leave.
- Ownership of property or assets in their home country.
- Evidence of close family ties.
- A history of returning after traveling abroad.
Without such evidence, visitor visa applicants risk refusal, especially with the Department’s increased scrutiny post-pandemic.
Choosing the Right Path
While visitor visas can offer short-term solutions for family visits, they may not be the most practical option for parents looking to spend extended periods in Australia or migrate permanently. Parent Visas, whether contributory or non-contributory, offer a more reliable pathway, though they come with varying costs and waiting periods. Families should carefully weigh the financial implications, processing times, and long-term goals before choosing the best visa option for their parents.
If you’re considering a Parent Visa or need help navigating the visa application process, consulting a migration agent or legal expert can help ensure your application is well-prepared and stands the best chance of success.
If you require personalised guidance on your NSW skilled migration application, contact Albert Arthur Lawyers for expert legal advice and support. Book a consultation with us today!
