Navigating the Australian Permanent Parent Visa Program: Understanding Your Options and Why You Should Apply Now

Written by Julie Williams | MARN 9903637 | Published 11 September 2024

Australia’s Permanent Parent Visa program offers a pathway for parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to reunite with their families. However, understanding the available visa options and making an informed decision is crucial, as the process involves significant waiting times, costs, and specific eligibility criteria.

Basic Criteria for Parent Visa Eligibility

To be eligible for a permanent parent visa in Australia, applicants must meet the following basic criteria:

  • Sponsorship: The applicant must be sponsored by their child who is either an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
  • Balance of Family Test: This test requires that at least half of the applicant’s children reside in Australia or that more of their children live in Australia than in any other country.
  • Health and Character Requirements: Applicants must meet the health and character criteria as required by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
  • Onshore Lodgement:  If you wish to lodge an onshore application to remain in Australia on a Bridging Visa whilst the application is waiting to be processed, the main applicant must be 67 years of age or older.

There are two primary pathways for permanent parent visas: Non-Contributory Parent Visas and Contributory Parent Visas. Each has its advantages and drawbacks, depending on your circumstances.

Non-Contributory Parent Visa: Pros and Cons

Non-Contributory Parent Visas (Subclass 804 – Onshore) allow parents to migrate to Australia permanently. While they come with lower application costs compared to contributory visas, they have one significant downside – the processing time.

Pros:

  • Lower Costs: The non-contributory visa has a much lower application fee compared to the contributory visa. This is an appealing option for those who prefer to minimise upfront expenses.
  • Permanent Residency: Successful applicants are granted permanent residency, providing access to Medicare, welfare support, and eventually the ability to apply for citizenship.

Cons:

  • Extremely Long Processing Times: Currently, the waiting period for a non-contributory parent visa is up to 30 years. This is due to a large backlog of applications and the limited number of visas granted each year, making it an impractical option for those seeking to reunite with family in a reasonable time frame.  We only recommend this if you have the ability to lodge whilst in Australia as that will allow you to remain in Australia.
  • Demand Outweighs Supply: With high demand and only a limited number of visas available annually, the chances of securing a visa through this stream are becoming increasingly difficult.

Contributory Parent Visa: Pros and Cons

Contributory Parent Visas (Subclass 143 or Subclass 864) allow parents to obtain permanent residency much faster than non-contributory visas, though they come with significantly higher application fees.

Pros:

  • Faster Processing Times: While still lengthy, processing times for the contributory parent visa are considerably shorter than for the non-contributory option, generally ranging between 6-8 years.
  • Permanent Residency: Like the non-contributory visa, successful applicants receive permanent residency, with all associated benefits.

Cons:

  • High Costs: The contributory parent visa comes with a hefty price tag, with fees currently exceeding AUD $43,600 per applicant. For many families, this can be a financial burden, especially if there are two applicants involved.
  • Ongoing Demand: While faster than the non-contributory route, the demand for contributory parent visas still far exceeds the number of visas available, leading to processing delays that can extend beyond the anticipated time frame.  Current figures suggest the wait time could balloon out to 12-15 years.

Why You Should Apply Now?

The Permanent Parent Visa program is in high demand, and the processing times are lengthy – particularly for the non-contributory visa, which can take decades. Even for the contributory visa, the wait time is likely to extend as the backlog of applications grows. This means that the earlier you lodge your application, the sooner you can secure your place in the queue.

If you are eligible now, it is critical to lodge your application as soon as possible. Waiting to apply can mean an even longer delay in the future due to the program’s ever-growing demand. Additionally, visa criteria may change over time, so securing your eligibility under current conditions is crucial.

Conclusion

Choosing between the non-contributory and contributory parent visas involves weighing the costs and processing times against your personal circumstances. While the non-contributory visa offers lower upfront costs, its lengthy processing times can make it an unrealistic option for those eager to reunite with family in Australia (other than if you have the ability to lodge whilst in Australia).  On the other hand, the contributory visa offers a faster pathway but comes with significant financial costs.

Given the high demand for these visas, the earlier you apply, the better your chances of securing a place in the program. If you’re eligible now, don’t delay – lodging your application as soon as possible ensures you’re in the queue, with a clearer path toward reuniting with your family in Australia.

For more detailed advice and support in navigating the Parent Visa program, it’s always wise to consult with one of our experienced Registered Migration Agent who can guide you through the process and help determine the best visa pathway for your circumstances. 

Before any immigration advice can be provided, we must hold an initial consultation which will attract a fee commencing from $385.

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