Subclasses 173 and 143
There are primarily two primary categories of Australian Parent Visas that lead to gaining permanent residency: Contributory and Non-Contributory. The primary distinction between these two groups lies in the processing timeframe and associated expenses.
Additionally, there exists another kind of visa that is comparatively easier to obtain but does not result in permanent residency: the Temporary Sponsored Family Visa (870).
Parent Visa Type
The Australian visas for parents are grouped into three main categories and they are
- Contributory Parent Visas
- Non-Contributory Parent Visas
- Sponsored Parent Visa
Contributory Parent Visa
Contributory Parent Visas Contributory Parent Visas grant the opportunity to become a permanent resident in Australia and offer the potential to apply for citizenship in the subsequent years. The label “Contributory” is attributed to these visas due to the significant financial contribution required during the application process – approximately AUD 40,000 for the primary applicant.
The attraction of Contributory Parent Visas lies in their notably expedited processing timeline compared to their counterparts. It can be anticipated that the visa will be granted within approximately four to five years.
These visas are designated for non-pensioner parents of Australian residents and are categorized into:
Temporary Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 173): This visa is valid for a maximum of two years, within which the application for the permanent visa must be submitted. It permits engagement in work and studies, but extension is not possible – application for the 143 Visa is required to extend the stay.
Permanent Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143): Representing a permanent visa category, this can be directly applied for or initiated by applying for the 173 Visa first and subsequently transitioning it into the 143.
Additionally, there are Contributory Aged Parent Visas designed for pensioner parents of Australian residents. Eligibility for this visa category is contingent on meeting the pension age criteria as defined by Australian regulations. These visas are classified as follows:
Subclass 884 Visa: A temporary visa allowing a two-year stay in Australia with the option to apply for a permanent visa.
Subclass 864: This is the permanent version of the Contributory Aged Parent Visa. It can be directly applied for or transitioned from the 884 Visa.
Throughout the application process for these visas, applicants must be present in Australia, and they can continue to stay in the country during the visa processing period through a bridging visa arrangement.
Temporary vs. Permanent Contributory Visas
Temporary and Permanent Contributory Visas form two components of a cohesive arrangement. One can initiate the process by applying for the Temporary Visa, which has a two-year validity, and subsequently pursue the Permanent Visa within this specified period.
Typically, the temporary visa option bears a slightly lower cost than its permanent counterpart, though it still incurs a significant expense, usually exceeding AUD 30,000.
The rationale behind investing such a substantial amount in a two-year visa lies in the subsequent approach. When the application for the Permanent Visa is lodged subsequent to obtaining the Temporary Visa, the payment structure is modified. To illustrate, envision a scenario where the Temporary Visa costs AUD 30,000, while the Permanent Visa stands at AUD 40,000. The payment process unfolds as follows:
- Initiate the application for the Temporary Visa.
- Remit the fee of AUD 30,000 for the temporary visa.
- Progress to apply for the Permanent Visa.
- Fulfill the outstanding payment of AUD 10,000.
The appeal of this two-phase method lies in its capacity to distribute the visa fees across a protracted span, facilitating manageable payments over an extended duration.
Non-Contributory Parent Visas
The category of Non-Contributory Parent Visas encompasses the 103 and 804 Visa classifications. Although both routes culminate in permanent residency, with the potential for citizenship in a few years, they stand apart due to substantially reduced fees. Nevertheless, the processing period for these visas is notably extended – spanning approximately two to three decades!
The Subclass 103 Parent Visa ultimately leads to permanent residency. The prerequisites for this visa type share similarities with the contributory variant, yet the associated fee is markedly lower. However, the trade-off involves a significantly protracted waiting period, which can extend up to 30 years. It’s important to note that, in most instances, one cannot be present in Australia during the processing of their application.
Conversely, the Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804) falls within the non-contributory category. This designation implies a similar duration of up to 30 years for securing permanent residency in Australia. Nonetheless, a notable distinction is that to initiate the visa application process, a journey to Australia is necessary. Following this submission, a bridging visa is granted, enabling legal residence in the country while awaiting visa processing.
As with its counterpart in the Contributory Visa realm, eligibility for the 804 Visa hinges upon meeting the pension age requirement.
What Sets the Subclass 870 Visa Apart?
The Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent Visa serves as a temporary option, exclusively granted to parents desiring to visit their children in Australia without any intention of settling there. This visa category is issued for durations spanning three to five years, with a possibility of extension up to a maximum of ten years.
Being a temporary visa, the Subclass 870 Visa entails more relaxed eligibility criteria compared to other parent visas and boasts a quicker processing period, typically completed within a matter of a few months. In contrast, alternative Australian parent visa types can entail processing times ranging from four to thirty years.
However, the most distinctive aspect is that the Subclass 870 Visa cannot be transitioned into a permanent visa category. In fact, possessing the 870 Visa renders one ineligible for any other extended-duration parent visa, be it contributory or non-contributory.
Should one seek permanent residency subsequent to acquiring the 870 Visa, the procedure involves waiting for its expiration, departing the country, and subsequently initiating a fresh application.
Pension Age Criteria for Aged Parent Visas
The pension age is progressively rising in Australia. Therefore, depending on the time of your application, you need to be:
- 66 years old if you apply up until 1 July 2021.
- 66 years and 6 months if you apply between 1 July 2021 and 1 July 2023.
- 67 years if you apply after 1 July 2023
Prerequisites for an Australian Parent Visa
To be eligible for any of the Australian Parent Visa categories, you must satisfy the subsequent conditions:
- You must have a child currently residing in Australia, whether they are your biological, adopted, or step-child.
- Your child needs to be capable of sponsoring you and fulfilling the income requisites.
- You should have more children living in Australia than in any other country, except for cases involving the 870 Visa.
- Your child must provide assurance of support, excluding instances related to the 870 Visa.
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