Unlocking the Path- Can Australian Citizens Sponsor Their Parents for Permanent Residency-
Can an Australian citizen bring their parents to Australia? This is a question that many Australian citizens with family members overseas often ask. The answer to this question depends on various factors, including the relationship between the Australian citizen and their parents, the age of the parents, and the financial resources available to support them. In this article, we will explore the options available to Australian citizens who wish to bring their parents to Australia.
Australian citizens have the opportunity to sponsor their parents to come to Australia under certain conditions. The process involves applying for a Parent Visa, which is divided into two streams: the Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 173) and the Parent Visa (subclass 143). Both visas require the Australian citizen to meet specific requirements to be eligible.
The Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 173) is designed for Australian citizens who are willing to pay a higher visa application charge to bring their parents to Australia more quickly. This visa has a processing time of approximately 2-3 years. To be eligible for this visa, the Australian citizen must meet the following criteria:
1. Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
2. Be 25 years of age or older.
3. Have an adjusted family income of at least AUD 75,000 per year for the past three years.
4. Nominate at least one parent or both parents as the primary visa applicants.
5. Pay a visa application charge.
The Parent Visa (subclass 143) is a permanent visa that allows parents to migrate to Australia. However, this visa has a very long waiting period, often ranging from 10 to 30 years. To be eligible for this visa, the Australian citizen must meet the following criteria:
1. Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
2. Be 25 years of age or older.
3. Have an adjusted family income of at least AUD 75,000 per year for the past three years.
4. Nominate at least one parent or both parents as the primary visa applicants.
5. Pay a visa application charge.
In addition to the financial requirements, the Australian citizen must also demonstrate that they can financially support their parents for the first two years of their stay in Australia. This can be done by providing evidence of their income, assets, and savings.
It is important to note that the number of Parent Visas issued each year is limited, and there is a cap on the number of visas available for each subclass. This means that there may be a waiting period before an applicant can be granted a visa.
In conclusion, Australian citizens can bring their parents to Australia by applying for a Parent Visa. However, the process can be complex and time-consuming, with strict financial requirements and a long waiting period. It is advisable for individuals interested in this option to seek professional advice from a migration agent or consult the Department of Home Affairs for the most up-to-date information and guidance.
