Parent Visa in Australia subclass 103 or 804
The Parent Visa (subclass 103 or 804) is a significant pathway for parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to join their families in Australia permanently. It serves to reunite families across borders, enabling parents to live with their children and grandchildren in Australia. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to understanding this visa category, its eligibility criteria, application process, benefits, challenges, and alternative options.
Table of Contents
What is the difference between visa 103 and 804?
There are two Sub-classes under Australia Aged Parent Visa i.e. Subclass 804 which is for applicants who apply onshore or while living in Australia temporarily, and second one is Subclass 103 which is for those applicants who apply offshore or outside of Australia.
Eligibility Criteria
Age Requirements
To be eligible for the Parent Visa, applicants must meet specific age criteria, which may vary depending on the visa subclass and other factors. Generally, there is no upper age limit for this visa, but certain age-related considerations may apply.
Relationship with the Sponsoring Child
Applicants must have a child who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen willing to sponsor them. The sponsoring child must meet certain criteria and provide sponsorship assurance.
Health and Character Requirements
All applicants for the Parent Visa must meet health and character requirements as prescribed by the Australian immigration authorities. This involves undergoing medical examinations and obtaining police clearance certificates from relevant authorities.
Application Process
The application process for the Parent Visa involves several steps, starting with gathering the necessary documentation. This includes proof of the relationship between the applicant and the sponsoring child, as well as evidence of financial capacity and health insurance coverage. Once all documents are in order, the application can be submitted online or through a designated visa office.
| Processing Milestone | Parent (103) | Aged Parent (804) | Acknowledge New Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Approx 4 weeks | Approx 4 weeks | N/A | Approx 4 weeks |
| Queue Assessment | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Visa Assessment (Queue release date) | Parent Subclass 103 – Date queued up to December 2011 | Aged Parent subclass 804 – Date queued up to January 2013 | N/A |
Benefits of the Parent Vis
Permanent Residency in Australia
One of the primary benefits of the Parent Visa is that it grants permanent residency status to the visa holder. This allows parents to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely, with access to various social services and entitlements.
Access to Healthcare and Social Services
As permanent residents of Australia, visa holders are entitled to access the country’s public healthcare system, Medicare. They can also benefit from other social services and support networks available to Australian residents.
Ability to Work and Study
Parent Visa holders have the freedom to work and study in Australia, subject to certain conditions. They can pursue employment opportunities and educational endeavors to enrich their lives and contribute to the Australian community.
Financial Obligations
Assurance of Support
Applicants for the Parent Visa are required to obtain an Assurance of Support (AoS) from their sponsoring child or another eligible sponsor. This is a legal commitment to provide financial support to the visa holder and any accompanying family members for a specified period.
Meeting Financial Criteria
In addition to the AoS, applicants must demonstrate that they meet certain financial criteria to support themselves in Australia. This includes having sufficient funds to cover living expenses and health insurance costs.
Challenges and Considerations
Lengthy Processing Times
One of the significant challenges associated with the Parent Visa is the lengthy processing times involved. Due to high demand and limited visa quotas, applicants may face waiting periods of several years before their visa applications are finalized.
Impact on Family Dynamics
The decision to apply for a Parent Visa can have profound implications for family dynamics, particularly if parents are relocating to Australia to be closer to their children and grandchildren. It’s essential to consider the emotional and practical aspects of such a move.
Financial Implications
Moving to Australia on a Parent Visa may entail significant financial costs, including visa application fees, healthcare expenses, and living costs in Australia. Prospective applicants should carefully assess their financial situation and plan accordingly.
Alternative Options
Temporary Parent Visa in Australia
For parents who wish to spend a limited time in Australia with their children, temporary parent visas may be an alternative option. These visas typically have shorter processing times and fewer eligibility requirements but come with restrictions on work rights and duration of stay.
Are you eligible for a visa?
The fee for the main applicant is £4,765, while it’s £1,605 for the dependent partner. Additionally, there’s a contributory fee of £43,600 per applicant, which must be settled before the visa is granted. This payment request occurs once the health and police check requirements are fulfilled.
Contributory Parent Visa in Australia
Another alternative is the Contributory Parent Visa, which offers a faster processing pathway in exchange for higher visa application fees. While this option may be more costly upfront, it can significantly reduce waiting times for visa approval.
FAQs
- Can I apply for the Parent Visa if my child is not a citizen or permanent resident of Australia?
- No, the Parent Visa is specifically for parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.
- Is there an age limit for applying for the Parent Visa?
- While there is no upper age limit, age-related considerations may apply during the assessment process.
- How long does it take to process a Parent Visa application?
- Processing times vary depending on various factors, including visa subclass, applicant’s circumstances, and visa quotas.
- Do I need to have health insurance to apply for the Parent Visa?
- Yes, health insurance coverage is a mandatory requirement for all Parent Visa applicants.
- Can I work in Australia on a Parent Visa?
- Yes, Parent Visa holders have unrestricted work rights in Australia.
Conclusion
The Parent Visa (subclass 103 or 804) offers a valuable opportunity for parents to reunite with their families in Australia and enjoy the benefits of permanent residency. While the application process may pose challenges, the rewards of family reunification and a new life in Australia are well worth the effort. Prospective applicants are encouraged to explore their options carefully and seek professional advice to navigate the visa process successfully.
