PARENT VISA TO AUSTRALIA

The Parent Visa category allows parents to migrate to Australia permanently to join their children who are living in Australia.

The number of places available for the Parent Visa class in the current program year (2006-07) is 5500. Therefore, applications under the existing Parent Visa class are experiencing a substantial wait for their applications to be finalised.

However, a new Contributory Parent category was introduced on 5 March 2003, aimed at speeding up the processing time for parents. The changes enable applicants to take up one of the following options:

• apply directly for permanent residence and pay a substantial second Visa application charge; or
• apply for temporary residence (with access to work rights and Medicare) and pay a lesser second Visa application charge.

DO I QUALIFY FOR AN AUSTRALIAN PARENT VISA?

Our Free Parent Visa Eligibility Assessment is designed to instantly determine if you are eligible to apply to join your family in Australia.

AUSTRALIAN PARENT VISA BASIC REQUIREMENTS

In order to apply as a parent, applicants must pass the balance of family test. In addition, all parent migrants must be sponsored by their child who must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.

Applications for the Working Age parent Visa must be lodged outside Australia.

You are also required to satisfy certain health and character requirements in order to meet the Visa criteria.

AUSTRALIAN PARENT VISA ENTITLEMENTS

Successful Visa applicants under all the Parent Visa categories - except for the Contributory Parent Temporary Visa - will be granted Australian permanent residence under this Visa type.

As a permanent resident, you have the right to live, work and study in Australia indefinitely. When you are granted permanent residence, a Visa label is placed in your passport as proof of your permanent residency.

Other benefits of holding permanent residence include access to Medicare (government-subsidised health care) and ability to apply for citizenship once you satisfy the relevant residency requirements.

Holders of the Contributory Parent Temporary Visa will hold a two year temporary residence Visa. During this period, they have access to Medicare and also work and study rights.

PARENT VISA PROCESSING TIME AND COSTS

OUR FEES
Advanced Migration Service**	A$399
Premium Migration Service***	A$3999
GOVERNMENT FEES AND PROCESSING TIMES
Application Fee	A$1390
Partner Application Fee	included
Dependents Application Fee	included
Processing Time	10 to 12 months
ADVANCED MIGRATION SERVICE Apply for this visa with help from a registered Migration Consultant. PREMIUM MIGRATION SERVICE Let a Migration Consultant manage your visa application for you.