AGED PARENT VISA TO AUSTRALIA

The Aged 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 AGED PARENT VISA?

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

AUSTRALIAN AGED PARENT VISA BASIC REQUIREMENTS

In order to apply as an aged parent, applicants must pass the balance of family test. In addition, all aged 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 Aged parent Visa can be made in Australia. An aged parent is one who is old enough to be granted an Australian age pension. For male applicants, the qualifying age is 65 and for female applicants the qualifying age is gradually being increased from 60 to 65.

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

AUSTRALIAN AGED PARENT VISA ENTITLEMENTS

Successful Visa applicants under all the Parent Visa categories - except for the Contributory Aged 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 Aged 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.

AGED 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 - A$2060
Partner Application Fee	included
Dependents Application Fee	included
Processing Time	6 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.