1. What type of visa is required for a parent to visit their child in Australia?
The type of visa required for a parent to visit their child in Australia depends on the nationality and circumstances of the parent. Some common visa options include:
1. Visitor Visa (subclass 600): This is a temporary visa for parents who are not eligible for a Parent Visa. It allows them to stay in Australia for up to 12 months at a time.
2. Sponsored Family Visitor Visa (subclass 679): This visa is for parents from certain countries who are sponsored by their children living in Australia. It allows them to stay in Australia for up to 12 months at a time.
3. Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 173): This visa is for parents who wish to stay in Australia for two years but do not want permanent residence.
4. Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143): This visa is for parents who wish to permanently live in Australia with their child, but they need to contribute towards their future healthcare costs.
5. Parent Visa (subclass 103): This is a permanent visa that allows parents to live in Australia with their child who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.
It’s important to consult with an immigration lawyer or the Department of Home Affairs website to determine the most suitable visa option based on individual circumstances.
2. Can I apply for an Australian Parent visa while in Australia?
Yes, you can apply for an Australian Parent visa while in Australia. However, you must hold a valid visa that allows you to stay in Australia during the processing of your parent visa application. This may include a visitor visa, student visa, or a Bridging visa A (BVA) or B (BVB). It’s important to note that some parent visas have specific requirements and limitations on when and how they can be applied for while in Australia. It’s best to consult with an immigration lawyer or the Department of Home Affairs for specific guidance on your individual circumstances.
3. Is there an age limit for parents applying for an Australian Visa?
No, there is no age limit for parents applying for an Australian visa. However, applicants must meet certain health and character requirements and have adequate financial support to be eligible for a visa. Additionally, if the applicant is 18 years or older, they will need to pass the Australian values statement to be granted the visa.
4. How long can a parent stay in Australia on a Visitor visa?
A parent can stay in Australia on a Visitor visa for up to 12 months at a time. The maximum period of stay on a Visitor visa is usually 12 months within an 18-month period. However, if the parent holds a passport from certain countries, they may be eligible for a longer stay of up to three years in some cases. It is important to note that the duration of stay allowed on a Visitor visa can vary and will depend on individual circumstances and the decision of the Australian immigration authorities.
5. What are the requirements for sponsoring a parent for an Australian visa?
1. Age Requirement: The sponsoring child must be at least 18 years old and an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
2. Financial Capacity: The sponsoring child must meet the minimum income requirements set by the Australian government. This includes having a stable source of income, enough funds to support the parent’s stay in Australia, and an assurance to provide financial assistance if needed.
3. Residence Requirement: The sponsoring child must have been living in Australia for at least two years before lodging the visa application.
4. Relationship Requirement: The parent must have a genuine and ongoing relationship with their sponsoring child. This can be proven through documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or other supporting evidence.
5. Health and Character Requirements: Both the sponsoring child and the parent must meet health and character requirements set by the Australian government. This may include medical examinations and police checks.
6. Assurance of Support: The sponsoring child may need to provide an Assurance of Support (AoS) for their parent’s visa application. This is a legal commitment to provide financial support for the parent during their stay in Australia, if needed.
7. Fulfilling Other Conditions: Depending on the type of visa being applied for, there may be additional conditions that need to be met, such as proficiency in English or meeting certain health requirements.
It is recommended to consult with a registered migration agent or visit the Department of Home Affairs website for specific details on sponsorship requirements.
6. Can I include my spouse on my application for an Australian Parent visa?
Yes, you can include your spouse on your application for an Australian Parent visa. However, your spouse will also need to meet the eligibility criteria and provide all necessary documents for their inclusion in the visa application. They will also be subject to any health and character requirements applicable to them.
7. Is there a processing fee for an Australian Parent visa application?
Yes, there is a processing fee for an Australian Parent visa application. The current application fee for a Contributory Parent (Subclass 173/143) visa is AUD $4,630 and for a Non-Contributory Parent (Subclass 804/864) visa is AUD $3,695. Additional fees such as biometrics collection and health assessments may also apply. These fees are subject to change and must be paid at the time of lodging the visa application.
8. What is the current processing time for an Australian Parent visa application?
According to the Australian Department of Home Affairs website, the current processing time for an Australian Parent visa application can vary depending on the specific visa type and circumstances of the applicant. As of January 2021, estimated processing times for various parent visas range from approximately 2 years to 30 years. It is advisable to regularly check the Department’s website for updates on processing times.
9. Do I need health insurance to apply for an Australian Parent visa?
Yes, you will need to provide evidence of adequate health insurance for your stay in Australia as part of the visa application process. This is to ensure that you are financially prepared to cover any medical expenses during your time in Australia.
10. Are there any restrictions on working while on an Australian Parent visa?
Yes, there are some restrictions on working while on an Australian Parent visa. The main restriction is that the parent must not undertake work that would otherwise be performed by an Australian citizen or permanent resident. This means they may not work in a job that requires a certain level of language proficiency or trade qualification, unless they can prove exceptional circumstances.
In addition, if the parent has a Contributory Parent (Temporary) (subclass 173) visa, they may only work for one employer for a maximum of six months at a time.
If the parent has a Contributory Parent (Permanent) (subclass 143) visa, they have full work rights in Australia.
It is important to note that holding any type of Australian visa does not automatically entitle the holder to work in Australia. Additional requirements such as obtaining an appropriate work visa or registering with an industry authority may also apply. It is important to check with the Department of Home Affairs and relevant authorities before commencing any type of paid work in Australia.
11. Can I extend my stay as a parent on a Visitor visa in Australia?
Yes, you can extend your stay as a parent on a Visitor visa through the following options:
1. Apply for a new Visitor visa: You can apply for a new Visitor visa while you are in Australia to extend your stay. The requirements and eligibility criteria will be the same as your initial visitor visa application.
2. Apply for a different type of visa: If you wish to stay longer in Australia, you may also consider applying for another type of visa that allows longer stays, such as a Student visa or Skilled visa. The eligibility criteria and requirements for these visas may vary.
3. Request an extension of stay: If your current visitor visa is still valid and you need more time to stay in Australia, you can request an extension of stay by submitting Form 1419 – Application for Visitor Visa – Tourist Stream or Form 1415 – Application for Visitor Visa – Sponsored Family Stream to the Department of Home Affairs.
It’s important to note that the success of your application will depend on various factors such as what activities you intend to undertake during your extended stay, your financial capacity to support yourself, and your overall compliance with the conditions of your current visitor visa.
4. Extending through a COVID-19 Pandemic Event Visa (PEV): In light of the current pandemic situation, visitors who are unable to depart Australia due to travel restrictions may apply for this temporary measure if they hold certain family stream visas expiring before March 2022.
If any of these options are not applicable to your situation, it may be necessary for you to leave Australia before the expiry date of your current visitor visa and apply for a new one from outside Australia. It is crucial always to check relevant updates about Australian visas regularly and act accordingly.
12. Is there a difference in the requirements if I am applying as a step-parent or biological parent of an Australian citizen/PR holder?
There may be some minor differences in the application requirements for step-parents versus biological parents of an Australian citizen or PR holder. In general, both step-parent and biological parent visa applicants will need to meet the same eligibility criteria, including having a genuine and ongoing relationship with their Australian citizen/PR family member. The main difference may be in the evidence required to verify the relationship, such as marriage certificates or birth certificates, depending on if the family relationship is through marriage or blood. It’s important to carefully review the specific requirements for your situation before applying.
13. Can I travel outside of Australia and return while on my Parent visa?
Yes, you can travel outside of Australia and return while on a Parent visa. However, you must ensure that your Visa Grant Notification (VGN) does not specify any travel restrictions and that your visa is valid for re-entry into Australia. If you are unsure, it is recommended to check with the Department of Home Affairs before making any travel arrangements. Additionally, upon returning to Australia, you will need to follow all entry requirements and COVID-19 related regulations set by the Australian government.
14. Will having children who have previously overstayed their visas affect my application for an Australian Parent visa?
Having children who have previously overstayed their visas may affect your application for an Australian Parent visa, as it could be seen as a violation of immigration laws. This could potentially raise concerns about the likelihood of your children complying with immigration requirements in the future, which is a key factor in assessing visa applications.
However, each case is unique and will be assessed on its own merits. It’s important to provide all relevant information and documentation to support your application, including any explanations or mitigating circumstances related to the overstay.
If you have concerns about your children’s previous overstay affecting your parent visa application, it may be helpful to speak to a registered migration agent for advice and assistance with preparing a strong application.
15. Is proof of income required when sponsoring a parent for an Australian Visa?
Yes, proof of income is generally required when sponsoring a parent for an Australian Visa. Sponsors must demonstrate that they meet the financial requirements set by the Australian government, which includes meeting a certain income threshold and providing evidence of stable and regular income. This is to ensure that sponsors are able to support their parent financially during their stay in Australia without placing any burden on the Australian government.
16. Will providing evidence of sufficient funds increase my chances of obtaining an Australian Parent visa?
Yes, providing evidence of sufficient funds can increase your chances of obtaining an Australian Parent visa. This is because it shows that you have the financial capability to support yourself in Australia and will not be a burden on the Australian government or community. It also demonstrates your ability to financially support yourself during your stay, reducing the risk of you becoming dependent on social security benefits. Additionally, it may indicate your commitment to living and settling in Australia, as you have shown that you have the means to sustain yourself in the country.
17.May I work under any kind of employment with this Visa?
It depends on the conditions and limitations stated on the specific visa that you hold. Some visas may allow for unrestricted employment, while others may only allow for employment with specific employers or in certain industries. It is important to carefully read and understand the terms of your visa to ensure that you are not violating its conditions. If you are unsure, it is best to consult with an immigration lawyer or the relevant government agency for clarification.
18.How long will it take to get the approval notice?
The timeline for receiving an approval notice can vary. It depends on the specific application and the current processing times of the agency or department handling the request. In some cases, a decision may be made within a few weeks, while others may take several months to process. Additionally, if further information or documentation is required, it could delay the approval notice even further. It is best to consult with the specific agency or department to get a more accurate estimate of when you can expect to receive your approval notice.
19.Do I need to have private health insurance before submitting my application?
It depends on the specific application you are submitting. Some applications may require proof of private health insurance, while others may not. It is always best to thoroughly read through the requirements and instructions of the application before submitting to determine if private health insurance is necessary.
20.Are there age limits or restrictions on applying as a grandparent rather than as a direct parent of an Australian citizen/PR holder?
No, there are no age limits or restrictions on applying for a visa as a grandparent of an Australian citizen or permanent resident. However, the applicant must meet the standard requirements for the visa, such as having adequate health insurance and meeting health and character requirements. Additionally, the Department of Home Affairs may consider factors such as the purpose of the visit and proof of genuine relationship with the grandchild when making a decision on the visa application.