This article is about the aged parent visa and bridging visa. The Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804) makes the Australian dream a reality for thousands of Australian families each year.
This dream is often said to be about owning a home, getting a good job, and raising a family. But for many immigrants, the dream also includes bringing their elderly parents to Australia to live with them.
The Aged Parent Visa is not easy to get. There are strict eligibility requirements, and the application process can be long and complex. But if you are eligible, the visa can be a life-changing opportunity for your family.
So if you have Australian citizenship or permanent residency and are thinking about bringing your elderly parents to Australia, the Aged Parent Visa is a great option to consider. With this permanent visa, you can give your parents the best possible care and support in their golden years.
Overview of the Aged Parent Visa Bridging
An overview of aged parent visa in Australia can be summarised as follows:
1 – Eligibility
To be eligible for an aged parent visa, the applicant must be the parent of a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. As to the age requirement, you must be old enough to receive a pension. The age pension is being gradually increased from 65 to 67 years.
You must also meet these requirements:
- Health and character requirements. Usually, health and character requirements require medical assessments like chest x-rays and HIV tests.
- Balance-of-family test. The family test assesses whether the applicant’s has half of their children living in Australia, settled as an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or that majority of your children live in Australia than any other country.
- You have assurance of support.
- You have paid back your debt to the Australian government, if any.
- You have not had a visa cancelled or a previous application refused.
- Sign the Australian values statement.
If you enter Australia under a valid visa i.e., a visitor (subclass 600) visa, you can apply for a contributory parent visa.
2 – Sponsorship
You must be sponsored by an eligible sponsor who is usually your eligible child. Normally, your child who qualifies to sponsor you would do so. However, if your child is under 18, you may receive sponsorship from a community group or eligible relative. Additionally, the sponsorship requires DHA (Department of Home Affairs) approval.
3 – Application Process
The application process for aged parent visas involves submitting the necessary forms, supporting documents, and paying the application fee that ranges from AUD 4,990 (from July 1, 2023).
4 – Other Parent visas
There are other kinds of parent visas you can apply for such as the Contributory Aged Parent visa (subclass 864). This visa can be processed faster but it can cost you significantly more than the subclass 804 visa.
Note that the information provided here is a general overview and may not cover all the details and requirements of aged parent visas in Australia. We recommend that you consult our migration lawyer to know all the nitty-gritty details of this visa as each individual case will differ.
Aged Parent Visa and Bridging Visa
A bridging visa is a temporary visa that allows the applicant to remain in Australia for a certain period of time while the DHA is processing or finalising their visa application. It serves as a “bridge” between one substantive visa and another, helping individuals maintain their lawful status in Australia.
The Department grants bridging visas to individuals who have applied for a new visa but are awaiting a decision on their application. They allow the person to stay in Australia lawfully during this period.
Moreover, each bridging visa comes with its own set of conditions and rights, depending on the individual’s circumstances. For example, some bridging visas may allow work rights, while others may not. Some may allow travelling overseas while others may not.
On applying for the Aged Parent Visa (804), your parents will be granted a bridging visa that will allow them to continue living in Australia until the visa is processed. This is necessary for them to stay in Australia lawfully as the parent visa has lengthy processing times. Moreover, if they are qualified, they may be able to apply for citizenship in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions on Aged Parent Visa
Q: What are the benefits of the Aged Parent Visa?
A: The Aged Parent Visa has the following benefits:
- Permanent residency in Australia.
- The ability to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.
- Access to Australia’s healthcare system, Medicare.
- The ability to sponsor dependents to come to Australia.
Q: Can I sponsor my parents for an Aged Parent Visa if I am not an Australian citizen or permanent resident?
A: No, you cannot sponsor your parents for an Aged Parent Visa if you are not an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Q: What are the costs associated with the Aged Parent Visa?
A: There are several costs associated with the Aged Parent Visa, including:
- The visa application fee: AUD4,990.00
- The health examination fee: Around AUD495.00 or more depending on the various medical tests the applicant needs to take
- The English language proficiency test fee: Around AUD225.00 (depending on which English language they decide to take)
- The migration agent or lawyer’s fees can vary.
Q: What are the alternatives to the Aged Parent Visa?
A: There are a few alternatives to the Aged Parent Visa, including:
- The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870): This visa allows your parents to stay in Australia temporarily for up to 5 years.
- The Contributory Aged Parent visa (Temporary) visa (Subclass 884) and Contributory Aged Parent visa (Subclass 864): Although the 2-step visa process is quicker, it is more expensive than the subclass 804 visa. Additionally, it is more expensive than applying straight for the Contributory Aged Parent visa (subclass 864), but the expense is dispersed over a longer period of time. You will not be granted a Bridging Visa if you lodge a Contributory Parent Visa of any variety in Australia.
Q: Where can I get more information about the Aged Parent Visa?
A: You can get more information about the Aged Parent Visa on the website of the Department of Home Affairs (DHA). You can also consult with a migration lawyer for hands-on guidance for your visa application.
Start Your Aged Parent Visa Application Today
Don’t hesitate to contact a migration lawyer for your visa application needs. Here are some ways that our migration lawyers at JB Solicitors can assist:
- Provide professional advice on the eligibility criteria, application process, and requirements.
- Assist with document preparation for the visa application, ensuring that all requirements are met.
- Submit the application to ensure that it is complete and accurate
- Make sure your visa remains valid
- Represent you in any communication with the Department of Home Affairs and advocate on your behalf.
The specific services provided by a lawyer can vary depending on individual circumstances and the lawyer’s expertise. Contact us today.
