Have you always wanted to apply for an Aged Parent Visa (Bridging Visa Pathway) for your parents? You may have left your home country to pursue a higher degree, to find work, or to start a new chapter in your life. Hence, you may feel homesick and wonder when your parents can visit you.
Thankfully, Australia has some visas for you that can come with a bridging visa. An aged parent visa will allow you to hold a bridging visa. This will allow you to live in Australia until the visa decision is made. Sounds good, right? This means a parent who has this visa can either have a vacation or migrate to Australia completely.
Maybe this is why 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 parents to Australia to live with them.
Overview of the Aged Parent Visa (Bridging Visa Pathway)
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. To increase your chances of getting this visa, you should contact an immigration lawyer.
So, if you have Australian citizenship or permanent residency and are thinking about bringing your 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.
Here’s a more detailed overview of the aged parent visa in Australia below:
1. Eligibility
To be eligible for an aged parent visa (bridging visa pathway), 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 has half of their children living in Australia, settled as an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or whether the majority of their children live in Australia rather 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:
Sponsorship for a Parent Visa can be done by an eligible child or the spouse of a child who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident. 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 an eligible relative. Additionally, the sponsorship requires DHA (Department of Home Affairs) approval.
3. Application Process
The application process for an aged parent visa (bridging visa pathway) involves submitting the necessary forms, supporting documents, and paying the application fee, which ranges from AUD 4,990. Take note that you must apply for this visa on paper. Meaning, you must be in Australia, but not in immigration clearance, when you apply for the visa.
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 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. Every case is unique, and you might have some conditions that you might want to consider in your application.
You can address such conditions to an immigration lawyer so they know how to tailor their services to your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions on Aged Parent Visa (Bridging Visa Pathway)
Q: What are the costs associated with the Aged Parent Visa?
A: Now, There are several costs associated with the Aged Parent Visa, including:
- The visa application fee: AUD4,990.00
- The health examination fee: AUD495.00
- The English language proficiency test fee: AUD225.00
- If you opt for a migration agent, their fees may vary.
Q: What are the benefits of the aged parenting visa? How do I know it’s worth getting one?
A: The Aged Parent Visa has many benefits and we can assure you it’s worth getting one because this grants your parents:
- 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 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): These are visas 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. You can also consult with a migration lawyer for hands-on guidance on your visa application.
Start Your Aged Parent Visa Application Today
Family visits are very memorable and we want yours to make the most out of it without legal problems. We at JB solicitors specialise in legal services to make your visa applications as seamless as possible. Visa applications can also be costly and we don’t want to add to the pile with hourly service costs from our lawyers.
That’s why we have fixed fees for our legal services on immigration matters like applying for an aged parenting or bridging visa! From the very staart you know what to pay for our services. No hidden fees or hidden costs that you’ll pay along the whole session.
Contact us today if you need help with any of your visa matters.
