Visas for Parents to Australia – What’s the best strategy for you?

By Sarah
Aug 22, 2019
Posted in Parent Visas

It’s a conundrum: migrants take the big leap to fulfil their dream of living and working in Australia arrive – then miss home.

Being removed from the familiar food, childhood home and environment, culture, friends and family, can make settling into a new country lonely.

It’s not unusual to miss having your parents close-by, especially if you have started a family! Having grandparents involved in a child’s life has benefits for everyone. Obtaining a visa for your parents to come to Australia could be the solution to reuniting your family.

There are several options available – and it can be difficult to work out which is the best one for you – and which strategy has the best chance of approval.

As migration agents, it is our privilege to help reunite children with their parents. Here are some important things families need to consider when thinking about applying for a Parent Visa to Australia.

What does family reunion mean to you?

There are some considerations that need to be weighed up, before you even begin the application process.

There are several visa options – and there are benefits and drawbacks to each of them. Your circumstances will determine the best option for you.

So, it’s important to think about the following things when deciding.

How quickly do you want your parents here?

Are you planning ahead and thinking more long term? Or is it an ‘as soon as possible’ situation?

If your family is experiencing challenges and you want your parents here for comfort and support, you may wish for them to be here quickly. The ‘fastest’ option, however, may not also be a permanent option.

A Tourist Visa is a quick way to get your parent here in a hurry – but it only allows for up to 12 months’ stay with no work. While a standard Parent visa can take 10 to 20 years to be processed, parents willing and able to make a financial contribution to the expenses of their settlement in Australia, may be able to access a swifter process in the ‘contributory’ category.

How long do you want them to stay?

Do you want your parents to come for an extended visit, or are they committing to life in Australia? Or – somewhere in the middle?

Permanent visa options may give you the outcome you want, but take longer to be processed. A temporary solution such as the Sponsored Temporary Parent visa will have a quicker processing time, but only allows for a three to five year stay on initial application. This could be the first step in a long-term settlement strategy.

What will their situation be once they get here?

Will your parents need to work? What is their health status? Where will they be living?

Sponsors for the Sponsored Temporary visa will have legal liability for any public health expenditure including aged care arrangements incurred by the parents in Australia.

They need to support the parent(s) for basic living requirements of food, clothing and shelter.

How we can help

As you can see, there are many factors to consider. Each situation is different, and therefore requires a unique approach.

When it comes to the Australian migration processes, you need time, and patience. When your hope falters, you need someone to be there for you.

That is where we come in!

As Migration Superheroes (aka migration agents) we provide advice, prepare applications and liaise with the Department of Home Affairs on your behalf. We will work with you and your family to design the best strategy to meet your desired outcome.

At Aspire Australia, you will receive open, honest feedback on what will work and what won’t. We are sticklers for the rules, but that is what gets results.

Want more information?

Download your Aspire Australia guidebook Reunite With Your Parents and receive bonus material that will walk you through the process, step-by-step.