Which Visa is Best for Parents coming to Australia? Top 3 Visas

When it comes to joining your family in Australia, there are several visa options to consider. “Which visa is best for parents coming to Australia?” is a frequently asked question we encounter from clients. This article will delve into the top 3 visas available for parents, namely the Subclass 103, the Subclass 870, and the Subclass 804 visas.

We’ll review each of these visa subclasses, explore their features, benefits, eligibility requirements, and processing times, allowing you to make an informed decision about which visa is the right fit for your situation.

Subclass 103: Parent Visa

The first on our list is the Subclass 103 visa. This is a permanent visa option that allows parents of a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to migrate to Australia.

Key features of Subclass 103 Visa:

• Permanent residence: This visa lets you stay in Australia indefinitely.
• Sponsor: Your child or another eligible sponsor must sponsor you.
• Waiting period: There’s a substantial waiting period before this visa is granted, often many years.

Eligibility for Subclass 103 Visa:

• Sponsor: Your child must be settled in Australia and willing to sponsor you.
• Balance of family test: At least half of your children must live in Australia, or more of your children live in Australia than in any other country.

Processing Time for Subclass 103 Visa:

As of 2023, the processing time for a Subclass 103 visa can be quite lengthy, with waiting periods often exceeding 30 years due to the limited number of visas issued each year.

Subclass 870: Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa

Next is the Subclass 870 visa, a relatively new visa subclass introduced in 2019. This visa is designed for parents and grandparents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to visit Australia for a longer duration.

Key Features of Subclass 870 Visa:

• Temporary stay: This visa allows you to stay in Australia temporarily for 3 or 5 years.
• Renewable: You can apply for another Subclass 870 visa after your current one expires, for a maximum stay of 10 years.
• No balance of family test: This is the only parent visa that doesn’t require the balance of family test.

Eligibility for Subclass 870 Visa:

• Sponsor: You must be sponsored by your child or grandchild who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
• Meet health and character requirements: As with most Australian visas, applicants must meet certain health and character requirements.

Processing Time for Subclass 870 Visa:

The processing time for a Subclass 870 visa varies, generally ranging from several weeks to several months, depending on various factors such as application completeness and complexity.

Subclass 804: Aged Parent Visa

The final visa subclass on our list is the Subclass 804 visa, which is a permanent visa option for older parents living in Australia who meet the age requirements.

Key Features of Subclass 804 Visa:

• Permanent residence: This visa lets you stay in Australia indefinitely.
• Age requirement: This visa is for older parents who meet the age requirements to receive an Australian aged pension.
• Must be in Australia: You must be in Australia when you apply for this visa and when we decide on your application.

Eligibility for Subclass 804 Visa:

• Sponsor: Your child must be settled in Australia and willing to sponsor you.
• Balance of family test: At least half of your children must live in Australia, or more of your children live in Australia than in any other country.
• Age requirement: You must meet the age requirement to receive an Australian aged pension.

Processing Time for Subclass 804 Visa:

The processing time for a Subclass 804 visa can be lengthy, often taking many years due to the capped number of visas granted each year.

Conclusion: Which Visa is Best for Parents coming to Australia?

Choosing the best visa for parents coming to Australia depends largely on your personal circumstances, the urgency of your move, and your long-term plans. The Subclass 103 visa offers permanent residency but has a long processing time. The Subclass 870 visa offers a shorter processing time and doesn’t require the balance of family test but is temporary. The Subclass 804 visa is for older parents who are already in Australia and meet the age requirements for an aged pension.

We hope this article has helped you understand these visas better. Remember, while this guide aims to provide helpful information, it’s essential to consult with an immigration expert or conduct further research to understand which visa best suits your needs.