Australia offers many types of visas, each designed to allow individuals to either come to Australia or stay in Australia long-term. Suppose you have recently arrived in Australia as the parent of an Australian citizen or permanent resident. In that case, you may be looking into how you can stay here permanently. There are several visas like Contributory Parent Temporary Visa 173 and Parent Visa 103, where parents of children born in Australia can apply for and receive long-term visas that allow them to stay in the country.
- Long Stay Parent (Subclass 461) visa
The Long Stay Parent (Subclass 461) visa lets the parents of a child who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible citizen stay in Australia for up to two years. Unlike other types of long-stay visas, this one does not require a labor market test. It also has no work rights.
Another option is the Contributory Parent Visa Subclass 737, which lasts four years and gives work and study rights.
- Contributory Parent Visa Subclass 737
This is a permanent visa for parents with children who are Australian citizens or permanent residents. To be eligible, you must have an annual income of at least $83,454 and meet the balance-of-family test. You must also be sponsored by an eligible child or children. One parent can sponsor up to four people on this visa, but only one can be from the same family unit.
- The Parent visa (subclass 103)
The Parent Visa 103 allows parents to live in Australia permanently. They must be sponsored by their child, an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and meet certain health and character requirements. The sponsor can also become a permanent resident if they have lived with the parent for at least two years before submitting the application. The visa process can take up to five years and may require a medical examination every two years.
Applicants need to demonstrate evidence of financial support for the duration of their stay in Australia. Spouses and children are not permitted to come with the applicant when applying for this visa but can come later once approved to apply for this visa.
There are three categories of sponsorship;
- Direct family member (child),
- Spouse or partner (as long as they have been living together continuously) and
- Nominated relative.
- Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143)
The Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143) is for parents who have children living in Australia and who want to live in Australia permanently.
- Contributory Aged Parent visa (subclass 884)
The Contributory Aged Parent visa (subclass 884) lets parents stay in Australia permanently if they are old enough to receive the Australian Age Pension.
- Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa 173
The Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa 173 lets parents stay in Australia for up to two years. To be eligible, you must have a child who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible citizen. You also need to meet the balance-of-family test, which means that more of your children live in Australia than in any other country.
This visa lets you work and stay in Australia. You can apply for this visa from outside or inside Australia. Suppose you're already in Australia on another type of temporary visas, such as a tourist visa, student visa, or business visa. In that case, it's best to get a Contributory Parent Temporary Visa 173.
