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Parent visas in Australia serve as a vital avenue for parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to reunite with their children on Australian soil. These visas aim to foster family unity by allowing parents to live closer to their loved ones and share in their family's experiences in Australia. Parent visa options come in various subclasses, offering choices such as Contributory Parent Visas and Non-Contributory Parent Visas. Contributory Parent Visas come with higher application fees but typically offer shorter processing times, making them appealing for those looking to expedite the family reunification process. On the other hand, Non-Contributory Parent Visas feature lower application fees but involve longer processing times, which may be suitable for individuals willing to patiently wait for their visa to be granted. Navigating the intricacies of parent visas requires an understanding of the specific eligibility criteria and requirements. Seeking professional assistance from experienced migration agents or agencies like Sydney Migration Agency is highly recommended to ensure a successful visa application and a smoother family reunion experience. 

Contributory Parent Visa

The Contributory Parent visa category comprises both temporary and permanent options. The Contributory Parent (temporary) visa, represented by Subclass 173 and 884, offers a means for the parents of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to reside in Australia for a period of up to 2 years. In contrast, the permanent variant of this visa, categorized under Subclass 143 and 864, paves the way for permanent settlement in Australia. A distinguishing feature of Contributory Parent visas is the requirement for applicants to make contribution charges to the Australian Government, which expedite the processing of the visa applications. The essential eligibility criteria for these visas are outlined as follows:

Parent's requirements: 

• Have a Child as an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or Eligible New Zealand Citizen: The primary requirement is that the parent applicant must have a child who is either an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
• Majority of Children Reside in Australia: It is necessary that at least half of the applicant's children reside in Australia, in comparison to any other country. This requirement underscores the family reunification aspect of the visa.
• Payment of the "Contributory" Charge: All applicants for Contributory Parent visas must pay the contribution charge to the Australian Government. This contribution expedites the visa processing.
• ​Age Requirement (Applies to Subclass 864 and 884): For Subclass 864 and 884 Contributory Parent visas, there is an age requirement. The applicant must be at least 65 years old to be eligible for these subclasses.

Meeting these specific requirements is crucial for a successful application for a Contributory Parent visa, as they ensure that the visa applicant meets the criteria set by the Australian Government for family reunification and settlement in the country.

Sponsor's requirements:

• Australian Citizenship, Permanent Residency, or Eligible New Zealand Citizenship: As the sponsor, you must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
• Reside in Australia: You should be settled in Australia as your primary place of residence.
• Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old, signifying your legal adulthood, and be willing to undertake the responsibilities of being the sponsor.
• Financial and Accommodation Support: You must be financially and logistically responsible for your parent's financial and accommodation needs for the initial two years after their arrival in Australia. This commitment ensures that your parent has the necessary support for a smooth transition to life in Australia.

By meeting these criteria, you demonstrate your ability and willingness to support your parent throughout their initial years in Australia, contributing to the success of their Contributory Parent visa application and their settlement in the country.
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Sponsored Parent Visa (Temporary)

The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa falls under Subclass 870 in the Australian immigration system. This visa is designed to enable the parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia temporarily, fostering family reunification. It offers parents the opportunity to spend time with their children and families in Australia, with a cumulative stay of up to 10 years. This visa subclass comes with specific requirements and application processes that individuals need to meet and follow to be eligible for this visa category.

Parent's requirements:

To be eligible for the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (Subclass 870) as an applicant, you must meet the following requirements:

• Family Relationship: You must be the biological, adoptive, step-parent, or parent-in-law of your approved Family Sponsor, who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
• ​Temporary Intention: Your intention must be to stay temporarily in Australia. This visa is not for permanent settlement; it is designed for temporary visits to spend time with your family.
• Sufficient Funds: You should have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Australia. This ensures that you can cover your living expenses while you are in the country.
• Health and Character Requirements: You must meet the health and character requirements set by the Australian Government. This typically involves undergoing health examinations and providing police clearances.
• Health Insurance: It is a requirement to have adequate health insurance coverage while you are in Australia to ensure you have access to necessary healthcare services during your stay.
• ​No Outstanding Debt: You should not have any outstanding debt with the Commonwealth of Australia. This requirement is in place to ensure financial compliance.

Meeting these criteria is essential to be eligible for the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa, and it ensures that you can enjoy a temporary stay in Australia to be with your family while adhering to the country's immigration and financial regulations.

Sponsor's requirements:

​To be an Australian child sponsor for the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (Subclass 870), you must meet the following requirements:

• Citizenship or Residency Status: You must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to be eligible as a sponsor.
• Limit on Sponsorship: An Australian child sponsor can only sponsor a maximum of two parents at any given time. This limit ensures that the sponsorship process is manageable and that the sponsor can fulfill their obligations effectively.
• Minimum Annual Household Income: The sponsor is required to have an annual household income of at least $84,000. Additionally, the sponsor's income must contribute to at least 50% of the total household income. This financial requirement helps ensure that the parent being sponsored will have adequate financial support during their stay.
• Debt-Free Status: The sponsor should not have any outstanding debt owed to the Australian Government. This is to ensure financial compliance.
• Character Requirements: The sponsor must meet all character requirements set by the Australian Government. This typically involves satisfying any necessary character checks, such as police clearances.

Adhering to these requirements is essential for an Australian child to serve as a sponsor for the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa. It helps ensure that the sponsor can provide the necessary support for their parent's temporary stay in Australia and comply with immigration regulations.

"Bringing families together is a cherished goal, and the Parent Visa offers a meaningful pathway. At Sydney Migration Agency, we understand the importance of uniting loved ones. Our expertise and guidance can make your journey to family reunification smoother and more efficient. Let us help you navigate the complexities of the Parent Visa application, ensuring that your family's dreams become a reality."

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