subject: Aged Parent Visa [print this page] The aged parent visa allows an elderly parent of an Australian citizen or permanent resident to remain in Australia in a permanent basis. Aged parents applying for this visa should already be in Australia on a temporary visa, and then apply for permanent residence in order to remain in Australia and stay close to family.
Eligibility:
Applicants for this visa must:
"Meet the age requirement of 65 years or older for men, or 63-65 years old depending on date of birth for women
"Have a child who is either an Australian citizen, a permanent resident of Australia or an eligible citizen of New Zealand
"Have a sponsor (typically the child unless the child is less than 18 years of age)
"Have assurance of support
"Meet the balance of family test, meaning the applicant must have more remaining relatives living in Australia than in all other countries combined
"Meet health requirements
"Meet character requirements
"Not have any debts to the government of Australia, or must have an arrangement to pay any debts
"Have an eligible visa
"Sign the Australian Values Statement
This visa requires a sponsor. The sponsor promises to provide support to the aged parent, including providing accommodations and financial help. Sponsorship lasts for the first two years of residence.
This visa requires an assurer of support. The assurer promises to provide financial support in order that the Australian government is not required to financially support the applicant. The assurer of support must retain this position for the first two years after the visa is granted.
For more information on obtaining a visa to travel to, work in or even relocate to Australia contact the Australian Immigration Agency
Aged parents who are granted this visa become permanent residents. As permanent residents, parents are able to:
*Live permanently in Australia
*Work or study in Australia
*Take part in the Australian healthcare system including Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
*Receive social security after a waiting period
*Become a citizen of Australia
*Sponsor others for permanent residence after a waiting period
In order to apply for this visa, the applicant must pay the application fee. There is a limited number of Aged Parent visas allowed each year. As a result, some families choose to apply for the Contributory Aged Parent visa. This visa requires a higher application fee, but has a much short waiting period. For families able to pay the extra fee, reuniting can be a faster process.
There is a temporary Contributory Aged Parent visa, which allows for two years of residence, which can then be extended to permanent residence after the temporary visa.
