The Federal Government is apparently reviewing the family visa program with a view to an overhaul in the near future. Currently more places in our migration program have moved to the skilled and employer sponsored spaces along with a greater focus on partner visas within the family program. Some of the impacts have been a blowing out of processing times for other visas. Most significantly the contributory parent visa program is now 12-15 years.
Whilst the processing times have blown out applying for a contributory parent visas is still not without its merits.
Onshore subclass 864 (Contributory Aged Parent Visa)
In order to apply you must be onshore and of Australian pension age. Pension age is determined by your date of birth (see https://www.dss.gov.au/seniors/benefits-payments/age-pension).
When you apply you will be granted a Bridging Visa A (‘BVA’) which will permit you to lawfully remain in Australia during the processing period. Given that the processing period to now pushing 15 years this means that you will likely be in your 80s when the decision is made. Remembering however that contributions are not paid to the government until your visa is approved at the end of the process. Your BVA will have full time work rights but does not grant you access to Medicare.
So as a long term strategy to remain lawfully in Australia with work rights this is still a solid strategy. The lack of access to Medicare is problematic for some but others could fall back on reciprocal rights (if you from a country giving these rights) or by maintaining private health. If there is some major health emergency you could also travel back to your country of origin for treatment as you will be entitled to a BVB to allow you to exit and return to Australia.
You can then make the decision of whether or not it is worth paying the contributions to the Australian government at the time of grant depending on your health and other circumstances at the time.
Onshore subclass 804 (Aged Parent Visa)
Whilst not a contributory visa it is worth mention the 804. This visa works just like the 864 but no contributions are payable. Hence processing times are so long you will never be granted the visa. It does however give the applicant a Bridging Visa A with work rights just like the 864 and is also a useful visa to remain long term within Australia.
Offshore subclass 143 (Contributory Parent Visa)
The subclass 143 must be applied for offshore and has no age restriction. So can be applied for when you are much younger. For those with children in Australia who might be contemplating retiring in Australia in later years this could be applied for now and queued. There is no BVA or right to be in Australia during processing but still worthwhile for those wanting to retire in Australia who are planning well in advance.
Subclass 870 (Temporary Parent Visa)
For those wanting a temporary stay in Australia with their family the 870 remains available with relatively quick processing times. You must have a child who is a citizen or a permanent resident (note permanent residents must have four years settled in Australia) who has household income of at least $83,454,80 peer annum. You could be sponsored for a 3 or 5 years stay and this visa can be renewed. Total stays cannot exceed ten years.
You can also use the 870 in conjuntion with the 143, applying for the 143 and then using ten years on the 870 to stay in Australia with your family. Howver there are two important factors to consider here;
So whist the parent visa processing times can seem daunting, there is still merit in using the program for long term stays in Australia through to eventual permanent residency.
