Australia offers several visa options for parents wishing to reunite with their children who are Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. Below is an updated overview of these visas:

1. Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870):

This temporary visa allows parents to visit Australia for up to 3 or 5 years without the need to meet the Balance of Family Test or provide an Assurance of Support. Key points include:

• Sponsorship Requirement: Parents must have an approved sponsor, typically their child, who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
• Stay Duration: Allows a stay of up to 3 or 5 years, with the possibility to reapply for further visas to a cumulative maximum stay of 10 years.
• No Work Rights: Holders of this visa are not permitted to work in Australia.
• Health Insurance: Applicants must have and maintain adequate health insurance for the duration of their stay.

2. Parent Visa (Subclass 103):

This permanent visa allows parents to move to Australia permanently. Key points include:

• Balance of Family Test: Applicants must meet this test, meaning at least half of their children reside permanently in Australia, or more children live in Australia than any other single country.
• Sponsorship: Requires an eligible sponsor, usually the applicant’s child.
• Assurance of Support: An assurance of support is mandatory, ensuring that the applicant will not rely on government assistance upon arrival.
• Processing Times: Processing times for this visa can be extensive, often spanning many years due to high demand and limited placements.

3. Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804):

This permanent visa is for parents who are old enough to receive the age pension in Australia. Key points include:

• Age Requirement: Applicants must be of pensionable age, which varies depending on birth date but is currently 66 years and 6 months, gradually increasing to 67 years.
• Balance of Family Test: Must be met as described above.
• Onshore Application: Applicants must be in Australia to apply and can remain on a bridging visa while awaiting a decision.
• Processing Times: Similar to the Subclass 103 visa, processing times are lengthy due to high demand.

4. Contributory Parent Visas:

These visas offer a faster processing time compared to non-contributory parent visas but require a higher application fee.

• Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 173): Allows parents to live temporarily in Australia for up to 2 years.
• Contributory Parent (Permanent) Visa (Subclass 143): Allows parents to live permanently in Australia. Applicants can apply directly for this visa or transition from the Subclass 173 visa.
• Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 884): For aged parents to live temporarily in Australia.
• Contributory Aged Parent (Permanent) Visa (Subclass 864): For aged parents to live permanently in Australia.

Applicants must meet the Balance of Family Test and have an eligible sponsor. An assurance of support is also required.

Eligibility Criteria for Parent Visas:

• Sponsorship: Applicants must have a sponsor who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen aged 18 or over.
• Balance of Family Test: As outlined above.
• Health and Character Requirements: Applicants must meet specific health and character standards.
• Assurance of Support: An assurance of support is required for permanent parent visas, ensuring that the applicant will not rely on government assistance.

Processing Times:

Due to high demand and limited visa placements, processing times for permanent parent visas can be extensive. Recent reports indicate that processing times can extend up to 31 years for certain visa categories.

Applicants are advised to consider all available visa options and assess their circumstances carefully. Consulting with a registered migration agent or the Department of Home Affairs can provide guidance tailored to individual situations.