The Australian Government has made a big change to the ImmiAccount system to bring parent visa handling up to date and make the process easier for people who want to apply. Parent visa applicants who send in paper applications can now import those applications into ImmiAccount once they have been officially accepted by the Department of Home Affairs.
For the thousands of applicants hoping to be reunited with their families in Australia, this new feature makes it easier to manage documents, communicate more quickly, and keep track of their applications.
Check Also: Visa Sponsorship Unskilled Jobs in Australia – Apply Now
What’s New?
Before, all parent visa applications had to be handled through snail mail, which took a long time and made it hard to see how the applications were progressing.
As part of the new integration:
- According to migrant law, people still have to send in their visa forms on paper.
- The entry can be added to ImmiAccount once it has been approved.
- People who apply can use all kinds of online services.
Key Benefits of ImmiAccount Integration:
When you get to ImmiAccount, you can:
- No delays with the mail when you upload supporting papers online.
- Get and read straight official messages from the Department.
- You can change your personal information at any time.
- You can always check on the progress of your visa application.
Note: This change affects all parent visa applications, both new and old, except for Parent (Subclass 103) cards submitted before November 2018.
Who Is Eligible?
You can use the new digital interface for
- Parents whose applications for a parent visa have already been accepted.
- Paper-based parent visa applications that were just sent in.
Australia Parent Visa Subclasses:
There are different types of Australian parent visas that parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or qualified New Zealand citizens can use to come to Australia to live with their children. There are two types of visas: contributory and non-contributory. Each has its own eligibility, cost, and processing time. The budget, haste, and settlement goals will help you choose the right subclass.
Contributory Parent Visa Australia:
Parents can move to Australia faster with the supporting parent visa by paying a higher visa application fee. Even though it costs more, processing times are much shorter than with non-contributory choices. Parents can live, work, and get medical care in Australia with this visa, which gives them lifelong residency.
Non-Contributory: Parent Visa Australia:
Parents can join their children in Australia for less money with the non-contributory parent visa Australia. It does, however, take a lot longer to process, often more than a decade. It’s perfect for families who don’t need to move right away but still want to make sure they have a way to get there.
Australia Parent Visa Requirements:
In order to get an Australia parent visa, you must have a qualified child living in Australia, meet the balance of family test, pass health and character checks, and be able to pay your bills. Each subclass has its own set of standards, so it’s important to know what they are before you apply.
Australia Parent Visa Processing Time:
Processing times for Australia parent visas are very different for contributory and non-contributory visas. Non-contributory visas can take more than ten years to process, while contributory visas may be ready in a few years. Delays can be avoided by giving all the necessary paperwork and meeting all the requirements.
Parent Visa Requirements:
There are sponsorship, health, income, and family balance requirements that you must meet in order to get a parent visa.
1. Sponsor Eligibility:
This is what your supporter has to do:
- Be your child, whether you were born or adopted.
- You must be an Australian person, live in Australia permanently, or be a New Zealand citizen.
- Are from Australia and have legally lived there for at least two years before getting sponsored.
- Be at least 18 years old and willing to give ongoing help.
2. Balance of Family Test:
One of these conditions must be met:
- At least half of your kids live in Australia full-time, or
- Australia is the only place where more of your children live full-time than anywhere else.
3. Health and Character Requirements:
- Do complete medical exams.
- Show proof that you have been cleared by the police in every country where you have lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years.
- Everyone who depends on you must meet the same standards.
4. Assurance of Support (AoS):
- Not needed for non-contributory visas but needed for contributory visas.
- The sponsor (or assurer) must promise to give you money for two to ten years.
- A bond (for example, AUD $10,000 for one application) is given to the government.
5. Visa-Specific Requirements:
Visa | Age Limit | Processing Time | Temporary Option | Onshore/Offshore | Contribution Required |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Subclass 103 (Parent) | None | 20–30+ years | No | Offshore | No |
Subclass 143 (Contributory Parent) | None | 4–6 years | Yes (via 173) | Offshore | Yes (AUD $47k+) |
Subclass 173 (Temporary Contributory Parent) | None | Quicker | Yes (2 years) | Offshore | Yes |
Subclass 804 (Aged Parent) | Pension age | Decades | Yes (bridging visa) | Onshore only | No |
Subclass 864 (Contributory Aged Parent) | Pension age | 5+ years | Yes (via 884) | Onshore | Yes |
Subclass 884 (Temporary Contributory Aged Parent) | Pension age | Quicker | Yes (2 years) | Onshore | Yes |
Commonly Required Documents:
- ID cards and passports
- Birth papers that show a parent and child are related
- Proof of the child’s identity or where they live
- Clearances from the police and health test results
- AoS papers (bank statements, proof of income from a sponsor)
Exceptions:
- Parent (Subclass 103) visa forms sent in before November 2018 will not be able to be integrated with ImmiAccount. Instead, they will be processed on paper.
What Remains Paper-Based?
- The first visa form and any supporting papers must still be sent on paper.
- You can only change your ImmiAccount online after you’ve been acknowledged.
Main Advantages of the New System:
For Applicants:
- Handling documents more quickly
- Easy and safe ways to talk to the Department
- Updates in real time
- Less confusion during long wait times
For Families:
- Better reunion of families
- Depending on the type of visa, they may be able to get Medicare and other benefits.
- Way to become an Australian citizen after meeting the residency standards
How to Import Your Paper Application into ImmiAccount?
On its “Apply and manage your application” page, the Department of Home Affairs shows you how to do things step by step. Once your paper application is accepted, you can connect it to your ImmiAccount and start taking care of it online.
Why This Matters?
Paper-based applicants had limited ways to communicate and had to wait a long time for the mail to deliver every document request until now. This mixed method has the safety of paper submissions and the speed of digital management. It makes the process clearer and less stressful.
In short:
- Still sending in applications on paper
- Updates and uploads happen faster through ImmiAccount
- Your visa journey will be more clear.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the Australia Parent Visa?
The Australia Parent Visa allows eligible parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia permanently.
How long does the Australia Parent Visa process take?
Processing times vary depending on the visa subclass, demand, and individual circumstances, often ranging from several months to many years.
Can parents work in Australia on a Parent Visa?
Yes, once granted, a permanent Parent Visa allows parents to work, study, and access certain healthcare benefits in Australia.