A parent visa is a type of visa that allows the parents of a citizen or a permanent resident of a country to live in that country with their children. Many people who migrate to another country wish to reunite with their parents and share their lives with them. However, obtaining a parent visa can be a complex and lengthy process, depending on the country and the visa category. In this blog post, we will provide some expert advice on how to apply for a parent visa in three popular destinations: Australia, Canada, and the UAE.
Australia
Australia offers several options for parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to migrate to Australia. These include:
- Parent visa (subclass 103): This is a permanent visa that lets a parent move to Australia if their child is settled in Australia. However, this visa has a very long waiting time, which can be up to 30 years.
- Contributory parent visa (subclass 143): This is also a permanent visa that lets a parent move to Australia if their child is settled in Australia. This visa has a faster processing time than the subclass 103 visa, but it requires a higher visa application charge and an assurance of support from the sponsor.
- Contributory parent (temporary) visa (subclass 173): This is a temporary visa that lets a parent stay in Australia for up to two years if their child is settled in Australia. This visa can be used as a pathway to the subclass 143 visa.
- Aged parent visa (subclass 804): This is a permanent visa that lets an aged parent (who meets the age requirement for an Australian pension) stay in Australia if their child is settled in Australia. This visa also has a long waiting time, similar to the subclass 103 visa.
- Contributory aged parent visa (subclass 864): celebfleet entmtmedia digitalstudya This is a permanent visa that lets an aged parent (who meets the age requirement for an Australian pension) stay in Australia if their child is settled in Australia. This visa has a faster processing time than the subclass 804 visa, but it also requires a higher visa application charge and an assurance of support from the sponsor.
- Contributory aged parent (temporary) visa (subclass 884): This is a temporary visa that lets an aged parent stay in Australia for up to two years if their child is settled in Australia. This visa can be used as a pathway to the subclass 864 visa.
- Sponsored parent (temporary) visa (subclass 870): This is a temporary visa that lets a parent visit Australia for up to three or five years if their child is settled in Australia. This visa does not require an assurance of support from the sponsor, but it does not allow the parent to work or access Medicare benefits in Australia.
To apply for any of these visas, the parent must meet certain eligibility criteria, such as having a sponsor who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen; having at least half of their children living permanently in Australia; having no other children living permanently in another country; meeting health and character requirements; and having sole or shared parental responsibility for their child (if they are applying as a single parent). The sponsor must also meet certain eligibility criteria, such as being at least 18 years old; having lived lawfully and usually in Australia for at least four years; meeting income and accommodation requirements; and agreeing to support the parent financially and socially for the duration of their stay.
Some of the benefits of obtaining a parent visa in Australia are:
- The parent can live permanently or temporarily in Australia with their child and enjoy the facilities and lifestyle that Australia has to offer.
- The parent can apply for Australian citizenship after meeting certain residency requirements (if they have a permanent visa).
- The parent can sponsor other eligible relatives for permanent residence in Australia (if they have a permanent visa).
Some of the challenges of obtaining a parent visa in Australia are:
- The parent may have to pay high fees and charges for some of the visas, which can be difficult to afford for some applicants.
- The parent may have to wait for a long time before their application is processed and granted, which can cause uncertainty and anxiety for both the parent and the sponsor.
- The parent may have to undergo medical examinations and police checks as part of the application process, which can be inconvenient and stressful for some applicants.
Canada
Canada also offers several options for parents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to migrate to Canada. These include:
- Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP): This is a program that allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to apply for permanent residence in Canada. However, this program has limited intake each year and operates on an invitation-based system. To apply for this program, the sponsor must first submit an interest to sponsor form online when the program opens. Then, the sponsor may receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence for their parents or grandparents. The sponsor must meet certain income and other requirements to be eligible to sponsor their parents or grandparents.
- Super visa: This is a temporary visa that allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to visit Canada for up to two years at a time. This visa is valid for up to 10 years and can be renewed. To apply for this visa, the parent or grandparent must meet certain eligibility criteria, such as having a letter of invitation from their child or grandchild in Canada; having valid medical insurance for at least one year; meeting health and character requirements; and proving their ties to their home country and their purpose of visit.
Some of the benefits of obtaining a parent visa in Canada are:
- The parent can live permanently or temporarily in Canada with their child and enjoy the facilities and lifestyle that Canada has to offer.
- The parent can apply for Canadian citizenship after meeting certain residency requirements (if they have permanent residence).
- The parent can access public health care and social services in Canada (if they have permanent residence).
Some of the challenges of obtaining a parent visa in Canada are:
- The parent may have to compete with a large number of applicants for a limited number of places in the PGP, which can reduce their chances of being invited to apply.
- The parent may have to provide proof of income and financial support from their sponsor, which can be difficult to obtain for some applicants.
- The parent may have to undergo medical examinations and biometrics as part of the application process, which can be inconvenient and costly for some applicants.
UAE
The UAE also offers an option for parents of UAE residents to migrate to the UAE. This option is:
- Residence visa for family members: This is a visa that allows the parents of UAE residents who work in the private or public sector to stay in the UAE with their children. To apply for this visa, the sponsor must meet certain eligibility criteria, such as having a monthly salary of at least AED 20,000 (USD 5,445); having a contract that shows that they live in a house or an apartment with at least two bedrooms; and having valid health insurance for their parents. The sponsor must also submit certain documents, such as passport copies, photos, medical clearance certificates, consanguinity certificates, bank statements, and affidavits.
Some of the benefits of obtaining a parent visa in the UAE are:
- The parent can stay in the UAE with their child and enjoy the facilities and lifestyle that the UAE has to offer.
- The parent can study and work in the UAE (with permission from the authorities).
- The parent can apply for a ten-year visa if they are sponsored by a golden visa holder (a person who has been granted long-term residence in the UAE based on their investment, entrepreneurship, talent, or special skills).
Some of the challenges of obtaining a parent visa in the UAE are:
- The parent may have to pay high fees and deposits for the visa, which can be difficult to afford for some applicants.
- The parent may have to renew their visa every one or two years, which can be inconvenient and time-consuming for some applicants.
- The parent may have to undergo medical tests and fingerprinting as part of the application process, which can be uncomfortable and stressful for some applicants.
Conclusion
Obtaining a parent visa can be a rewarding experience that allows parents to reunite with their children and share their lives with them. However, it can also be a challenging process that requires careful planning, preparation, and patience. Each country has its own rules and requirements for granting parent visas, which can vary depending on the visa category and the applicant’s circumstances. Therefore, it is advisable to consult an expert immigration consultant or lawyer who can guide you through the application process and help you achieve your migration goals.
