The parents of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens are allowed to live, work and study in Australia for up to 2 years under the subclass 173 visa. The visa holder can apply for the Permanent Parent visa subclass 143 in a span of 2 years. The Immigration law firms in Sydney remind applicants that the Temporary subclass 173 visa is not a prerequisite for the Permanent subclass 143 visa. The visa application and lodgement can be done onshore or offshore, but it is necessary for the applicant to be offshore when the visa is granted.
The applicant for the subclass 173 visa must have the following in order to be eligible: a child who is an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, have a sponsor, meet the balance of family test, have proof of financial capability to support, and provide all health and character requirements.
A sponsor is required for every Temporary Contributory Parent Visa Application. Generally, it could be the applicant’s child (or child’s spouse or de facto partner) except for an applicant’s child who is under the age of 18. In such conditions, the relative or guardian of the child, the cohabiting spouse of legal age (18 and above), a relative of the cohabiting spouse, can be the sponsor if the child is not yet 18 years old or in a community organisation.
In order for the visa to be granted, it is mandatory that the applicants undergo the balance of family test. The applicant must have at least half of their children living in Australia on Permanent visas, or most of their children are permanently living in Australia and not in other countries, to meet the requirements of the balance of family test. Children with a Temporary visa are considered as living outside of Australia. The balance of family test includes not only the applicant’s children but also their partner’s children (including stepchildren and adopted children). Immigration law firms in Sydney can ensure that the visa application and lodgement is in order by fulfilling the balance of family test.
The potential sponsor of an applicant must fulfill a signed assurance of support. This includes an agreement to provide the applicant and any member of their family unit included on the visa application support, accommodation and financial assistance for at least two years.
A medical examination and a police check from all countries visited and lived in for 12 months or more are required for the applicants in order to meet the health and character requirements.
A signed Australian Values Statement, that confirms the applicant’s adherence to the laws of Australia and respect to the Australian way of life, will be required from the applicant.
Additionally, any outstanding debts to the Australia government must be repaid, or the applicant prior to the visa grant should negotiate a schedule for repayment.