Australia also has several choices of family reunification, particularly for parents who would like to live with their child who is a citizen or permanent resident. The two most used of these are parent visa 143 and parent visa 103. These two visas vary in cost, processing time, and availability overall. This article will examine an in-depth discussion of both, which will provide potential applicants with more information on what is available.

What is Visa 143 for Parents?

For Australian citizens' parents, Australian permanent residents' parents, or eligible New Zealand citizens' parents, there exists a parent visa for Australia called the Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143). This process is quicker than other parent visas, however the costs are significantly greater.

Key Features of Parent Visa 143

• Permanent Residency: Lifetime right to live in Australia.

• Access to Medicare: Entitles holders to join Australia's public healthcare system.

• Pathway to Citizenship: Once they satisfy residency and character tests, holders are eligible for Australian citizenship.

• Family Sponsorship: Requires sponsorship by an Australian citizen or resident child.

• Balance of Family Test: Must have half of their children living in Australia or more children in Australia than in any other nation.

• Assurance of Support: A binding commitment by the sponsor to sponsor the applicant and not rely on social welfare. 

Processing Time and Costs

Parent visa 143 takes approximately 4 to 6 years to be processed, although this is subject to change with application workloads and policy adjustments. The application fee is costly, and the combined current fee is more than AUD 48,000 per person. It is in high demand because of its relatively short processing time relative to other visas and the fact that it immediately leads to permanent residency.

The 103rd Parent Visa: What is it?

  The Parent Visa 103, sometimes referred to as the Parent Visa (Subclass 103), is an additional permanent visa.  Parents who want to move but can't afford the hefty cost of a parent visa are the target audience (number 143). However, the significantly longer processing time is the only disadvantage.

Parent Visa 103 Features

• Permanent Residency: Upon approval, offers unrestricted stay in Australia.

• Access to Services: Offers access to Medicare and other social services.

• Eligibility for Citizenship: Once the required stay is over, the holder can be eligible to submit an application for citizenship.

• Lower Fee: The fee for applying is comparatively lesser than parent visa 143 at around AUD 4,990.

• Family Test Balance: As in the case of the 143 visa, applicants will have to pass this test of eligibility.

• Assurance of Support: Sponsors will have to assure that they will sponsor the applicant financially.

Processing Time and Costs

While it is cheaper, the parent visa 103 has a serious disadvantage: utterly inordinate waiting times. The Department of Home Affairs approximates that the processing time would be more than 30 years based on the low number of vacancies available per year.

Comparative Analysis of Parent Visa 143 and Parent Visa 103

Eligibility Key Criteria

The parent visa 143 and parent visa 103 eligibility criteria differ significantly with respect to their requirements:

• Relationship: Involves either biological, adoptive, or step-parent of the sponsoring eligible individual. 

• Sponsor: Should be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, living in Australia for at least two years.

• Balance of Family Test: Seeks a firm link to Australia by insisting that at least half of the applicant's children be living in Australia or having a greater number of children in Australia than in any other single country.

• Health and Character Requirements: Demand medical tests and police reports.

• Assurance of Support (AoS): Sponsor financial support, guaranteeing the applicant will not depend on public welfare.

Assurance of Support Explained

Assurance of Support is a statutory requirement for both visas. It is a term meaning the sponsor undertaking to economically sponsor the applicant for a period of 10 years. There is a bond condition, which is held for a period of time:

• Parent Visa 143: AUD 10,000 for the lead applicant, plus AUD 4,000 for each extra adult.

• For Parent Visa 103: The same financial guarantees are relevant, but due to the longer waiting time, the AoS will have to be re-issued in due course.

The AoS reduces the likelihood of the applicant becoming reliant on Australia's social security system.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Visa

Parent Visa 143

Advantages:

• Quicker processing

• Permanent residence immediately

• Full access to Medicare and other facilities

Disadvantages:

• Expensive

• Financial strain on sponsor for AoS 

Parent Visa 103

Advantages:

• Minimum application fee

• Same end benefits (permanent residence, access to services)

Disadvantages:

• Extremely long waiting time

• Family reunification postponed

Alternatives and Strategy

Aside from parent visa 143 and parent visa 103, there are several alternatives:

• Temporary Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 173): Two-year duration with the option to apply for the 143 visa.

• Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804): For parents eligible for Australian pension on the basis of age.

• Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864): As above, but for older applicants.

• Visitor Visa Extensions: Parents can apply for longer visitor visas on waiting time if suitable.

Strategic Approach

A two-step method is used by certain families. They join the queue first by applying for parent visa 103 and then change to parent visa 143 when they can afford it. This method reserves a place on the waiting list without locking out possibilities in the future.

Real-World Considerations

Financial Planning

Obtaining either visa also entails more than the application fee but also medical testing, police certificates, and travel. The Assurance of Support adds to the cost.

Long-Term Impact

Families must take into account the long-term consequences, including:

• Parents growing old and health requirements

• Psychological impact of extended wait times (particularly parent visa 103)

• Private health insurance costs while on bridging or visitor visas

Migration Agent Support

With the intricacy of the process, it is recommended that a registered migration agent be approached. They will assist with guiding through eligibility, documentation preparation, and changes in immigration policy.

Final Thoughts

Parent visa 143 and parent visa 103 are essential for family reunion in Australia. There is a trade-off between cost and processing time between the two options. Those willing and prepared to invest and hoping for faster returns, the parent visa 143 is obviously the option. To those hoping for something cheaper but can wait, the parent visa 103 is a reasonable route of entry to one's children in Australia in time.

Knowing the in and out of each choice and strategizing will make applying for a visa smoother and more successful. Regardless of whether you are migrating soon or settling years later, Australia's immigration system has something to offer different family types.