Parent Visa
To apply for a parent visa, the process and requirements vary depending on the country. Here’s a general guide for some popular destinations:
Australia
- Eligibility:
- Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143):
- Be the parent of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Meet health and character requirements.
- Must have an Assurance of Support (a financial guarantee from a sponsor).
- Pay a significant contribution fee.
- Parent Visa (subclass 103):
- Same basic requirements as the contributory visa but with a longer processing time.
- Assurance of Support required.
- Meet health and character requirements.
- Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143):
- Application Process:
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) if required.
- Gather required documents (e.g., proof of relationship, health checks).
- Lodge the visa application online or through a paper form.
- Pay the visa application fee.
- Wait for the visa to be processed. Processing times can vary.
- Fees and Processing Times:
- Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143): Generally more expensive and faster processing.
- Parent Visa (subclass 103): Lower fee but longer processing time.
Canada
- Eligibility:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Meet the minimum income requirement to support your parents or grandparents.
- Demonstrate that you can provide financial support without social assistance.
- Application Process:
- Express Interest: Submit an interest to sponsor through the online portal when the program is open.
- Invitation to Apply: If selected, you will receive an invitation to apply.
- Gather Documentation: Proof of relationship, income, and other required documents.
- Submit Application: Apply online or through a paper application.
- Fees and Processing Times:
- Application fees and processing times can vary. There’s usually an annual cap on the number of applications accepted.
UK
- Eligibility:
- Be the parent of a child who is a British citizen, settled in the UK, or has refugee status.
- Meet the financial requirement (minimum income threshold).
- Demonstrate that you will not rely on public funds.
- Application Process:
- Gather necessary documents (e.g., proof of relationship, financial evidence).
- Apply online or by post.
- Pay the application fee.
- Attend a biometric appointment if required.
- Fees and Processing Times:
- Application fees and processing times vary. Check the UK government’s official immigration website for up-to-date details.
USA
- Eligibility:
- Be a U.S. citizen.
- Your parent must meet health and background check requirements.
- Application Process:
- Petition for Parent: File Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Visa Processing: After approval, the parent will apply for an immigrant visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy.
- Adjustment of Status: If already in the U.S., your parent may apply for a Green Card (Form I-485).
- Fees and Processing Times:
- Fees for Form I-130 and other processing can vary.
- Processing times can vary based on USCIS and consulate workload.
New Zealand
- Eligibility:
- Be the parent of a New Zealand citizen or resident.
- Meet health and character requirements.
- Satisfy the income and support criteria.
- Application Process:
- Gather necessary documents (e.g., proof of relationship, health checks).
- Apply online or by post.
- Pay the application fee.
- Fees and Processing Times:
- Fees and processing times can vary. Check the Immigration New Zealand website for the most accurate information.
General Tips:
- Consult an Immigration Expert: Immigration laws are complex and can change frequently. Consulting with an immigration lawyer or consultant can help you navigate the process more effectively.
- Check Official Websites: Always refer to the official immigration website of the country you are applying to for the most current information and specific requirements.