A parent visa is a program that allows Australian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents to reside in Australia. As a business owner or professional, you will have costs and legal obligations to bring your parents to Australia. It is essential to understand the options, costs and legal obligations before you begin the process.

How the parent visa program works

There are three options for a parent visa in Australia: The Contributory Visa with a faster processing time but higher fees; the Non-contributory Visa with the lowest fees but a waiting time of up to 30 years; and the Temporary Sponsored Visa (Subclass 870), allowing stays of up to 10 years without any resulting in permanent residency.

Who can sponsor their parents? 

You must be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident or an eligible New Zealand citizen who has lived in Australia for at least two years. You must be over 18 years of age, pass a character check and be in a position of financial security.

For business owners, this means that your income is proven and the business is financially healthy. Sponsors are required to show that they can financially support their parents in Australia and, after they arrive in the country, particularly in the first few years, when they may not be eligible for government assistance.

Financial documents are important to the assessment of whether the sponsor can fulfil their commitment. This may include tax returns, employment history, income from a business, or other forms of income. While it is assumed that you are ready to provide emotional support to your parents, the sponsor is expected to provide financial support in a practical sense. It means that the sponsor should have a safe home environment, living arrangements, and plans for your parents’ integration into the country are all taken into account.

Financial obligations and long-term commitment

Being a sponsor for your parents is not just a symbolic gesture. There are actual and ongoing financial commitments involved. Besides the cost of the visa application, the sponsor will also be responsible for looking after their parents while they are in Australia until they become eligible for social security benefits (including the age pension and Medicare), which can be a multi-year wait period. In the meantime, the sponsor will be responsible for looking after their parents’ health care, day-to-day living, accommodation and other needs. 

It is not uncommon for business owners and professionals to underestimate the costs associated with bringing a parent to Australia. Along with rent or health insurance, there may be other costs, such as transport, home modifications or part-time care. Those who budget for the long term and have some savings to cover unexpected expenses are likely to experience a much smoother process. It is important for sponsors to understand that failure to meet these financial commitments can impact your parents’ health and well-being, but also may have legal consequences for you as a sponsor in future sponsorship applications.

The Assurance of Support (AoS) scheme

Sponsors of the Contributory Parent Visa are required to provide an Assurance of Support. This is a legal agreement that is designed to be a safety net for the Australian government. It means that the assurer is agreeing to repay any recoverable social security benefits that the parent accesses within the first ten years of being in Australia. The assurer must also provide a financial bond (currently AUD 10,000 for the main applicant and AUD 4,000 for each additional adult). This amount is held by the Department of Human Services and refunded at the end of the assurance period if no social security payments have been drawn.

The assurer must also meet an annual income threshold (which depends on the number of people in the household). For business owners who have fluctuating incomes, this can be challenging. Several people can combine their incomes to create a joint assurance group, but each member must be approved by the department. The Assurance of Support is an indication of the government’s commitment to ensuring that new migrants do not burden the government. Sponsors should approach the AoS with the same respect and commitment.

Health and character requirements 

In addition to financial health, applicants must pass a health and character assessment. Australia is a country that values high standards of public health and will not admit people whose health may burden the public health system. If your parent has a chronic condition or disability, it is crucial to discuss with a medical professional and a migration agent as early as possible. Early disclosure and appropriate documentation can prevent delays and rejections.

Support responsibilities

Responsibilities don’t end after the parent arrives. The sponsor is expected to assist with integration into Australian life (setting up a bank account, navigating Medicare (if applicable), language and community programs, and access to appropriate health services). If you are a business owner, these tasks can be overwhelming in the first few weeks of arrival. Many sponsors rely on extended family, multicultural support groups, or even professional settlement services to ensure a smooth transition. Ensuring that your parents have a smooth transition into Australia will not only benefit your parents’ health and well-being but also be viewed favourably by the government as a sponsor.

Avoid mistakes and delays 

Many sponsorship applications are rejected or stuck in processing because of incorrect information, incomplete paperwork, or incorrect financial evidence. A common mistake is underestimating the importance of financial documentation or assuming that temporary income is sufficient. Another mistake is failing to meet the AoS requirements due to inaccurate or inconsistent financial records. Business owners can especially benefit from presenting organised and audited accounts that demonstrate ongoing financial health rather than one-time windfalls. 

It is always recommended to seek advice. Whether you need advice on the best parent visa in Australia or you want to understand your responsibilities under the AoS, professional help can make a huge difference. For business owners and professionals in Queensland, you can find professional migration agents in Brisbane to help provide personalised support to ensure your application is complete, compliant, and representative of your family’s genuine intentions.