Many Singaporean families now have one or more children who studied in Australia, stayed on, and became citizens or permanent residents. As grandchildren arrive, parents in Singapore often start to ask whether they could live in Australia too.
The main pathway is a parent visa. This guide explains how it works, using the kinds of family situations we see from Singapore.
Who can sponsor you?
Your sponsor is usually your child. Your child must be an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident or an eligible New Zealand citizen, and must have been settled in Australia, which generally means living here lawfully for a reasonable period, usually around two years.
The balance of family test
This is the test that most often stops Singaporean families. You generally pass if:
- at least half of your children live permanently in Australia, or
- more of your children live permanently in Australia than in any other single country.
Some examples:
- Two children, one in Melbourne and one in Singapore. Half of your children are in Australia, so you would usually pass.
- Three children, one in Melbourne and two in Singapore. Only one in three is in Australia, and more live in Singapore. You would usually fail.
- Three children, one in Melbourne, one in Singapore and one in London. Australia has as many of your children as any other country, but not more, and only one in three is in Australia. You would usually fail.
Step-children, adopted children and children who have passed away may be counted in particular ways. Check your exact situation before you apply.
Contributory or non-contributory?
Contributory parent visas (subclasses 143 and 173 if you apply outside Australia, and 864 and 884 inside Australia) cost much more. The second instalment of the government charge is substantial, often tens of thousands of dollars per parent. The Department of Home Affairs currently estimates the wait for new applications at around 18 years.
Non-contributory parent visas (subclass 103 outside Australia, and subclass 804 Aged Parent inside Australia) cost far less, but the estimated wait is around 42 years.
These estimates are long, and they change from year to year. Your age and health at the time you apply should be part of the decision.
Temporary first, then permanent
Some families choose the two-step contributory visa (subclass 173, or 884 inside Australia). It gives a temporary visa first, with the remaining cost paid later when you move to the permanent visa. This spreads the cost, but it adds steps and does not avoid the queue.
Applying inside or outside Australia
Some parent visas can be applied for while you are in Australia, and you may be allowed to stay on a bridging visa while you wait. Others must be applied for from outside Australia.
This choice matters a great deal. A visitor visa or ETA may carry a “no further stay” condition, or other limits, that prevent you from applying onshore. Travelling on the wrong visa can close options that would otherwise be open. Get advice before you travel if you are thinking about applying in Australia.
Health requirements
Parent visa applicants must meet the health requirement. Common conditions in older applicants are usually assessed case by case. Where a condition may involve significant health costs, the outcome can depend on the details and on whether a waiver is available for that visa. We look at this early, because it can change which visa you should choose.
Assurance of support
Most parent visas need an assurance of support. A family member (often the sponsoring child) promises to repay certain government payments if you receive them in your first years in Australia, and a bond is usually lodged with the Government. The assurer must meet income requirements.
Money and paperwork
You will usually need to provide:
- birth and marriage certificates for yourself and your children,
- evidence of where each child lives and their visa or citizenship status,
- police certificates from Singapore and other countries where you have lived, and
- medical examinations.
Common mistakes we see
- Miscounting children for the balance of family test.
- Travelling to Australia on a visitor visa or ETA that then prevents an onshore application.
- Choosing the cheaper visa without understanding the waiting time.
- Not planning for health insurance while on a temporary visa.
- Not thinking about property, wills and tax at the same time as the visa.
How Chua Tan Associates can help
Our immigration team includes two Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law. We advise Singaporean families in English, Mandarin and Cantonese, by video. We can:
- check the balance of family test for your family,
- compare the visas that are realistic for you,
- plan where and when to apply, and
- coordinate with the firm’s lawyers on your wills, powers of attorney and property.
Book a 30-minute paid consultation to review your family’s situation.
Frequently asked questions
I have two children in Australia and one in Singapore. Do I pass the balance of family test?
Usually yes, because more of your children live in Australia than in any other country. Check the details first.
How long is the wait for a contributory parent visa?
The Department currently estimates around 18 years for new applications. This changes each year.
Can I work in Australia on a parent visa?
Once you hold a permanent parent visa, you can generally work. Temporary visas have their own conditions.
Will I get Medicare?
Generally once you hold a permanent visa. On temporary visas, you will usually need private health insurance.
Important: This article is general information only and must not be relied on. It is not legal, tax, financial or migration advice, does not take your circumstances into account, and may not reflect changes in the law after publication. Laws of other countries may also apply. Do not act or refrain from acting on the basis of this article. Reading it or contacting us does not create a lawyer–client relationship. Please book a consultation for advice on your situation.
Related reading
Chua Tan Associates advises families, individuals and employers on Australian visas, sponsorship, refusals and appeals. To arrange a paid consultation, please contact our Melbourne office on +61 3 9602 3988 or book online. Advice is available in English, Mandarin and Cantonese.
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