Australia is a country that is built on immigration, and even though their number is carefully controlled each year, the country is glad to welcome new arrivals, many of whom bring with them vital skills. Each one of these individuals has to think carefully before planning such a big move, and while they are certainly looking for great opportunities and long-term gains, they often have to endure a lot of sacrifice as part of their commitment. Take younger migrants, for example. They may have very close family ties "back home" and hate the idea of separation but may nevertheless make the move. Recent developments have made it a lot easier for them to reunite with parents or grandparents, however, due to a brand-new type of visa opportunity.

Sponsored Parents

Regulators understand the value of a family bond and have pushed forward a "temporary sponsored parent visa", which will now allow the parents of settled migrants to come to Australia and stay for a period of up to 5 years. This will help bolster the communities within which the migrant has settled and can only help to make them a more contributory member of society in general.

The Process

This visa can be initiated by the migrant who will, in turn, act as sponsor for their parents. They will make certain reassurances and become a financial guarantor in case the parents account for any public health costs while they are in the country. This will help protect the taxpayer from any exposure due to the new visa program, especially as the individuals in question are, by definition, likely to be older.

Unfortunately, the migrant is only able to sponsor one set of parents. This may mean that they need to choose between parents or "in-laws", although this law may be modified in the future if there is enough pushback from the community.

Assessing Eligibility

The migrant will need to undergo an initial assessment to determine whether they are eligible to take part in the programme. Once approved, they can then submit a visa application, which will be considered carefully prior to being given the green light.

How to Start

If you feel that you would like to take part in this programme, then you should consult with a qualified migration agent who can help you to lodge the paperwork correctly. This may be your opportunity to rekindle those family ties while remaining in your chosen country.