Parents can join their children who are living in Australia by migrating permanently with a Subclass 103 visa. It is designed for any parent of a natural, adopted or step child who is a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.

Parents who have at least half their children living as permanent residents in Australia or who have more children in Australia than in any other country are eligible for this visa. This is called the balance of family test.

This visa for Australia requires sponsorship from your child or any other eligible sponsor. Your sponsor must provide a written undertaking to provide accommodation, support and financial assistance. If you have eligible spouse and dependent family members, your sponsor must be willing to provide support for them as well for the first two years of residency. Assurance of Support may be required from your sponsor or another person during your Australian Visa application.

Other eligibility criteria include health, character and debts to the Australian Government. You also need to submit your Australian values statement.

Once the Australian visa is granted, the working-age parent can take on a job or study in the country. The Australia visa holder can also receive subsidized health care through Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits scheme.

After a waiting period, usually two years, you can also receive social security payments. Age and disability pension payments have a waiting period of ten years, but exemptions do apply. Finally, after residency eligibility criteria have been met, you may apply for Australia citizenship and even be able to sponsor people for permanent residence.

Dylan Lautner
http://www.nationalvisas.com.au/
http://www.nationalvisas.com.au/blog/parent-visas/australian-parent-visas-for-permanent-migration/
Dylan Lautner is a Search Engine Optimisation Specialist, he is also a writer.