You generally need to be “settled” in Australia as a PR or citizen before sponsoring, but you don’t have to wait years to plan. We usually suggest:

• lock in your own PR first,
• check that the Balance of Family Test will be met, and
• map out the costs and timing (visa charges + Assurance of Support).
  A short strategy session soon after PR means you can decide whether to lodge early (to start the queue clock) or focus on your own career/points and do it a bit later.

Both paths lead to the same permanent outcome, but the experience is different:

• Direct 143 – one big fee, fewer applications, but heavier upfront cost.
• 173 → 143 – spreads government charges over two stages and lets parents “test” living here, but adds extra paperwork and some extra cost overall.
  We compare both for you (fees, timing, Medicare access, cash flow) so you can choose the option that fits your family’s finances, age and health.

Often yes – many families combine a pending 143 with regular visitor stays. The key issues are:

• managing GTE (showing they’ll return after each visit),
• not overstaying or breaching conditions, and
• explaining clearly in future visitor applications that there is a long-term plan via 143.
  We normally design a “visit + migration” pattern with you so your parents can see you and the grandkids without damaging their visitor history.

The Balance of Family Test is fixed at the time of decision, not just lodgement. If you still have siblings moving countries, marrying or getting PR elsewhere, it can change the calculation. Before spending money on a 143 we:

• map every child’s citizenship, visa and usual residence,
• flag any siblings who might move to Australia or another country, and
• recommend whether to lodge now or wait until the test is clearly satisfied.
  This avoids the nightmare of a refusal years down the track because a sibling’s situation changed.

The AoS is more than just a form – it’s a long-term financial commitment. It can mean:

• a bond held by the government for up to 10 years,
• a requirement to maintain certain income levels, and
• potential liability if your parents claim some Centrelink payments.
  We sit with you and, if needed, a co-assurer (e.g. sibling, relative) to check actual numbers so you’re comfortable you can afford the AoS before lodging.

Parent visas involve a strict health assessment, and major conditions can lead to refusal. Before you invest the full government fee, it can be wise to:

• get detailed reports from their specialists,
• look at likely treatment costs in Australia, and
• do a pre-assessment with a migration professional experienced in health cases.
  We’ll be upfront if the risk is high, and talk through alternatives (such as structured visitor stays or other family options) so you’re not gambling with savings.

Contributory Parent cases can take several years, and life doesn’t stand still. You’ll need to keep the Department updated about:

• new passports, addresses or contact details,
• changes in marital status or household for you or your parents, and
• any serious health or legal issues.
  We usually set up a simple check-in schedule with families (every 6–12 months) to keep documents current, track announcements on parent visa queues, and make sure nothing quietly derails the application while everyone is busy living their lives.