When it comes to Australian parent visas, elderly applicants (aged 67+) are generally better suited to the Subclass 864 Contributory Aged Parent Visa rather than the Subclass 143 Contributory Parent Visa. Here’s why:

1. Bridging Visa Protection (Stay Legally Onshore, Avoid Exit Risks)

864 Visa (Onshore Application):
Once lodged, applicants automatically receive a Bridging Visa A (BVA), allowing them to remain lawfully in Australia until a decision is made, without the need to leave the country. For short overseas trips, they can apply for a Bridging Visa B (BVB), usually granted for up to one year, ensuring hassle-free travel. If the BVB expires, they can still re-enter on a tourist visa and reactivate the BVA.

143 Visa (Offshore Application):
Applicants must remain offshore while waiting. If they are in Australia on a Visitor (Subclass 600) visa, they are often subject to the “No Further Stay” condition (8503), preventing them from lodging an 864 onshore. This means frequent visa renewals and exits, which is highly inconvenient for elderly or medically vulnerable parents.

2. Medical Checks & Health Risks (More Humanitarian Waiver Options)

864 Visa (Onshore Application):
If parents suffer from chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension) or serious illnesses (e.g., cancer), applicants may submit medical reports, family connection evidence, and humanitarian appeals to increase their chances of approval.
Case Example: A 75-year-old lung cancer patient had been living with children in Australia for over a decade. Even though medical standards were not met, the Department of Home Affairs did not enforce departure, considering strong humanitarian factors.

143 Visa (Offshore Application):
If health requirements are not met (e.g., during post-surgery recovery), the visa can be refused outright, sometimes impacting secondary applicants as well.
Practical Solutions:
– If one parent fails health checks, submit divorce or separation documents to split the application, protecting the healthy applicant.
– Provide detailed medical reports and recovery assessments (e.g., surgery dates, prognosis) to request individual case consideration.

Action Tips:
✔ If your parents are over 67 and already in Australia on a valid visa (without 8503 condition), the 864 visa should be the priority.
✔ If health concerns exist, prepare medical documents, family-tie evidence, and humanitarian statements early to maximize approval chances.