Parent Visa Sponsor's "Settled" Status Explained – A Complete Guide
Australia’s immigration law defines "settled" as having "lawfully resided in Australia for a reasonable period."
This guide breaks down how sponsors (Australian citizens/PRs) can prove they meet this requirement for parent visa applications (e.g., Subclass 103, 143, 804, 864).
1. What Counts as "Settled"?
✅ Permitted Stay Periods:
Time spent in Australia on student/work visas counts.
Time on a Bridging Visa (while awaiting a substantive visa, e.g., PR) counts.
❌ Excluded Periods:
Time spent on Bridging Visa E (BVE) (for unlawful non-citizens preparing to depart).
2. "Settled" Requirements at Visa Application Stage
Generally, sponsors are considered settled unless:
They left Australia for 2+ years before applying, AND
Were still overseas when lodging the application.
3. "Settled" Requirements at Visa Grant Stage
Category 1: Simplest Case
✔ Sponsor lived in Australia for 2+ years before applying (excluding short trips <4 months).
Even if they were overseas when applying, they still qualify.
Category 2: Sponsor in Australia but Had Long Absences
If the sponsor:
Is currently in Australia, BUT
Was overseas for 4+ months in the 2 years before applying, they must provide:
Evidence of Settlement:
·Employment proof (tax returns, payslips, employer letter, business ownership).
·Property/lease documents (mortgage, rental agreement).
·School enrollment (if sponsor has school-age children).
·Bank statements (long-term activity, not just recent deposits).
·Reason for long absence (e.g., caring for sick relative, work assignment).
·Future school plans (for pre-school children).
·Child’s Australian citizenship proof (if applicable).
Visa officers assess this holistically.
Category 3: Sponsor Overseas for 2+ Years Before Applying
Must prove:
Temporary overseas assignment (e.g., work contract showing return to Australia).
Continued ties to Australia (e.g., paid by an Australian employer, paying AU taxes).
Other documents (same as Category 2, points 2–7).
4. Special Case: Australian Citizens
Same "settled" rules apply as for PRs.
Exception: If there are compassionate reasons, a citizen may sponsor after:
Just 3 months in Australia, OR
If they’re currently in Australia (even if recently returned).