An immigration consultation between Jenny, a registered migration agent, and Mrs Liu, an Australian permanent resident. They discuss parent migration pathways for Mrs Liu’s elderly parents in China following the loss of her brother, covering the Balance of Family Test, contributory versus non-contributory options, the Assurance of Support, and health assessment requirements.
- Jenny · turn 1
Good morning, Mrs Liu. My name is Jenny. I’m a registered migration agent. Before we discuss any particular visa option, I’d like to get a better understanding of your circumstances. How can I help you today?
早安，劉太太。我叫珍妮（Jenny），我是一名註冊移民代理。在我們討論任何具體的簽證類別之前，我想先更深入地了解您的具體情況。今天有甚麼我可以幫您的嗎？
- Mrs Liu · turn 2
早上好。我想替我父母申請簽證，讓他們移民來澳大利亞。我在國外生活十幾年了，一直沒甚麼機會在他們身邊盡孝。現在他們年紀也大了，所以我想了解一下，給他們辦甚麼樣的簽證最合適。
Good morning. I'd like to apply for a visa for my parents so they can migrate to Australia. I've been living overseas for over a decade and haven't had much opportunity to care for them in person. Now that they're getting on in years, I'd like to find out which visa pathway would be most suitable for them.
- Jenny · turn 3
Certainly. First of all, could you tell me about your residency status? In particular, are you an Australian citizen or permanent resident? If you’re a permanent resident, when was your permanent residency granted?
沒問題。首先，您能否告訴我您的居留身分？具體來說，您是澳洲公民還是永久居民？如果您是永久居民，您的永久居留身分是何時獲批的？
- Mrs Liu · turn 4
我是澳大利亞永久居民，持有保護簽證。我在2015年3月來澳大利亞尋求庇護，後來在2016年1月獲批永久居留。從那以後，我基本上一直住在澳大利亞，只有偶爾回中國探望父母。
I'm an Australian permanent resident on a protection visa. I came to Australia seeking asylum in March 2015, and was granted permanent residency in January 2016. Since then, I've basically lived in Australia continuously, only occasionally returning to China to visit my parents.
- Jenny · turn 5
All right. Based on what you’ve told me, you appear to meet the basic residency requirement to sponsor your parents. We would still need to check the other eligibility criteria and your supporting documents. Depending on the visa pathway, there may also be financial requirements. Another important issue is your family composition. How many children, including stepchildren, do your parents have, and where are those children currently living?
好的。根據您的陳述，您似乎符合擔保父母的基本居留要求。不過我們仍需要核對其他資格標準和您的證明文件。視簽證途徑而定，可能還會有經濟能力方面的要求。另一個重要問題是您的家庭結構。您的父母總共有幾個子女（包括繼子女），這些子女目前居住在哪裡？
- Mrs Liu · turn 6
我父母本來只有兩個孩子，就是我和我哥哥。但是我哥哥兩個月前因癌症在中國去世了。對中國父母來說，晚年喪子是非常沉重的打擊。我現在是他們唯一在世的孩子。他們目前還住在中國，身邊沒有其他子女照顧。我不想他們年紀大了以後成為空巢老人，所以希望能盡快把他們接到澳大利亞，讓他們跟我一起生活，由我來照顧他們。
My parents originally only had two children: myself and my older brother. But my brother passed away from cancer in China two months ago. For Chinese parents, losing a child in their old age is a devastating blow. I am now their only surviving child. They're currently still living in China with no other children around to care for them. I don't want them to be left as empty nesters in their old age, so I hope to bring them to Australia as soon as possible to live with me so I can look after them.
- Jenny · turn 7
I understand. Given that you’re their only remaining child and you’ve been settled in Australia for a considerable period, there may be a suitable parent migration pathway available to them. One of the matters we would need to consider is the Balance of Family Test. Broadly speaking, this test looks at how many of your parents’ children are eligible children living permanently in Australia compared with those living overseas. We would need to examine your family circumstances carefully and provide the appropriate evidence, including documentation relating to your brother.
我理解您的心情。鑑於您是他們唯一健在的子女，並且您已在澳洲定居了相當長的時間，他們可能符合適用的父母移民途徑。我們需要考慮的關鍵事項之一是「家庭成員均衡比例測試」（Balance of Family Test）。概括來說，這項測試評估您父母有多少子女是永久居住在澳洲的合資格子女，並與居住在海外的子女數量進行比較。我們需要仔細審查您的家庭情況並提供相應證據，包括與您哥哥相關的文件。
- Mrs Liu · turn 8
明白。我哥哥的死亡證明和醫院的相關文件，我父母都保存著。如果申請需要的話，我可以請他們把這些材料寄給我。另外，我聽朋友說，父母移民簽證好像有兩種，一種是普通的排隊類父母簽證，費用比較低；另一種是付費或者貢獻類父母簽證。請問這兩種有甚麼主要區別？
Understood. My parents have kept my brother's death certificate and relevant hospital documents. If needed for the application, I can ask them to send those materials to me. Also, I heard from friends that there seem to be two types of parent visas: standard non-contributory queued parent visas, which are cheaper, and contributory parent visas. What are the main differences between these two?
- Jenny · turn 9
The main differences are the cost and the expected processing arrangements. With the non-contributory Parent visa pathway, the visa application charge is considerably lower, but demand is very high and places are limited, so applicants can face a very lengthy wait. The Contributory Parent visa pathway involves substantially higher visa application charges. There can also be additional financial obligations associated with the application. However, compared with the non-contributory pathway, the waiting period is generally much shorter.
主要區別在於費用以及預期的審理週期安排。在非付費（排隊類）父母簽證途徑下，簽證申請費要低得多，但申請需求非常大且配額極其有限，因此申請人可能面臨非常漫長的等待。而付費（貢獻類）父母簽證途徑的簽證申請費則要高出許多，並且可能還涉及額外的財務責任。然而，與排隊類相比，其等待時間通常要短得多。
- Mrs Liu · turn 10
如果是這樣，我可能會選擇付費父母移民。雖然費用高很多，但我父母已經上年紀了，我不希望他們再等很多年。我想盡早把他們接過來，只要費用是我們家庭能夠承擔的，我覺得還是值得。不過，他們無論申請哪一種父母簽證，都需要符合健康方面的要求，對嗎？
If that's the case, I might opt for contributory parent migration. Even though the cost is much higher, my parents are already quite old, and I don't want them waiting for years and years. I want to bring them here as soon as possible; as long as the expense is within our family's means, I think it's worth it. But whichever parent visa they apply for, they both have to meet health requirements, right?
- Jenny · turn 11
Yes. Health requirements form part of the visa assessment. Your parents may be asked to undergo specified health examinations as part of the application process. The exact examinations required will depend on their circumstances and the Department’s requirements. You should also be aware that the health assessment is separate from the question of whether you’re eligible to sponsor them.
是的。健康要求是簽證審批的重要組成部分。在申請過程中，您的父母可能會被要求進行指定的健康檢查。具體需要進行哪些體檢項目將取決於他們的個人情況以及移民局的要求。您還應該明白，健康評估與您是否具備擔保資格是兩個獨立的評估環節。
- Mrs Liu · turn 12
這個我有點擔心。我父母都有一些慢性病。我爸爸有高血壓和高膽固醇，我媽媽有二型糖尿病，但是目前都有按時吃藥，病情也比較穩定。我聽朋友說，如果老人有「三高」、糖尿病或者其他慢性病，父母移民簽證被拒的風險會比較高。這是真的嗎？
That's something I'm a bit concerned about. Both my parents have some chronic illnesses. My father has hypertension and high cholesterol, and my mother has type 2 diabetes, but they currently take their medications on time and their conditions are relatively stable. I heard from friends that if elderly parents have the 'three highs', diabetes or other chronic diseases, the risk of their parent visa being refused is quite high. Is that true?
- Jenny · turn 13
I can’t give you a definite answer based only on the medical conditions you’ve mentioned. The health assessment involves specific criteria, and the outcome depends on the individual circumstances of each applicant. This brochure explains the health requirement in more detail. When the time comes, your parents may need to attend an approved medical examination, and further medical information could be requested if necessary.
單憑您提到的這些病況，我無法給您一個絕對的定論。健康評估涉及一套具體的審核標準，最終結果取決於每位申請人的具體情況。這本宣傳冊對健康要求有更詳細的說明。屆時，您的父母可能需要前往指定的醫療機構體檢，如有必要，移民局也可能會要求提供進一步的醫療資料。
- Mrs Liu · turn 14
好的，那我回去仔細看看。如果移民局要求他們提供以前的病歷、檢查報告或者目前服用的藥物資料，我也可以提前讓他們準備好。剛才你還提到有一些額外的經濟要求。除了簽證申請費以外，我還需要替他們支付甚麼費用嗎？
Okay, I'll take a close look at it when I get back. If the Department requires them to provide past medical records, test reports, or details of their current medications, I can also have them prepare those in advance. You also mentioned some additional financial requirements earlier. Apart from the visa application charge, what other costs will I need to pay for them?
- Jenny · turn 15
One important requirement you need to be aware of is the Assurance of Support. Depending on the visa, an Assurance of Support may be required before the visa can be granted. Its purpose is to provide a financial safety net so that certain migrants don’t have to rely on recoverable Australian social security payments during the relevant period. The assurer must meet the applicable requirements, and a financial bond may also be required.
您需要注意的一項重要要求是「經濟擔保」（Assurance of Support, AoS）。視簽證類別而定，在簽證獲批前可能必須提供經濟擔保。其目的是建立一個財務安全網，以確保某些移民在特定年限內無需依賴可追討的澳洲社會福利金。擔保人必須符合相應的收入要求，並且可能還需要繳納一筆經濟擔保保證金（bond）。
- Mrs Liu · turn 16
也就是說，如果我作為他們的擔保人，就需要證明自己有足夠的經濟能力，而且可能還要交一筆保證金，是這個意思嗎？我現在有全職工作，也有自己的房子。如果需要提供工資單、銀行流水、報稅記錄或者其他收入證明，我都可以準備。
In other words, if I act as their assurer, I would need to prove I have sufficient financial capability, and might also have to pay a bond—is that what you mean? I currently have a full-time job and own my own home. If payslips, bank statements, tax assessment notices or other income evidence are required, I can provide all of them.
- Jenny · turn 17
Those documents may certainly be useful, although we’ll need to determine exactly what evidence is required at each stage. Also, sponsorship and the Assurance of Support are related to the migration process but are not exactly the same thing, so it’s important not to confuse the two. Before lodging anything, I’d recommend that we confirm your parents’ eligibility, identify the most appropriate visa subclass and calculate the likely government charges and other financial commitments.
這些文件肯定會有用，不過我們需要確定每個階段具體需要哪些證據。此外，簽證擔保人（sponsorship）與經濟擔保人（Assurance of Support）雖然都與移民程序相關，但兩者並非完全同一回事，切勿將兩者混淆。在遞交任何申請之前，我建議我們先確認您父母的資格，選定最合適的簽證類別，並精確計算預期的政府收費及其他各項財務承諾。
- Mrs Liu · turn 18
明白。我主要還是希望他們能永久留在澳大利亞，而不是每隔幾個月就要回中國。如果貢獻類父母簽證能讓他們比較早取得永久居留，我願意認真考慮。那麼，我現在第一步應該做甚麼？是不是先把我父母的護照、出生證明和我們的親屬關係證明準備好？
Understood. My main priority is for them to be able to stay in Australia permanently, rather than having to return to China every few months. If a contributory parent visa allows them to obtain permanent residency sooner, I'm willing to consider it seriously. So what should my very first step be right now? Should I first prepare their passports, birth certificates, and proof of our family relationship?
- Jenny · turn 19
That would be a good start. We’ll need identity documents and evidence of your relationship with your parents. Given your particular family circumstances, documents concerning your late brother may also be relevant. If any documents are not in English, you may need to arrange appropriate translations. I’ll give you a document checklist so you can start gathering the information systematically rather than submitting documents one at a time.
這是一個很好的開始。我們需要身分證明文件以及您與父母親屬關係的證據。鑑於您的特殊家庭背景，與您已故哥哥相關的文件也可能至關重要。如果有任何文件不是英文的，您可能需要安排合資格的翻譯。我會給您一份文件核對清單，以便您能系統地收集資料，而不是零零星星地遞交文件。
- Mrs Liu · turn 20
好的，這樣方便很多。我父母有些文件年代比較久了，我需要先跟他們確認能不能找到。如果缺少甚麼材料，我再想辦法補辦。另外，整個申請可能需要很長時間吧？在等待永久父母簽證期間，他們可以先申請其他簽證來澳大利亞探望我嗎？
Great, that's much more convenient. Some of my parents' documents are quite old, so I'll need to check with them first to see if they can be found. If anything is missing, I'll figure out how to get replacements. Also, the whole application probably takes a long time, right? While waiting for the permanent parent visa, can they apply for other visas to come and visit me in Australia first?
- Jenny · turn 21
There may be temporary visa options available, but we would need to assess those separately. Holding or applying for one visa doesn’t automatically guarantee that another visa will be granted. We would need to look at their circumstances, the conditions attached to any visa they hold, and the requirements applicable at the time. For now, I suggest that we concentrate on determining the most appropriate permanent parent visa pathway and getting the supporting documentation in order.
可能有一些臨時簽證方案可供選擇，但我們需要單獨進行評估。持有或申請某種簽證並不自動保證另一種簽證一定會獲批。我們需要審視他們的具體情況、他們所持任何簽證附帶的限制條件，以及當時適用的法規要求。目前，我建議我們先集中精力確定最合適的永久父母簽證途徑，並把各項證明材料準備齊全。
- Mrs Liu · turn 22
好的，感謝你的指點。我今天回去以後就馬上開始整理資料，跟我父母聯絡，讓他們把能找到的證件和醫療資料都準備好。申請過程中我可能還會遇到其他問題，到時候再來請教你。
All right, thank you very much for your guidance. As soon as I get home today, I'll start organising the paperwork, contact my parents, and ask them to get whatever documents and medical records they can find ready. I might encounter other questions during the application process, and I'll come back and consult you then.
- Jenny · turn 23
Of course. Take this brochure and the document checklist with you. Once you’ve gathered the main documents, make another appointment and we can go through everything together. We can then discuss the appropriate visa subclass, the likely costs and the next steps before you lodge the application.
當然可以。請把這份宣傳冊和文件核對清單帶回去。等您收集齊主要文件後，再預約一次諮詢，我們一起逐項核對。然後我們可以在遞交申請前，詳細討論最適合的簽證類別、預估費用以及下一步行動。
- Mrs Liu · turn 24
好的，非常感謝。今天你解釋得很清楚，我現在對整個申請程序了解多了。我先回去準備材料，整理好之後再跟你預約。謝謝，再見。
All right, thank you so much. You've explained everything very clearly today, and I understand the overall application process much better now. I'll head back and prepare the materials first, and make another appointment with you once they're organised. Thank you, goodbye.
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