Introduction

For millions of NRIs, the dream of reuniting with aging parents often clashes with complex immigration rules. Long wait times, income thresholds, and healthcare requirements make the process overwhelming. This 2025 guide cuts through the confusion, outlining the most viable parent visa pathways in top NRI destinations—along with actionable steps to help you begin your reunion journey.

Key Challenges for NRIs

• Lengthy processing periods (e.g., US Green Card: 10+ years)
• Minimum income and sponsorship hurdles
• Mandatory health insurance coverage
• “Public charge” and financial self-sufficiency evaluations
• Short visa durations vs. permanent stay aspirations

Country-by-Country Breakdown

1. United States (Green Card for Parents)

• Visa Type: IR-5 Visa (Immediate Relative)
• Sponsor Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen
• Requirements:
  • I-130 Petition and I-864 Affidavit of Support
  • Minimum income: 125% of Federal Poverty Guidelines
  • No mandatory health insurance, but highly recommended
• Processing Time: 12–18 months (if outside the U.S.)
• Citizenship: Eligible after 5 years

Pro Tip: Maintain strong financial records to avoid issues under public charge rules.

2. Canada (Parent/Grandparent Super Visa)

• Visa Type: Super Visa (Temporary)
• Requirements:
  • Sponsor income must exceed LICO + 30%
  • Medical insurance ($100,000+ coverage, valid for at least 1 year)
  • Invitation letter and relationship proof
• Processing Time: 30–120 days
• Stay Duration: Up to 5 years per entry, renewable

Alternative: PGP lottery expected to reopen in January 2025.

Pro Tip: Reapply with stronger “ties to home country” if initially rejected.

3. United Kingdom (Adult Dependent Relative Visa)

• Visa Type: Appendix FM
• Requirements:
  • Sponsor earns £29,000+ per year
  • Parent requires long-term personal care
  • Prove lack of adequate care in home country
• Processing Time: 12+ months
• Healthcare: £3,120 immigration health surcharge (5 years)
• Success Rate: <1%

Pro Tip: Consider the Long-Term Visitor Visa (6–11 months) as an interim option.

4. Australia (Aged Parent Visas)

• Visa Types:
  • Subclass 804 (Onshore)
  • Subclass 103 (Offshore)
• Requirements:
  • Balance of Family Test: 50% or more children must live in Australia
  • Assurance of Support bond (~$10,000 AUD)
• Wait Time: 30+ years

Faster Alternative:

• Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143/864) – Cost: ~$50,000 AUD
• Processing Time: 5–7 years

Pro Tip: Budget ahead for Contributory Visas to bypass decades-long wait.

5. United Arab Emirates (Residence Visa for Parents)

• Requirements:
  • Sponsor income: AED 20,000+ per month
  • Parent must pass a medical fitness test
  • Health insurance required
• Visa Duration: 1–5 years (renewable)
• Benefits: Access to healthcare, banking, education

Pro Tip: In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, parents may qualify for a 10-year Golden Visa if they invest AED 2 million or more.

Critical Considerations

• Health Insurance: Often mandatory. Compare options via our internal tool.
• Financial Planning: Sponsoring parents can require decades of financial support.
• Tax Implications: Parents may become tax residents in your country.
• Backup Plan: If denied, consider assisted living or elder care solutions in India.

Next Steps Checklist

• Confirm your own citizenship or permanent residency
• Calculate minimum income or asset requirements
• Collect official documents (birth/marriage certificates, translated and notarized)
• Schedule medical exams for parents early
• Consult a licensed immigration attorney

Conclusion

Reuniting with aging parents is emotionally fulfilling but bureaucratically complex. Start early, stay organized, and always have a backup plan. Subscribe to NRI Globe to get real-time alerts—especially when Canada’s PGP 2025 lottery opens.