I’m trying to bring my retired parents to Australia for a month. They have no income of their own. I’ve included my bank statements and a sponsorship letter, but I’m worried the visa officer might think they have “no reason to return” since they’re retired. For those who’ve successfully sponsored parents, what extra ties to home did you include? Property deeds? Family photos?
For retired parents, add property papers (in English),Retirement documents, ID copies of family staying in India, and any rent agreement or income proof to show strong ties to return, along with your sponsorship and bank statements.
Yes, including property deeds and evidence of other family members in your home country is essential for a successful application. Since retired parents lack employment ties, the officer looks for asset ownership and emotional anchors to ensure they will return. Property deeds, investment records, and proof of other children or grandchildren remaining in your home country are the strongest proofs of return intent.
Retired parents aren’t automatically a problem, but officers do look closely at home ties. What usually makes a difference is showing they have a settled life back home — property ownership is very strong, pension or retirement letters help even if the amount is small, and evidence that close family remains in the home country (other children or grandchildren). Family photos by themselves don’t carry much weight unless they support something formal. Since you’re already sponsoring them, the focus should be on proving this is a short visit, not a migration attempt.