Parent Visa Program

Australia’s Parent Visa Program enables parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to join their children and live in Australia. The program offers both temporary and permanent visa options, allowing flexibility based on personal circumstances. Processing times can differ depending on the type of visa chosen, with permanent options generally taking longer.

To be eligible for a parent visa, applicants typically need to meet certain criteria, such as the balance-of-family test, which checks if more of their children are living in Australia than anywhere else. Applicants also need to meet financial requirements and may have to prove they can support themselves during their stay in Australia. Processing times can vary depending on the type of visa being applied for, with permanent visas generally taking longer to process.

Contributory Parent Visa

Subclass 143
Contributory Parent Visa

A permanent visa that allows parents to live in Australia with their children who are already settled there as citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. This visa is designed for parents who want a long-term or permanent stay in Australia to be close to their family.

Subclass 173
Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa

This visa is designed for parents who want to join their children in Australia without committing to a permanent visa right away. However, the 173 visa can also be a stepping stone to a permanent parent visa, such as the Subclass 143 Contributory Parent (Permanent) Visa, if the parents choose to extend their stay.

Subclass 864
Contributory Aged Parent Visa

A permanent visa specifically designed for parents who are considered "aged," which generally means they are old enough to qualify for an Australian age pension. This visa provides a pathway for older parents to reunite with their children who are already settled in Australia.

Parent & Aged Parent Visas

Subclass 103
Parent Visa

The Subclass 103 Parent Visa grants parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens the opportunity to live in Australia permanently. This visa provides a pathway for parents to reunite with their families and establish a long-term home in Australia.

Subclass 870
Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa

The Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent Temporary Visa allows parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia temporarily. With this visa, parents can stay in Australia for up to five years, with the option to reapply, offering a flexible way for families to spend extended time together.

Subclass 804
Aged Parent Visa

The Subclass 804 Aged Parent Visa allows elderly parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia permanently. This visa is designed for older parents who wish to stay in Australia long-term and join their family, providing a pathway to a secure and lasting home in Australia.

Frequently

Asked       

Questions

  • The best visa for parents depends on their goals and needs. For a short-term stay, the Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent Temporary Visa allows parents to stay for up to five years, with the option to reapply. For permanent residence, parents may consider the Subclass 103 Parent Visa or the Subclass 804 Aged Parent Visa (for elderly parents), which provide long-term solutions but have longer processing times.

  • Parent visa applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, which may include the balance-of-family test (where the majority of the applicant’s children live in Australia), financial capacity to support themselves, and health and character assessments. Some visas, like the Subclass 870, also require a sponsor who is an eligible family member.

  • The stay duration varies by visa type. For example, the Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent Temporary Visa allows parents to stay for up to five years at a time, while permanent visas, such as the Subclass 103 and 804, allow parents to stay in Australia indefinitely.

  • Processing times vary significantly depending on the visa. Temporary visas, like the Subclass 870, are generally faster to process. Permanent visas, such as the Subclass 103 and Subclass 804, can have longer wait times due to high demand.

  • The conditions for a parent visa depend on the specific visa type but generally include the following requirements:

    1. Balance-of-Family Test: For many parent visas, at least half of the applicant's children must live in Australia, or more children must reside in Australia than in any other country.

    2. Sponsorship: A parent visa applicant usually needs a sponsor, typically an eligible Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, who is their child.

    3. Financial Capacity: Some parent visas require applicants to demonstrate financial means to support themselves, or the sponsor may need to provide an assurance of support.

    4. Age Requirements: For certain visas, like the Subclass 804 Aged Parent Visa, applicants must meet age requirements based on Australian pension eligibility.

    5. Health and Character Assessments: All parent visa applicants must pass health and character checks to ensure they meet Australia’s standards.

    6. Visa-Specific Conditions: Some visas, like the Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent Temporary Visa, have conditions such as no work rights and the need to maintain private health insurance for the duration of their stay.

    These conditions ensure that parents meet Australia’s entry requirements and have appropriate support for their stay.