PARENT VISAS
These visas are for parents, including parents in retirement age who have a child / children in Australia who are a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen (sponsor).
There are different options: Temporary and Permanent parent visas.
Temporary:
Permanent:
You need to pass the test if you are applying for one of these visas:
103 – Parent
143 – Contributory Parent
173 – Contributory Parent (Temporary)
804 – Aged Parent
864 – Contributory Aged Parent
884 – Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary)
Applicant’s and their partner’s children, including stepchildren and adopted children, are counted in the balance of family test.
Children are not counted if they:
- are deceased
- have been removed from their parents’ exclusive legal custody by adoption, court order or operation of law
- are registered by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) as refugees and live in a camp operated by the UNHCR
- live in a country where they suffer persecution or human rights abuse and can’t be reunited with their parents in another country
A stepchild is:
- your current partner’s child, or
- your former partner’s child who is under 18 years of age and in relation to whom you have guardianship, custody or a parenting order in force under the Family Law Act 1975. Stepchildren born from polygamous or concurrent relationships are not counted in the balance of family test
| Examples of calculating when a parent would pass the balance-of-family test | ||||||
| Total number of children | Children living permanently in Australia | Children in country A | Children in country B | Children in country C | Children in country D | Passes test? |
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Yes |
| 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Yes |
| 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | No |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | No |
| 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Yes |
| 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | No |
| 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | No |
| 5 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | No |
| 5 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Yes |
| 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Yes |
| 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | No |
A child is an eligible child if they are:
Children who are in Australia on a temporary visa are NOT considered as eligible children.
This visa allows you to live, work and study in Australia for up to 2 years. A holder of this visa can enrol in Australia’s public health care scheme, Medicare. You can travel outside Australia and return as many times as you want within two years from the date the visa is granted. This visa leads you to permanent residency – you can apply for a permanent Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143).
You can be in or outside Australia when you apply for the visa. You must be outside Australia when the visa is decided (Covid-19 concession may be applied).
Primary Requirements for applicants:
- Be sponsored
- Meet the balance-of-family test
- Meet health requirements
- Meet character requirements (a police certificate from every country where you spent a total of 12 months or more in the last 10 years since you turned 16)
- Not have already applied for or hold a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) (Subclass 870) visa when applying for this visa
Primary Requirements for sponsors:
- An Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Settled and usually resident in Australia (have lived lawfully in Australia for a reasonable period, usually at least 2 years)
- 18 years old or older
- Must agree to provide accommodation and financial support for sponsored applicants
The Department of Home Affairs fee:
- AUD 31,930
- There is an additional charge for each family member who applies with you
You pay for this visa in 2 parts called instalments.
Applying for this temporary subclass 173 visa before the permanent subclass 143 visa lets you spread the costs of your immigration over a number of years.
This visa allows you to live, work and study in Australia for up to 2 years. A holder of this visa can enrol in Australia’s public health care scheme, Medicare. You can travel outside Australia and return as many times as you want within two years from the date the visa is granted. This visa leads you to permanent residency – you can apply for a permanent Contributory Aged Parent visa (subclass 864).
You must be in Australia when you apply for this visa and when the visa is decided.
Primary Requirements for applicants:
- Be sponsored
- Be pension age (see below)
- The visa you currently hold when apply must not have a no further stay condition on it
- Meet the balance-of-family test
- Meet health requirements
- Meet character requirements (a police certificate from every country where you spent a total of 12 months or more in the last 10 years since you turned 16)
- Not have already applied for or hold a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) (Subclass 870) visa when applying for this visa
Primary Requirements for sponsors:
- An Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen
- 18 years old or older
- Must agree to provide support, housing and financial help for the first 2 years the applicant lives in Australia
The Department of Home Affairs fee:
- AUD 33,285
- There is an additional charge for each family member who applies with you
You pay for this visa in 2 parts called instalments.
Applying for this temporary subclass 884 visa before the permanent subclass 864 visa lets you spread the costs of your immigration over a number of years.
This temporary visa lets a parent reunite with children, visit Australia for up to 3 or 5 years per visa. You can travel to and from Australia as many times as you want while the visa is valid.
You can re-apply for further Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visas to visit up to a maximum period of 10 years in Australia.
You can NOT work in Australia while you hold this visa.
This visa does not lead to permanent residence.
You must be outside Australia when you apply for this visa, unless you have Permission to Apply in Australia. You can be in or outside Australia when the visa is decided.
Primary Requirements for applicants:
- Be the biological, legal (including adoptive) parent, step-parent or parent in-law of the sponsor
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be sponsored
- Meet health requirements
- Meet character requirements (a police certificate from every country where you spent a total of 12 months or more in the last 10 years since you turned 16)
- Must have access to sufficient funds to meet the costs and expenses of your intended stay in Australia
- Must intend to stay only temporarily in Australia and do only the things the visa allows you to do
- Must have and maintain adequate arrangements for health insurance from an Australian Health Insurance provider to cover any unforeseen medical treatment you might need while you are in Australia
- Cannot include family members in your visa application
Primary Requirements for sponsors:
- Be An Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Be settled and usually resident in Australia (have lived lawfully in Australia for a reasonable period, usually at least 4 years)
- If you are sponsoring your Partner’s parents, your Partner must also be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen
- 18 years old or older
- Have no debt to the Australian government
- Taxable income must be at least equal to, or greater than AUD 83,455 per year
- Meet character requirements (a police certificate from every country where you spent a total of 12 months or more in the last 10 years since you turned 16)
- Must agree to provide support, housing and financial help while the applicant is in Australia and pay outstanding public health debts incurred by your parent in Australia
- Must apply to become an approved Parent Sponsor
The Department of Home Affairs fee:
- Visa application:
Up to 3 years – AUD 5,000
Up to 5 years – AUD 10,000
- Sponsorship application – AUD 420
You pay for this visa in 2 parts called instalments.
This visa allows you to live, work and study in Australia permanently. A holder of this visa can enrol in Australia’s public health care scheme, Medicare.
You can sponsor your family members to come to Australia.
You can travel to and from Australia as many times as you want for 5 years from the date this visa is granted.
If you want to travel after the initial 5-year travel facility:
- you will need to apply for and be granted a Resident Return (RRV)
- if you become an Australian citizen, you don’t require a visa to enter Australia
Processing times for this visa can be 3-5 years.
You can be in or outside Australia when you apply for the visa.
Primary Requirements for applicants (excluding retiree path):
- Be sponsored
- Meet the balance-of-family test
- Meet health requirements
- Meet character requirements (a police certificate from every country where you spent a total of 12 months or more in the last 10 years since you turned 16)
- Must be able to obtain an assurance of support
- Must not have any debt to the Australian government
- Not have already applied for or hold a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) (Subclass 870) visa when applying for this visa.
Primary Requirements for sponsors:
- An Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Settled and usually resident in Australia (have lived lawfully in Australia for a reasonable period, usually at least 2 years)
- 18 years old or older
- Must agree to provide support, housing and financial help for the first 2 years the applicant lives in Australia.
The Department of Home Affairs fee
- AUD 47,755
- There is an additional charge for each family member who applies with you
You pay for this visa in 2 parts called instalments.
This visa allows you to live, work and study in Australia permanently. A holder of this visa can enrol in Australia’s public health care scheme, Medicare.
You can sponsor your family members to come to Australia.
You can travel to and from Australia as many times as you want for 5 years from the date this visa is granted.
If you want to travel after the initial 5-year travel facility:
- you will need to apply for and be granted a Resident Return (RRV)
- if you become an Australian citizen, you don’t require a visa to enter Australia
Processing times for this visa can be 3-4 years.
You must be in Australia when you apply for this visa.
Primary Requirements for applicants:
- Be sponsored
- Be pension age
- The visa you currently hold when apply must not have a no further stay condition on it
- Must be able to obtain an assurance of support
- Meet the balance-of-family test
- Meet health requirements
- Meet character requirements (a police certificate from every country where you spent a total of 12 months or more in the last 10 years since you turned 16)
- Not have already applied for or hold a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) (Subclass 870) visa when applying for this visa
Primary Requirements for sponsors:
- An Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen
- 18 years old or older
- Must agree to provide support, housing and financial help for the first 2 years the applicant lives in Australia
The Department of Home Affairs fee
- AUD 47,755
- There is an additional charge for each family member who applies with you
You pay for this visa in 2 parts called instalments.
This permanent visa lets a parent immigrate to Australia to be with their children.
This visa allows you to live, work and study in Australia permanently. A holder of this visa can enrol in Australia’s public health care scheme, Medicare.
You can sponsor your family members to come to Australia.
You can travel to and from Australia as many times as you want for 5 years from the date this visa is granted.
If you want to travel after the initial 5-year travel facility:
- you will need to apply for and be granted a Resident Return (RRV)
- if you become an Australian citizen, you don’t require a visa to enter Australia
Processing times for this visa can be up to 30 years.
You can be in or outside Australia when you apply for the visa.
Primary Requirements for applicants (excluding retiree path):
- Be sponsored
- Must be able to obtain an assurance of support
- Have health insurance
- Meet the balance-of-family test
- Meet health requirements
- Meet character requirements (a police certificate from every country where you spent a total of 12 months or more in the last 10 years since you turned 16)
- Not have already applied for or hold a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) (Subclass 870) visa when applying for this visa
- Must not have any debt to the Australian government (you or any family members) or have an approved formal arrangement to pay it back.
Primary Requirements for sponsors:
- An Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen
- 18 years old or older
- Must agree to provide support, housing and financial help for the first 2 years the applicant lives in Australia
The Department of Home Affairs fee:
- AUD 6,415
- There is an additional charge for each family member who applies with you
You pay for this visa in 2 parts called instalments.
This visa allows you to live, work and study in Australia permanently. A holder of this visa can enrol in Australia’s public health care scheme, Medicare.
You can sponsor your family members to come to Australia.
You can travel to and from Australia as many times as you want for 5 years from the date this visa is granted.
If you want to travel after the initial 5-year travel facility:
- you will need to apply for and be granted a Resident Return (RRV)
- if you become an Australian citizen, you don’t require a visa to enter Australia
Processing times for this visa can be up to 15 years.
You must be in Australia when you apply for this visa.
Primary Requirements for applicants:
- Be sponsored
- Be pension age
- Meet the balance-of-family test
- Meet health requirements
- Meet character requirements (a police certificate from every country where you spent a total of 12 months or more in the last 10 years since you turned 16)
- Must be able to obtain an assurance of support
- Have paid back your debt to the Australian government
- Not have already applied for or hold a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) (Subclass 870) visa when applying for this visa
Primary Requirements for sponsors:
- An Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Settled and usually resident in Australia (have lived lawfully in Australia for a reasonable period, usually at least 2 years)
- 18 years old or older
- Must agree to provide support, housing and financial help for the first 2 years the applicant lives in Australia.
The Department of Home Affairs fee:
- AUD 6,415
- There is an additional charge for each family member who applies with you
You pay for this visa in 2 parts called instalments.
The pension age will be gradually increased from 65 to 67 years as set out in the table below.
| Period within which a person was born | Pension age | Date pension age changes |
| From 1 July 1952 to 31 December 1953 | 65 years and 6 months | 1 July 2017 |
| From 1 January 1954 to 30 June 1955 | 66 years | 1 July 2019 |
| From 1 July 1955 to 31 December 1956 | 66 years and 6 months | 1 July 2021 |
| From 1 January 1957 onwards | 67 years | 1 July 2023 |
An assurance of support (Aos) is a legal agreement to help someone get a visa to live in Australia.
AoS is a legally binding and unconditional commitment by an Australian resident (the assurer) to repay certain Australian social security payments that have been paid to migrants (the assurees) during their respective AoS period.
It’s your promise to pay the Australian Government back for any social security payments that were given to the visa applicant.
To get some types of visas you must have an assurance of support. These are any of the following:
- an aged dependent relative visa
- a contributory parent or contributory aged parent visa
- a parent or aged parent visa
- a remaining relative visa.
Discover the Types of Parent Visas in Australia: From Temporary to Permanent Options
Australia offers a variety of parent visas designed to reunite families and provide parents with the opportunity to live with their children who are Australian citizens or permanent residents. These visas fall into two main categories: temporary and permanent. Temporary visas allow parents to stay in Australia for a limited period, while permanent visas grant indefinite residence. Each type of parent visa is tailored to specific circumstances, offering flexibility and options for families.
Some popular parent visa options include the Subclass 103 Parent Visa, which is a non-contributory permanent visa, and the Subclass 143 Contributory Parent Visa, known for its faster processing but higher costs. For older parents, the Subclass 804 Aged Parent Visa and the Subclass 864 Contributory Aged Parent Visa are excellent options. Temporary visas such as the Subclass 173 Contributory Parent Visa and the Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent Visa allow parents to stay in Australia for a shorter duration, often serving as a stepping stone to permanent residency.
These visas are designed to accommodate diverse family situations, ensuring that every family has a viable path to reunification.
Essential Requirements for Australian Parent Visas: Everything You Need to Know
Before applying for a parent visa, it’s crucial to understand the eligibility criteria. One of the primary requirements is the Balance of Family Test, which determines whether the majority of an applicant’s children live in Australia as citizens or permanent residents. This test ensures that the applicant has close ties to Australia.
Other essential requirements include:
- Sponsorship: The applicant must be sponsored by their child or another eligible relative in Australia.
- Health and Character Checks: Applicants need to meet specific health standards and pass character assessments to ensure they do not pose a risk to Australian society.
- Assurance of Support: This financial requirement ensures that the applicant will not rely on government welfare payments during their stay.
Understanding these requirements will help you prepare a successful application and avoid unnecessary delays.
How to Apply for a Parent Visa in Australia: Step-by-Step Guide
Applying for a parent visa involves several steps, and preparation is key to a smooth process:
- Determine Eligibility: Ensure you meet all the requirements, including the Balance of Family Test and sponsorship criteria.
- Choose the Right Visa: Decide between temporary and permanent options based on your circumstances and goals.
- Gather Documentation: Collect essential documents, including proof of relationship, financial stability, and health checks.
- Submit the Application: Lodge your application online or via paper, depending on the visa subclass.
- Pay the Fees: Be prepared for visa application fees, which vary depending on the type of visa.
- Wait for Processing: Processing times can vary significantly. Contributory visas are generally processed faster than non-contributory visas.
- Prepare for the Outcome: Once your visa is granted, you can make arrangements to travel to Australia and reunite with your family.
Professional assistance from migration agents can help ensure that your application is complete and meets all requirements.
Temporary vs. Permanent Parent Visas in Australia: Key Differences Explained
Choosing between a temporary and permanent parent visa depends on your goals, budget, and timeline.
- Temporary Visas: Options like the Subclass 173 or Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent Visa are ideal for short-term stays. These visas often have faster processing times but must be renewed or transitioned to a permanent visa later.
- Permanent Visas: Subclass 103 and Subclass 143 visas grant indefinite residence in Australia. Permanent visas are more expensive upfront but eliminate the need for renewal and provide greater stability.
Temporary visas may suit parents who want to test living in Australia, while permanent visas are better for those looking to settle long-term.
Understand the Costs and Financial Requirements for Australian Parent Visas
The cost of a parent visa in Australia varies widely depending on the type of visa. Contributory parent visas are significantly more expensive but have shorter processing times, while non-contributory visas are more affordable but take many years to process.
Here’s a breakdown of key costs:
- Visa Application Fees: These can range from AUD 4,000 to AUD 47,000.
- Assurance of Support: Sponsors must provide financial assurance, often in the form of a bond held by the Australian government.
- Medical and Police Checks: These additional expenses vary by country.
Understanding these costs upfront helps families plan their finances effectively and avoid surprises during the application process.
Expert Assistance and Professional Services for Australian Parent Visas
Navigating the parent visa process can be complex, especially when dealing with different requirements and long processing times. Professional migration agents and visa consultants can provide invaluable support by:
- Helping you choose the right visa for your situation.
- Ensuring your application is complete and error-free.
- Providing advice on meeting requirements such as the Balance of Family Test and Assurance of Support.
- Offering updates on visa processing times and outcomes.
If you’re looking for expert assistance, migration agents in Sydney and across Australia specialize in parent visas and offer personalized guidance. With their help, you can simplify the process and increase your chances of success.
Parent visas in Australia offer a lifeline for families wanting to reunite and share their lives together. Whether you’re considering a temporary visa for a short visit or a permanent visa for long-term residence, understanding the options, requirements, and costs is essential.
For those unsure about navigating the process, professional migration agents can provide the guidance and support needed to make the journey as seamless as possible. Start your parent visa application today and take the first step toward bringing your family closer.