Parent Visas

Parent Visas allow eligible parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia either temporarily or permanently. These visas are designed to reunite families and offer different pathways based on costs, waiting periods, and residency goals.

Key Types of Parent Visas

Permanent Parent Visas

1. Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143)

   • Allows parents to live in Australia permanently.
   • Requires a significant contribution fee to offset healthcare and welfare costs.
   • Processing time: Around 4-6 years.

2. Parent Visa (Subclass 103)

   • Permanent residency visa with lower application costs.
   • Long processing time (up to 30 years).
   • Suitable for parents willing to wait for permanent residency.

Temporary Parent Visas

1. Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 173)

   • Temporary visa for up to 2 years, acting as a pathway to the permanent subclass 143 visa.
   • Higher fees but shorter waiting time than subclass 103.

2. Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870)

   • Allows parents to stay in Australia for up to 5 years per visa.
   • Renewable for another 5 years, but it does not lead to permanent residency.
   • Requires sponsorship by an eligible child who meets financial and sponsorship obligations.

Aged Parent Visas (For parents old enough to receive an Australian Age Pension)

1. Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)

   • Allows aged parents to live permanently in Australia.
   • Long waiting time (over 30 years).
   • Parents can remain in Australia on a bridging visa during processing.

2. Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864)

   • Permanent residency visa with faster processing (4-6 years).
   • Requires a significant contributory fee.

3. Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 884)

   • Temporary visa for aged parents, valid for 2 years.
   • A pathway to the permanent subclass 864 visa.

Eligibility Requirements

1. Child Sponsorship

   • The parent must be sponsored by a child who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
   • The child must be at least 18 years old and settled in Australia (living there legally for at least 2 years).

2. Balance of Family Test

   • At least half of the parent’s children must be living in Australia, or more children must reside in Australia than in any other single country.

3. Health and Character Requirements

   • Parents must meet the health and character requirements for the visa.

4. Financial Assurance of Support (AoS)

   • Sponsors may need to provide a financial bond to cover welfare costs.

Costs and Processing Times

• Contributory Visas: Higher fees (AUD 40,000+) but shorter processing times (4-6 years).
• Non-Contributory Visas: Lower fees but significantly longer processing times (up to 30 years).
• Subclass 870: Application fee ranges from AUD 5,000 to AUD 10,000, depending on visa duration.

Benefits

• Permanent residency visas allow parents to:
  • Live in Australia indefinitely.
  • Access Medicare, work, and study opportunities.
  • Apply for Australian citizenship (if eligible).
• Temporary visas enable parents to stay for extended periods without applying for permanent residency.