Best and Ultimate Guide to Australian Parent Visas

Ultimate Guide to Australian Parent Visas

Australia offers several parent visa options for individuals looking to reunite with their children who are Australian residents. Whether you’re seeking temporary or permanent residency, understanding the types of visas and their requirements is essential.


Parent Visa Categories

Parent visas are categorized into Contributory and Non-Contributory visas.

  1. Contributory Parent Visas:
    • These require higher fees (approximately $50,000) but have faster processing times.
    • Visa subclasses: 143, 173, 864, 884
  2. Non-Contributory Parent Visas:
    • These have lower fees (approximately $6,000–$7,000) but significantly longer processing times.
    • Visa subclasses: 804, 870, 103

General Eligibility Criteria

To apply for a parent visa, you must meet the following requirements:

  1. Balance of Family Test:
    • At least half of your children must reside in Australia permanently, or more of your children must live in Australia than in any other single country.
    • Required for all parent visas except the Subclass 870 visa.
  2. Sponsor:
    • The sponsor is usually your child who is an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
    • Sponsors must be at least 18 years old and have lived in Australia for at least 2 years (4 years for the Subclass 870 visa).
  3. Health and Character Requirements:
    • All applicants must meet Australian health and character standards.
  4. Application Location:
    • Depending on the visa subclass, you may need to apply and/or be inside or outside Australia at the time of application or decision.

Contributory Parent Visas

  1. Subclass 173 (Temporary):
    • Temporary visa for 2 years.
    • Requires meeting the Balance of Family Test and having a sponsor.
    • Processing Time: 3–4 years.
  2. Subclass 143 (Permanent):
    • Permanent residency visa.
    • Can be applied directly or after holding a Subclass 173 visa.
    • Processing Time: Faster than non-contributory visas.
  3. Subclass 864 (Aged Parent – Permanent):
    • Onshore visa for parents old enough to receive the aged pension (currently 66 years).
    • Processing Time: Approximately 2 years.
  4. Subclass 884 (Aged Parent – Temporary):
    • Temporary onshore visa for aged parents.
    • Can apply for Subclass 864 for permanent residency before Subclass 884 expires.

Non-Contributory Parent Visas

  1. Subclass 103 (Permanent):
    • Offshore visa for parents.
    • Processing Time: Up to 30 years.
  2. Subclass 804 (Aged Parent – Permanent):
    • Onshore visa for aged parents (66 years or older).
    • Requires meeting the Balance of Family Test.
  3. Subclass 870 (Temporary Sponsored Parent):
    • Does not lead to permanent residency.
    • Valid for up to 5 years, renewable for an additional 5 years.
    • Does not require the Balance of Family Test.
    • Sponsors must have a taxable income of approximately AUD $84,000.

Additional Parent Visa Option

Subclass 838 (Aged Dependent Relative Visa):

  • For aged relatives financially dependent on their sponsor in Australia for at least 3 years.
  • Requires the sponsor to provide essential needs such as shelter, clothing, and food.

Benefits of Parent Visas

  • Permanent Visa Holders:
    • Can live, work, and study in Australia permanently.
    • Access to Medicare (public healthcare).
    • Eligibility for pensions after 10 years of residency.
  • Temporary Visa Holders:
    • Temporary stay with the possibility of transitioning to permanent residency.

Contact Us for Assistance

Navigating parent visa applications can be complex. With our extensive experience in parent visas, we provide expert guidance to ensure a smooth process.

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Disclaimer:
The information provided is general in nature and does not constitute immigration advice. Always consult a registered migration agent or lawyer for tailored advice. Our services comply with Section 276 of the Migration Act 1958.