Australia offers several parent visa options for parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens who wish to reunite with their children and live in Australia. These visas provide a pathway for parents to join their families, either temporarily or permanently, depending on their eligibility and visa type. Parent visas are divided into temporary and permanent categories, with some offering faster processing times through contributory visa streams that require a higher application fee. While these visas can provide long-term residency benefits, they often involve strict financial and sponsorship requirements, including the Balance of Family Test, which assesses the proportion of the applicant’s children who reside in Australia.
Understanding the different parent visa options is essential for making the right decision based on your circumstances. Whether you are seeking a permanent move, a temporary stay, or a faster processing route, there is a visa option to suit your needs.
Permanent Parent Visas
Parent Visa (Subclass 103)
Allows parents to live permanently in Australia.
Requires sponsorship by an eligible child who is a citizen or permanent resident.
Subject to long processing times due to high demand.
Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)
For parents who meet the Australian pension age and are already in Australia when applying.
Allows parents to remain in Australia on a bridging visa while awaiting processing.
Has lengthy processing times, making it a long-term option.
Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143)
A permanent visa with faster processing compared to Subclass 103.
Requires a higher application fee to speed up the process.
Sponsored by an eligible child and may require an Assurance of Support
Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864)
Similar to the Subclass 143 visa but specifically for parents who meet the age requirement for an Australian pension.
Offers a faster route to permanent residency but requires a higher visa fee
Temporary Parent Visas
Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 173)
A temporary version of the Subclass 143 visa.
Allows parents to live in Australia for up to two years before applying for permanent residency
Can transition to the Subclass 143 visa by paying an additional fee.
Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 884)
A temporary version of the Subclass 864 visa.
Allows parents who meet the age requirement to stay in Australia for up to two years before applying for permanent residency.
Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870)
Designed for parents who wish to visit their children in Australia for an extended period.
Allows stays of up to 3 or 5 years, with the possibility of renewal
Does not provide a direct pathway to permanent residency
Key Eligibility Requirements :
Sponsorship: Must be sponsored by an eligible Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Balance of Family Test: At least 50% of the applicant’s children must be living in Australia as permanent residents or citizens.
Health & Character Requirements: Applicants must meet Australia’s health and character standards.
Financial Requirements: Some visas require an Assurance of Support, which is a financial commitment from the sponsor to ensure the applicant does not rely on government assistance.
At Pioneer Migration, we specialize in assisting families with their parent visa applications, ensuring that all requirements are met and increasing the chances of a successful outcome. Our team will guide you through the process, helping you select the most suitable visa and preparing a strong application. Let us help you reunite with your loved ones in Australia.