Parent Visa

It is very common for those who are living in Australia to want to bring their parent out. This page outlines the the options for your parents to obtain a permanent parent visa to Australia.

Parent Visas to Australia

Have you migrated to Australia and would like your parents to join you? The parent visa provides parents of Australian permanent residents and citizens with an opportunity to either move to Australia temporarily to permanently, depending on your eligibility and circumstances.

There are various visa options for parents of eligible sponsors that may lead to permanent residency. But for those who might be facing financial constraints or are deterred by lengthy processing times associated with permanent contributary or non-contributary parent visa, the Visitor Visa (Temporary) is a great cost-effective alternative. It allows parents to visit their family members in Australia, with the option of obtaining longer validity visas that permit stays of up to 12 months within an 18month period.

Alternatively, you could apply for a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa which allows those eligible to reside in Australia for 3 or 5 years. Up to 15,000 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa are granted each year, making it more possible for families to reunite in Australia for a substantial amount of time.

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Parent Visa Options

There are several different visa options that may lead to Australian permanent residency

NO Bridging Visa Granted

Can apply onshore, but NO bridging visa is granted

  • Parent Visa (subclass 103)
  • Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143)
  • Contributory Parent Temporary Visa (subclass 173) to Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143)

Bridging Visa Granted

Can apply onshore and be granted a bridging visa

  • Aged Parent Visa (subclass 804)
  • Contributory Aged Parent Visa (subclass 864)
  • Contributory Aged Parent Temporary Visa (subclass 884) to Contributory Aged Parent Visa (subclass 864) 

Primary requirements

Before getting any further it is important to understand some of the main requirements. 

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Parent of a citizen or permanent resident

The Applicant must be the parent of an Australian citizen or permanent resident who has spent at least 2 years living in Australia
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Family balance test

You must pass the balance of family test (at least half of the applicants children and step-children must be citizens or permanent Residents in Australia, or more of the main applicants children must be settled permanent citizen or residents of Australia than any other single country). 

Temporary Parent Visa

If you are do not meet the balance of family test, you could also consider the Temporary Parent Visa (Subclass 870).

Additional requirements

There are some additional requirements that may apply depending on the visa you’re applying for. 

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Criteria for Contributory Aged Parent visa

The main applicant of this visa must be over 66 years of age, however if they have a partner aged younger than 66, they can be included as a secondary applicant.

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Health and Character

Your parents will need to meet health and character requirements and will need to undertake a medical assessment, chest x-ray and HIV test. Please note that if you go the non contributory parent visa route then your parent would be required to undertake a medical assessment before the visa is granted.

Applying for a visa in Australia from a tourist visa

Generally you can apply for both Parent (under 66 years old ) and Aged Parent Visa (over 66 years old) from inside or outside Australia. However, you are only granted a bridging visa if you have applied for an Aged Parent Visa 103 (over 66 years old) contributory/non contributory from within Australia. If you apply for a Parent Visa 103 (contributory or non contributory) from within Australia, you are not granted a bridging visa.

Application Provided that your parents come to Australia on a tourist visa, they may be able to apply for the contributory aged parent visa and aged parent visa from within Australia. If the applicant is under 66, they will apply for a parent visa 103, however on application of a parent visa, there is no bridging visa granted.

Visa Application Charges

There are several different visa options that may lead to Australian permanent residency

Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)

Processing time  20+ years

  • Base Application charge – $4990
  • Second Installment – $2065

Contributory Parent & Aged Parent Visa

Processing time 24 – 36 months

  • Base Application Charge – $4765
  • Base Application Contribution – $47,825

Temporary Parent Visa

If you do not want to make such a large outlay of money, you could also consider the Temporary Parent Visa (Subclass 870).

Processing Time

Non-contributory visas have far longer processing times than contributory visas.

Upon application for an onshore aged parent visa 103, the applicant would be granted a bridging visa allowing him to remain in Australia lawfully until the visa is granted. If the parent is from an RHCA country they may be able to enroll in Medicare, however I would always recommend that you check with Centrelink or Medicare about this. When applying for a parents visa 103 (for applicants under 66), there is no bridging visa granted. However parents may be eligible to obtain a long length sponsored visitor visa.

The other option is the contributory Aged Parent temporary visa. The benefit of this visa is that the second visa application charge is divided into two payments. This visa would grant you temporary residence in Australia for up to 2 years before you apply for the permanent contributory Aged Parent visa.

Contributory Parent visa

It’s important to note that contributory parent visas come with a significantly higher upfront cost due to the substantial contribution required. However, for families who prioritize faster processing and a more predictable visa pathway, these visas can be a preferred choice.

Non-contributory Parent visa

Non-contributory Parent Visas have limited places available each year, and the processing times can be significantly longer than contributory parent visas (approximately 10 -30 years). As a result, applicants should plan well in advance and consider their individual circumstances and priorities when choosing the most suitable parent visa option for their family. Consulting with a migration expert or an immigration lawyer can provide valuable guidance in navigating the visa application process successfully.

Book a Migration Consultation

We have a ton of information on our site about various visa options and FAQs that answer most of our visitors’ questions, but if you’re still not sure where to start or you need a personalised step by step walkthrough, then schedule a call with one of our Registered Migration Agent.

Simply follow the link below and you’ll be able to pick the date & time that fits your schedule.

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If you’re having any trouble booking your consultation then don’t hesitate to contact us either via info@pathwaytoaus.com or by calling us 0755 265 900

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Can my parent get a parent visa to Australia? was last modified: October 16th, 2023 by Nick Yock