Bringing your parents to live with you in Australia is a dream for many migrants. The Australian Parent Visa program provides pathways for families to reunite. If you’re looking to apply for parent visa Australia, understand the eligibility, or explore permanent residency (PR for parents in Australia), this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. From temporary to permanent options, we’ll explain each visa type, who can apply, how sponsorship works, and what to expect during the application process.
The Australian Parent Visa offers parents the opportunity to live with their children who are settled in Australia. It allows family reunification while offering access to healthcare, education (for dependents, if applicable), and the chance to eventually gain permanent residency.
Whether you’re applying for a temporary visa first or directly pursuing permanent residency, knowing the available programs helps you make the right decision. Parents can stay close to their families, enjoy time with grandchildren, and live a better lifestyle.
Australia offers multiple parent visa options under permanent and temporary categories. Each has different eligibility rules, processing times, and costs. Below, we break them down in detail.
The Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) is one of the most sought-after options for families who wish to reunite permanently in Australia. It provides a direct pathway to permanent residency, meaning parents can live in Australia indefinitely with their children. Unlike other visas with extremely long processing times, the Subclass 143 is relatively faster, but it comes with higher application charges. Many families choose this visa because it balances the dream of living together with practical timelines, even though the financial cost is significant.
Grants permanent residency from day one, offering long-term security.
Provides full access to Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system.
Parents gain work and study rights, allowing them to contribute to society.
Eligible parents can eventually apply for Australian citizenship once they meet residency requirements.
Applications can be lodged either inside or outside Australia, offering flexibility for families.
Offers the chance for parents to live close to their children and grandchildren, improving family connections and lifestyle.
Applicants must pass the balance-of-family test, which means at least half of their children must live permanently in Australia, or more children must live in Australia than in any other country.
A child (the sponsor) must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen who has lived in Australia for at least two years.
Applicants must meet the health and character requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs.
The sponsor must provide an Assurance of Support, ensuring that parents will not rely on social security payments.
The Subclass 173 visa is a temporary parent visa that provides parents with the right to live in Australia for up to two years. It is often considered a stepping stone towards the permanent Subclass 143 Contributory Parent Visa. Many families choose this option because it allows them to bring their parents sooner, while also spreading out the overall visa costs across two applications.
Costs are split across two stages, making it financially manageable.
Parents can live, work, and study in Australia during this period.
This program is often chosen by families who want flexibility in spreading out payments while still keeping the goal of permanent residency.
The Parent Visa (Subclass 103) is a permanent visa that allows parents to live in Australia with their children who are settled citizens or permanent residents.
While it provides the benefit of permanent residency, it is one of the slowest pathways due to the extremely high demand and very limited annual placements. In many cases, applicants may wait 30 years or more for approval.
Permanent residency rights.
More affordable than contributory options.
Limited spots available, leading to massive wait times.
This visa is ideal only if applicants are not in a hurry and cannot afford the contributory visas.
The Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804) is designed for parents who are old enough to qualify for the Australian Age Pension.
It allows them to live in Australia permanently with their children who are citizens or permanent residents. Unlike some other parent visas, this one can only be applied for onshore—meaning the applicant must already be in Australia when lodging the application.
Must be onshore at the time of application.
Grants permanent residency.
Long waiting periods (decades).
Applicants can remain in Australia on a bridging visa while waiting for approval.
The Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864) is a permanent visa designed specifically for parents who are of pension age in Australia. It provides a direct pathway to permanent residency, allowing older parents to live in Australia with their children on a long-term basis.
Faster processing compared to the Subclass 804.
Parents gain access to Medicare and work rights.
Costs are higher, similar to the Subclass 143.
This option is ideal for older parents who want a quicker pathway to PR for parents in Australia.
The Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 884) is a two-year temporary visa designed specifically for parents who are old enough to receive the Australian age pension. This visa acts as the first step towards permanent residency through the Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864).
Spreads visa costs across two applications.
Parents can live in Australia while awaiting permanent residency.
This visa allows parents to live in Australia temporarily for either 3 or 5 years, with the option to extend their stay up to a maximum of 10 years. It’s designed to give families more time together without the lengthy processing times that come with permanent visas.
Faster processing compared to permanent visas.
No need for a balance-of-family test.
Parents can spend extended time with their children in Australia.
However, this visa does not lead to permanent residency.
To sponsor parent visa Australia, the sponsoring child must be:
An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Living in Australia for at least 2 years.
Financially capable of supporting the parent.
Other general requirements include:
Meeting health and character standards.
Passing the balance-of-family test (except for Subclass 870).
Proof of financial support and assurance of support (for some visas).
The process depends on the type of visa you select. Here’s a general outline:
Choose the Right Visa Type – Temporary or permanent, contributory or non-contributory.
Check Eligibility – Confirm age, relationship, financial support, and residency requirements.
Prepare Documents – ID, proof of relationship, financial statements, medicals, and police checks.
Apply Online – Most parent visas are lodged through the Department of Home Affairs website.
Await Processing – Some visas have bridging visas available for applicants applying onshore.
If parents only wish to visit for a short time, you may consider the apply tourist visa Australia for parents option instead.
Parent visa costs vary widely:
Contributory Visas (143/864): Around AUD 47,000+ per applicant.
Temporary Contributory Visas (173/884): Initial fee around AUD 30,000, followed by a second-stage payment.
Non-Contributory Visas (103/804): Much lower fees but extremely long waiting times (up to 30 years).
Subclass 870: Application charges between AUD 5,000–10,000 depending on duration.
Processing times range from a few months (Subclass 870) to several decades (Subclass 103/804).
If your ultimate goal is PR for parents in Australia, contributory visas (143 and 864) are the most reliable pathways. They provide direct permanent residency with access to social benefits, work rights, and citizenship eligibility down the line.
Non-contributory visas, though cheaper, are often impractical due to long waiting times.
Family reunification.
Access to Medicare and public services.
Work and study rights.
Pathway to Australian citizenship.
High costs: Consider temporary contributory options to split payments.
Long processing times: Apply early and explore bridging visa options.
Balance-of-family test: Plan carefully if not all children are settled in Australia.
Sponsorship capacity: Ensure financial requirements are met before applying.
For smoother processing, many families consult professionals like an Immigration agent Melbourne who can assist with complex paperwork.
Applying for an Australian Parent Visa is one of the biggest decisions for families. With options ranging from temporary stays to permanent residency, it’s essential to select the program that best suits your financial situation, urgency, and long-term goals. Whether you want to sponsor a parent for permanent residency or bring them on a temporary stay, Australia provides pathways for reunification.
For families planning long-term settlement, contributory visas offer the most practical pathway despite higher costs. For short stays, a tourist visa is the way to go. Always evaluate eligibility, costs, and wait times before applying.
Family reunification remains a priority, and with proper planning, parents can enjoy a fulfilling life in Australia close to their loved ones.
Q1: What is the fastest parent visa option in Australia?
The Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa is the fastest, with processing often completed in months.
Q2: Can parents get permanent residency in Australia?
Yes, through contributory visas like Subclass 143 and Subclass 864, parents can gain permanent residency.
Q3: How long does a contributory parent visa take to process?
Processing times usually range from 4 to 6 years, depending on demand.
Q4: Can I sponsor my parents if I’m a permanent resident?
Yes, permanent residents, Australian citizens, and eligible New Zealand citizens can sponsor parents.
Q5: What if my parents only want to visit for a short time?
In that case, you can apply tourist visa Australia for parents for short-term visits.
