Parent Visa
Parent Visa – A Comprehensive Guide to Sponsoring Your Parents to Live in Australia
“The Parent Visa allows Australian citizens and permanent residents to reunite with their parents in Australia legally and sustainably. Learn more about the eligibility criteria, benefits, application costs and processing times to bring your loved ones closer.”
What is a Parent Visa?
The Parent Visa is designed for Australian citizens, permanent residents (PR), or eligible New Zealand citizens who wish to sponsor their biological, adoptive, or step-parents to live in Australia, either temporarily or permanently.
This visa falls under the humanitarian migration stream and is aimed at family reunification. It offers pathways for parents to enjoy life in Australia with access to healthcare, social welfare, and other benefits—depending on the visa subclass granted.
Popular Parent Visa options
There are multiple subclasses of Parent Visas currently available, each with different financial requirements, processing times, and migration goals:
- Subclass 103 – Parent Visa (Permanent)
- Subclass 143 – Contributory Parent Visa (Permanent)
- Subclass 173 – Contributory Parent Visa (Temporary)
- Subclass 804 – Aged Parent Visa (Permanent)
- Subclass 864 – Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Permanent)
- Subclass 870 – Sponsored Parent (Temporary)
- Subclass 884 – Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Temporary)
General eligibility criteria
While each visa subclass may have specific requirements, applicants typically need to meet the following common criteria:
- Sponsor requirements: Must be an Australian citizen, PR, or eligible New Zealand citizen living in Australia legally.
- Applicant: Must be the parent (biological, step or adoptive) of the sponsor.
- Balance of Family Test: At least 50% of the parent’s children must be living legally and permanently in Australia.
- Health and character checks: All applicants must meet the health and police clearance requirements.
- Financial support: The sponsor must commit to supporting the parent financially.
Benefits of a Parent Visa
Depending on the visa subclass, approved Parent Visa holders may receive the following benefits:
- Legally reside in Australia for the duration granted
- Work and study rights (if permitted by the visa type)
- Access to Medicare and other healthcare entitlements
- Pathway to apply for Australian citizenship (if eligible)
- Possibility to sponsor other family members in the future (subject to conditions)
Documents required for Parent Visa applications
Each subclass may require specific documents, but in general, you should prepare:
- Evidence of parent-child relationship (e.g., birth certificates, family books)
- Valid passports and police clearance certificates
- Proof of the sponsor’s legal residency status in Australia
- Sponsor’s financial and health insurance documents (if applicable)
- Health examination results for the parent (as requested by the Department)
- Any other supporting documents required by the visa subclass
Estimated visa application charges (in AUD)
- Subclass 103 – from $7,190 (payable in 2 instalments)
- Subclass 143 – from $48,495 (2 instalments)
- Subclass 870 – from $5,895 to $11,785 (depending on 3 or 5-year stay)
- Subclass 173 – from $32,430 (2 instalments)
- Subclass 804 – from $7,190 (2 instalments)
- Subclass 864 – from $48,485 (2 instalments)
- Subclass 884 – from $34,025 (2 instalments)
Estimated Processing Times
- Subclass 103 / 804: Over 30 years
- Subclass 143 / 864: 4–6 years
- Subclass 173 / 884: 2–4 years
- Subclass 870: Approximately 6–12 months
>> Need help bringing your parents to Australia?
Planning to sponsor your parents for long-term settlement or extended visits in Australia? Don’t let complex legal procedures slow you down. Contact NextGem today for personalised visa advice and a clear migration roadmap tailored to your family’s needs. We’re here to support you every step of the way toward reuniting with your loved ones.