Parent Visa

Australia offers a range of Parent Visas that allow parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live with their children in Australia. These visas offer both temporary and permanent residency options, catering to the needs of parents who wish to reunite with their families.

What you should know about Parent Visas

It’s important to note that the Parent Visas, especially the permanent ones, can have long processing times due to high demand. Some of these visas also have Balance of Family Test requirements, meaning that at least half of the parent’s children must be Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens, or they must have more children living in Australia than in any other single country. 

While these Parent Visas offer a chance for family reunification, they require careful planning due to their associated costs, waiting periods, and eligibility criteria. The choice between temporary and permanent options should be based on the parent’s goals, family circumstances, and financial considerations. 

These Parent Visas acknowledge the significance of family unity and offer a means for parents to be with their Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen children. The range of options allows parents to choose a pathway that best aligns with their needs and circumstances, whether they prioritize a temporary stay or seek permanent residency in Australia.

Processing Times For Parent Visas

Parent Visa processing times can vary based on the visa type, documents, and personal circumstances. For the most accurate time frame, it’s best to check the Department of Home Affairs website.

Parent Visa Options in Australia

Australia offers several Parent Visa options for parents wanting to reunite with their children living in Australia. These visas allow parents to live, work, and enjoy life close to their family. Choosing the right visa depends on your situation and goals. Let’s explore your options!

Temporary Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870)

This visa allows parents to stay in Australia for up to three or five years, depending on the stream chosen. It requires sponsorship from their child who must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.

The sponsor must also meet certain income requirements. This visa doesn’t lead to permanent residency and can’t be extended beyond the maximum stay period.

Permanent – Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143/173)

The Contributory Parent Visa includes both temporary and permanent options. The Subclass 173 (Temporary) allows parents to live in Australia for up to two years. Afterward, they can apply for the Subclass 143 (Permanent).

These visas are known as “contributory” because of the higher application fees and assurance of support requirements. They provide a direct pathway to permanent residency.

Permanent – Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 884/864)

The Aged Parent Visa similarly has temporary and permanent options. The Subclass 884 (Temporary) lets parents remain in Australia while the Subclass 864 (Permanent) can be applied for after a certain period of residing on the temporary visa.

This pathway is available for parents who meet age requirements and have a sponsoring child living in Australia.

Permanent – Parent Visa (Subclass 103/143/173/804/864)

The non-contributory Parent Visa is another permanent option but with significantly longer processing times compared to the contributory options.

Applicants often face substantial waiting periods before being granted these visas.

Apply for a Parent Visa

To apply for a Parent Visa, contact K1 Migration. A discovery call with our experienced team will guide you toward the right immigration pathway for your situation.

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    Step 1

    Once you reach out to K1 Migration, we set up a discovery call to understand what your needs are and what Visa best suits you.

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    Step 2

    From there, we will send you a Strategy proposal outlining the steps we will take to assist you in getting a Visa for you to sign off on.

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    Step 3

    Now our team leaps into action, following immigration pathways, taking care of the paperwork and helping you through the entire application process.

Ready to Take the First Step?

Let’s make it happen together. Contact K1 Migration today, and let us help you or your business take the next big step. We’re here to make your move smooth, stress-free, and successful!

Not sure what visa you could be eligible for?

Australian visas can be confusing, especially if you might have more than one option. Use our Visa Finder to view your visa options. 

Want to speak to someone about your case?

Not sure where to go from here? Speak to a registered migration agent about your immigration needs today.

Know what you need and want some pricing?

Know what visa you want to apply for but need some pricing? Get in touch with us and we will get back to you with a fixed price quote.

Frequently Asked Questions

Australia provides several visa options for parents, depending on their circumstances and how quickly they want to move:

Permanent Parent Visas:

  • Parent Visa (Subclass 103): A permanent residency visa for parents living outside Australia. This visa has a long processing time but is a more affordable option.
  • Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804): For parents onshore who meet the Age Pension age requirement and wish to stay in Australia permanently.
  • Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143): A faster permanent visa option for parents living outside Australia, but it has a significantly higher cost due to the "contribution" towards healthcare and other services.
  • Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864): A permanent visa for parents living in Australia who meet the Age Pension age and are willing to pay higher fees for faster processing.

Temporary Parent Visas:

  • Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 173): A 2-year temporary visa for parents living outside Australia with the option to later apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 143.
  • Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 884): A 2-year temporary visa for onshore parents meeting the Age Pension age, leading to permanent residency via the Subclass 864.
  • Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870): Allows parents to stay in Australia for up to 3 or 5 years (renewable up to 10 years) without permanent residency. This visa requires sponsorship by an eligible child living in Australia.

Eligibility criteria for most Parent Visas include:

  • Having a child who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen.
  • Passing the Balance of Family Test (at least 50% of your children must live permanently in Australia, or more of your children live in Australia than in any other country).
  • Meeting health and character requirements.
  • For contributory visas, the ability to pay the higher application fees and the Assurance of Support (AoS).
  • For aged parent visas, meeting the Age Pension age in Australia.

Depending on the type of visa, Parent Visas offer several benefits:

  • Live permanently in Australia with family (for permanent visas).
  • Access to Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system.
  • Ability to apply for Australian citizenship when eligible.
  • Opportunity to sponsor family members for visas in the future.
  • Multiple entry rights into Australia for the duration of the visa.
  • Temporary visa holders under the Subclass 870 can live with their family for up to 10 years.

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Visa Resources

Stay informed with the latest updates, expert insights, and essential resources on Australia’s evolving visa programs. From skilled migration pathways to new visa regulations, K1 Migration provides clear, accurate, and actionable information to help individuals and businesses successfully navigate the complex immigration landscape.

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