PARENT VISA
Permanent and Temporary Options for Reuniting with Family in Australia
About the Parent Visa
Parent visas allow eligible parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents to live in Australia, either temporarily or permanently. These visas support family reunification, providing access to healthcare, social services, and long-term residency pathways depending on the visa type.
Advantages
- Reunite with your family and settle in Australia, with eligibility for Medicare on permanent visas.
- Options for both temporary stays (Subclass 870 up to 5 years) and permanent residency.
- Flexibility in payment schemes: contributory visas allow staged payments for faster processing.
Requirements
- Must be sponsored by a child who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ citizen, and who meets income/support criteria.
- Must pass the Balance of Family Test – at least half of your children must live permanently in Australia, or more must live there than in any other country.
- Meet health and character requirements, including medical assessments and police clearances.
- Assurance of Support (AoS) may be required; the sponsor provides a refundable bond to cover potential welfare costs.
Visa Options at a Glance
| Visa Type | Subclass(es) | Duration / PR Pathway | Key Points |
| Non‑Contributory (Permanent) | 103, 804 | Permanent | Low application fee, very long queues, and processing may take decades |
| Contributory (Temp → PR) | 173 → 143; 884 → 864 | Temporary then permanent | Faster processing (~12-14 years), high cost (>$45,000), and payments can be split |
| Temporary Sponsored Parent | 870 | Up to 5 years | No Balance of Family Test, cap on applications, does not lead to PR, and no Medicare access. |
Application Process
1
Check eligibility
Confirm sponsor meets requirements and Balance of Family Test (if applicable)
2
Prepare documents
Identity, relationship proof, health, character, and Assurance of Support (if needed)
3
Lodge application
Online or by paper, depending on subclass
4
Await processing
May include health checks, police clearance, and further evidence requests
5
Visa outcome
Grant notification and visa activation within the specified time