Parent Visas
Key requirements for Parent Visas
- Balance of Family Test: At least 50% or more of your children must live permanently in Australia than in any other country.
-
Sponsorship: You must be sponsored by an eligible child who is:
● An Australian citizen/permanent resident or eligible NZ citizen
● Over 18 years of age (or someone else can act as a sponsor if the child is under 18). - Health & Character Requirements must be met.
- Assurance of Support: Most Parent visas require a Financial bond.
Contributory Parent Visas (Faster processing)
Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 173)
- Duration: 2 years (not extendable)
- Pathway: Applicant can apply for the permanent Subclass 143 visa later
- Processing time: Several years (however, faster than non-contributory)
Contributory Parent (Permanent) Visa (Subclass 143)
- Permanent residency
- Can apply directly or via Subclass 173
- Processing time: 6-10 years indicative
Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Temporary – Subclass 884, and Permanent – Subclass 864)
- For applicants old enough to receive the Age Pension in Australia (currently 67+)
- Apply onshore (must be in Australia)
Subclass 884 – Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) Visa
- Temporary 2-year visa for aged parents, leading to Subclass 864.
- Apply for permanent residency later via Subclass 864.
Subclass 864 – Contributory Aged Parent (Migrant) Visa
- Permanent visa for parents in Australia who meet the age requirement for the Australian Age Pension.
- Must be onshore during application.
Non-Contributory Parent Visas (Cost affordable option with longer processing time)
Parent Visa (Subclass 103)
- Permanent visa
- Cost: Lower than contributory parent visa
- Processing time: Over 30 years, indicative
Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)
- Onshore application
- Processing time: Over 30 years, indicative
- Must meet the Age Pension eligibility age
Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa – Subclass 870
The Subclass 870 visa allows parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live temporarily in Australia for up to 3 or 5 years, with a maximum total stay of 10 years.
Key Features
- Stay in Australia for 3 or 5 years (renewable, up to 10 years total)
- No Balance of Family Test required
- Must be outside Australia when applying
- Requires an approved Parent Sponsor in Australia
- No work rights
- Health insurance is mandatory
Sponsor Requirements
- Must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ citizen
- Aged 18 or over
- Meet minimum household income requirements
- Agree to support and accommodate the parent(s)
This visa does not lead to permanent residency and is ideal for parents wishing to spend extended time with family in Australia.
If you believe one of these visa options may be suitable for your circumstances and could support your pathway to settling in Australia, we invite you to book a consultation with us. Let 26 Degrees Migration be your trusted partner in achieving your migration goals with confidence and clarity.
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