Parent Visa

The Parent visa is classified as a type of family visa within the Australian immigration system. It falls under the broader category of family visas, which encompasses various visa options for individuals seeking to reunite with their family members in Australia.

On 2 June 2014, the Australian government implemented substantial modifications to the Other Family visa stream, which includes the Parent visa. As a result, the Parent visa is now divided into two primary categories, depending on the applicant's location at the time of application.

The first category is the Parent visa that can be applied for while the individual is already in Australia. This allows parents who are currently residing in Australia to submit an application to remain in the country on a long-term basis.

The second category comprises the Parent visa that can be applied for when the individual is outside of Australia. This option is available to parents who are living abroad and wish to join their children in Australia permanently.

These two categories provide distinct pathways for parents to apply for a Parent visa, depending on their circumstances and location.

If You Are In Australia

The Aged Parent visas are designed for individuals whose age is equivalent to someone eligible for an Australian Age Pension. However, please note that as of my knowledge cut off in September 2021, the application for these visas is closed. The following are the categories of Aged Parent visas that were previously available:

Contributory Aged Parent (Residence) visa (subclass 864): This visa option was intended for parents who had children residing in Australia. It granted permanent residency to aged parents. Although this visa incurred higher costs, it generally had a faster processing time compared to the standard aged parent visa.
Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 884): This visa provided temporary residency for a duration of two years. Holders of this visa were eligible to apply for the permanent Contributory Aged Parent (Residence) visa (subclass 864).
Transition from subclass 884 to subclass 864: If an individual held a temporary Contributory Aged Parent visa (subclass 884), they had the opportunity to apply for a permanent Contributory Aged Parent visa (subclass 864). This transition allowed individuals to secure long-term residency as aged parents in Australia.

If You Are Outside Australia

Contributory Parent (Migrant) visa (subclass 143): This visa grants permanent residency to parents with children living in Australia. It involves higher costs than the standard Parent visa, but it is typically processed faster.
Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 173): This temporary visa allows parents to stay in Australia for a period of two years. It serves as a stepping stone to the permanent Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143).
Transition from subclass 173 to subclass 143: If an individual holds a temporary Contributory Parent visa (subclass 173) and intends to apply for the permanent Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143), this option is available. The application for this transition can be made within Australia.

While these are the major categories of the parent visa for Australia, the Australian Immigration Department has now stopped accepting applications for the following visas:

Aged Parent (Residence) visa (subclass 804)
Parent (Migrant) visa (subclass 103).

For applicants who submitted their visa application before 2 June 2014, there may be a provision to include family members in the application before a decision is made on their visa.

Visa Subclass

Contributory Parent visa (SUBCLASS 173 AND 143)

The Contributory Parent visa, which consists of the subclass 173 and subclass 143 visas, offers parents the opportunity to reside in Australia if their child is an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.

The Contributory Parent subclass 173 visa is a temporary visa that allows the applicant to live in Australia for a period of two years. It is important to note that this visa cannot be extended or renewed beyond the initial two-year period.

However, within the two-year timeframe of living in Australia on the subclass 173 visa, applicants have the option to apply for the Contributory Parent subclass 143 visa if they wish to establish permanent residency in Australia. The subclass 143 visa grants parents the opportunity to live permanently in Australia as Australian residents.

It is crucial to understand that the decision to apply for the permanent Contributory Parent subclass 143 visa must be made within the two-year period of residing in Australia on the subclass 173 visa. After this period, the opportunity to apply for the subclass 143 visa may no longer be available.

To be eligible for both the Contributory Parent subclass 173 and subclass 143 visas, the applicants must be sponsored by their child who is residing in Australia. However, if the child is under 18 years of age, there are specific sponsorship options available:

The child's spouse: The applicant can be sponsored by their child's spouse, who must be at least 18 years old and a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Relative or guardian of the child: The applicant can be sponsored by a relative or guardian of the child who is living in Australia.
Relative or guardian of the child's spouse: If the child's spouse is under 18 years old but is a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, the applicant can be sponsored by a relative or guardian of the child's spouse.
Community organization: In some cases, a community organization can sponsor the applicant. However, the immigration department requires valid proof of the relationship between the organization and the applicant or a written agreement from a senior representative of the organization, demonstrating approval to support the applicant(s) after their arrival in Australia.

It's important to note that these sponsorship options are specifically applicable when the child is under 18 years old. For individuals who are 18 years or older, the sponsorship requirements may differ.

Family Members in the Visa Application

You can include following members in the visa application

Your partner
Your or the partner’s child/step child

Relationship Evidence Requirements for Both Visas (Subclass 143 and 173)

You must have certified copies of

Birth certificates
A family book showing relationships
Marriage certificates (if the sponsor is partner of a child)
Evidence of guardianship (if the sponsor is guardian of a child)
Other acceptable evidence that shows relationship between the child and sponsor

If the sponsor is community organisation, there must be

Certificate of registration
Evidence of authority given to the representative of organisation to operate on behalf of organisation like the board or management committee’s authority
Evidence of financial capacity to support you when you arrive in Australia

Eligibility Criteria

For Subclass 173

Child's citizenship or residency: Your child must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Child's residency period: Your child must have lived in Australia lawfully for a minimum of two years.
Sponsorship: You must have a sponsor who meets the eligibility criteria and is willing to support your visa application.
Balance of family test: You need to meet the balance of family test, which means that at least half of your children (including stepchildren or adopted children) are Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens, or more of your children live in Australia than in any other country.
Health and character requirements: You must meet the health and character requirements set by the Australian immigration authorities. This involves undergoing medical examinations and providing police clearances from all countries you have lived in for a certain period.

For Subclass 143

Hold a Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 173): You must already hold a valid subclass 173 visa to be eligible for this visa category.
Abide by criteria for the temporary Contributory Parent visa (subclass 173): You must comply with all the requirements and conditions associated with the subclass 173 visa. This includes meeting the sponsorship, residency, and other criteria specific to the temporary Contributory Parent visa.

Contributory Aged Parent Visa (SUBCLASS 884 AND 864)

The Contributory Aged Parent visa, consisting of the subclass 884 and subclass 864 visas, provides an opportunity for older parents to reside in Australia if their child is an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.

The Contributory Aged Parent subclass 884 visa is a temporary visa that permits the applicants to live in Australia for a duration of two years. It is important to note that this visa cannot be extended or renewed beyond the initial two-year period.

However, if the parents wish to remain in Australia permanently, they have the option to apply for the permanent Contributory Aged Parent subclass 864 visa before their temporary subclass 884 visa expires. By transitioning to the subclass 864 visa, the parents can establish permanent residency in Australia.

It is crucial to understand that the application for the permanent Contributory Aged Parent subclass 864 visa should be submitted before the expiration of the temporary subclass 884 visa to ensure continuity of the residency process.

Both the visas require the applicants to be sponsored by their child. If the child is younger than 18 years of age, applicants can be sponsored by

Child's spouse: The child's spouse can sponsor the applicant if they are 18 years of age or older and a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Relative or guardian of the child or child's spouse: A relative or guardian of the child or the child's spouse can act as a sponsor if they are 18 years of age or older and a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Community organization: In some cases, a community organization can sponsor the applicant. However, if a community organization is acting as the sponsor, there must be proof of a relationship between the organization and the applicant or a written statement from a senior representative of the organization agreeing to support the applicant upon their arrival in Australia.

Eligibility Criteria

The applicants of Temporary 884 visa must

Child settled in Australia: You must have a child who is settled in Australia as an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Age requirements: You need to meet the age requirements specified for the particular parent visa category you are applying for.
Sponsorship: You must have a sponsor who meets the eligibility criteria and is willing to support your visa application.
Balance-of-family test: You must meet the balance-of-family test, which means that at least half of your children (including stepchildren or adopted children) are Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens, or more of your children live in Australia than in any other country.
Health and character requirements: You must meet the health and character requirements set by the Australian immigration authorities. This involves undergoing medical examinations and providing police clearances from all countries you have lived in for a certain period.

The applicants of Permanent 864 visa must

Holder of Temporary 884 visa: You must already hold a valid Temporary Contributory Aged Parent visa (subclass 884).
Abide by criteria for Temporary 884 visa: You must comply with all the requirements and conditions associated with the Temporary Contributory Aged Parent visa. This includes meeting the sponsorship, health, character, and other criteria specific to the temporary visa subclass.

Parent Visa (SUBCLASS 103)

The Parent visa (subclass 103) provides a pathway for parents to obtain permanent residency in Australia if their child is already settled in the country as an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.

To be eligible for this visa, parents are required to have sponsorship from their child or another eligible sponsor residing in Australia. The sponsorship serves as support and assurance for the parents' settlement in the country.

By meeting the sponsorship requirement, parents can proceed with their application for the Parent visa (subclass 103) and have the opportunity to live in Australia permanently with their child.

If the child is younger than 18 years of age, parents can be sponsored by either:

Child's spouse: The spouse of the child can sponsor the applicant if they are 18 years of age or older and settled in Australia as an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Relative or guardian of the child: A relative or guardian of the child can act as a sponsor if they are 18 years of age or older and settled in Australia as an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Relative or guardian of the child's spouse: A relative or guardian of the child's spouse can also act as a sponsor if they are 18 years of age or older and settled in Australia as an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Community organization: In some cases, a community organization can sponsor the applicant. However, it's important to note that if a community organization is sponsoring the applicant, there must be proof of a relationship between the sponsor and the applicant, or a written statement from a senior representative of the organization agreeing to support the applicant upon their arrival in Australia.

Regarding the processing time, it is currently taking approximately 25 years for Parent visas to be granted. This timeframe is subject to change and may vary based on various factors such as visa subclass, demand, and processing priorities.

Eligibility Criteria

Being a parent visa holder, you and the dependent family members included in the visa application can:

Live, study, and work in Australia indefinitely: As a permanent resident, you have the freedom to live, study, and work in Australia without any time restrictions.
Eligibility for Australian citizenship: After fulfilling the residency and other eligibility requirements, you can apply for Australian citizenship, which grants you the rights and privileges of being an Australian citizen.
Access to Australia's healthcare system: As a permanent resident, you can benefit from Australia's healthcare system and participate in the country's scheme for health-related care and expenses.
Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence: Once you have obtained permanent residency, you may have the opportunity to sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residency in Australia, subject to specific visa requirements.
Multiple entries and travel flexibility: With a Parent visa, you can leave and revisit Australia frequently for a period of five years from the date the visa is granted, allowing you to maintain connections with your home country while enjoying the benefits of living in Australia.

Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (SUBCLASS 870)

The Australian government, in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs, has introduced new policies as of 1 March 2019 that bring positive news for permanent residents who wish to have their parents stay with them for an extended period. These policies offer an alternative to the short-term Visitor Visas, allowing parents to spend more time with their families.

Starting from 17th April 2019, the sponsorship process begins, enabling eligible permanent residents to sponsor their parents. Once the sponsorship application is approved, the sponsored parent can apply for the visa starting from 1st July 2019.

Convenience With This Sponsored Parent(Temporary) Visa

In contrast to the visitor visa, the long-stay visa provides an opportunity to stay for an extended period of five years with your children and grandchildren, enabling you to cherish precious moments and create lasting memories together. This visa allows you to immerse yourself in their lives, fostering deep connections and enjoying quality time that extends beyond the limitations of a shorter stay.
Moreover, the long-stay visa offers an additional advantage by allowing you to temporarily travel to Australia while your permanent parent visa application is being processed. This means that you can continue to spend meaningful time with your loved ones in Australia, even as you eagerly await the outcome of your permanent residency application. It offers you the opportunity to maintain close ties with your family and create unforgettable experiences during the processing period.

The Eligibility Criteria For Visa

Furthermore, the long-stay visa offers an additional benefit for parents who are either biological, adopted, or step-parents of their sponsors. Unlike the visitor visa, this visa allows you to stay in Australia for an extended period of five years, providing ample time to spend quality moments with your children and grandchildren. Additionally, while your permanent parent visa application is being processed, you can also temporarily travel to Australia, ensuring you can continue nurturing close family bonds and creating cherished memories during this waiting period.

The conditions that must be followed:

To be eligible for the long-stay visa, you must have an authorized parent sponsor who will sponsor your application.
It is required that you have resided outside Australia for a minimum of 90 days if you already possess a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa beforehand.
Adequate access to funds, supported by proper documentation, as well as proof of health insurance coverage, are essential requirements.
Additionally, you must not have any outstanding public health debts and must satisfy the health, character, and national security criteria to qualify for this visa.

At My Visa Guide, our dedicated team specializes in providing comprehensive assessment, consultation, and visa processing services for a wide range of parent visas and other family visas. With our extensive industry experience and diligent research on the intricacies of Australian immigration laws and regulations, we have established ourselves as a trusted and dependable institution.

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