Parent Visa
Parent visas let a parent of a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident of Australia or eligible New Zealand citizen move to or visit Australia. There are several options depending on your situation and how quickly you want your visa processed.
Parent Visa (Subclass 103/804)
These options are more affordable but have a longer processing time for parents wishing to migrate permanently to Australia.
Key Eligibility Differences:
Parent visa (subclass 103)
- For younger parents under the Australian pension age.
- You can be in or outside Australia, but not in immigration clearance, when you apply for the visa.
Aged Parent Visa (subclass 804):
- For aged parents that are old enough to receive the age pension in Australia.
- You must be in Australia, but not in immigration clearance, when you apply for this visa.
Processing Time
It can take up to 30 years due to high demand and limited visa places.
Cost
Lower fees compared to contributory visas.
Permanent Residency
Granted upon approval.
Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143/864 and subclass 173/884)
These visa options have much faster processing but comes with higher fees due to required financial contribution.
The Contributory Parent Visa (Temporary) (subclass 173/884) are pathways to apply for the permanent Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143/864) that provide a two-step process by first applying for a Contributory Parent (Temporary) (subclass 173/884) visa that allows you to spread the cost of the visas over a number of years.
Key Eligibility Differences:
Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143)/ Temporary pathway (subclass 173)
- For younger parents under the Australian pension age.
- You can be in or outside Australia when you apply for the visa.
Contributory Aged Parent Visa (subclass 864)/ Temporary pathway (subclass 884)
- For aged parents that are old enough to receive the age pension in Australia.
- You must be in Australia, but not in immigration clearance, when you apply for this visa.
Processing Time
For subclass 143/864, approximately 12 years.
Cost
Higher fees because it covers some future healthcare and social services costs.
Permanent Residency
- Subclass 143 and 864 are permanent visas.
- The Temporary Subclass 173 and 884 allow parents to reside in Australia temporarily for up to 2 years before applying for the permanent contributory parent visas (subclass 143/864).
Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870)
This visa allows parents to visit Australia for an extended period without the need to migrate permanently.
Duration
Stay for up to 3 or 5 years, with an option to renew for up to 10 years.
No Permanent Residency
This is a temporary visa with no direct pathway to permanent residency.
No balance-of-family test required.
