There are several types of Parent Visas for Australia that allow parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia temporarily or permanently. Here’s an overview of the main options:
1. Parent Visa (Subclass 103)
- Permanent visa
- Low cost, but very long processing time (can take 30+ years)
- Must be sponsored by an eligible child living in Australia.
- Must meet the Balance of Family Test (more children in Australia than in any other single country).
- Can be applied for onshore or offshore (but must be offshore at the time of decision).
2. Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143)
- Permanent visa
- Faster processing (3–6 years), but high cost (over AUD 47,000+ per applicant).
- Requires a sponsor (usually a child living in Australia).
- Must pass the Balance of Family Test.
- Option to apply for Temporary Visa Subclass 173 first, then transition to 143.
3. Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 173)
- Temporary for 2 years
- Can transition to the permanent Subclass 143
- Cost: Around AUD 31,000+
- Must meet the Balance of Family Test
4. Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870)
- Allows parents to stay up to 3 or 5 years at a time, renewable up to 10 years total
- Does not require Balance of Family Test
- Requires sponsorship by an Australian child who has been a citizen/permanent resident for at least 4 years
- Cost:
- 3-year visa – approx AUD 5,735
- 5-year visa – approx AUD 11,470
- Must be applied from outside Australia
Key Requirements (Generally):
- Have a child who is a settled Australian citizen, PR, or eligible NZ citizen
- Meet Balance of Family Test (except Subclass 870)
- Meet health and character requirements
- Assurance of Support (AoS) is required for many permanent parent visas.
