Parent Visas in Australia — Reunite and Live Close to Your Family
Australia offers various Parent Visa options for parents who wish to join their children living permanently in Australia. These visas provide pathways for parents to live, visit, or eventually settle in Australia and be close to their family.
Categories Under Parent Visa Program
| Visa Subclass |
Description |
Visa Type |
| Subclass 103 — Parent Visa |
Permanent visa for parents sponsored by children in Australia (long processing times) |
Permanent |
| Subclass 804 — Aged Parent Visa |
Permanent visa for parents aged 65 or over, sponsored by children |
Permanent |
| Subclass 143 — Contributory Parent Visa |
Faster permanent visa requiring significant contribution fee |
Permanent |
| Subclass 864 — Aged Contributory Parent Visa |
For aged parents applying through contributory pathway |
Permanent |
| Subclass 870 — Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa |
Temporary visa for up to 5 years to visit children in Australia |
Temporary |
Eligibility Criteria for Parent Visas
- You must have a child who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- The child must be settled in Australia and willing to sponsor you.
- You must meet the balance of family test, which means at least half of your children reside permanently in Australia, or more children live in Australia than any other country.
- Meet health, character, and security requirements.
- For Contributory Parent Visas, you must pay a higher visa application charge and possibly an assurance of support bond.
Occupations & Skills
- There are no occupation or skills requirements for Parent Visas.
- These visas are family reunion-focused and not skill-based.
Conditions of the Parent Visas
- Most Parent Visas are permanent, allowing you to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.
- Temporary Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870) allows multiple entries but does not provide a pathway to permanent residency.
- Some Parent Visas require you to wait in a queue due to annual caps (especially Subclass 103).
- Health and character conditions apply for all applicants.
Visa Application Charges (VAC) — Indicative
| Visa Type |
Primary Applicant |
Additional Applicant (18+) |
Child Applicant (Under 18) |
| Subclass 103 |
AUD 4,115 |
AUD 2,055 |
AUD 1,030 |
| Subclass 804 |
AUD 4,115 |
AUD 2,055 |
AUD 1,030 |
| Subclass 143 |
AUD 48,250 |
AUD 24,125 |
AUD 1,030 |
| Subclass 864 |
AUD 48,250 |
AUD 24,125 |
AUD 1,030 |
| Subclass 870 |
AUD 5,000 (for 5-year visa) |
N/A |
N/A |
Fees subject to change; additional costs may include health checks and police certificates.
Processing Times (Indicative)
| Visa Type |
Processing Time |
| Subclass 103 | 8–15 years |
| Subclass 804 | 5–9 years |
| Subclass 143 | 3–4 years |
| Subclass 864 | 3–4 years |
| Subclass 870 | 1–3 months |
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Confirm Eligibility and Sponsor Availability — Your child must be eligible and willing to sponsor you.
- Submit Sponsorship Application — The sponsoring child lodges a sponsorship application with evidence of residency and relationship.
- Lodge Parent Visa Application — Submit your parent visa application online or by paper, attaching necessary documentation.
- Undergo Health and Character Checks — Medical examinations and police clearances are mandatory.
- Wait for Visa Decision — Processing times vary significantly based on visa subclass and application date.
- Visa Grant and Travel to Australia — Permanent Parent visas allow you to live permanently; temporary visas allow visits only.
Benefits of Parent Visas
- Live permanently or temporarily in Australia with your family
- Access Medicare and other social services (for permanent visa holders)
- Work and study rights for permanent Parent Visa holders
- Opportunity to reunite and maintain strong family ties
- Ability to travel freely in and out of Australia (except some restrictions on temporary visas)
Pathways to Permanent Residency
- Subclass 103 and 804 grant permanent residency upon visa grant.
- Contributory Parent Visas (143 and 864) offer faster permanent residency for higher fees.
- Temporary Sponsored Parent Visa (870) is strictly temporary with no direct PR pathway but allows extended visits.
Why Choose Eureka Consultants for Parent Visa Applications?
- Expert guidance on visa options and eligibility
- Assistance with complex sponsorship and application documentation
- Support throughout long processing waits and communications with Department of Home Affairs
- Help with health, character, and compliance issues
- Clear advice on contributory and non-contributory pathways
