Australia is a popular destination for families that are looking to reunite with loved ones in generations. For many Australian citizens and permanent residents, parents live nearby, providing emotional support, family relations, and can help children increase a nutrition, expanded family environment. Fortunately, the Australian government offers parents’ visas that allow the Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible parents of New Zealand citizens to stay temporarily or permanently in Australia.
This blog examines a variety of original visas in Australia, which is eligible, how the application process works, and what to consider before applying.
Why apply for parents’ visa?
A parent visa australia character allows parents to live in Australia with their children, either temporarily or permanently. If you want to bring your parents for a few years or ensure that they stay permanently, these visas provide a legal passage for long-term family reunion.
The benefits of an original visa include:
The ability to live in Australia full-time
Access to Australia’s healthcare system (depending on visa type)
The option to work or study (on some visas)
Eventual eligibility for permanent residency (in specific streams)
Long-term, multi-entry access for family visits
Types of Parent Visas in Australia
Australia offers several parent visa options under two broad categories: permanent and temporary.
1. Contributory Parent Visas
These visas are fast-tracked compared to non-contributory options but come with higher application costs. There are both temporary and permanent options:
One. Contributor Parents (Temporary) Visa – Subcise 173
Stay: up to 2 years
Cost: Lower upfront than the permanent visa but still substantial
Pathway: You can later apply for the permanent Subclass 143
Processing time: 3–4 years (approx.)
B. Contributory Parents (Permanent) Visa – Subcise 143
Living: Permanent Residence
Cost: Higher cost than 173, but direct PR
Work & Study Rights: Yes
Access to Medicare: Yes
Processing time: 3-4 years (subject to change)
2. Non-Contributory Parent Visas
These are more affordable but have significantly longer processing times.
One. Original Visa – Subcise 103
Living: Permanent Residence
Cost: Lower than Contributory visas
Processing time: Up to 30 years due to limited annual places
3. Sponsored parents (Temporary) Visa – Subcontinent 870
Stay: 3 or 5 years per visa (maximum 10 years)
No PR Pathway: This visa cannot reside permanent
Cost: AUD $ 5,735 for 3 years or AUD $ 11,470 for 5 years
Sponsor: There should be an biological, adopted, or step child who is an Australian citizen or PR
Processing time: a few months
Major eligibility requirements
To apply for most parents’ visas, applicants must meet many requirements, including:
1. Sponsorship
You must be sponsored by an eligible child who is:
An Australian citizen
An Australian permanent resident
An eligible New Zealand citizen
Over 18 years old and settled in Australia
2. Balance of Family Test
Most permanent parent visas (eg, 103, 143) require applicants to pass this test, which means:
At least half of your children live permanently in Australia; or
More of your children live in Australia than in any other single country
3. Health and Character Requirements
All applicants must pass health checks and character assessments, which may include:
Medical exams
Police approval certificate
4. Assurance of Support (AOS)
For some visas, sponsors should provide a financial assurance of support, which serves as a safety trap to ensure that parents do not rely on government support on arrival.
Application process
Step 1: Check your eligibility
Use a visa finder on the Home Affairs website or consult a registered migration agent.
Step 2: Lodge sponsoring application
Your child must submit sponsorship form and wait for approval before lodging your visa application (especially for subcontinent 870).
Step 3: Lodge Visa application
Submit your visa application online or by paper (based on visa type).
documents such as:
Proof of relationship
Identity documents
Health insurance (for temporary visas)
Financial statements
Step 4: Health & Character Checks
You will be informed to undergo your medical examination and submit police clearance.
Step 5: Wait for decision
Depending on the visa, it can also take months or years. Make sure your application is updated with any change.
Major ideas before applying
Cost: Some visas, such as subclass 143, cost more than $ 47,000 per applicant. Budget accordingly.
Processing Time: Non-desert visa such as 103 may take decades.
If faster migration is essential, contributory or temporary options may be better.
Medicare Access: Only permanent residents can access Australia’s public health system. Temporary visa holders must have adequate private health insurance.
Work Rights: Subclass 870 does not grant work rights. Subclass 143 allows working and studying.
No PR Pathway for 870: The Sponsored Parent Temporary Visa offers no path to permanent residency.
It is ideal for long trips, not migration.
final thoughts
Australia’s original visa program is designed to support family reunion, but choosing the right visa can be complicated due to high cost, eligibility position and long waiting period. It is important to balance your budget, urgency and long -term goals before applying.
