Parent Visas
Permanent visa options for parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to reunite with their children in Australia.
About Parent Visas
Parent visas allow parents of settled Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to migrate to Australia permanently. There are two main pathways: standard parent visas with lower costs but longer processing times, and contributory parent visas with higher costs but faster processing.
Key Benefits
- Live in Australia permanently with your children
- Work and study in Australia
- Access Medicare (after waiting period)
- Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence
- Travel to and from Australia
- Apply for Australian citizenship (if eligible)
Parent Visa Options
Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 173/143)
A faster processing option with higher application charges. Subclass 173 is the temporary visa, and Subclass 143 is the permanent visa.
Parent Visa (Subclass 103)
A permanent visa with lower application charges but significantly longer processing times (12-30 years).
Balance of Family Test
All parent visas require you to pass the balance of family test. This means:
- At least half of your children must live permanently in Australia, OR
- More of your children must live permanently in Australia than in any other single country
Only children aged 18 years or over are counted for the balance of family test.
General Requirements
- Meet the balance of family test
- Be sponsored by an eligible child
- Your sponsor must have been settled in Australia for at least 2 years
- Assurance of Support required
- Meet health and character requirements
- Have adequate health insurance until Medicare access
Assurance of Support
An Assurance of Support is required for all parent visas. This is a legal commitment to provide financial support so you won't need to rely on government assistance. The bond amount varies by visa type:
- Main applicant: AUD $10,000 (standard) or $10,000-$14,000 (contributory)
- Adult secondary applicants: AUD $4,000 each
- Bond is refundable after 10 years
Cost Comparison
| Visa | Application Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Subclass 103 | ~AUD $6,415 | 12-30 years |
| Subclass 173/143 | ~AUD $47,000+ | 2-4 years |
Important Information
- Processing times for Subclass 103 are very long (12-30 years)
- Contributory visas offer significantly faster processing
- You must be outside Australia when applying for most parent visas
- Assurance of Support is mandatory
- Professional advice from registered migration agents is recommended
Ready to Apply?
Get expert assistance with your Parent visa from our registered migration agents.
Book ConsultationContact UsWhich Option?
Consider contributory visas if you want faster processing and can afford higher fees. Consider standard parent visa if cost is a concern and you can wait.