Parent category visas

You might be eligible to apply for a parent category visa if:

•you have a child who is an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen

•your child has been living in Australia lawfully for at least 2 years before you lodge your visa application

•you have a sponsor

•you meet the Balance of family test criteria

•you meet health and character requirements.

A parent category visa allows you to:

•live in Australia for up to 2 years as a temporary resident, or

•live in Australia as an Australian permanent resident.

Applying outside Australia

1. Parent Visa (subclass 103) Permanent Australian Resident

A parent must:

• You are applying outside Australia

• You have a child who lives in Australia

• Meet the balance of family test

• Meet health and character requirements

• Have a sponsor

Processing time: Up to 30 years

2.  Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 173) Temporary Resident(up to 2 years)

A parent must:

• You are applying outside Australia

• You have a child who lives in Australia

• pay higher visa application charges for faster processing

• have a sponsor

• meet the balance of family test

• meet health and character requirements

Applying either in or outside Australia

1. Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143) Permanent Australian Resident

A parent must:

• You have a child who lives in Australia

• You want to become a permanent Australian resident

• You are prepared to pay higher visa application charges for faster processing

• meet the balance of family test

• have an assurance of support

• meet health and character requirements

• have a sponsor.

Processing time: Australia Government processes applications for this visa in date of lodgement order and according to the planning levels set in the Migration Programme each year. Given the ongoing strong demand for this visa processing times might vary between programme years.

If you hold the Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 173) and you would like to stay in Australia permanently, you can apply for the Permanent Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143) before your temporary visa expires.

Applying in Australia

1. Aged Parent visa (subclass 804) Permanent Australian Resident

A parent must:

• You are applying inside Australia

• You have a child who lives in Australia

• You want to become a permanent Australian resident

• meet the age requirements

• meet the balance of family test

• meet health and character requirements

• have a sponsor.

Processing time: Up to 30 years

2.  Contributory Aged Parent Visa (subclass 884) Temporary Resident(up to 2 years)

A parent must:

• You are applying in Australia

• You have a child who lives in Australia

• You are prepared to pay higher visa application charges for faster processing

• meet age requirements

• meet the balance-of-family test

• have a sponsor

3.  Contributory Aged Parent Visa (subclass 864) Permanent Australian Resident

A parent must:

• You are applying in Australia

• You have a child who lives in Australia

• You are prepared to pay higher visa application charges

• meet age requirements

• meet the balance-of-family test

• meet health and character requirements

• have an assurance of support

• have a sponsor