Parent Visas: The Last Step in Your Family’s Migration to Australia

For many migrants, securing visas for themselves and their immediate family is only the beginning of their Australian journey. Once they have settled, established careers, and built lives in Australia, the next big step is often bringing parents to Australia on a parent visa.

Parent visas are often considered the final piece of the migration puzzle—the last step in reuniting families permanently in Australia.

Understanding Parent Visas in Australia

There are several permanent parent visa options available for families wishing to bring their parents to Australia:

1. Contributory Parent Visa Subclasses 143 and 173 (offshore) / Contributory Aged Parent Visa Subclass 884

• Much faster processing times than non-contributory visas.
• Higher application costs, with significant financial contributions required.

2. Parent Visa Subclass 103 / Aged Parent Visa Subclass 804

• Lower visa application charges.
• Very long processing times—often more than 30 years.

There is also a temporary Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870), which allows parents to stay for up to 10 years without a permanent visa.

Key Things to Consider Before Applying

Applying for an Australian parent visa is a big step that requires careful planning. Here are important factors to consider:

Balance of Family Test

Applicants must pass the balance of family test: at least half of the applicant’s children must live permanently in Australia, or more children live in Australia than in any other country.

Remaining In Australia While Awaiting a Visa Outcome

Those parents lodging Contributory Aged Parent (subclass 884) and Aged Parent (subclass 804) visas will be granted Bridging Visa A’s to allow them to remain in Australia until their visa application is decided. Depending on the visa type this could be 14 – 31 years. Unless the parent holds a Medicare card through a reciprocal arrangement private health insurance will need to be maintained for the parent throughout the 14 -31 year wait time.

It is important for parents to consider options for care if they become frail or unwell. If they may need to enter an aged care home during the processing of their visa consider whether the parent or family will have the financial means to cover this cost.

Financial Commitment

The Contributory Parent Visa cost is significant, often more than AUD $40,000 per parent. An Assurance of Support (AoS) is also required to ensure parents will not rely on Centrelink for the first 10 years.

Processing Times

• Contributory parent visas: 14 years
• Non-contributory visas: up to 30+ years.
  Families should consider their parents’ age, health, and circumstances before choosing this option.

In previous years contributory parent visas  had wait times of between 4 – 6 years. With these increasing recently to 14 years, it is wise to consider whether the additional cost of the contributory parent visa is with the faster processing. For some families who are able to lodge the Aged Parent Visa while their loved one is in Australia, it does not make financial sense to choose the Contributory option.

Health and Character Requirements

All applicants must meet health and character requirements. For older parents, medical issues can affect eligibility as the health requirement is decided just before the visa is approved. The health of any person, including the elderly, can change dramatically during the 14 – 31 year visa processing time.

Alternative Visa Options

For families not yet ready for permanent migration, the Sponsored Parent Visa Subclass 870 offers flexibility and lower upfront costs, allowing parents to stay in Australia for extended periods without committing immediately to permanent residency.

It is important to note that a parent cannot apply for a Contributory or Aged Parent Visa in Australia while holding a temporary Sponsored Parent Visa Subclass 870 visa. We recommend families speak to an immigration lawyer to plan which visa to apply for first if permanent residence is the ultimate goal for your parent.

Final Thoughts

For many families, the parent visa is the last step in family migration to Australia. It allows parents to be part of everyday life—celebrating milestones, helping with grandchildren, and enjoying retirement with loved ones.

The decision of whether to apply for a parent visa requires careful financial planning, consideration of visa processing times, and a realistic understanding of health and lifestyle factors. Speaking with an experienced Australian immigration lawyer can help you navigate the complexities, compare visa options, and make the best choice for your family. Please contact us today to start your parent visa journey.