Parent Visas
The Australian Parent Visa Category is designed for the parents of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, allowing them to live in Australia temporarily or permanently. The category is divided into two main groups:
Non-Contributory (lower cost, significantly longer wait times) and Contributory (higher cost, faster processing), as well as a temporary option.
Key Visa Schemes
The Parent Visa options are primarily differentiated by whether they are permanent or temporary, and whether the applicant is old enough to receive the Australian age pension. Some of the Parent Visa Schemes include:
- Parent Visa (Subclass 103)
- Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)
- Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143)
- Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864)
- Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 173)
- Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 884)
General Requirements
Most Parent Visa applications, particularly those leading to permanent residency, share the following core criteria:
- The parent must be sponsored by an eligible child who is a “settled” Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, typically meaning they have resided in Australia for at least two years.
- Balance of Family Test (BOFT): The parent must meet the BOFT, which requires that either:
- At least half of their children and step-children are eligible children living in Australia (citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens).
- There are more eligible children living in Australia than in any other single country.
- Note: The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870) and Parent Visas applied for by retirees (those holding specific retirement visas since May 2018) are exempt from the BOFT.
- Assurance of Support (AoS): A legal commitment, usually from the sponsor, to provide financial support to the parent so they do not rely on government assistance for a specified period (e.g., 4 years for Non-Contributory, 10 years for Contributory visas). A refundable bond is required.
- Health and Character: All applicants and accompanying family members must meet Australia’s health and character requirements.