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Parent Visa Options for Australia (2025)

Australia offers various visa pathways for parents of settled Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. These visas are categorised into Non-Contributory, Contributory, and Temporary options, each with specific eligibility criteria, processing times, and associated costs.

 

 

Parent Visa Pathways

There are several visa options available for parents seeking Australian permanent residency:

  • No Bridging Visa Granted

Applicants can apply while in Australia, but they will not receive a bridging visa while awaiting the outcome:

• Parent Visa (Subclass 103)

• Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143)

• Contributory Parent Temporary Visa (Subclass 173) → Can transition to       Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143)

  • Bridging Visa Granted

Applicants can apply onshore and will be granted a bridging visa while awaiting a decision:

• Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)

• Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864)

• Contributory Aged Parent Temporary Visa (Subclass 884) → Can transition to Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864)

Primary Requirements

Before applying, it is essential to understand the key eligibility criteria:

1. Parent of an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident

The applicant must be a parent of an Australian citizen or permanent resident who has lived in Australia for at least two years before the visa application.

2. Balance of Family Test

Applicants must pass the Balance of Family Test, which means:

•At least half of the applicant’s children (including step-children) must be Australian citizens or permanent residents, OR

•More of the applicant’s children must be settled in Australia than in any other single country.

3. Temporary Parent Visa (Subclass 870) – Alternative Option

If an applicant does not meet the Balance of Family Test, they may consider applying for the Temporary Parent Visa (Subclass 870), which allows parents to stay in Australia for up to 10 years but does not provide a pathway to permanent residency.

Additional Requirements

Depending on the visa type, additional requirements may apply:

Contributory Aged Parent Visa Eligibility

•The primary applicant must be at least 67 years old (pension age).

•If the primary applicant has a partner under 67, they can be included as a secondary applicant.

Health and Character Requirements

•All applicants must meet health and character requirements.

•A medical assessment, chest x-ray, and HIV test will be required.

•For Non-Contributory Parent Visas, medical assessments must be completed before visa approval.