Parent Visas
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Introduction
The Parent Visas allow eligible parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to join their children and live in Australia. This visa is one of the most popular family reunion pathways, helping families spend quality time together and strengthen their bonds.
An eligible New Zealand citizens is the individual holding Special Category Visa (Subclass 444) and were in Australia on 26 February 2001.
There are several types of parent visas, including temporary and permanent options. Temporary visas allow parents to stay for a few years, while permanent parent visas can lead to the Australian permanent residency.
To qualify, your sponsoring child must meet certain residency and financial requirements, and most permanent visas require you to pass the Balance of Family Test, which ensures that at least half of your children live in Australia.
Key Benefits of the Parent Visas
The Australian Parent Visas entitle you to:
- Live in Australia permanently or temporarily (based on visa option)
- To work and study indefinitely.
- Enroll in the Australia’s public health care scheme, Medicare
- Sponsor your eligible family members to join you in Australia.
- Travel to and from Australia freely for up to 5 years.
- Join free English language classes (Adult Migrant English Classes) if eligible.
- Apply for the Australian citizenship (if eligible).
Parent Visa Options
Australia offers the following parent visa options for those who want to help their parents migrate and join them in Australia.
1. Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870)
The Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870) is a temporary visa allowing a parent of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen visit and remain in Australia for up to 3 or 5 years.
This visa helps families reunite by allowing parents to spend extended time with their children and grandchildren in Australia, without the need to apply for a permanent parent visa right away.
To apply for this visa, each parent must have an approved sponsor, usually their child. A key benefit of this visa is that the Balance of Family Test (BoF) does not apply, making it easier and faster for parents to join their family in Australia.
With this visa, parents can continue applying for subsequent visas, allowing them to spend up to 10 years in Australia with their family. Moreover, on this visa, you do not have the right of working in Australia.
2. Non-Contributory Parent Visas (Subclass 804 and 103)
1) Subclass 804 (onshore)
The Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804) is a permanent visa that allows older parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia. This visa is specifically for applicants who are already in Australia and meet the age criteria for the Australian Age Pension.
To apply, you must have a child who is settled in Australia and meet key eligibility requirements, including the Balance of Family Test and sponsorship criteria. The subclass 804 visa is part of Australia’s family reunion program, helping parents remain close to their children while staying lawfully in the country.
2) Subclass 103 (offshore)
The Parent Visa (Subclass 103) is also a permanent visa that lets parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens live in Australia. This visa is designed for applicants who are outside Australia at the time of lodgement and decision.
To qualify for this subclass, you must have a child who is settled in Australia and meet key eligibility requirements such as the Balance of Family Test and sponsorship criteria.
3. Contributory Parent Visas (Subclasses 143 and 864)
1) Subclass 143 (offshore)
The Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) is a permanent visa that enables parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens to migrate to Australia. This visa is for applicants outside Australia at the time of application and decision.
Unlike non-contributory parent visas, Subclass 143 has a significantly higher government fee but offers faster processing times. This pathway is ideal for families seeking a more time-efficient solution to parent migration.
2) Subclass 864 (onshore)
The Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864) is a permanent visa that allows older parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia. This visa is for applicants who are already in Australia and meet the minimum age requirement for the Age Pension at the time of application.
Subclass 864 visa is part of the contributory parent program, which involves a higher government fee but typically offers a faster processing time compared to non-contributory aged parent visas.
4. Contributory Parent Visas (Subclasses 173 and 884)
1) Subclass 173 (offshore)
The Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 173) allows parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia temporarily for up to two years.
This visa is designed for applicants who are outside Australia at the time of application and decision. It is part of the contributory parent program and serves as a first step toward permanent residency, as holders can later apply for the permanent Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143).
2) Subclass 884 (onshore)
The Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 884) is a temporary visa that permits eligible older parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to remain in Australia for up to two years.
This visa is available to applicants who are already in Australia and meet the qualifying age for the Age Pension. It forms part of the contributory parent migration program and acts as the first step toward obtaining the permanent Contributory Aged Parent Visa (subclass 864).
Who Is Eligible for Parent Visas?
To apply for this visa, you must meet the following requirements:
General Requirements
1) Meet the Balance of Family Test
To apply for parent visas, you must meet the Balance of Family Test. To satisfy this requirement, at least half of your eligible children and step-children (citizen or permanent resident) must be in Australia.
2) Have an Approved Sponsor
To be eligible for this visa, you must be sponsored by your eligible child. In the event that your child is aged under 18, eligible relatives or community organizations can sponsor you.
3) Meet Health and Character Requirements
Applicants of Parent Visas must satisfy health requirements and character requirements, respectively assessed through medical exams and police certificates from the country they live for at least 12 months.
4) Repay Any Outstanding Debts to the Australian Government
If you or any family members have a debt to the Australian Government, it must be fully repaid or you must have an approved repayment arrangement in place before your visa grant.
5) Adhere to the Australian Values
If you are 18 and over, you must sign the Australian Values Statement to confirm your respect to the Australian lifestyle and laws.
6) Have Assurance of Support
To be eligible for this visa, an Assurance of Support is a legal commitment ensuring you and any family members included in your application will not rely on financial assistance provided by the Australian government during your stay in the country.
7) Age Requirement
To apply for Parent Visas, you must meet the Australian pension age.
8) Have an Adequate Health Insurance
Before you travel, you must arrange health insurance with an Australian provider and maintain it for the entire duration of your stay. This ensures you are protected against unexpected medical expenses while in Australia.
Visa History Requirements
A) Not Holding a Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870)
If you have applied for or currently hold the Sponsored Parent visa (Subclass 870), you are not eligible for other parent visas.
B) Visa Cancellation or Refusal
Any refusal or cancellation of a visa may affect your eligibility to apply for Parent Visas.
Sponsorship Requirements
1. Who can sponsor you?
Usually, your partner serves as your sponsor and they must be one of the following:
- An Australian citizen
- An Australian permanent resident
- An eligible New Zealand citizen
or
- Settled in Australia (usually living in Australia for at least 2 years)
Eligible New Zealand citizens are the individuals holding Special Category Visa (Subclass 444) and were in Australia on 26 February 2001.
2. Sponsorship Requirements
A) Age Requirement
The sponsor must be at least 18 years old.
B) Character Requirement
Sponsors must meet character requirements, including providing police certificates for any country where they have lived for 12 months.
C) Financial Capacity
The sponsor must be able to assist you with accommodation and financial support during the first 2 years in Australia. For Subclass 870, the minimum annual salary of the sponsor must be at least AUD 83,454.80.
Financial Affordability and Genuine Intention to Stay Temporarily in Australia
1) Financial Affordability
You, as an applicant, must have sufficient funds or reliable access to them so as to cover your living expenses and support yourself during your stay in Australia.
2) Genuine Intention to Stay Temporarily in Australia
To be eligible for this visa, you must demonstrate your genuine intention for temporary stay in Australia through:
- your reasons to visit Australia temporarily
- proof that you will return home
- proof that you own major assets and have substantive ties to your home country.
Differences between The Aged Parent Visas and the Parent Visas
When applying for a parent visa, your age plays a key role in determining which subclass you are eligible for. Applicants who have reached the qualifying age for the Australian Age Pension may be eligible for an Aged Parent Visa.
If you are under the Pension Age, you will need to consider the standard Parent Visa options, which are usually applied from outside Australia.
Selecting the correct visa subclass based on your age ensures your application is valid and processed under the right program.
Onshore Partner Visa Fees
Combined Application
- Base application charge: AUD 9,365
- Additional applicant charge 18 and over: AUD 4,685
- Additional applicant charge under 18: AUD 2,345
Application by Prospective Marriage Visa Holders
- Base application charge: AUD 1,560
- Additional applicant charge 18 and over: AUD 785
- Additional applicant charge under 18: AUD 390
Application Processing Time
- The application processing time for the Onshore Partner Visa usually ranges between 10 to 20 months.
FAQs about the Onshore Partner Visa
1. What happens if the sponsor dies after the 820 is granted?
The applicant may still be granted the 801, provided they can show the relationship would have continued and they have developed close ties in Australia.
2. What if the relationship ends after the 820 grant?
The applicant may still be eligible for 801 if family violence occurred or if they have custody or access rights to a shared child.
3. Do 820/801 applicants need new health checks?
Usually not. If a permanent health clearance was given for the 820, repeat medicals are only required if more than 12 months have passed or health concerns arise.
4. Are police checks required for the permanent stage?
Yes. All applicants must provide updated police clearances for any country lived in for 12 months+ since the 820 grant.
5. Can a child be added to a pending 820/801 application?
Yes. Newborn children are automatically added. Other dependent children generally need a Subclass 445 visa first, then can be added via written request or Form 1002.
6. What if I already had a Partner visa refused recently?
If you’ve had a partner visa refused within the last 21 days, you cannot validly apply for another 820/801 application while in Australia.
7. Can I apply for a Partner Visa if I have been in Australia unlawfully?
Yes, but only if you meet strict requirements. If you do not hold a substantive visa (for example, you are unlawful) and you have not previously held a Prospective Marriage (Subclass 300) visa, you must show compelling reasons why the Partner visa should be granted despite your unlawful status
