Australian parent visas allow parents to live with their adult children who are Australian citizens, permanent residents, or New Zealand citizens and take advantage of the country’s multicultural lifestyle. This program’s visa categories accommodate various needs and preferences, allowing families to select the best action for their unique circumstances. A parent visa can only be obtained by successfully navigating the complex application process, comprehending the requirements, and adhering to immigration laws.
173 (Contributory Parent (Temporary)) Visa
The Subclass 173 (Contributory Parent (Temporary)) Visa allows parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to temporarily stay in Australia for up to 2 years. Visa holders can work and study in Australia (no government support will be given), and they have the option to apply for a Permanent Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143). To qualify, applicants must be sponsored by an eligible child who is a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen; meet the balance-of-family test; adhere to visa conditions; comply with the Australian law; and not already have a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) (Subclass 870) Visa.
143 (Contributory Parent) Visa
Individuals must apply for the Contributory Parent (Subclass 143) Visa after they already hold a Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 173). You can spread the expense of the visas over a number of years by applying for the subclass 173 visa first, and then the subclass 143 visa. This permanent visa allows parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to relocate to Australia. Holders of this visa can reside indefinitely, work, study, access Medicare, sponsor family members, travel to and enter Australia for 5 years, and apply for Australian citizenship if eligible. Eligibility criteria involve meeting the balance-of-family test, having assurance of support, and securing a sponsor. Retirees applying under this category do not need a sponsor or assurance of support.
884 (Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary)) Visa
The Subclass 884 (Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary)) Visa allows the aged parent of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to temporarily stay in Australia for up to 2 years. Holders can work and study, but government support is not provided. They may also apply for a permanent Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864). Applicants must not have applied for or hold a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) (Subclass 870) visa, and must meet health, character, and age pension eligibility requirements. A sponsor is required for this visa.
864 (Contributory Aged Parent) Visa
The Contributory Aged Parent (Subclass 864) Visa allows aged parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to stay in Australia permanently. With this visa, a person can live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely, access Medicare, sponsor relatives to come to Australia, and apply for Australian citizenship if eligible. To apply, one must be in Australia (excluding immigration clearance) and can follow a two-step process by first applying for the Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) (Subclass 884) Visa. Requirements include having a sponsor, meeting the age criteria for the Australian age pension, passing the balance of family test, and meeting health and character standards.
804 (Aged Parent) Visa
The Subclass 804 (Aged Parent) Visa allows elderly parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to permanently reside in Australia. Holders of this visa enjoy indefinite stay, work and study privileges, access to Australia’s healthcare system (Medicare), sponsorship opportunities for family members, and the ability to apply for Australian citizenship if eligible. However, individuals with a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) (Subclass 870) Visa cannot apply for this visa. Other requirements include having a sponsor, meeting the age requirement for Australian pension eligibility, passing the balance-of-family test, having assurance of support, and fulfilling health and character requirements.
103 (Parent) Visa
The Subclass 103 (Parent) Visa is a permanent visa allowing parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to relocate to Australia. Holders can live, work, and study permanently, access Medicare, sponsor family members, and, if eligible, apply for Australian citizenship. However, applicants cannot hold or apply for the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) (Subclass 870) visa. To be eligible, applicants must have a sponsor, pass the balance-of-family test, secure assurance of support, and meet health and character requirements. Alternatively, retirees applying for this visa are exempt from the balance-of-family test, assurance of support, and sponsorship requirements.
870 (Sponsored Parent) Visa
The Subclass 870 (Sponsored Parent (Temporary)) Visa allows parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to visit Australia for 3 or 5 years. The visa permits reunification with children, with the option to reapply for the same visa with a maximum total stay of 10 years. Employment is prohibited during the visa period, and there is no family balance or assurance of support requirements. Requirements include being the legal parent, stepparent, or parent-in-law of the approved Parent Sponsor and being at least 18 years old. Financial capability to support oneself in Australia is a prerequisite, and the intention must be to stay temporarily and adhere to visa regulations strictly.