Parent Visas
Australian Migration
- Parent Visas
Australian Parent Visas allows children who are Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to sponsor their parents to immigrate to Australia. This family reunion visa category enables parents to live long-term in Australia and reunite with their children.
- Main Visa Categories for Parent Visas
Australian parent migration includes both onshore and offshore application options:
- Onshore Parent Visas • Aged Parent Visa 804 • Contributory Aged Parent visa 864 • Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) visa 884
- Offshore Parent Visas • Parent Visa 103 • Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa 173 • Contributory Parent Visa 143
Eligibility for Sponsors
• Sponsors must be Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens living in Australia for at least two years.
• Sponsors must be at least 18 years old.
• Both biological and stepchildren can act as sponsors.
Offshore visas like 103, 173, and 143 are currently the most common choice for Chinese families. Parents must wait until the visa is granted before legally entering Australia for long-term residence.
- Subclass 103 Parent Visa
Subclass 103 Parent Visa is one of the traditional parent reunion visas in Australia. It allows eligible parents to apply from overseas and eventually obtain permanent residency.
- Key Advantages
- Lower costs compared to contributory visas
- Shorter waiting period for government benefits (2 years vs. 10 years for 143)
- Seamless upgrade option to 143 visa without reapplying
- Flexible temporary stay: parents may apply for up to 5 years on a visitor visa while waiting
- Entry Requirements
- Applicant Status
Parent of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Children’s Residency
Children must have been living in Australia, typically for at least 2 years
- Balance of Family Test
At least half of the children live in Australia, or more children live in Australia than overseas
- Health and Character
Applicants must meet Australian health and character standards
- Assurance of Support
Sponsors must provide financial support to prevent reliance on government welfare
- Can have up to three joint sponsors
- Sponsors provide a deposit that is refunded after two years, minus any government assistance received
- Subclass 143 Contributory Parent Visa
Subclass 143 Contributory Parent Visa (also known as the Parent Paid Migration Visa) offers a faster pathway for parents to live in Australia permanently. By paying the contribution fee, parents can shorten waiting times and enjoy full rights as permanent residents.
- Key Advantages
- No education, English, asset, or work experience requirements
- Legal study and work rights in Australia
- Free travel during visa validity
- Access to Medicare and other eligible social benefits
- Eligibility to apply for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements
- Entry Requirements
To apply for a 143 parent visa, you need to meet the following requirements:
- Sponsor Relationship: Parent of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Children’s Residency: Children must be residing in Australia, usually for at least 2 years
- Balance of Family Test: Half or more of the children reside in Australia
- Health and Character: Meet Australian immigration standards
- Assurance of Support: Sponsors provide financial backing to prevent reliance on welfare
- Assurance of Support for 143 Visa
- Can include up to three joint sponsors
- Sponsors provide financial support for 10 years
- Refundable contribution deposit after 10 years, minus any government assistance used
- Basic Requirements for Parent Migration
To apply for an Australian Parent Migration visa, applicants generally need to meet:
- Parent is a parent, step-parent, or legal guardian of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Child is at least 18 years old and has lived in Australia legally for at least 2 years
- Pass the Balance of Family Test (for certain visa subclasses)
- Meet health and character requirements
- Provide Assurance of Support with possible contribution or bond payments