These visas are for parents seeking to join their child(ren) [natural, adopted or step-child] in Australia and are categorised as follows:
There are only a limited number of parent visas that can be granted in a migration program year. Parent category visas are given a lower processing priority than other family visas such as partner, child and contributory parent visa categories and this can lead to lengthy waiting periods – in most cases, in excess of 10 years.
The contributory parent visas are more expensive but tend to be processed much faster.
The visa options for parents are briefly described below but in all cases, parents must have children living in Australia and they must satisfy the balance of family test.
Balance of Family Test
To satisfy the balance of family test you must meet the following criteria:
Assurance of Support
Some applicants are required to provide an Assurance of Support before their visa can be granted and in the case of parent visa categories, an Assurance of Support is mandatory.
An Assurance of Support is a legal commitment by a person (not necessarily the sponsor) to repay the Australian Government any welfare payments paid to migrants during the relavant Assurance of Support period. Assurance of Support periods are:
- 10 years for Contributory Parent categories
- 2 years for all other visa types requiring an Assurance of Support
The Assurance of Support Scheme is based in the Social Security Act 1991 and admistered by Centrelink.
Aged Parent Visas
These visas are for parents old enough to be granted an Australian Aged Pension. For men, the qualifying age is 65 years or over. The pension age for women in Australia is gradually being increased to 65 so, depending on their date of birth, women will qualify at different ages (see the table below). By 2014 the minimum qualifying age for women will be 65, making it the same for everyone.
| Date of Birth |
Qualifying Age |
| 1 July 1935 to 31 December 1936 |
60.5 |
| 1 January 1937 to 30 June 1938 |
61 |
| 1 July 1938 to 31 December 1939 |
61.5 |
| 1 January 1940 to 30 June 1941 |
62 |
| 1 July 1941 to 31 December 1942 |
62.5 |
| 1 January 1943 to 30 June 1944 |
63 |
| 1 July 1944 to 31 December 1945 |
63.5 |
| 1 January 1946 to 30 June 1947 |
64 |
| 1 July 1947 to 31 December 1948 |
64.5 |
| 1 January 1949 and later |
65 |
Aged Parent (Permanent) (subclass 804)
A permanent visa for aged parents to remain in Australia. Applicants must meet the age requirements, have an eligible sponsor in Australia and arrange an Assurance of Support.
Contributory Aged Parent (Migrant) Visa (subclass 864)
A permanent visa for aged parents that requires a significant financial contribution towards your future health costs in Australia. Although this visa costs more, it is generally processed much faster.
Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 884)
This is a temporary visa valid for two years. It allows applicants to make a lower initial contribution towards future health and welfare costs. Holders of this visa can apply for the permanent Contributory Aged Parent visa (subclass 864) and are required to pay the balance of the health contribution before the grant of permanent residency.
Contributory Aged Parent (Migrant) Visa (from subclass 884 to subclass 864)
For holders of a temporary Contributory Aged Parent visa (subclass 884) to apply for a permanent Contributory Aged Parent visa (subclass 864) and spread the cost of the health contribution.
Other Parent Visas
Parent (Migrant) Visa (subclass 103)
A permanent visa for parents with children living in Australia. There are no age restrictions for this visa but applicants are required to have an eligible sponsor and arrange an Assurance of Support.
Contributory Parent (Migrant) Visa (subclass 143)
A permanent visa for parents that requires a significant financial contribution towards your future health costs in Australia. Although this visa costs more, it is generally processed much faster.
Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 173)
This is a temporary visa valid for two years. It allows applicants to make a lower initial contribution towards future health and welfare costs. Holders of this visa can apply for the permanent Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143) and are required to pay the balance of the health contribution before the grant of permanent residency.
Contributory Parent (Migrant) Visa (from subclass 173 to subclass 143)
For holders of a temporary Contributory Parent visa (subclass 173) to apply for a permanent Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143) and spread the cost of the health contribution.
