After building a life in Australia, many migrants reach a point where they start thinking about family.

Perhaps your parents are getting older. Maybe you want them to spend more time with their grandchildren. Or perhaps you simply miss having them close by and want to share everyday moments together.

If you’re thinking about bringing your parents to Australia, understanding the available visa pathways is an important first step.

In this article, we’ll explain the main parent visa options, who may be eligible, and what you should consider before applying.

Can You Sponsor Your Parents to Live in Australia?

In many cases, yes.

However, before applying for a parent visa, there are several important requirements that need to be considered.

Sponsorship Requirements

Generally, the sponsoring child must be:

  • An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
  • Living in Australia
  • Eligible to sponsor their parents under Australian immigration rules

The Balance of Family Test

Most permanent parent visa categories require applicants to satisfy the Balance of Family Test.

This means either:

  • At least half of the parents’ children live permanently in Australia, or
  • More of their children live permanently in Australia than in any other country

This requirement is often one of the first factors families need to consider when exploring parent visa options.

Health and Character Requirements

Like many Australian visas, parent visa applicants must also meet health and character requirements. This may include health examinations and police clearance certificates.

Understanding Your Parent Visa Options

One of the most common questions families ask is:

“Which parent visa is best?”

The answer depends on your family’s goals, budget, and how quickly you would like your parents to move to Australia.

Let’s look at the main options.

Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143 and 864)

For families looking for a faster pathway to permanent residency, the Contributory Parent Visa is often the preferred option.

Although government application charges are higher, many applicants choose this pathway because processing times are generally much shorter than standard parent visa categories.

Benefits

  • Permanent residency in Australia
  • Access to Medicare
  • Ability to live, work, and study in Australia
  • Faster processing compared to non-contributory parent visas

Things to Consider

  • Higher government fees
  • Assurance of Support requirements may apply

Generally, Subclass 143 is for applicants outside Australia, while Subclass 864 is designed for eligible aged parents already in Australia.

Parent Visa (Subclass 103 and 804)

For families who prefer a lower-cost pathway to permanent residency, the Parent Visa may be an option.

However, it is important to understand that these visas typically involve very long waiting periods because only a limited number of places are available each year.

Benefits

  • Lower government fees
  • Permanent residency pathway

Things to Consider

  • Significantly longer processing times
  • Limited annual visa allocations

Subclass 103 is generally for parents applying outside Australia, while Subclass 804 is for eligible aged parents already in Australia.

Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870)

Not every family is looking for permanent residency immediately.

Some simply want their parents to spend extended periods in Australia without going through the permanent parent visa process.

The Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870) was designed for this purpose.

Benefits

  • Allows long-term stays in Australia
  • Faster option than many permanent parent visas
  • No Balance of Family Test requirement

Things to Consider

  • Does not provide permanent residency
  • Parents cannot work in Australia
  • Sponsors must meet certain income requirements

For many families, this can be a practical way to spend more time together while considering future options.

Which Parent Visa Is Right for Your Family?

Every family situation is different.

If your priority is obtaining permanent residency as quickly as possible, the Contributory Parent Visa may be worth considering despite the higher cost.

If budget is a greater concern and you are prepared for a longer waiting period, the Parent Visa may be a suitable option.

If your goal is simply to have your parents stay in Australia for extended periods without immediately pursuing permanent residency, the Sponsored Parent Visa could be the right fit.

Because there is no one-size-fits-all solution, it is important to assess your family’s circumstances carefully before making a decision.

How to Apply

Step 1: Gather Your Documents

Prepare documents such as:

  • Proof of Australian citizenship or permanent residency
  • Birth certificates
  • Identity documents
  • Police clearance certificates
  • Health examination reports

Step 2: Apply for Sponsorship

The sponsoring child submits a sponsorship application through the Department of Home Affairs.

Step 3: Lodge the Visa Application

Once sponsorship is approved, parents can submit their visa application.

Step 4: Pay Visa Charges and Await Processing

Application fees and processing times vary depending on the visa category selected.

Why Professional Guidance Can Help

Parent visas are often more complex than people expect.

Different visa categories have different requirements, costs, waiting periods, and eligibility conditions. Choosing the wrong pathway can lead to unnecessary delays, additional expenses, and frustration.

Seeking advice from a Registered Migration Agent can help you understand your options clearly and identify the most suitable pathway for your parents.

Final Thoughts

For many migrants, bringing their parents to Australia is about more than visas and paperwork. It is about keeping family close, sharing important life moments, and building a future together.

Whether you are considering a temporary stay or a permanent move for your parents, understanding the available visa options is the first step towards making that goal a reality.

At AIVES Australia, our team of MARA-registered migration professionals has helped thousands of families understand their parent visa options and navigate the Australian immigration process with confidence. If you are planning to bring your parents to Australia, professional guidance can help you choose the pathway that best suits your family’s needs and future goals.

About the Author

Mr Rasheed Backer is one of Australia’s most respected Senior Immigration Law Experts, based in Melbourne, Australia. He is the Principal of AIVES Australia and a Registered Migration Agent with over 20 years of practice excellence in Australian immigration law.