Family & Partner
Parent Visa
Parent visas let the parents of a settled Australian child live in Australia. They come in two broad types: non-contributory visas that cost little but carry extremely long waits, and contributory visas that are far faster but very expensive. Choosing the right one starts with an honest conversation about time and cost.
Visa type
Temporary or permanent options
Sponsor
A settled Australian child
Key test
Balance-of-family test
Trade-off
Cost versus waiting time
How this works
- Us:We get your documents application-ready, match you with a registered migration agent we have vetted, and stay on the matter until it is lodged.
- Registered agent:A registered migration agent gives the migration advice and lodges your application.
- The Department:The Department of Home Affairs decides. No outcome is guaranteed.
Who it is for
- Parents of a child who is a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Families weighing the cost of a contributory visa against the wait of a non-contributory one.
- People who want the real cost and timing laid out clearly, and a registered migration agent to advise, before committing money or years.
What this pathway involves
The balance-of-family test
At least half of your children, or more children than in any other single country, must live permanently in Australia.
An approved sponsor
Usually your settled Australian child sponsors you and must meet the sponsorship requirements.
Contributory or non-contributory
Contributory parent visas are much faster but carry large second-instalment charges. Non-contributory visas cost far less but can involve waits measured in decades.
Temporary or permanent routes
Some families use a temporary contributory option to spread the cost, then move to the permanent stage.
Annual caps apply
The parent program is capped each year, which lengthens queues. This is central to planning realistically.
Health and character
Parents must meet health and character requirements, and health can be a significant factor for older applicants.
How the process works
- 1
Lay out the facts
We set out the real cost and waiting time of each parent visa, and a registered migration agent advises on which one fits your situation.
- 2
Check the balance-of-family test
A registered migration agent confirms whether you meet the test before anything else, since it gates every parent visa.
- 3
Plan the timing and budget
We help you organise around the charges, instalments, and queues for the option you choose.
- 4
Prepare and lodge
We prepare and organise a thorough file with the sponsor documents, and a registered migration agent lodges it and deals with the Department.
- 5
Support through the wait
We keep your file current and coordinated as your queue position progresses, and a registered migration agent advises as things change.
Questions about the Parent Visa
Related visas
Not sure where to start?
Tell us about your situation. We get your file application-ready and match you with a registered migration agent for the advice and lodgement, and we stay on it the whole way. No obligation.