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Australian Parent Visas

Take the first step in your Australian Parent visa application process

Australian Migration Lawyers is made up of a team of qualified lawyers with decades of experience. We have successfully secured Parent visas for many clients involving some of the most complex matters.

Our friendly team are here to help you along the way. Reach out to get started.

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The Australian Migration Lawyers difference

Types of Parent visas and how they work

Depending on your individual circumstances there are five types of Parent visas that you may be able to to apply for. They all work to allow the parent of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen to come and live in Australia for a certain period of time or even permanently.

Sponsored Parent Visa (870)

Temporary visa for all parents

This visa is suited for parents who wish to visit and live in Australia on a temporary basis for 3 to 5 years. In some cases, you may be entitled to reapply for further subclass 870 visas to stay up to 10 years in Australia. Unlike other Parent visas, this visa does not lead to permanent residency, and you cannot apply for another parent visa subclass once you have applied for or hold this visa.

Aged Parent Visa (804)

Pemanent visa for aged parents

The Aged Parent visa subclass 804 is available to you if you are 67 years or older, and you are currently in Australia. It does not require you to pay a high Department fee, however, the processing times are much longer. This visa may enable the visa holder to gain permanent residency and access other benefits.

Parent Visa (103)

Permanent visa for particular parents

The Parent visa subclass 103 may allow you to stay in Australia permanently with your children without any restrictions and enjoy the benefits of living and working in Australia as a Permanent resident. It is attractive to many people wanting to move to Australia as it does not have an age requirement.

Contributory Parent Visa (173/143)

Temporary and Permanent visa for particular parents

This visa does not require applicants to reach Australian pension age and differs from other visa types as the expense is much greater. The benefit of paying the premium is that it often expedites the process and visas are generally granted much quicker than others. It consists of both temporary and permanent visa types.

Contributory Aged Parent Visa (884/864)

Temporary and permanent visas for older parents

The contributory aged parent visa consists of both temporary and permanent visa types. It’s best suited for applicants over the age of 67 who are looking to reunite with their families in Australia. Similar to the subclass 173 and 143 visas, the cost of the subclass 884 and 864 is much more than other visa types.

Visa application process

Applying for an Australian visa can be challenging without professional support. Our team of qualified lawyers can provide you will advice on your eligibility for an Australian parent visa as well as the most efficient and cost-effective options available to you.

1. Consultation and engagement

2. Preparation and support

3. Submission and communication

4. Representation and success

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Benefits of using an Australian Migration Lawyer for your Parent visa

At Australian Migration Lawyers, we understand the emotional toll that many families face as they are separated and it is our desire to reunite these families in the most seamless way possible. When it comes to such delicate matters, putting your trust in someone who truly understands the complexities of the process is a major benefit.

Our team of highly qualified Australian lawyers will use their legal experience in migration to guide you through your journey, building evidence and applying for a Parent visa. They will also discuss any other migration options that might be available to you.

Parent Visa Requirements

Although the requirements for each parent visa type differ, there are key eligibility requirements that apply to all applicants. The Australian Migration Lawyers team will provide you with specific advice based on your unique circumstances.

  • You must be parent of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen
  • Your child must be an approved parent sponsor
  • You must have paid back any debt to the Australian government
  • You must meet health and character requirements
  • You have to meet the balance of family test (except for subclass 870 visa), which means you must have more children living in Australia than in any other country, or at least half of your children are eligible to sponsor you.
Learn more about parent visa requirements

Costs involved

There are two main costs associated with a Parent visa. 

1. Professional fees payable to Australian Migration Lawyers to prepare your primary application 

The cost of our services for your application will depend on its complexity. In some cases, we offer fixed fees so that you have clarity and transparency regarding the costs of the visa application. We also accommodate financial needs by offering payment plans. Feel free to schedule a consultation with our qualified lawyers to obtain a quote and start your visa application process.

2. Department fees 

The Department fees differ depending on which Parent visa you apply for. For detailed information on the application fees for each visa subclass, please refer to the relevant visa subclass page.

Learn more about parent visa costs

Parent visa processing times

The processing times for parent visas differ depending on whether you choose to apply for contributory or non contributory parent visas. Processing times are also subject to the complexity of your case, the completeness of your application and the caseload being processed by the Department. At Australian Migration Lawyers, our goal is to submit high-standard, comprehensive applications that are as complete as possible to help reduce delays. 

We discuss the most recent information about processing times during our consultation. We will draw on our experience to provide you with our professional estimate based on your circumstances.

Meet your Australian Migration Lawyer

We’re a diverse team of professionals with decades of combined experience. We care about your situation and will make sure you always get the support and advice you need.

We support the LGBTIQ+ community across Australia

Nationwide support: Our locations across Australia

We offer professional migration advice and support, no matter where you are based. Those located in Australia have the choice of meeting with us at one of our offices or online, and for those offshore, we are available to you online.

Frequently asked questions

What are the benefits of getting a Parent visa?

The key benefit of a Parent visa is allowing you to stay in Australia with your children so that your family can be reunited. You may also be eligible to work, study and travel in and out Australia during the grant period if you are holding a temporary parent visa. 

Further, if you are a permanent parent visa holder, you can:

  • Access Medicare
  • Pay domestic student fees at Australian education institution
  • Apply for Australian citizenship once you have met residence requirements
  • Sponsor family to come to Australia under relevant programs

Can I apply for a Parent visa while on a visitor visa?

Yes, you can. As long as your visitor visa does not have ‘No further stay’ condition on it, you can apply for a parent visa and may be granted a bridging visa which allows you to stay in Australia lawfully while waiting for your parent visa outcome. Always seek professional advice based on your specific circumstances. Call Australian Migration Lawyers for an appointment.

Can I appeal if my Parent visa application is refused?

Generally, either the applicant or the sponsor will have the opportunity to appeal the refusal decision to the Administrative Review Tribunal and request the Tribunal re-make the decision according to law. Our legal team is highly experienced with the appeals process and can represent you before the Tribunal.

Can a permanent Parent visa be cancelled in Australia?

Yes, permanent Parent visas are still visas which means they are cancellable if certain circumstances arise that give the Department permission to cancel them. For example, providing false or misleading information, violating visa conditions or engaging in serious criminal misconduct can lead to a cancellation of your permanent visa. If you are concerned about a cancellation, please act quickly and contact us as opportunities to appeal cancellation decisions have time limits.

About the content author

Perry Q Wood
Partner - Principal Migration Lawyer

Perry Q Wood is Immediate Past President of the Australian Institute of Administrative Law and one of Australia’s leading administrative and migration lawyers. To date, he has been involved in 1,000+ migration and refugee matters.

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