How to Apply for an Australian Parent Visa – A Simple Guide
By BCS GLOBAL | Your Australian Migration Partner
If you are living in Australia as a citizen or permanent resident and want your parents to join you permanently, Australia offers several Parent Visa options.
Parent visas can allow eligible parents to live in Australia permanently, work, study and enjoy many benefits available to permanent residents.
What is an Australian Parent Visa?
An Australian Parent Visa is designed for parents who have an eligible child who is:
- An Australian citizen
- An Australian permanent resident, or
- An eligible New Zealand citizen
The child must generally be settled in Australia and meet the relevant visa requirements.
Which Parent Visas are Available?
Some of the main Parent Visa subclasses include:
Subclass 103 – Parent Visa
This visa allows eligible parents to live in Australia permanently.
Subclass 143 – Contributory Parent Visa
This is a permanent Parent Visa with a higher visa cost.
Subclass 804 – Aged Parent Visa
This visa is generally for eligible aged parents who meet the required conditions.
Subclass 864 – Contributory Aged Parent Visa
This is another permanent visa option for eligible aged parents.
⚠️ Important: The right visa depends on your parents' age, location, family situation and other eligibility requirements.
How to Apply for a Parent Visa – Step-by-Step
Step 1: CHECK Your Eligibility
Before applying, you need to check whether your parents meet the visa requirements.
Generally, they must:
- Have an eligible child who is settled in Australia
- Meet the relevant Parent Visa requirements
- Meet health and character requirements
- Follow Australian immigration laws
- Meet other requirements applicable to their chosen visa
It is important to choose the correct visa subclass before starting the application.
Step 2: APPLY for the Visa
Parent Visa subclasses 103, 143, 804 and 864 must now be lodged online through ImmiAccount.
This makes it easier to submit documents and manage the visa application online.
Important
Applications for the Temporary Contributory Parent Visa must continue to be lodged on paper, according to the application requirements.
Step 3: PAY the Visa Application Fee
For the Parent Visa (Subclass 103), the cost starts from AUD 8,665 for a single applicant, payable in two instalments.
In limited situations, concessions may apply.
Additional costs may also apply during the visa process, such as:
- Medical examinations
- Police clearance certificates
- Document translations
- Other required assessments or checks
From 1 July 2026, eligible citizens of certain Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste may qualify for a lower visa cost.
Step 4: WAIT for Processing
One of the most important things applicants should understand is that Parent Visas can have very long processing times.
There are more Parent Visa applications than the number of visa places available each year. Because of this, applicants may need to wait for a significant period.
For this reason, it is important to:
- Submit the correct application
- Provide accurate information
- Upload all required documents
- Respond quickly if the Department requests additional information
What Can You Do After Getting a Permanent Parent Visa?
Once your Parent Visa is granted, you may be able to:
✅ Live in Australia permanently
✅ Work in Australia
✅ Study in Australia
✅ Enrol in Medicare, Australia's public healthcare system
✅ Sponsor eligible family members
✅ Travel in and out of Australia, subject to the visa travel facility
✅ Attend eligible free English language classes
✅ Apply for Australian citizenship, if you meet the eligibility requirements
Important: Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870)
Applicants should also be aware that different Parent Visa options have different rules.
For example, an applicant must not have already applied for or hold a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870) when applying for certain permanent Parent Visa options, including Subclass 103.
Therefore, choosing the right visa pathway from the beginning is very important.
Why Choose BCS GLOBAL?
Applying for an Australian Parent Visa can be confusing. Choosing the wrong visa or submitting an incomplete application can create unnecessary delays and problems.
At BCS GLOBAL, we can help you understand:
- Which Parent Visa may be suitable for your situation
- The eligibility requirements
- Required documents
- Online application procedures
- Visa costs and instalments
- Important conditions and requirements
Bring Your Parents Closer to You in Australia
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