Australian family migration pathway
Parent Visa Eligibility Requirements
Understanding the Parent Visa Eligibility Requirements is one of the most important steps when planning a parent visa application for Australia.
Australia offers several parent visa pathways, each with its own requirements and eligibility criteria. While the specific requirements vary depending on the visa subclass, many parent visa pathways share common eligibility factors.
- Understand the main parent visa eligibility requirements
- Learn about sponsorship requirements
- Review the Balance of Family Test
- Understand health and character requirements
- Compare common parent visa pathways
- Who Can Apply for a Parent Visa?Australian parent visas are designed to allow eligible parents of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents or eligible New Zealand …
- Sponsorship RequirementsMost parent visa pathways require sponsorship by an eligible child or, in some circumstances, another eligible sponsor.
- Balance of Family TestThe Balance of Family Test is one of the most important eligibility requirements for many parent visa subclasses.
- Health and Character RequirementsParent visa applicants are generally required to satisfy Australia's health and character requirements.
Stage 1
Who Can Apply for a Parent Visa?
Australian parent visas are designed to allow eligible parents of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens to migrate to Australia.
The specific requirements vary depending on the visa subclass, but parent visa applicants generally need to satisfy a number of legal, health and eligibility criteria before a visa can be granted.
Some parent visa pathways are temporary, while others provide a pathway to permanent residence. Understanding the available visa options is an important part of the planning process.
Stage 2
Core Parent Visa Eligibility Requirements
Most parent visa pathways require families to consider sponsorship, family composition, and the applicant’s health and character position together before deciding which visa pathway is suitable.
Eligible Sponsor
Most parent visa pathways require an eligible sponsor, commonly the applicant’s child in Australia. The sponsor will generally need to satisfy the citizenship or residence requirements that apply to the chosen visa subclass.
Read Sponsorship GuideSponsor Responsibilities
Sponsorship is more than naming a family member on the application. Depending on the visa pathway, the sponsor may have responsibilities that continue during processing or after visa grant.
Balance of Family Test
Many permanent parent visa pathways require the applicant to satisfy the Balance of Family Test. The test considers the applicant’s eligible children and where those children are living permanently.
Read Balance of Family GuideHealth & Character
Applicants are generally required to meet Australia’s health and character requirements. Medical examinations, police certificates or other supporting evidence may be requested depending on the applicant’s circumstances and visa subclass.
Stage 3
Aged Parent Visa Requirements
Certain parent visa pathways are specifically available to parents who meet the Australian pension age requirements.
Aged parent visas may provide additional options for eligible applicants who are already in Australia and satisfy the relevant age criteria.
Eligibility requirements can vary between visa subclasses, and applicants should carefully review the requirements that apply to their circumstances.
Age Requirement
Applicants must generally satisfy the age criteria applicable to the aged parent visa pathway.
Location Requirement
Some aged parent visa pathways may require applicants to be in Australia at the time of application.
Stage 4
Common Parent Visa Pathways
Australia offers several parent visa pathways. The most suitable option depends on individual circumstances, eligibility requirements and long-term migration goals.
Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143)
Permanent parent visa pathway for eligible parents who satisfy the relevant requirements.
Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870)
Temporary parent visa pathway allowing eligible parents to stay in Australia for extended periods.
Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864)
Permanent onshore parent visa pathway for eligible aged parents.
Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)
Permanent parent visa pathway for eligible aged parents meeting the relevant requirements.
Stage 5
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can sponsor a parent visa?
Sponsors are generally Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens who satisfy the relevant sponsorship requirements.
Do all parent visas require the Balance of Family Test?
Not all parent visa subclasses operate in the same way. Applicants should review the requirements of the specific visa pathway they intend to pursue.
Do parent visa applicants need health examinations?
Many parent visa applicants are required to satisfy health requirements and may need to undergo medical examinations.
Can parents apply while outside Australia?
Some parent visa pathways are available offshore, while others may require applicants to be in Australia. Requirements depend on the visa subclass.
What is the difference between contributory and non-contributory parent visas?
The two pathways differ in eligibility requirements, government charges and processing considerations.
Is there an age requirement for all parent visas?
No. Age requirements apply differently depending on the visa subclass. Some pathways specifically require applicants to satisfy aged parent criteria.
Do parent visa applicants need an Assurance of Support?
Certain parent visa pathways may require an Assurance of Support. Applicants should review the requirements applicable to their chosen visa.
What is the first step before applying for a parent visa?
Families should first determine which parent visa pathway may be available and assess eligibility requirements before preparing an application.
Reviewed by Mohammad Reza Azimi
Principal Registered Migration Agent at Shada Migration Services · MARN 0958292.
Next step
Get Advice About Your Family Visa Options
Family visa matters depend on the applicant, sponsor, family circumstances and supporting evidence. A consultation can help identify the appropriate pathway and the issues to address before lodgement.
