Family Visas
Parent Visa
These visas are for parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens who meet the “Balance of Family Test”. To pass the Balance of Family Test at least half or more of the parent’s children must live in Australia.
On-Shore (If parents are in Australia)
- Aged Parent (Residence) visa (subclass 804)
- Contributory Aged Parent (Residence) visa (subclass 864)
- Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 884)
- Contributory Aged Parent (Residence) visa (from subclass 884 to subclass 864)
Off-shore ( If parents are outside Australia)
- Parent (Migrant) visa (subclass 103)
- Contributory Parent (Migrant) visa (subclass 143)
- Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 173
- Contributory Parent (Migrant) visa (from subclass 173 to subclass 143)
- Aged Dependant Relative visa (subclass 114/838)
- This visa is for some older people to migrate to Australia if they rely on an eligible relative in Australia to provide financial support.
Parent Visa: Primary requirements
Before getting any further it is important to understand some of the main requirements.
Parent of a citizen or permanent resident
The Applicant must be the parent of an Australian citizen or permanent resident who has spent at least 2 years living in Australia
Family balance test
You must pass the balance of family test (at least half of the applicant’s children and step-children must be citizens or permanent residents in Australia, or more of the main applicant’s children must be settled permanent citizens or residents of Australia than in any other single country).
Additional requirements
There are some additional requirements that may apply depending on the visa you’re applying for.
Criteria for Contributory Aged Parent visa
The main applicant of this visa must be over 65 years of age, however, if they have a partner aged younger than 65, they can be included as a secondary applicant.
Health and Character
Your parents will need to meet health and character requirements and will need to undertake a medical assessment, chest x-ray, and HIV test. Please note that if you go the non-contributory parent visa route then your parent would be required to undertake a medical assessment before the visa is granted.
Different Parent Visa Options
There are several different visa options that may lead to Australian permanent residency
Can apply onshore, but NO bridging visa is granted
- Parent Visa (subclass 103)
- Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143)
- Contributory Parent Temporary Visa (subclass 173) to Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143)
Can apply onshore and be granted a bridging visa
- Aged Parent Visa (subclass 804)
- Contributory Aged Parent Visa (subclass 864)
- Contributory Aged Parent Temporary Visa (subclass 884) to Contributory Aged Parent Visa (subclass 864)
Non-contributory visas have far longer processing times than contributory visas.
The Department of Immigration and Border Protection website lists the wait time for non-contributory parent and aged parent visas as approximately 10– 30 years. There is also a chance that the government could potentially cancel all non-contributory parent visa applications. (They did attempt to cancel parent visa applications in 2014, however, this was never passed).
Contributory visa applicants can be expected to wait between 24 – 36 months for the visa to be processed. Upon grant of the visa application, the parent will become an Australian permanent resident.
Upon application for an onshore aged parent visa, the applicant would be granted a bridging visa allowing him to remain in Australia lawfully until the visa is granted. If the parent is from an RHCA country they may be able to enroll in Medicare, however, I would always recommend that you check with Centrelink or Medicare about this. In the application for a parents visa (for applicants under 65), there is no bridging visa granted. However, parents may be eligible to obtain a long-length sponsored visitor visa.
The other option is the contributory Aged Parent temporary visa. The benefit of this visa is that the second visa application charge is divided into two payments. This visa would grant you temporary residence in Australia for up to 2 years before you apply for the permanent contributory Aged Parent visa.
Visa Application Charges
There are numerous visa application charges please contact us for updated fees
Partner Visa
If you are married, engaged, or in a de facto relationship (including those in a same-sex relationship) to an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, you may apply off-shore or on-shore to enter and/or remain permanently in Australia. Partner Visa options include:
On-Shore (In Australia) – Partner Visa Subclass 820/801
This visa is for people who are married or in a de facto relationship (including those in a same-sex relationship) to an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen applying onshore.
Off-Shore (Outside Australia) – Partner Visa Subclass309/100
This visa is for people who are married or in a de facto relationship for 12 months to an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen applying offshore
Prospective Marriage Visa Subclass 300
This visa is for someone who is overseas and intends to marry in Australia to an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen within 9 months after applying. Once married, holders of this visa can then apply for a permanent visa.
Child Visa
Onshore (In Australia)
Child (Permanent)(Subclass 802)
For children from overseas who are the child or stepchild of an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Orphan Relative (Permanent) (Subclass 837)
For children from overseas whose parents are deceased, permanently incapacitated, whose whereabouts are unknown, and who have an eligible sponsor.
Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445)
For children whose parent holds contemporary partner visa and is in the process of obtaining a permanent partner visa.
Off Shore (Outside Australia)
Child (Permanent) (Subclass 101)
For children from overseas who are the child or stepchild of an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Orphan Relative (Permanent) (Subclass 117)
For children from overseas whose parents are deceased, permanently incapacitated, or whose whereabouts are unknown and who have an eligible sponsor.
Adoption (Permanent) (Subclass 102)
For children from overseas who have been or are about to be adopted by an Australian citizen or the holder of an Australian permanent visa or an eligible New Zealand citizen.
Important: If the child was adopted before the parent became an Australian citizen the holder of an Australian permanent visa or an eligible New Zealand citizen, they should instead apply for a Child visa (subclass 101).
Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445)
For children whose parent holds a contemporary partner visa and is in the process of obtaining a permanent partner visa.
Other Family Visa
Onshore (In Australia)
New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Visa (Subclass461) (Temporary)
Former New Zealand citizens travel to and live in Australia with a New Zealand citizen family member who is a special category visa holder.
Remaining Relative (Subclass 835) (Permanent)
For people to join their brothers, sisters, or parents who are their only near relatives and are usually residents in Australia.
Aged Dependent Relative (Subclass 838) (Permanent)
A permanent visa for aged persons who rely on a relative in Australia for all, or most, of their living costs.
Off Shore (Outside Australia)
New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Visa (Subclass461) (Temporary)
Former New Zealand citizens travel to and live in Australia with a New Zealand citizen family member who is a special category visa holder.
Remaining Relative Visa (Offshore) (Subclass 115)
For people to join their brothers, sisters, or parents who are their only near relatives and are usually residents in Australia.
Aged Dependent Relative (Subclass 114)
A permanent visa for aged persons who rely on a relative in Australia for all, or most, of their living costs.
Carer Visa (Offshore) (Subclass 116)
People needed to care for an Australian relative or a member of their family unit, who has a medical condition.
Visitor Visa
You may visit Australia under this stream, if you plan to visit your family for a short term.