Australia is known for its strong family values and multicultural communities. Many Australian citizens and permanent residents desire to bring their parents from overseas to live with them and enjoy family life in Australia. If you are an Indian citizen settled in Australia and want your parents to join you, understanding the Parents visa for Australia process is essential. This guide offers a step-by-step explanation of the different parent visa types, eligibility, and how to successfully navigate the Australia immigration process.
What is a Parents Visa for Australia?
The Parents visa for Australia enables eligible Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to sponsor their parents to live in Australia either temporarily or permanently. This visa category falls under Australia’s family stream visas and reflects the government’s commitment to family reunification.
Parents can apply under several visa subclasses, depending on their age, financial situation, and desired length of stay. The Parents visa for Australia can be permanent or temporary, with some options allowing faster processing at a higher cost.
Types of Parent Visas for Australia
Australia offers several types of parent visas, tailored to different needs and financial situations. Below are the main options:
1. Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143)
- Permanent visa for parents who meet all requirements and pay a higher application charge.
- Faster processing compared to other visas.
- Requires the applicant to pass the Australian parent visa requirements, including health and character checks.
2. Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 173)
- Temporary visa valid for two years.
- Gives parents time to settle in Australia before applying for the permanent subclass 143 visa.
- Requires payment of a substantial first installment, with the balance paid during the permanent visa application.
3. Parent Visa (Subclass 103)
- Permanent visa with a much lower fee.
- Significant processing time (up to 30 years due to backlog).
- Suitable for parents who are not in a hurry to migrate.
4. Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)
- For parents who meet the Australian age pension age.
- Applicants must be in Australia at the time of application.
- Lengthy processing times, similar to the 103 visa.
5. Temporary Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870)
- Temporary visa allowing parents to stay in Australia for up to 3 or 5 years without applying for permanent residency.
- Lower government charges compared to permanent visas.
- Renewable up to a total of 10 years.
Eligibility Criteria for Parents Visa for Australia
For the Sponsor:
- Must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Must have lived in Australia lawfully for at least two years prior to sponsoring.
- Must meet financial capacity and character requirements.
- Must provide an Assurance of Support (for certain visas).
For the Applicant (Parent):
- Must pass health and character checks.
- Must meet the Balance of Family Test, meaning at least half of their children must live permanently in Australia, or more of their children live in Australia than in any other country.
- Must meet age requirements (for aged parent visas).
- Must comply with the terms of the selected visa subclass.
Step-by-Step Australia Immigration Process for Parent Visas
Step 1: Select the Right Parent Visa Type
Evaluate your parents’ situation, financial readiness, and urgency. For quicker results, the Contributory Parent Visa subclass 143 is ideal but expensive. For lower-cost options, consider subclass 103, but be prepared for long waiting periods.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
For a smooth application, collect:
- Sponsor’s Australian citizenship/permanent residency documents
- Proof of relationship (birth certificates, passports)
- Evidence of residence in Australia
- Assurance of Support documentation (for relevant visas)
- Health and police clearance certificates for the parents
- Passport-sized photos and identity proof of the applicant
Step 3: Submit the Visa Application
Submit the application online through the Department of Home Affairs portal or by paper, depending on the visa type. Ensure that all documents are correctly uploaded and forms are accurately completed.
Step 4: Pay the Visa Application Charges
Different visa types have varying charges. The Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143) has a significantly higher fee but offers faster processing.
Step 5: Health and Character Checks
Parents must complete medical examinations and provide police clearance certificates from all countries where they have lived for 12 months or more over the past 10 years.
Step 6: Assurance of Support
This is a financial commitment by the sponsor to support their parents for up to 10 years to ensure they do not rely on government welfare.
Step 7: Wait for Visa Grant
Processing times vary:
- Contributory Parent Visas: 4 to 6 years
- Non-Contributory Parent Visas: up to 30 years
- Temporary Sponsored Parent Visas: 3 to 4 months
Key Considerations for Indian Applicants
1. Balance of Family Test
Indian parents applying for a Parents visa for Australia must meet the Balance of Family Test. If some of your siblings are living in India or elsewhere, make sure the majority are in Australia to pass this test.
2. Dual Processing (Subclass 173 to Subclass 143)
Indian parents who wish to spread the cost can first apply for subclass 173 (temporary visa) and later transition to the subclass 143 visa, making the financial burden more manageable.
3. Financial Readiness
The Australia immigration process for parent visas is expensive, particularly for contributory visas. Ensure you have planned for the visa charges, Assurance of Support bond, and relocation expenses.
Australian Parent Visa Requirements: Documents Checklist
Here is a quick checklist to meet the Australian parent visa requirements:
- Identity documents (passport, birth certificate)
- Proof of relationship (birth certificates, family books)
- Proof of sponsor’s Australian citizenship or PR
- Financial evidence for Assurance of Support
- Medical examination results
- Police clearance certificates
- Proof of address for both sponsor and applicant
- Marriage certificate (if both parents are applying)
Processing Time for Parents Visa for Australia
| Visa Type | Estimated Processing Time |
| Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143) | 4–6 years |
| Contributory Temporary Parent Visa (subclass 173) | 3–5 years |
| Non-Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 103) | Up to 30 years |
| Aged Parent Visa (subclass 804) | Up to 30 years |
| Temporary Sponsored Parent Visa (subclass 870) | 3–4 months |
Benefits of the Parents Visa for Australia
- Permanent stay in Australia for eligible parents
- Access to Medicare (for permanent visas)
- Multiple entry to and from Australia
- Family reunification and better family support
- Pathway to Australian citizenship for permanent visa holders
Temporary vs Permanent Parent Visa Options
| Visa Type | Duration | Medicare Access | Pathway to PR |
| Subclass 143 | Permanent | Yes | Yes |
| Subclass 173 | 2 years | No | Yes (with subclass 143) |
| Subclass 103 | Permanent | Yes | Yes |
| Subclass 870 | 3–5 years (renewable) | No | No |
| Subclass 804 | Permanent | Yes | Yes |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting incomplete applications
- Choosing the wrong visa subclass
- Failing the Balance of Family Test
- Missing required health or police clearances
- Inadequate financial planning for the subclass 143 visa
Tips for a Successful Application
- Consult a migration expert to help assess your case.
- Submit all required documents in the correct format.
- Prepare for lengthy waiting periods if choosing non-contributory visas.
- Maintain clear communication with your migration agent and the Department of Home Affairs.
Why Choose Sunland Education & Immigration Consultants?
At Sunland Education & Immigration Consultants, we understand that bringing your parents to Australia is one of life’s most meaningful goals. Our expert team assists Indian families with every aspect of the Parents visa for Australia application. Whether it’s navigating complex paperwork, preparing Assurance of Support, or selecting the right subclass, we ensure a smooth and stress-free Australia immigration process.
We offer:
- Free initial consultation
- Customized visa strategy for your family
- Assistance with document preparation and submission
- Regular updates throughout the process
- Post-arrival guidance for your parents
Final Thoughts
The Parents visa for Australia is a valuable pathway to reunite families and provide your parents with a high quality of life in a safe and welcoming environment. By understanding the available visa types, eligibility requirements, and application process, Indian families can make informed decisions. Although the Australia immigration process for parents may seem overwhelming, expert guidance and careful planning can help you achieve your dream of living with your loved ones in Australia.
Contact Sunland Education & Immigration Consultants today to start your parent visa journey. Let us guide you through each step with confidence and clarity.
