There are several different types of parent visas, with various time frames and requirements. Let’s take a look at all six scenarios involving parent visas that can lead to bringing both or one of your parents over to Australia, for a family sponsorship.

The purpose of a Parent visa is to allow the parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents and eligible New Zealand citizens to migrate permanently to Australia.

Australian Parent category visas

If you meet the requirements below, you might be eligible to apply for a parent visa:

• you have a child who is an Australian permanent resident, Australian citizen or an eligible New Zealand citizen
• your child has been living lawfully in Australia for the last 2 years before your visa allocation was lodged
• you have a sponsor (most likely your child)
• you must meet the criteria for the Balance of Family test(explained more below)
• you can meet the health and character requirements

How long can you stay in Australia on a parent category visa?

It will depend of the subclass of parent visa you apply for, but a parent category visa can allow you to, either :

1. be a temporary resident in Australia for up to 10 years (870 visa- does not require meeting balance of family test)
2. get you Australian permanent residency

Family Sponsorship Australia information

You must have a sponsor to apply for a parent category visa to live in Australia as a permanent or temporary resident. Your sponsor needs to be an Australian permanent resident, Australian citizen or eligible New Zealand citizen who:

• is 18 years old or over
• has resided in Australia legally for at least 2 years prior to the parent lodging their visa application
• There are special preparations for a sponsor under the age of 18. If your child or step-child has not yet turned 18, someone else may act as a sponsor as long as they are 18 years old or over and are a settled Australian permanent resident, Australian citizen or an eligible New Zealand citizen. These could include:
• the live-in partner (or spouse) of your child or step-child
• someone who is a relative or guardian of your child or step-child
• someone who is a relative or guardian or the live-in partner (or spouse) of your child or step-child
• a community organization

Balance of family test

If you are a parent applying for a parent category visa, you must meet the balance of family test. This test was designed to determine the degree of your links to Australia.

You will meet the requirements for the balance of family test if:

1. at minimum half of your children live permanently in Australia
2. you have more children living in Australia than anywhere else

Your visa options for family sponsorship to Australia via Parent Visa

How do you figure out which visa option is right for you?

The following scenarios should help you decide which parent category visa to apply for, given your current circumstances.

Parent visa requirements 

Applicant

As the visa applicant, you must:

• have a child who is an eligible Australian citizen, permanent resident, or New Zealand citizen (see below)
• meet the ‘balance of family’ test. This requires that at least half of your children reside in Australia, or that more of your children reside in Australia than in any other single country

Note: You are not required to meet this test if you hold an eligible subclass 173 Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa.

• pay an additional (‘contributory’) charge to the Australian Government immediately prior to the grant of your visa

Australian Child

Your Australian child must:

• be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
• be settled in Australia (generally this means that your child must have resided in Australia for at least two years)
• be at least 18 years old, and willing to sponsor your application

Note: You may instead be sponsored by your child’s spouse or de facto partner, provided that this person meets the above requirements. Alternatively, if your child is under 18, you may in some circumstances be sponsored by a relative or guardian of your child, or by a community organisation.

undertake to provide you with any necessary financial and accommodation support for the first two years after your arrival in Australia