Parent Category Visas
Parent Category Visas
You might be eligible to apply for a parent category visa if:
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you have a child who is an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen
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your child has been living in Australia lawfully for at least 2 years before you lodge your visa application
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you have a sponsor
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you meet the Balance of family test criteria
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you meet health and character requirements.
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How long can I stay in Australia on a parent category visa?
A parent category visa allows you to:
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live in Australia for up to 2 years as a temporary resident, or
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live in Australia as an Australian permanent resident.
Sponsors
You will need to have a sponsor to apply for a parent category visa to live in Australia as a temporary or permanent resident.
A sponsor must be an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen who:
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is 18 years of age or over
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has lived in Australia lawfully for at least two years before the parent lodges their visa application.
There are special provisions for a sponsor under 18 years of age.
These provisions are explained in the visa options below.
Balance of family test
All applicants for a parent visa must meet the balance of family test.
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The balance of family test is designed to determine the extent of your links to Australia.
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You meet the balance of family test if:
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at least half of your children live permanently in Australia, or
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more of your children live permanently in Australia than in any other country.
VISA OPTIONS
The following visa options allow a parent to:
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live in Australia as a temporary or permanent resident.
Applying outside Australia
Visa option: Parent Visa (subclass 103)
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Processing time: Up to 30 years
Visa option: Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 173)
You are prepared to pay higher visa application charges for faster processing
Visa option: Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143)
Processing time: Given the ongoing strong demand for this visa processing times might vary between programmed years.
Applying in Australia
Visa option: Aged Parent Visa (subclass 804)
Processing time: Up to 30 years
Visa option: Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 884)
You are prepared to pay higher visa application charges
Visa option: Contributory Aged Parent Visa (subclass 864)
If you hold a Contributory Aged Parent Visa (subclass 884) and you would like to stay in Australia permanently, you can apply for a permanent Contributory Parent visa (subclass 864) before your temporary visa expires.