Parent Visas Australia
Bring Your Parents to Australia with Confidence
The Australian Parent Visa program provides a pathway for parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia. These visas recognise family connection and include both temporary and permanent options, depending on eligibility, sponsorship, and balance-of-family requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs.
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McSweeney Immigration assists families in understanding the Australian Parent Visa process - including eligibility, documentation, and application preparation. Our MARA-registered migration agent provides guidance in accordance with Australian migration law and current Department of Home Affairs requirements, helping clients navigate each stage with accuracy and care.
What Are Parent Visas?
Parent Visas allow eligible children to sponsor their parents to live in Australia. These visas range from temporary options for short visits to permanent residency pathways.
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Key parent visa subclasses include:
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Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143 / 173): Faster processing for higher visa application charges.
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Parent Visa (Subclass 103): Permanent residency with long wait times — often 10+ years.
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Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864 / 884): For parents over the Age Pension age already in Australia.
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Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870): Allows stays of up to 10 years but does not lead to permanent residency.
Each subclass has distinct conditions, costs, and eligibility criteria. Our migration agent can guide you on which type is most suitable.
Who Is Eligible for a Parent Visa?
While each visa has its own rules, general eligibility includes:
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A child who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ citizen sponsoring the application
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Passing the balance of family test (at least half of the children must live lawfully in Australia)
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Meeting health and character requirements
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Adequate income or assurance of support (for certain visas)
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Willingness to meet visa charges and government levies
How McSweeney Immigration Helps Families Stay Connected
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Visa Selection Strategy: We assess your family’s goals and timelines to recommend the most suitable visa.
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Application Management: We support every step of your visa application preparation and submission.
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Eligibility Guidance: We clearly explain sponsorship, income, and age requirements.
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Progress Monitoring: We stay in touch throughout long waiting periods and help manage bridging or temporary options.
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Future Planning: We advise on transitioning from temporary to permanent residency if eligible.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a parent visa take in Australia?
Processing times vary by subclass. Contributory Parent Visas (subclass 143 or 173) typically take 4–6 years. Non-contributory Parent Visas (subclass 103) can take over a decade. Temporary Sponsored Parent Visas (subclass 870) are generally processed in a few months.
How difficult is it to get a parent visa?
It depends on the visa type and family circumstances. Contributory visas may be more direct if financial and eligibility criteria are met. Non-contributory visas are subject to long queues. The balance of family test and sponsorship eligibility are key challenges.
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Which visa is best for parents in Australia?
The best visa depends on your goals. If you're seeking permanent residency, subclass 143 (Contributory Parent Visa) is the most practical despite higher costs. For shorter visits without PR, subclass 870 (Sponsored Parent Visa) offers flexible long-term stay options without the same processing delays.​
