How to Permanently Bring Your Parents to Australia

For many Australian citizens and permanent residents, having parents living overseas can be emotionally challenging. The desire to reunite families across borders is one of the most common reasons people explore Australia’s Parent Visa options.

If you’re wondering how you can bring your parents to Australia permanently, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, from understanding the different visa subclasses to eligibility, sponsorship, and application processes.

As registered migration agents in Australia, we’ve helped hundreds of families successfully sponsor their parents, and we’re here to make the process as clear and achievable as possible.

Why Bring Your Parents to Australia Permanently?

Reuniting with your parents means more than convenience, it’s about family, care, and connection. Bringing your parents to Australia allows them to:

• Live closer to their children and grandchildren
• Enjoy Australia’s quality of life and healthcare system
• Strengthen family support networks
• Share special moments and milestones together

For many families, helping parents migrate permanently to Australia is one of life’s most meaningful decisions.

Parent Visa Options in Australia (2025 Update)

Australia offers several parent visa options that allow eligible parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live permanently in Australia.

Here’s a breakdown of the main visa types:

1. Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143)

This is the most popular permanent parent visa pathway.

• Type: Permanent
• Processing Time: Generally faster than non-contributory visas
• Who it’s for: Parents who prefer a shorter waiting period for permanent residence.

Many families start with a temporary Contributory Parent (Subclass 173) visa, then transition to the permanent Subclass 143 later.

2. Parent Visa (Subclass 103)

A more traditional parent visa option.

• Type: Permanent
• Processing Time: Much longer than contributory visas
• Who it’s for: Parents who are not in a rush and prefer a lower-cost pathway.

While the processing time is extensive, it remains an option for families planning long-term.

3. Aged Parent Visas

These visas are available for parents who are old enough to receive the Australian Age Pension.

• Subclass 804 (Aged Parent Visa) – Permanent
• Subclass 864 (Contributory Aged Parent Visa) – Permanent with a faster process
• Subclass 884 (Contributory Aged Parent Temporary Visa) – Temporary (2 years), with the option to transition to Subclass 864

Aged Parent visas can usually be applied for while in Australia, provided your parents hold a valid visa that allows onshore applications.

The Balance of Family Test

To be eligible for a parent visa, your parents must meet the Balance of Family Test, which ensures that more of their children live permanently in Australia than in any other single country, or at least half of their total children live permanently in Australia.

Example:

• If your parents have three children and two live in Australia, they meet the test.
• If only one child lives in Australia and two live overseas, they do not meet the test.

This test is essential, it determines whether your parents qualify for a parent visa.

Sponsorship Requirements

As the sponsor, you must be:

• An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
• Settled in Australia, usually meaning you’ve lived here lawfully for at least two years
• Able to provide financial and accommodation support to your parents for their initial period in Australia

Sponsors must also provide an Assurance of Support (AoS) to confirm they can support their parents and that the parents will not rely on government financial assistance soon after arrival.

Health and Character Requirements

All applicants must meet Australia’s health and character standards, which include:

• Undergoing medical examinations with an approved panel doctor
• Providing police clearances for any country where they have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years

These requirements help ensure that migrants entering Australia maintain public health and safety standards.

Processing Times and Planning Ahead

Parent visa processing times vary based on demand and the Department of Home Affairs’ annual allocation of places.

As of 2025, processing times can range from several years for contributory visas to much longer for non-contributory options.

Migration Tip: Many families choose a two-stage approach, applying first for a temporary contributory visa (Subclass 173 or 884), then transitioning to a permanent one (Subclass 143 or 864) later.

Temporary Options While Waiting

If your parents are waiting in the queue for a permanent visa, there are temporary options that can allow them to spend time in Australia with family in the meantime:

• Visitor Visa (Subclass 600 – Sponsored Family Stream): Allows parents to stay for extended visits.
• Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870): Enables parents to live in Australia for up to three or five years, renewable up to ten years in total.

These options provide flexibility for families waiting for a permanent visa outcome.

Step-by-Step Process to Bring Your Parents Permanently

1. Check Eligibility: Confirm both the sponsor and the parents meet all requirements.
2. Choose the Right Visa: Consider your parents’ age, location, and preferred processing time.
3. Prepare Documentation: Gather identity, relationship, health, and character evidence.
4. Lodge the Application: Submit through the Department of Home Affairs online system or by paper, depending on the visa type.
5. Provide Sponsorship and Assurance of Support: Formalise your commitment to support your parents.
6. Wait for Queue Placement: The application will enter the parent visa queue.
7. Complete Health and Character Checks: Once requested by the Department.
8. Visa Grant: Upon approval, your parents can live in Australia as permanent residents.

How a Registered Migration Agent Can Help

Applying for a parent visa is one of the more complex areas of Australian migration law. The rules, forms, and queue management systems can be confusing and even minor mistakes may delay your application significantly.

A registered migration agent can help by:

• Assessing eligibility and advising on the most suitable visa pathway
• Preparing and lodging a complete, compliant application
• Managing communication with the Department of Home Affairs
• Guiding you through Assurance of Support and bridging visa issues
• Providing ongoing updates on processing and policy changes

Our team’s goal is to make your parent visa process smooth, accurate, and stress-free, so you can focus on what matters most: reuniting your family.

Final Thoughts

Bringing your parents to Australia permanently is a deeply meaningful process that takes patience, planning, and professional guidance. With the right advice and strategy, you can make your family reunion in Australia a reality.

If you’re ready to start the journey toward bringing your parents home, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Need Expert Help with a Parent Visa Application?

Our experienced registered Australian migration agents specialise in parent visa pathways. We’ll guide you from the initial consultation to final approval with clarity and care.

📞 Book a consultation today to discuss your parents’ visa options.
💬 Contact us online, let’s bring your family together in Australia.