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Parent Visas

Overview

✦Parent Visas — Reuniting Families in Australia

Australia's Parent Visa program enables eligible Australian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens to sponsor their parents to live in Australia.

Choosing the right parent visa requires careful planning. Different visa pathways have varying eligibility requirements, government charges, processing times, and waiting periods. Understanding these differences is essential before lodging an application.

At Yantra Legal, we help families assess the available options and develop a practical migration strategy based on their individual circumstances.

The Balance of Family Test

Most permanent Parent Visa applicants must satisfy the Balance of Family Test.

Generally, this means that:

✦at least half of the applicant's children are lawfully and permanently resident in Australia; or
✦more of the applicant's children live lawfully and permanently in Australia than in any other single country.

Children who are living in Australia temporarily or unlawfully are generally not counted for the purposes of this test.

If the Balance of Family Test is not met, the applicant will generally not be eligible for most permanent Parent Visa subclasses.

Two-Column Comparison

Contributory stream

Pathways: Parent Visa (Subclass 143) – Offshore and Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864) – Onshore.

These visas involve substantially higher government application charges but generally have shorter waiting periods than the non-contributory parent visa program.

Applicants may also be required to provide an Assurance of Support and satisfy other legislative requirements.

Parents who qualify for the onshore Subclass 864 may generally remain in Australia on a Bridging Visa while their application is being processed, provided they continue to satisfy visa conditions.

Non-contributory stream

Pathways: Parent Visa (Subclass 103) – Offshore and Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804) – Onshore.

These visas have significantly lower government application charges but considerably longer processing times because only a limited number of places are available each year.

For many families, these visas are most suitable where an eligible parent is already in Australia and able to remain lawfully while awaiting a decision.

The Temporary Alternative

Choosing the Right Parent Visa

Parent Visa planning involves balancing several important factors, including:

✦eligibility under the Balance of Family Test;
✦the parents' age and current location;
✦expected processing times;
✦government application charges; and
✦whether temporary or permanent migration is the most practical option.

Every family's circumstances are different, and selecting the most appropriate pathway requires careful consideration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of parent visas are available?

Australia offers several Parent Visa options, including Contributory Parent Visas, Non-Contributory Parent Visas, and the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870). The most suitable option depends on your family's circumstances and long-term migration goals.

What is the Balance of Family Test?

The Balance of Family Test is an eligibility requirement for most permanent Parent Visas. It generally requires that at least half of the applicant's children live lawfully and permanently in Australia, or that more children live in Australia than in any other single country.

Why do Parent Visas take so long?

The Australian Government allocates only a limited number of Parent Visa places each year. Demand significantly exceeds the number of available places, resulting in lengthy processing times for many visa subclasses.

Can my parents stay in Australia while their application is being processed?

Depending on the visa subclass and where the application is lodged, eligible applicants may be granted a Bridging Visa that allows them to remain lawfully in Australia while their application is being processed.

Is the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa a pathway to permanent residence?

No. The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870) does not provide a direct pathway to permanent residence. However, it may be a practical option for families wishing to spend extended time together in Australia.

Which Parent Visa is right for my family?

The most suitable Parent Visa depends on factors such as your parents' age, location, family circumstances, eligibility under the Balance of Family Test, and your family's long-term migration objectives. Obtaining legal advice can help you identify the most appropriate pathway.

Why Choose Yantra Legal?

Choosing a lawyer is about more than legal knowledge. You want someone who will listen, understand your situation, and guide you with honesty and care. That's how we work at Yantra Legal.

Lived Migration Experience

Having lived in Nepal, Germany and Australia, we understand what it feels like to build a new life in a different country. We know that migration matters often involve family, work, uncertainty and important life decisions—not just paperwork.

Direct Access to Your Solicitor

When you choose Yantra Legal, you work directly with our solicitor, Krishna Giri from your first consultation until your matter is finalised. Your case is not passed between different staff members, so you always know who is handling your matter.

Clear & Honest Advice

Legal advice should be clear, not confusing. We explain your options in plain English and, where helpful, in Nepali or Hindi, so you can make informed decisions with confidence.

Truly Personalised Representation

No two legal matters are the same. We take the time to understand your circumstances, your goals and what matters most to you. Our advice is tailored to your situation rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.

Fixed-Fee Transparency

We believe you should know what to expect before you proceed. We offer fixed-fee initial consultations and provide clear information about legal costs, so there are no unexpected surprises.

Choosing a lawyer is about more than legal knowledge. You want someone who will listen, understand your situation, and guide you with honesty and care. That's how we work at Yantra Legal.

Lived ExperienceDirect Solicitor AccessClear & Honest AdvicePersonalised RepresentationFixed-Fee Transparency

Reunite with Your Family in Australia

Bringing parents to Australia is an important family decision that requires careful planning and realistic expectations. We provide practical legal advice to help you understand your options and choose the Parent Visa pathway that best suits your family's circumstances.