Parent Visa Guide – Requirements, Checklists & Tips for All Parent Visa Types

Eligibility Requirements for Each Parent Visa Type

Visa Type	Eligibility Requirements	Contributory Fees (VAC)
Subclass 103 – Parent Visa	Sponsor must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. Balance of Family Test: At least half of children must live in Australia. Health and character requirements. Applicant must not be unlawfully in Australia.	First VAC: AUD 5,280 Second VAC (if applicable): AUD 5280
Subclass 143 – Contributory Parent Visa	Sponsor must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. Balance of Family Test: At least half of children must live in Australia. Health and character requirements. Payment of the contributory fee for faster processing.	First VAC: AUD 5,040 Second VAC: AUD 43,600
Subclass 804 – Aged Parent Visa	Must be of pensionable age (typically over 65). Sponsor must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. Balance of Family Test: At least half of children must reside in Australia. Health and character requirements.	First VAC: AUD 5,280
Subclass 864 – Contributory Aged Parent Visa	Must meet pensionable age requirement. Sponsor must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. Balance of Family Test: At least half of children must reside in Australia. Health and character requirements. Payment of contributory fee for faster processing.	First VAC: AUD 5,040 Second VAC: AUD 43,600
Subclass 870 – Sponsored Parent Visa (Temporary)	Sponsor must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. Health and character requirements. Sponsor must prove financial ability to support the applicant during their stay. Evidence of parent-child relationship. Temporary visa for up to 3 or 5 years.	3 years Visa fee: AUD 4,855, 5 Years Visa Fee: AUD 10,925

Document Checklist

The document checklist varies by the type of Parent Visa you are applying for. Below is a general overview of the documents needed for all Parent Visa types, along with subclass-specific details and links to their full document checklists and FAQ pages.

Common Documents for All Parent Visa Types:

Proof of Identity

Passport copy, birth certificate, etc.

Proof of Relationship with Sponsor

Evidence that the applicant is the biological or adoptive parent of the sponsor, such as birth certificates or family documents.

Health and Character Documents

Medical examination results (health assessment).
Police clearance certificate from countries where the applicant has lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.

Subclass-Specific Documents:

Subclass 103 – Parent Visa

Sponsor Documents: Evidence of the sponsor’s Australian citizenship or permanent residency status.
Balance of Family Test: Documentation showing that at least half of the applicant’s children live in Australia.
Health and Character Requirements: Medical and police checks.
For full document checklist, visit the Subclass 103 Document Checklist Page and FAQ Page.

Subclass 143 – Contributory Parent Visa

Sponsor Documents: Evidence of the sponsor’s Australian citizenship or permanent residency status.
Balance of Family Test: At least half of the applicant’s children must live in Australia.
Health and Character Requirements: Medical and police checks.
For full document checklist, visit the Subclass 143 Document Checklist Page and FAQ Page.

Subclass 804 – Aged Parent Visa

Sponsor Documents: Proof of sponsor’s Australian citizenship or permanent residency.
Balance of Family Test: Documents proving that at least half of the applicant’s children reside in Australia.
Health and Character Requirements: Medical and police clearance certificates.
For full document checklist, visit the Subclass 804 Document Checklist Page and FAQ Page.

Subclass 864 – Contributory Aged Parent Visa

Sponsor Documents: Proof of sponsor’s Australian citizenship or permanent residency.
Balance of Family Test: Documents showing that at least half of the applicant’s children are in Australia.
Health and Character Requirements: Health assessments and police clearance certificates.
For full document checklist, visit the Subclass 864 Document Checklist Page and FAQ Page.

Subclass 870 – Sponsored Parent Visa (Temporary)

Sponsor Documents: Completed sponsorship form and proof of financial ability to support the applicant.
Health and Police Checks: Health assessments and police clearance certificates from applicant’s home country and any other countries where the applicant has lived.
Proof of Parent-Child Relationship: Birth certificate or another legal document proving the familial relationship.
For full document checklist, visit the Subclass 870 Document Checklist Page and FAQ Page.

Expert Tips for Parent Visa Applications

How to Strengthen Your Application:

Provide Detailed Evidence: Ensure all required documents, particularly proof of financial support from the sponsor, are provided.

Meet Health and Character Requirements: Ensure your health assessments are up to date, and your police clearance certificates are valid.

Dependents: If you have dependent children, provide evidence of their relationship to you and their dependency status.

Tip for a Strong Application: The more comprehensive your evidence, the higher your chances of a successful application. Ensure you submit all documents requested and that they are clear and up to date.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Incomplete Documents: Ensure all necessary documents are submitted. Missing even one document can delay the processing.

Incorrect Health or Police Documents: Ensure your medical exams and police clearance certificates are up to date and certified by the relevant authorities.

Incorrect Visa Subclass: Make sure you're applying for the correct subclass. Subclass 103 is for general Parent Visas, while Subclass 864 is for contributory aged parent visas.

❓FAQs

What documents do I need to apply for a Parent Visa?

You can find the full document checklist for your specific subclass in the Parent Visa Document Checklist. You can also visit the FAQs for Subclass 103, Subclass 143 FAQs, Subclass 804 FAQs, Subclass 864 FAQs, and Subclass 870 FAQs.

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Can I apply for a Parent Visa while living in Australia?

Yes, you can apply for the Subclass 804 (Aged Parent Visa) or Subclass 864 (Contributory Aged Parent Visa) while living in Australia. However, you must meet the eligibility criteria, such as age and residency requirements.

How long does it take to process a Parent Visa?

Processing times vary depending on the subclass and your application. Generally, it can take several years. For specific processing times, visit the Visa Processing Times.

What is the difference between a Subclass 103 Parent Visa and a Subclass 143 Contributory Parent Visa?

The Subclass 103 (Parent Visa) is a non-contributory visa that takes longer to process, while the Subclass 143 (Contributory Parent Visa) requires a larger application fee but has a faster processing time.

How can I prove the dependency of my children if I want to include them in my Parent Visa application?

You will need to provide documents such as birth certificates, evidence of financial dependency, and living arrangements to demonstrate your children’s dependency.

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Disclaimer
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not guarantee visa approval. All visa applications are subject to the discretion of the Australian Department of Home Affairs. For personalized guidance, please contact a registered migration agent at Visa Advisor.