Australia · Family Visas

Parent visa pathways

Parents of settled Australians can apply for contributory parent visas, with higher charges but shorter waits, or non-contributory parent visas, which have very long queues.

Who it suits

Who this pathway suits

Parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents who meet the balance-of-family test.

Eligibility

Eligibility at a glance

  • A settled child in Australia as sponsor
  • The balance-of-family test
  • An assurance of support for most parent visas
  • Health and character requirements
Process

How the process works

  1. Check the balance-of-family test
  2. Choose between contributory and non-contributory streams
  3. Apply and join the queue
  4. Pay the second instalment and provide the assurance of support when asked
Documents

Documents you will typically need

  • Birth certificates proving the relationship
  • Evidence of where your children live
  • Sponsor documents
Good to know

What to keep in mind

Waiting times are long and places are capped. A long-stay visitor visa is often used while waiting.

Official source: Official source. Government authorities make all final decisions; no outcome is guaranteed.

Ecosystem Architecture

Parallel Options & Supporting Tools for Parent visa pathways

Explore supporting intelligence briefings, interactive points assessment tools, institutional services, and parallel global migration pathways.

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Is Parent visa pathways the right route for you?

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