How do you apply for Parent visa Australia? There are three things to consider when applying for Parent Visa: basic requirements, core & supporting documents that are required before you lodge the application. On this page you’ll find information about fundamental eligibility and how to rebuild your life in Australia.

Applying for a parent visa can be frustrating and time-consuming. As a legal team, our expertise is Australian visa advice. However, in the spirit of keeping you informed and educated we’ve put together the most comprehensive guide about applying for parent visas!

The Non-Immigrant Parent Visa allows parents of Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen to live with their children in Australia. The visa provides a pathway for the parents and children to reunite permanently in Australia. If you’d like to live with your Australian family members, talk to an immigration expert now

HOW TO BRING PARENTS TO AUSTRALIA

There are several different types of parent visas, with various time frames and requirements. Let’s take a look at all six scenarios involving parent visas that can lead to bringing both or one of your parents over to Australia, for a family sponsorship.

Related:

• Visitor Visa options for Parents after COVID-19
• Travel exemption applications now open for parents of Australians

Australian Parent category visas

If you meet the requirements below, you might be eligible to apply for a parent visa:

• you have a child who is an Australian permanent resident, Australian citizen or an eligible New Zealand citizen
• your child has been living lawfully in Australia for the last 2 years before your visa allocation was lodged
• you have a sponsor (most likely your child)
• you must meet the criteria for the Balance of Family test (explained more below)
• you can meet the health and character requirements

How long can you stay in Australia on a parent category visa?

It will depend of the subclass of parent visa you apply for, but a parent category visa can allow you to, either :

1. be a temporary resident in Australia for up to 10 years (870 visa- does not require meeting balance of family test)
2. get you Australian permanent residency

Family Sponsorship Australia information

You must have a sponsor to apply for a parent category visa to live in Australia as a permanent or temporary resident. Your sponsor needs to be an Australian permanent resident, Australian citizen or eligible New Zealand citizen who:

• is 18 years old or over
• has resided in Australia legally for at least 2 years prior to the parent lodging their visa application
• There are special preparations for a sponsor under the age of 18. If your child or step-child has not yet turned 18, someone else may act as a sponsor as long as they are 18 years old or over and are a settled Australian permanent resident, Australian citizen or an eligible New Zealand citizen. These could include:
• the live-in partner (or spouse) of your child or step-child
• someone who is a relative or guardian of your child or step-child
• someone who is a relative or guardian or the live-in partner (or spouse) of your child or step-child
• a community organization

Balance of family test

If you are a parent applying for a parent category visa, you must meet the balance of family test. This test was designed to determine the degree of your links to Australia.

You will meet the requirements for the balance of family test if:

1. at minimum half of your children live permanently in Australia
2. you have more children living in Australia than anywhere else

Your visa options for family sponsorship to Australia via Parent Visa

How do you figure out which visa option is right for you?

The following scenarios should help you decide which parent category visa to apply for, given your current circumstances.