How to Apply for a Parent Visa: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you have settled in Australia, you are planning to bring your parents over so they can reunite with you and possibly with your family. Applying for a Parent Visa can feel unmanageable with the information required and visa criteria to meet; but with the right preparation, the process can be straightforward.

Why Apply for a Parent Visa?

A parent visa allows eligible parents of an Australian citizen, permanent resident (PR), or an eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia permanently.
There are different streams of parent visas depending on whether you are applying onshore or offshore:

What are the Basic Eligibility for a Parent Visa?

Before starting your application, ensure you meet the following requirements:

You (the applicant) must be sponsored by your child, who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
At least half of your children must live permanently in Australia, or more children must live in Australia than in any other country to meet the Balance of Family Test.
Applicants must meet the health and character requirements.
Some visas require an Assurance of Support (AoS).

What are the Step-by-Step Parent Visa Application Process?

There are several parent visa subclasses, including:
- Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143 and 173) – shorter processing time, but higher fees.
- Parent Visa (Subclass 103) – a lower-cost option with longer waiting times.
- Aged Parent Visas (Subclass 804 and 864) – for applicants of pension age applying onshore.
- Choosing the proper subclass is essential, depending on your objective and ability, as processing times and costs vary significantly. Read our article on Parent Visa 2025: Current Wait Times and What You Can Do, and How Much Does a Parent Visa Cost in Australia.
Each visa subclass has its forms. Depending on the visa the applicant is holding, the required form may differ; ensure you check to complete the correct form to avoid an invalid visa application. Typically, applicants will need to complete Form 47PA Application for a parent to migrate to Australia, and sponsors will need to complete Form 40 Sponsorship for migration to Australia.
Parent visas often have one of the highest visa application charges (VAC). You can make a payment for a paper application using ImmiAccount. Ensure payment is made correctly to avoid delays.
Gather and compile certified supporting documents. You will need to provide:
- Identity documents (passport, birth certificate)
- Evidence of your relationship with your child
- Health checks and police clearances
- Assurance of Support (if applicable)
- Visa Application Charge receipt
Once complete, submit your visa application by posting it to the relevant Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) office. Ensure the address is accurate; otherwise, a small mistake may lead to an invalid visa application, and the VAC is non-refundable.
Once the visa is lodged and you have received an acknowledgement letter from the Department via email, you can then import the application to ImmiAccount to track the visa application progress.

How Can Agape Henry Crux Help

Applying for a parent visa in Australia requires careful planning and patience, depending on your objective. Consider professional advice and guidance by consulting an experienced immigration lawyer at Agape Henry Crux in Sydney to ensure your case is the best pathway from the start. Our team of immigration lawyers works closely together with two of our Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law, who specialise in handling highly complex matters. You can book a consultation to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or emailing us at info@ahclawyers.com.

We speak fluent English, Mandarin and Cantonese. If this isn’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.

This article/presentation (“publication”) does not deal extensively with important topics or changes in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you find this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances, please contact our office.

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