How to Choose the Right Parent Visa (2025 Guide)

Australia offers several parent visa options that allow parents of an Australian citizen, permanent resident (PR), or an eligible New Zealand citizen to reunite with their families. Understanding and choosing the right visa subclass for your parent(s) is one step closer to meeting your family’s needs to suit your visa objective.

What are the Types of Parent Visas?

Australia offers 6 Parent visa subclasses which consists of both permanent and temporary visas:

What are the Basic Eligibility for a Parent Visa?

While each visa subclass has specific criteria, common eligibility conditions include:

The applicant must be the parent of an Australian citizen, permanent resident (PR), or an eligible New Zealand citizen. The sponsor must be aged 18 years or over and should have lived in Australia for at least 2 years.
For permanent parent visas, at least half of the applicant’s children must live permanently in Australia, or the number of children in Australia must be greater than in any other country.
Applicants must meet health and character requirements and may need medical examinations and police clearances.
Contributory visas often require an Assurance of support, which is a financial bond to ensure that applicants will not rely on government assistance.
Aged parent visas require the applicant to meet pension age criteria (currently 67 years).

Understanding the Balance of Family Test

The balance of family test ensures applicants have strong ties to Australia. A parent satisfies the test if at least half of their children and step‑children are eligible children (Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens who reside in Australia) or if more eligible children live in Australia than in any other single country. Children are counted if they are biological or legally adopted; step‑children count only when the parent has guardianship or custody of them. This criterion cannot be waived.

Step‑by‑Step Partner Visa Application Process

Decide on the Right Visa Subclass

Start by comparing the types of Parent Visa options. Consider factors like cost, processing time, whether you meet the balance‑of‑family test, your age, and how long you want to stay in Australia. Non‑contributory visas have lower fees but much longer waiting periods (often 10–30 years), whereas contributory visas cost more but are processed faster.

Confirm Eligibility and Gather Documents

Check the balance‑of‑family test and ensure your child meets sponsorship requirements.
Collect identity documents (passports, birth certificates), proof of relationship with your child and evidence of your child’s Australian citizenship or residency.
Arrange health examinations and obtain police clearance certificates.
Prepare financial documents to demonstrate sufficient funds and, where necessary, obtain an assurance of support (AoS).

Complete and Submit Visa Application

Parent visa applications are to be lodged through paper forms. We have compiled a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Parent Visa application.

You can import your parent visa application to ImmiAccount after receiving an acknowledgement email from the Department.
Ensure to pay the exact amount of visa application charge (VAC) and the visa application is posted to the accurate Department office address stated in the form; otherwise, the visa application may be invalid.

Parent Visa Costs and Processing Times

Parent visa costs and processing times change regularly. We have compiled them together into an article on Parent Visa 2025: Current Wait Times and What You Can Do, and How Much Does a Parent Visa Cost in Australia.

Additional Tips:

With processing times stretching into years, begin gathering documents and planning well in advance.
Review all children’s residency statuses and gather evidence to demonstrate that they meet the balance of family test.
Contributory visas have significant second instalments. Be prepared to pay both the initial application fee and the subsequent instalment when requested.
Provide up‑to‑date medical reports and police clearances. Failing to do so can delay or affect your application outcome.
Consulting an experienced immigration lawyer can help you navigate requirements and avoid costly mistakes.

How Can Agape Henry Crux Help

By understanding the different parent visa pathways and preparing thoroughly, families can maximise their chances of reuniting in Australia. 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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