How to Sponsor a Parent for an Australian Visa

Sponsoring a parent for migration to Australia involves meeting specific legal and financial obligations set by the Department of Home Affairs. The process includes strict eligibility requirements, extensive documentation, and often long processing times for many visa categories. The Department of Home Affairs (DOHA) offers several pathways for Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens to bring their parents to Australia.

This guide explains the main parent visa options, who can act as a sponsor, and the steps involved in lodging a valid application. It also covers typical visa fees, indicative processing times, and guidance for meeting application requirements effectively. If you need assistance navigating this complex area, Australian Migration Lawyers can provide expert support.

Visa Options for Sponsoring a Parent

Sponsoring a parent for migration to Australia can be achieved through several visa subclasses, each with distinct eligibility criteria, costs, and waiting periods. The choice of visa will depend on your circumstances, your parent’s age, and whether you are prepared to meet the higher charges associated with faster processing.

Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143 & 173)

The Contributory Parent pathway allows parents to migrate more quickly than under standard parent visas, but at a significantly higher cost.

Subclass 173 is a temporary visa valid for two years. Holders can later apply for the permanent Subclass 143 without repeating health and character checks.
Subclass 143 is the permanent stage, granting an indefinite stay in Australia.

Processing for this visa stream can still take many years, with new applications placed in a queue. Both subclasses require the applicant to meet the Balance of Family Test and have an Assurance of Support.

Non-Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 103)

The Parent (Subclass 103) visa offers permanent residence at a lower application charge than contributory visas. However, it is subject to strict annual caps, resulting in extremely long waits that can extend for decades. Applicants must be sponsored by an eligible child and meet the Balance of Family Test.

Temporary Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870)

This visa allows parents to visit Australia for three or five years, with the option to apply for a second visa to extend their stay to a maximum of ten years. It does not lead to permanent residence and does not require the Balance of Family Test. Sponsorship approval is required before applying, and there is no Assurance of Support requirement.

Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)

This permanent visa is for parents old enough to receive the Australian Age Pension. It can only be applied for in Australia. Like the Subclass 103 visa, waiting times are extremely long and can span several decades.

Key Differences Between Contributory and Non-Contributory Visas

Contributory visas have higher government charges but significantly shorter queues compared to non-contributory options. Non-contributory visas involve lower fees but may require decades of waiting. The choice is often influenced by processing timeframes and the applicant’s migration priorities.

Who Can Sponsor a Parent for a Visa?

Sponsorship is a central requirement in all parent visa applications. Sponsors must meet strict DOHA eligibility rules to ensure they can support the applicant during the visa’s initial period.

Eligibility Criteria for Sponsors

Sponsors must be:

• An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
• Aged 18 or over.
• Settled and usually resident in Australia for a specified minimum period before applying.

Proof of Settlement and Citizenship or Permanent Residency

Evidence must demonstrate that the sponsor is settled in Australia. This can include proof of long-term residence, employment history, and community connections. A current passport or citizenship certificate is required for Australian citizens, while permanent residents must provide their visa grant notice.

Income and Assurance of Support Requirements

For most permanent parent visas, the sponsor must arrange an Assurance of Support (AoS). This is a legal commitment to repay certain welfare payments received by the visa holder during their initial years in Australia. The AoS also requires the sponsor or assurer to meet income thresholds to ensure they can fulfil the obligation.

Step-by-Step Process to Sponsor Your Parent

While each visa has its own form and requirements, the parent sponsorship process follows a general sequence.

Step 1: Choose the Right Visa Type Review DOHA’s parent visa options and determine the best fit based on age, residence, financial capacity, and desired timeframe.

Step 2: Check Sponsor and Applicant Eligibility Confirm that the sponsor meets citizenship, permanent residency, and settlement requirements, and that the applicant meets the Balance of Family Test, if applicable.

Step 3: Lodge the Sponsorship Application Complete and submit the relevant sponsorship form, such as Form 40 for most permanent parent visas.

Step 4: Submit the Parent Visa Application Use the ImmiAccount for online lodgements, ensuring you have filled in the relevant form, such as Form 47PA or Form 47PT.

Step 5: Provide Biometrics, Health, and Character Documents As is the case with verification for all visa applications, DOHA requires the applicant to meet health and character requirements via medical examinations and police clearances. In some cases, biometrics are also required.

Step 6: Wait for Processing and Outcome After you have submitted an application, the DOHA will assess it. The processing time can take months or many years, and you should regularly check the ImmiAccount for updates and outcomes.

Costs and Processing Times

Visa charges and processing times vary significantly according to the visa subclass. Timelines are subject to change, and the costs are set at the discretion of DOHA.

Visa Fees: Contributory vs. Non-Contributory

• Contributory Parent visa (Subclass 143): This visa has a substantial application charge, payable in two instalments.
• Temporary Contributory Parent visa (Subclass 173): This option has a lower initial charge; however, when combined with the subsequent permanent 143 stage, the total cost is similar to the direct 143 route.
• Non-Contributory Parent visa (Subclass 103) and Aged Parent visa (Subclass 804): These visas have much lower application charges. The exact amount depends on the number of applicants and is available via DOHA’s Visa Pricing Estimator.
• Temporary Sponsored Parent visa (Subclass 870): Separate sponsorship and application charges apply. The cost is higher for five-year visas.

The additional applicant charge must be paid for each additional person in a joint visa application (adult or child).

Processing Time Estimates Based on Visa Subclass

Because processing time estimates are updated regularly by DOHA, it is best to check the official processing times guide for the most recent data. Generally, the waiting periods are as follows:

• Subclass 143/173: While faster than non-contributory options, processing can still take over a decade.
• Subclass 103: Waiting periods can be extremely long, potentially up to 30 years or more.
• Subclass 804: Waiting times are comparable to the Subclass 103, often spanning several decades.
• Subclass 870: Sponsorship is usually processed within months, with the visa application assessed after sponsorship approval.

These figures reflect queue positions and are subject to annual visa capping. Under Ministerial Direction 102, only certain compassionate cases are prioritised. Generally, processing priorities are given to applications for a contributory parent or a contributory aged parent first, followed by carer visas, and then other parent and relative visa categories.

Other Associated Costs

• Assurance of Support: Required for contributory and non-contributory permanent parent visas. A bond is held for a set number of years from the date of arrival in Australia or the grant date.
• Medical and Character Checks: Costs vary by provider and country of residence.
• Translations and Certification: Non-English documents must be translated and certified according to DOHA’s standards.

Tips for a Successful Parent Sponsorship Application

The parent sponsorship process in Australia can be complex. With the right approach, applicants can reduce the risk of delays by following established procedural guidance. Below are key tips to guide you in submitting a successful application. Thorough preparation may assist in reducing processing time by minimising requests for further information.

Submit a Complete, Decision-Ready Application

Provide all required forms, documents, and fees at lodgement. Ensure information is consistent across all forms. Double-check that the application is consistent across all documents. Any missing information or inconsistencies can result in unnecessary delays or a refusal.

It is vital to ensure that every section is filled out properly and that all questions are answered honestly and completely. Sponsors should also be sure to include up-to-date personal details, including addresses, contact information, and employment history where applicable.

It is often helpful to keep a checklist of all required documentation to avoid any overlooked items.

Double-Check Supporting Documents and Translations

When submitting documents that are not in English, it’s important to make sure they are properly translated. DOHA requires that all non-English documents be translated by an accredited translator. This requirement is in place to ensure that the information is properly understood and evaluated. Translations should not be self-done or provided by friends or family, as they may not meet the certification standards set by DOHA.

Additionally, ensure that all documents, whether translated or not, comply with the certification requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs. For example, copies of original documents may need to be certified by a registered certifier to verify their authenticity. Be sure to check the DOHA website for up-to-date guidelines on document certification and translations.

Consider Using an Experienced Migration Lawyer

For complex applications, such as those involving medical conditions, blended families, or multiple dependants, professional advice can help ensure compliance with DOHA requirements. A migration lawyer can help you navigate the legal complexities that may arise and provide valuable advice regarding the eligibility of your parent, dependent children, or other family members who may be part of the application.

The team at Australian Migration Lawyers can also help if there are any complications with the Balance of Family Test, a financial test, or the Assurance of Support (AoS) requirement. Our lawyers are familiar with the latest changes in Australian immigration laws, ensuring that your application meets current standards. They can communicate with the Department of Home Affairs on your behalf and assist in addressing any procedural queries.