On this page
- Family Visa Options at a Glance
- What Counts as Evidence
- Costs and Fees
- How to Apply for Family Sponsorship
- Why Family Visas Get Denied
- Your Status During Processing
- Conditions After Approval
- From Family Visa to PR
- Real Scenarios
- Including Your Children
- Visa options for this goal
- Bring Parents to Australia in Other Countries
- Other goals for Australia
Family Visa Options at a Glance
#The table below summarizes the main visa options for this goal, including who qualifies, the key filing requirement, and reported processing times.
| Visa Option | Who It’s For | Key Filing | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent Visa (subclass 103) | The Parent Visa (subclass 103) allows parents of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia permanently. It is intended for parents who wish to reunite with their children in Australia. | Form 80 | 30+ years (queue) |
| Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143) | The Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143) allows parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia permanently. This visa is for parents who are willing to contribute to the costs of their stay in Australia. | Form 80 | 4-6 years |
| Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870) | The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870) allows parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents to stay in Australia for up to five years. It is designed for parents who wish to spend time with their family in Australia. | Form 80 | 6-12 months |
Use the linked visa pages for full eligibility details, required documents, and step-by-step instructions.
What Counts as Evidence
#You’ll need to provide Home Affairs with clear, verifiable documents that prove your identity, your sponsor’s identity, and that you meet all visa conditions.
Start with certified identity documents. Passports and official identification must confirm your full name, date of birth, and other personal details. Uncertified copies aren’t accepted.
Prove your relationship to your sponsoring child for [Parent Visa (subclass 103)](/en/australia/visas/PARENT-103 visa), Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143), and Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870) by submitting:
- Birth certificates showing parent–child relationships
- Marriage certificates, if relevant
- Evidence of your child’s Australian residency status
If you’re including dependent family members, provide documents to prove those relationships. For dependents over 18, evidence of financial dependency is required.
Most parent visas require sponsor documentation and, where necessary, Assurance of Support documents. Retiree applicants don’t need a sponsor, balance of family test, or assurance of support.
For temporary pathways like the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870), you must show you intend to stay temporarily. Provide statements or documents showing you’ll comply with visa conditions and Australian laws.
Health and character evidence may also be needed:
- Proof of adequate health insurance
- Police certificates, if requested
- Documents meeting character standards
Retiree applicants must show they have enough financial resources to support themselves in Australia. Bank records or similar evidence help here.
Each document should clearly link you to your sponsor or dependents. Inconsistent names, missing pages, or uncertified copies often slow down assessments.
Organize your evidence carefully. Label everything so a case officer can match each document to a specific Parent Visa (subclass 103), Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143), or Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870) requirement.
Costs and Fees
#Official government fees for the main visa options associated with this goal are listed below. Fees may change — verify the current schedule through the linked visa pages.
| Visa / Route | Fee | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Parent Visa (subclass 103) | Application fee (primary applicant) | A$5,280 |
| Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143) | First instalment (primary applicant) | A$43,600 |
| Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870) | Application fee (3-year visa) | A$6,070 |
How to Apply for Family Sponsorship
#Parent visa applications go through the Department of Home Affairs. You’ll need both a valid sponsorship and a complete visa application.
If you’ve applied for or hold a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870), you can’t apply for a parent visa. Always check your visa history first.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Confirm your eligibility and visa pathway.
Decide between Parent Visa (subclass 103)), Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143), or, for retirees, eligibility based on holding an Investor Retirement (subclass 405) or Retirement (subclass 410) visa on 8 May 2018.
Secure an approved Parent Sponsor.
You need an approved Parent Sponsor before lodging the visa application. If the sponsor withdraws or passes away, a new sponsorship application is required—within 90 days if the sponsor dies.
- Complete the required forms.
Form 47PA – Application for a parent to migrate to Australia
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Form 40 – Sponsorship for migration to Australia
Prepare supporting documents.
Collect:
Identity proof for all applicants. Valid passports. Relationship evidence for each child. Signed Australian Values Statement (for those 18 and over). Proof of dependency for dependents over 18 (showing 12 months’ financial dependency). Assurance of Support evidence, unless you’re an eligible retiree
Submit your application to the Parent Visa Centre in Perth.
Lodge all forms and supporting documents together. Incomplete applications cause delays.
Important Practical Points
For dependent children over 18, you must prove financial dependency for at least 12 months.
If your sponsorship changes, act fast. Any gap can impact your application.
For fees and processing details, refer to the Department of Home Affairs. The Australian Border Force handles entry at the border, but Home Affairs manages visa applications and decisions.
Why Family Visas Get Denied
#Home Affairs refuses applications when you don’t meet legal criteria. Most refusals are due to missing evidence, unpaid government debts, or not meeting the balance of family test.
You must satisfy the balance of family test unless you’re applying as a retiree. If you can’t show enough of your children live permanently in Australia, the application will be refused. This applies to permanent options like Parent Visa (subclass 103)) and Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143).
Many refusals come from incomplete or inconsistent documentation.
Common problem areas:
- Missing, inconsistent, or non-credible identity documents
- Character documents that don’t meet requirements
- Insufficient evidence for the balance of family test
- Missing financial evidence where required
If you can’t prove your identity, Home Affairs may refuse the visa and impose a 10-year refusal period for you and included family members.
Outstanding government debts must be paid or arrangements made before a decision. This applies to Parent Visa (subclass 103), Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143), and Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870).
Temporary visas like the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870) allow visits of up to 3 or 5 years. Identity and character requirements still apply. Missing or inconsistent details will delay or derail your application.
Problems in related visa histories can also raise red flags. For example, mismatches in information across different visa applications can affect credibility.
Reduce refusal risk by:
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Providing complete identity documents
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Submitting accurate character information
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Demonstrating the balance of family test with structured evidence
Clearing government debts before or during processing
Home Affairs applies requirements strictly. Missing even one mandatory criterion will stop your application.
Your Status During Processing
#You must hold a valid visa to enter Australia when applying for a parent visa. Home Affairs won’t grant a Parent Visa (subclass 103)), Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143), or Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870) if you don’t meet entry and validity requirements.
Valid passports are needed for all applicants. Expired or incorrect passport details can cause delays.
Maintaining Lawful Status
Staying lawful is essential while your application is processed. Parent visa demand exceeds available places each year, so processing can take time.
Use VEVO to check your current visa conditions and travel facility end date. Track your visa expiry and act before it lapses.
Retirees applying under Parent Visa (subclass 103) must have held either Investor Retirement (subclass 405) or Retirement (subclass 410) on 8 May 2018, and not held another substantive visa since.
Health Insurance and Sponsorship Obligations
Maintain adequate health insurance throughout processing. Home Affairs expects continuous coverage.
Most applicants must:
- Be sponsored by an eligible child
- Obtain an assurance of support
Retiree applicants are usually exempt from sponsorship and assurance requirements.
Missing sponsorship or assurance can prevent approval.
Processing Times and What to Expect
Parent visas are limited each year, so queue times are long for Parent Visa (subclass 103) and Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143).
To track timeframes:
- Use the Visa Processing Time Guide Tool
- Review Parent visa queue release dates
- Check the Quarterly report from Home Affairs
processing times reflect recent decisions, not guarantees.
If Home Affairs requests extra documents, like Form 80, timeframes may vary by category and location. Always check directly with Home Affairs for the latest details.
Send your application by post or courier to the address on the form. Incomplete or inaccurate submissions can cause refusal or long delays.
Conditions After Approval
#When your parent’s visa is approved, you must follow the conditions attached to that subclass. These conditions depend on whether it’s a Parent Visa (subclass 103)), Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143), or Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870).
Approval confirms eligibility at the time of decision. Ongoing compliance with Australian immigration law is still required.
Ongoing Eligibility Requirements
Your parent must:
- Meet health requirements
- Meet character requirements
- Remain the parent of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen sponsor
- Comply with all conditions listed in the visa grant notice
Home Affairs may reassess compliance if circumstances change. Keep copies of all approval notices and supporting records.
Health and Character Obligations
All included family members must continue to meet health and character standards. Approval doesn’t remove these responsibilities.
Keep evidence like:
- Police clearances (if requested)
- Health exam results (if requested)
- Certified identity documents
If Home Affairs asks for updated documents, respond within the given timeframe. Missing evidence can affect visa status.
Document and Record Management
After approval, keep organised records. This means:
- A copy of lodged Form 47PA
- Certified copies of identity and relationship documents
- All correspondence from Home Affairs
Don’t throw out supporting documents after the visa is granted. You might need them for future immigration matters.
Practical Next Steps
Review the Visa Grant Notice.
Confirm the subclass and check all conditions.
Confirm Sponsor Status.
Make sure the sponsoring child remains eligible.
Monitor Compliance.
Track any health or character requests from Home Affairs.
Keep Contact Details Updated.
Notify Home Affairs if contact details change.
Meeting requirements for one grant doesn’t guarantee future approvals or extensions. Each application for Parent Visa (subclass 103), Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143), or Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870) is assessed independently.
From Family Visa to PR
#Bringing parents to Australia starts with picking the right visa pathway and knowing which options lead to permanent residence.
Parent Visa (subclass 103)) and Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143) are permanent visas. If granted, your parent becomes an Australian permanent resident.
Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870) is temporary and doesn’t grant permanent residence.
Permanent Parent Visas
Permanent parent visa applications go directly to the Department of Home Affairs. You must lodge a complete application with all required supporting documents.
From 2 April 2025, applicants for subclasses 143, 173, 804, 864, and 884 can import a paper application into ImmiAccount after lodgement. That way, you can manage the application online, upload documents, and track progress.
When preparing, include:
- Identity documents for all applicants and dependants
- Health and character documents for each family member
- Certified copies of required documents
- Evidence of payment of the visa application charge
Don’t send originals unless specifically asked. Certified copies are standard.
Always notify Home Affairs about changes to contact details, like phone numbers or email addresses. Not updating this can delay communication about your application.
Moving from Temporary to Permanent
If your parent holds a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870), that visa doesn’t convert to permanent residence.
To get permanent residence, your parent must meet the requirements for a permanent parent visa and lodge a separate application.
Home Affairs will assess that new application on its own merits.
You’ll need a fresh set of documents, including identity, health, and character evidence.
The Department doesn’t assume eligibility just because your parent held a temporary stay.
Managing the Process
Follow these steps:
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Confirm eligibility under the permanent parent visa through the Department of Home Affairs.
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Prepare certified identity, health, and character documents for all applicants and dependants.
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Lodge the application correctly, and include payment evidence.
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Import the application into ImmiAccount (if eligible and lodged on paper after 2 April 2025).
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Update personal details promptly if contact information changes.
Requirements can shift, and the Department of Home Affairs expects you to meet the standards in place when you apply.
Real Scenarios
#You want your mother to move to Australia permanently, so you look at the Parent Visa (subclass 103)).
Before she applies, you get approved as a parent sponsor through Home Affairs.
You fill out Form 40 as the sponsor and collect details for all family members, even those not migrating.
Home Affairs expects full disclosure, not just information about the parent moving.
You gather documents to show she meets the balance of family test, since this visa requires it unless the applicant is a retiree.
You also check her passport will stay valid when Home Affairs makes a decision.
Her application can proceed because you handled sponsorship approval, family details, and passport validity before lodging.
Missing any of these steps could have led to refusal.
Scenario: Choosing a contributory pathway and avoiding common mistakes
You decide the Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143) suits your father better.
First, you secure approval as a parent sponsor.
You submit Form 40 and give complete information about every family member, whether they plan to migrate or not.
Incomplete family details can delay assessment.
Because this visa still requires the balance of family test (unless applying as a retiree), you prepare evidence early.
You check your father’s passport is valid and will remain so when Home Affairs decides.
Applicants who lodge without meeting the balance of family test or let their passport expire before a decision often run into problems.
By addressing these issues upfront, you reduce procedural setbacks.
Scenario: Temporary stay under a sponsorship framework
You want your parents to stay longer but aren’t ready for a permanent option, so you look at the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870).
Before applying, you get approval as a parent sponsor from Home Affairs.
Without sponsorship, your parents can’t move forward.
You provide complete family information and make sure all travel documents are valid.
Even for temporary visas, valid passports at decision time are essential.
You also check whether the balance of family test applies and prepare documentation if needed.
Applicants sometimes overlook this and get negative outcomes.
By confirming sponsorship and checking requirements early, you give your parents’ application a better chance with Home Affairs.
Including Your Children
#When you apply under the Parent Visa (subclass 103)), Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143), or Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870), eligibility depends on your child’s status in Australia.
Your child must be an eligible sponsor—a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
You must be their biological parent, legal parent (including adoptive parent), step-parent, or parent-in-law.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
Confirming Your Child’s Eligibility
Before preparing your application, check that your child meets the sponsorship requirements set by Home Affairs.
Your child must:
- Hold the correct immigration status in Australia
- Be willing and eligible to act as your Parent Sponsor
- Provide supporting sponsorship documents
If your child doesn’t meet these requirements, you can’t use these parent visa options.
Proving the Parent–Child Relationship
You’ll need clear evidence of your relationship to your child.
Home Affairs looks at this closely.
Prepare documents showing:
- Your identity
- Your child’s identity
- The legal relationship between you
You must submit valid identification, including:
- Passports
- National identity cards (if available)
All names, birthdates, and identifying details should match across documents.
Inconsistencies can slow things down.
Preparing Complete Documentation
Incomplete or inaccurate information causes problems.
Home Affairs may refuse an application if you don’t provide correct details.
Gather all required documents before you lodge, including:
| Document Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Identity documents | Passport, national ID card |
| Relationship evidence | Documents showing biological, adoptive, step, or in-law relationship |
| Sponsorship documents | Evidence from your eligible child sponsor |
Review every document for accuracy.
Check spellings, dates, and document validity.
If you apply under the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870), the sponsorship component is central.
The same principle applies to the Parent Visa (subclass 103) and Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143)—your child’s status and sponsorship are essential.
Check the Department of Home Affairs for current document requirements before submitting your application.
Bring Parents to Australia in Other Countries
#FAQs
Who assesses parent visa applications?
The Department of Home Affairs assesses and decides visa applications.
The Australian Border Force manages border entry, not visa decisions.
You must apply through Home Affairs.
Where can you find current fees and processing times?
Visa charges and processing times change.
For the most current information, refer to the Department of Home Affairs.
All amounts are listed in AUD (A$).
Can you apply for more than one parent visa?
You may explore different visa pathways depending on eligibility.
Each visa has separate criteria and requirements.
How long does the Parent Visa (subclass 103) take to process?
The Parent Visa (subclass 103)) currently takes 30+ years (queue). Processing time depends on the completeness of your application, the adjudicating office, and current case volume.
How long does the Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143) take to process?
The Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143) currently takes 4-6 years. Processing time depends on the completeness of your application, the adjudicating office, and current case volume.
How long does the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870) take to process?
The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870) currently takes 6-12 months. Processing time depends on the completeness of your application, the adjudicating office, and current case volume.
Who qualifies for the Parent Visa (subclass 103)?
The Parent Visa (subclass 103)) allows parents of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia permanently. It is intended for parents who wish to reunite with their children in Australia.
Who qualifies for the Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143)?
The Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143) allows parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia permanently. This visa is for parents who are willing to contribute to the costs of their stay in Australia.
How long does family sponsorship take in Australia?
The Parent Visa (subclass 103)) currently takes 30+ years (queue). processing times depend on the relationship category and current backlog at Home Affairs.
What proof do I need to sponsor my spouse to Australia?
The primary filing is Form 80 for the Parent Visa (subclass 103)). You also need to demonstrate a genuine relationship through marriage certificates, joint financial records, and shared addresses.
Can my sponsored family member work in Australia?
Work rights for sponsored family members in Australia depend on the visa or permit issued. Some family visas include work rights (most partner and dependent visa holders can work), while others require a separate application.
What is the main form or filing required to bring family to Australia?
The primary filing requirement is Form 80 for the Parent Visa (subclass 103)). Each pathway may have additional forms and evidence requirements.
What are common reasons for visa denial when sponsoring family to Australia?
Failure to provide accurate or complete information, leading to application rejection.
Official sources referenced
Last reviewed: March 17, 2026
VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.
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