Published Jul 17 | 2025
Parent Visas (Temporary & Permanent Options)
Your children may have built their lives in Australia—but for many families, the picture isn’t complete without parents nearby. Australia offers a range of visa options to help reunite families, from long-term visits to permanent residency.
At Questra, we help families make sense of complex rules, weigh up options, and choose the best pathway based on your age, financial situation, and long-term goals.
Your Parent Visa Options at a Glance
| Visa | Type | Apply From | Balance of Family Test |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subclass 103 – Parent Visa | Permanent | Offshore | Yes |
| Subclass 804 – Aged Parent Visa | Permanent | Onshore | Yes |
| Subclass 143 – Contributory Parent Visa | Permanent | Offshore | Yes |
| Subclass 864 – Contributory Aged Parent Visa | Permanent | Onshore | Yes |
| Subclass 870 – Sponsored Parent Visa | Temporary (up to 10 years) | Offshore | No |
Permanent visas offer full rights to live, work and access Medicare.
Temporary 870 lets you visit for up to 10 years—but you can’t work or apply for PR from it.
Key Eligibility Rules
Balance of Family Test (for permanent visas only)
You must have:
- At least half of your children living permanently in Australia OR
- More children in Australia than in any other single country
Eligible Sponsor
Your sponsor (usually your child or step-child) must be:
- An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
- “Settled” in Australia (usually for 2+ years)
- Meet income requirements (especially for 870 visa)
Aged Requirement (for 804 and 864)
To apply onshore, you must be of Age Pension age (currently 67). This allows you to stay on a Bridging Visa while you wait.
Processing Times
The processing duration for visas depends on the visa stream and applicant profile together with government workload requirements. The official government source provides the most accurate and current information about visa processing times.
🔗 Check current visa processing times
If you have four children, at least two must live permanently in Australia. If only one does, you don’t meet the requirement for permanent visas.
No. You can visit and stay with family, but you can’t work or apply for other visas while holding the 870.
They reduce waiting time from decades to just a few years. The fee (approx. $50,000+) helps cover your future use of Australia’s health and pension systems.
Only if you meet the “Aged” requirement. If not, you’ll need to apply from overseas and wait there.
Let Questra Help You Reunite with Family
Parent visa pathways are full of fine print and long waits. Choosing the wrong option could mean delays—or a costly mistake. We’ll give you clear advice based on your family’s situation, help you prepare a complete application, and support you through every step.
Contact Questra today and take the first step toward joining your children in Australia.
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