Permanent Parent Visas
Start todayIf your children have made Australia home, you might be dreaming of joining them permanently. Australia’s Parent Visa program gives eligible parents a pathway to settle here long-term, reuniting families and allowing you to build a life together.
But with multiple visa subclasses, strict requirements, and long wait times, it’s important to choose the right option. At Questra, we guide you through the process with clear advice and expert care.
Permanent Parent Visa Options: Quick Comparison
| Visa | Apply From | Wait Time | Balance of Family Test | Must Be ‘Aged’? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subclass 103 – Parent Visa | Offshore | 30+ years | Yes | No |
| Subclass 804 – Aged Parent Visa | Onshore | 13+ years | Yes | Yes |
| Subclass 143 – Contributory Parent Visa | Offshore | ~2 years | Yes | No |
| Subclass 864 – Contributory Aged Parent Visa | Onshore | ~1.5 years | Yes | Yes |
💡 The “Contributory” visas cost more—but reduce waiting time by decades.
💡 Onshore options are only available to parents who meet the “aged” requirement (currently 67).
Key Eligibility Requirements (Simplified)
This rule ensures you have stronger ties to Australia. You must have: - At least half of your children living in Australia permanently, or - More children in Australia than in any other country If you don’t meet this test, you’re not eligible for a permanent parent visa. Consider the temporary Subclass 870 instead.
You must be sponsored by a “settled” child (or their partner) who is: - An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ citizen - Living in Australia for at least 2 years - Able to meet income and character requirements
To apply from within Australia, you must be old enough for the Age Pension (67 as of July 2025). 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
You count all your children. At least half must live permanently in Australia. For example:
- 3 children = at least 2 must be here
- 4 children = at least 2 must be here
Subclass 103 and 804 visas are capped, with a limited number approved yearly. This creates decades-long queues. Contributory visas are uncapped, so they’re faster.
Yes, you can apply for a Visitor Visa separately. But you must be outside Australia when a Subclass 103 or 143 is granted.
Yes, many families start with a 103 and later switch to a 143 for faster processing. We can help manage this transition.
Let Questra Help You Build Your Future in Australia
Permanent parent visas involve careful planning, strict rules, and often emotional decisions. Our team will walk with you from start to finish—helping you understand your options, prepare a complete application, and stay informed every step of the way.
Start your journey today. Book a consultation with Questra and take the next step toward reuniting your family in Australia.
Success Rate
Maximise your chances of a successful outcome with our highly experienced team.
Payments
We offer split fee payments to assist you financially whilst your application is being prepared. It’s easy to make a start!
Technology
Our team of developers build technology to help streamline the workflow of our migration team and improve the client experience for our clients
Partner
Our clients love our service! Check out our reviews for yourself. You too could be receiving a phone call from us with your visa approval.
Certainty
Know exactly every cent you will be paying upfront with no hidden additional charges along the journey with our transparent fees.
Seamless
We take the stress out of preparing and lodging visa applications.
We do this every day of the working week.