Considering bringing your parents to Australia? You’re not alone. It’s natural for families to want to come together and support each other as time goes by.

Whether it’s for a short visit or a permanent move, there are different visa options to consider. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what you need to know before you apply for a Parent Visa Australia.

Start with Your Goal: Short Visit or Permanent Stay?

The first thing to figure out is whether your parents want to visit for a short time or settle here permanently. For a temporary stay, there’s the Visitor Visa (subclass 600). If they’re planning to stay for a long term, you’ll need to explore a Parent Permanent Visa Australia.

For Short Visits: The Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)

If your parents are only planning a short visit, this visa might be the right fit. You can apply for Parent Visa Australia 600 through the Sponsored Family stream. Australian citizens or permanent residents can use this to sponsor their parents for visits of up to 12 months.

Your parents can stay longer than the usual tourist visa, but it’s still not a permanent one. A major benefit of this visa is that it's easier and faster to get than a permanent parent visa. If your goal is a short-term visit to reconnect, this could be a good starting point.

For Long-Term Plans: Apply for Parent Visa Australia (Permanent)

If you’re hoping to bring your parents here to live permanently, you’ll need to look at the Contributory Parent Visas or Non-Contributory Parent Visas. These options fall under the Parent Permanent Visa Australia category.

There are two main choices:

1. Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) – Faster processing, higher cost.
2. Parent Visa (Subclass 103) – Lower cost, but a very long queue.

The contributory option is the more popular one because it’s processed quicker, even though it’s more expensive. These visas require a lot of paperwork, including proof that you (as the child), is settled in Australia.

Other Key Options: Aged Parents & Long-Term Stays

Depending on your parents' age and circumstances, the standard 143 or 103 visas might not be the only path. There are three other subclasses worth knowing about:

• Aged Parent Visas (Subclass 864 & 804): If your parents are old enough to receive the Australian Age Pension then they may be eligible for the "Aged" versions of the permanent visas. The Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864) and Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804) allow parents to apply while they are already onshore in Australia. This often allows them to stay in the country on a bridging visa while their application is processed.
   
• Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870): If a permanent move isn't the goal but a 12-month visitor visa is too short then consider the Subclass 870. This visa allows parents to stay for 3 or 5 years at a time (up to a cumulative 10 years). The big advantage? It does not require the Balance of Family Test. However, unlike 143 or 103, this visa does not lead to permanent residency.

Do You Meet Basic Eligibility?

To sponsor your parents, you must be:

• A person who holds Australian citizenship, permanent residency, or is an eligible New Zealand national.
• Settled in Australia (usually means living here for at least two years).
• Ready to offer financial assistance and, if required, submit an Assurance of Support.

Your parents must also meet the Balance of Family Test, which requires that at least half of their children are permanent residents living in Australia.

How Long Does It Take?

The time it takes to process applications can differ significantly based on the type of visa. The Parent Visa 103 has a very long queue and may take up to 30 years. In contrast, the Contributory Parent Visa 143 is quicker, usually taking between 5 to 6 years. For shorter stays, the Parent Visa Australia 600 is much faster, often processed within a few months since it’s only a temporary option.

So, if you're planning, it helps to start early. Some people even get their parents on a 600 visa while they wait for the permanent one to be processed.

Costs Involved

Cost is a big factor. The Contributory Parent Visa 143 can cost over AUD 45,000 per applicant, while the Parent Visa 103 is much cheaper but comes with the downside of a long wait time. The 600 visa is affordable and great for those testing the waters or waiting for a permanent visa.

Make sure you budget for other expenses too — like health insurance, medical checks, and application charges.

Health and Character Checks

Your parents must satisfy health and character criteria, which are common for most Australian visas. For permanent visas, additional steps like biometric screening and police clearances may also be necessary.

Health insurance is a must for temporary stays and strongly advised while waiting for permanent residency.

Application Tips

When submitting your application for a Parent Visa Australia, ensure all your documents are accurate and current. Incomplete paperwork can slow down the process or lead to refusal. If you’re uncertain, it’s a good idea to seek assistance from a registered migration agent.

Also, always check the latest updates on the Department of Home Affairs website. Rules and processing times change often.

Final Thoughts

Bringing your parents to Australia can be a life-changing decision — both for you and for them. Whether they’re visiting for a few months or planning to stay forever, you have options. From applying for a Parent Visa to Australia 600 for short visits to pursuing a Parent Permanent Visa to Australia, EEMS helps guide you through the process with clarity and care — it just takes planning and patience.

Ready to start the journey? Gather your documents, set your goals, and contact EEMS to apply for the parent visa that suits your family best.