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Explore Your Australian Parent Visa Options
Sponsored Parent Visa (870)
Temporary visa for all parents
Temporary visa for all parents
For parents seeking a temporary stay of 3-5 years (up to 10 years possible), without meeting the Balance of Family Test. Does not lead to PR.
Aged Parent Visa (804)
Permanent visa for aged parents
Permanent visa for aged parents
A permanent visa for parents who meet age pension criteria and are in Australia. Lower cost but very long processing times.
Parent Visa (103)
Permanent visa for particular parents
Permanent visa for particular parents
A permanent visa for parents of any age (applied offshore). Lower cost but also subject to very long processing queues (30+ years).
Contributory Parent Visa (173/143)
Temporary and Permanent visa for particular parents
Temporary and Permanent visa for particular parents
Temporary (173) leading to permanent (143) visas for parents (applied offshore) with significantly higher costs for faster processing.
Contributory Aged Parent Visa (884/864)
Temporary and permanent visas for older parents
Temporary and permanent visas for older parents
Temporary (884) leading to permanent (864) for aged parents (age 67+) with higher costs for much faster processing than non-contributory options.
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Hear directly from our successful learners.
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Navigating Your Parent Visa Options
Australia offers various Parent Visas, broadly split into “Contributory” (faster, higher cost) and “Non-Contributory” (slower, lower cost) streams. Further distinctions exist based on whether parents apply onshore (if aged) or offshore, and if seeking temporary or permanent stay.
Understanding these crucial differences in cost, processing times (which can range from a few years to over 30 years), and eligibility criteria (like age or the Balance of Family Test) is vital to selecting the most suitable pathway for your family’s needs and circumstances.


Key Criteria: Sponsorship & Family Links
Most permanent Parent Visas require the applicant to meet the “Balance of Family Test.” This generally means at least half of the parent’s children must be eligible children living permanently in Australia, or more children live here than in any other single country.
Additionally, a parent visa applicant must be sponsored by an eligible child (or their partner) who is a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. Meeting these sponsorship and family link requirements meticulously is fundamental to a successful application.
Why Choose Moya Migration Law for Your Australian Parent Visa?
Navigating the diverse Australian Parent Visa options can be complex and emotional. Moya Migration Law offers decades of specialised experience, a client-focused approach to understand your family’s needs, and strategic guidance to secure your parents’ future in Australia.
Extensive Parent Visa Expertise
Our lawyers have deep experience with all Parent Visa subclasses, including contributory, non-contributory, aged parent, and temporary sponsored options.
Client-Focused Pathway Planning
We provide personalised advice, carefully assessing your circumstances to identify the most suitable and cost-effective Parent Visa pathway for your family.
Strategic Application & Document Support
We develop clear strategies for your Parent Visa application, meticulously preparing all documents and submissions to meet complex criteria like the Balance of Family Test.
In-Depth Migration Law Knowledge
Our thorough understanding of the Migration Act, Parent Visa regulations, and processing nuances ensures your application is expertly managed for the best outcome.
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Our 5-Step Australian Parent Visa Application Process
Bringing your parents to Australia is a significant family goal. Moya Migration Law offers a clear, supportive process, guiding you with expert advice from choosing the right visa to navigating the application and securing your parents’ future with you.
1
Initial Consultation & Visa Pathway Assessment
We discuss your family’s circumstances, assess your parents’ eligibility for various Parent Visas, and advise on the most suitable and efficient pathway.
2
Strategic Application & Document Preparation
Our team meticulously prepares your chosen Parent Visa application, guiding you and your parents in gathering all necessary supporting documents.
3
Sponsorship & Application Lodgement
We assist with the sponsorship application (if required) and manage the complete submission of the visa application to the Department of Home Affairs.
4
Department Liaison & Ongoing Support
We liaise with the Department on your behalf, respond to any requests for further information, and keep you regularly updated on your application’s progress.
5
Guiding You to Visa Grant & Reunification
We notify you of the visa decision and guide you through any final steps, such as Assurance of Support or health checks, to welcome your parents to Australia.

Principal Lawyer Daniel Moya
Meet Daniel Moya, Your Parent Visa Lawyer
Moya Migration Law is led by Principal Lawyer Daniel Moya, who personally guides families through the Australian Parent Visa process. With over two decades in migration law since 2002, Daniel offers expert strategic advice for these important family reunification applications.
Daniel is committed to providing clear, plain-English assistance, ensuring the most appropriate Parent Visa pathway is chosen and all requirements are meticulously addressed. He offers dedicated, empathetic support to help reunite your family in Australia. Daniel also provides legal assistance in Spanish.
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Parent Visas: Contribution & Processing
A major factor in Parent Visas is the choice between “Contributory” and “Non-Contributory” options. Contributory visas (like Subclass 143 or 864) involve a significant financial contribution per applicant but offer much faster processing times, typically a few years.
Non-Contributory visas (like Subclass 103 or 804) have substantially lower government fees but are subject to capping and queuing, leading to extremely long processing times, often exceeding 30 years. The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (Subclass 870) offers another temporary route without leading to permanent residency.


Core Requirements for Parent Visa Applicants
Beyond specific visa subclass rules, all Parent Visa applicants must typically have an approved sponsor (usually their child who is settled in Australia), meet health and character requirements, and have no outstanding debts to the Australian government.
For most permanent parent visas, an Assurance of Support (AoS) – a financial bond lodged with Centrelink – is also required before the visa can be granted. These general criteria underpin all parent visa applications, alongside subclass-specific rules.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Australian Parent Visas
What are the main types of Parent Visas for Australia?
Parent visas are generally categorised into Non-Contributory (lower cost, very long waits, e.g., Subclass 103, 804) and Contributory (higher cost, much faster processing, e.g., Subclass 143, 864). There’s also a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870).
Who can sponsor a Parent Visa applicant?
Typically, the sponsor must be the applicant’s child who is a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen usually residing in Australia.
What is the "Balance of Family Test"?
For most permanent Parent Visas, this test requires that at least half of the parent’s children live permanently in Australia, or that more of their children live permanently in Australia than in any other single country.
What is an "Aged Parent" visa?
Aged Parent visas (e.g., Subclass 804, 864) are for parents who are old enough to receive the Australian age pension and are applying from within Australia. This often allows them to get a bridging visa while their application is processed.
What are "Contributory" Parent Visas?
Contributory Parent Visas (e.g., Subclass 143, 864, and their temporary precursors 173, 884) have a significantly higher second visa application charge (VAC) but offer much faster processing times compared to non-contributory options.
How long do Parent Visas take to process?
Processing times vary drastically. Non-Contributory permanent visas (103, 804) can take 30+ years due to capping and queuing. Contributory permanent visas are much faster, typically a few years, but still subject to processing caseloads.
What is the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870)?
This visa allows parents a temporary stay of 3 or 5 years (extendable up to 10 years total). It doesn’t require the Balance of Family Test but does not lead to permanent residency and has specific sponsor income requirements.
Are health and character requirements important for Parent Visas?
Yes, all Parent Visa applicants must meet Australia’s health and character requirements. An Assurance of Support (AoS), a financial bond, is also usually required for permanent parent visas.
Can I appeal if a Parent Visa application is refused?
Generally, yes. If a Parent Visa application is refused, the applicant or sponsor usually has the right to appeal the decision to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) for a merits review.
Our Services
Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) Appeals ART Visa Appeals
Visa refused or cancelled? Don’t give up hope. Expert representation for your ART review to challenge the decision.
Visa Refusals
If your Partner Visa has been refused, Daniel Moya offers 20+ years of experience in achieving positive outcomes at the Tribunal.
Visa Cancellations
Facing visa hurdles like refusals, cancellations, or PIC 4020 issues? Get expert advice and management for your unique circumstances.
Partner Visas
Begin your journey to permanent residency. Expert support for all Partner Visa applications, navigating the complex system with confidence.
Protection Visas
Seeking asylum or facing persecution? Daniel Moya provides crucial guidance and strategic advice for complex Protection Visa applications.
Family Visa
Reunite with loved ones in Australia. Explore options for Parent, Child, Carer, and other Family Visas with clear, expert advice.
Citizenship
Ready to become an Australian citizen? Navigate the application requirements and process smoothly with experienced legal support.
Notary Public in Adelaide Notary Public
Need documents notarised in Adelaide for international use? We provide prompt, convenient, and reliable Notary Public services.
Court Appeals (Judicial Review) Judicial Review
Unfavourable Tribunal ruling? Challenge appealable errors in the Federal Courts with experienced legal guidance for Judicial Review.
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