Reuniting with your parents in Australia is a goal shared by many migrants. If you’re looking to bring your parents here permanently, you’ll need to sponsor them for a parent visa. Sponsoring a parent involves more than just filling out a form—it requires meeting specific eligibility criteria, providing financial support, and following legal procedures set by the Department of Home Affairs. Sponsor parent visa Australia

In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to sponsor your parents for a parent visa, including key requirements, documents, and tips to make the process smoother.

What Is a Parent Visa?

A parent visa allows parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to migrate to Australia. There are several subclasses, but the two most common are:

  • Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143 or 864)

  • Non-Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 103 or 804)

The main difference between these visas is the processing time and cost. Contributory parent visas are processed faster (4–6 years) but come with higher fees (over $47,000 per applicant). Non-contributory visas are cheaper but can take 20+ years due to long waiting queues.

Who Can Sponsor a Parent for a Parent Visa?

To sponsor your parents for a parent visa, you must meet the following criteria:

✅ Be an Eligible Sponsor:

  • Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen

  • Aged 18 or over

  • Be settled in Australia, usually meaning you have lived in Australia for at least 2 years

✅ Pass the Balance of Family Test:

This test ensures that at least half of your parents’ children live in Australia as permanent residents or citizens, or that more of their children live in Australia than in any other single country.

For example:

  • If your parents have 4 children and 2 live in Australia, they pass the test.

  • If they have 3 children, and only 1 lives in Australia, they do not pass.

This is a mandatory requirement for all parent visas (except for certain temporary visas).

Key Requirements to Sponsor Your Parents

1. Proof of Relationship

You must show that you are the biological, adoptive, or step-child of your parent(s). This typically includes:

  • Your birth certificate

  • Marriage certificate (if step-relationship is involved)

  • Court documents (in case of guardianship or adoption)

2. Proof That You’re Settled in Australia

You’ll need to provide evidence that you’ve made Australia your home. This can include:

  • Rental agreements or mortgage statements

  • Payslips or employment contracts

  • Utility bills

  • Tax returns

  • Evidence of family or social ties (e.g. children enrolled in school)

3. Assurance of Support (AoS)

For contributory and non-contributory parent visas, you’ll need to provide an Assurance of Support—a legal commitment to financially support your parent so they don’t rely on government welfare.

This assurance is usually required for 10 years and includes a bond (currently up to $14,000 for two parents), which is held by Centrelink.

4. Health and Character Checks

Your parents must meet Australian health and character requirements. This includes:

  • A medical examination by a panel physician

  • Police clearance certificates from all countries where they’ve lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years

5. Financial Capability (for Contributory Visas)

Contributory parent visas come with a hefty price tag (around $47,000+ per person). The sponsor doesn’t need to pay this, but many do help their parents financially.

Application Process Overview

  1. Check Eligibility: Confirm your parents meet the balance of family test and other requirements.

  2. Gather Documents: Collect identity, relationship, and settlement proof.

  3. Submit the Parent Visa Application: Either onshore or offshore, depending on the visa type.

  4. Lodge the Sponsorship Form: The sponsor must complete and lodge Form 40.

  5. Provide Assurance of Support: Required at a later stage in the process.

  6. Wait for Processing: Times vary depending on the visa subclass.

  7. Receive Visa Grant: Once approved, your parents can move to Australia as permanent residents.

Which Parent Visa Should You Choose?

  • Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143 or 864): Faster but expensive

  • Non-Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 103 or 804): Cheaper but very slow

  • Aged Parent Visas: For parents over 67, some can be lodged onshore with a bridging visa

Final Tips for a Successful Parent Visa Sponsorship

  • Start early. Some documents, like police checks, can take time to obtain.

  • Double-check eligibility. The balance of family test is strict and non-negotiable.

  • Use a migration agent if you’re unsure about your situation.

  • Consider temporary options like a visitor visa while waiting for processing.

Final Thoughts

Sponsoring your parents for a parent visa is a significant step toward reuniting your family in Australia. It requires careful planning, thorough documentation, and a clear understanding of your responsibilities as a sponsor. Whether you choose a contributory or non-contributory pathway, ensuring you meet all sponsorship requirements is key to a successful outcome.