Permanent Parent Visas Subclass 804/864/143/103
What are Permanent Parent Visas?
Permanent Parent Visas allow parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live permanently in Australia. There are several types of parent visas available, each with different costs and processing times.
At Kris Ahn Lawyers, we specialise in guiding families through the complexities of parent visa applications. Our personalised support covers everything from initial eligibility assessments to the final visa approval, ensuring a smooth and successful process.
Key Features of Permanent Parent Visas
Permanent Residency
Visa holders can live, work, and study in Australia permanently.
Access to Healthcare
Permanent Parent Visa holders can access Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system.
Family Inclusion
You may include eligible family members in certain Parent visa applications.
Pathway to Citizenship
Permanent Parent visa holders may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship after meeting the residency requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for a Permanent Parent Visa, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
Balance of Family Test
At least half of your children must be living in Australia or more children must live in Australia than any other country.
Health and Character Requirements
Applicants must undergo mandatory health checks and police clearances.
Sponsor Requirements
The sponsor (your child) must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, and must meet financial obligations, including supporting the parent during their stay in Australia.
Age Requirements
For the Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804) and the Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864), applicants must be old enough to qualify for the Australian Age Pension. The age requirement is determined by your birth date.
Types of Permanent Parent Visas
There are several types of Permanent Parent Visas available, each with distinct features:
Parent Visa (Subclass 103)
- Cost: Lower cost compared to other parent visas.
- Processing Time: Long processing time, often exceeding 30 years.
- Eligibility: Requires meeting the Balance of Family Test.
Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143)
- Cost: Higher application fee and a contribution fee of AUD 48,495.
- Processing Time: Faster processing, usually within 12 to 14 years.
- Eligibility: Must meet the Balance of Family Test and pay a significant contribution toward future healthcare costs.
Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)
- Eligibility: For parents who are old enough to receive the Australian Age Pension.
- Processing Time: Long processing time, often over 30 years.
- Work and Study: Visa holders can work and study in Australia during the processing period with a bridging visa
Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864)
- Cost: Higher application fee and a contribution fee of AUD 48,495, similar to the Subclass 143 visa.
- Processing Time: Faster, typically 12 to 14 years.
- Eligibility: For aged parents who meet the Balance of Family Test and can afford the higher costs for faster processing.
The Application Process
1
Eligibility Assessment
- Determine if you meet the Balance of Family Test, health, and character requirements.
- Ensure your sponsor meets the necessary eligibility criteria.
2
Gather Documentation
Collect all required documents, including identity documents, family relationship evidence, financial statements, health checks, and police clearances.
3
Lodge the Application
Submit the visa application along with all required documentation, including the visa application fees.
4
Health and Character Checks
Complete medical exams and provide police clearances for all countries where you have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
5
Await Decision
Once all documents and checks are completed, await the visa decision from the Department of Home Affairs.
Processing Time
Parent Visa (Subclass 103)
Processing times can exceed 30 years.
Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143)
Processing times typically range from 12 to 14 years.
Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)
Processing can take over 30 years.
Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864)
Faster processing, typically 12 to 14 years.
Application Fees
The fees for Permanent Parent Visas vary based on the visa type:
Parent Visa (Subclass 103)
Lower cost but long processing times.
- Base application charge: AUD 5,125
- Additional applicant charge 18 and over: AUD 2,565
- Additional applicant charge under 18: AUD 1,285
Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143)
Higher cost but faster processing.
- Base application charge: AUD 4,895
- Additional applicant charge 18 and over: AUD 1,650
- Additional applicant charge under 18: AUD 830
Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)
Similar to Subclass 103, but for aged parents.
- Base application charge: AUD 5,125
- Additional applicant charge 18 and over: AUD 2,565
- Additional applicant charge under 18: AUD 1,285
Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864)
Similar to Subclass 143, with faster processing for aged parents.
- Base application charge: AUD 4,895
- Additional applicant charge 18 and over: AUD 2,445
- Additional applicant charge under 18: AUD 1,225
Contributory Parent visas carry a second installment fee for $43,600 which must be paid after the application is lodged and before the final decision.
Considering the long processing times, you do not need to evidence these funds at the time of application.
Additional fees include
- Health Checks: Fees for mandatory health checks
- Police Clearances: Fees for obtaining police clearances from any country where you have lived
- Document Translations: Fees for translating documents not in English
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Incomplete Documentation
Ensure that all documents are submitted correctly to avoid delays or refusal.
Balance of Family Test Misunderstanding
Many applicants fail to meet the Balance of Family Test requirements. Ensure that at least half of your children reside in Australia.
How Can We Help?
At Kris Ahn Lawyers, we provide expert guidance through the entire Permanent Parent Visa application process. We offer personalised support from eligibility assessments to visa submissions, ensuring you avoid common pitfalls and complete a strong application. With experience in handling complex cases, our high success rate speaks to our commitment to helping families reunite in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I include my spouse or other dependents in my visa application?
Yes, you can include your spouse and dependent children in your parent visa application.
How long will it take to get a Parent Visa?
Processing times vary widely. The Subclass 103 can take over 30 years, while the Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) typically takes 12 - 14 years.
What is the Balance of Family Test?
The Balance of Family Test requires that at least half of your children who are Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand residents reside in Australia than any other country.
Can I work or study while waiting for my Parent Visa to be approved?
Yes, if you apply for an Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804), you may be able to work and study while waiting on a bridging visa.
Can I switch from a Parent Visa (Subclass 103) to a Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143)?
Yes, you may switch from a Subclass 103 to a Subclass 143 visa if you are willing to pay the higher fees for faster processing and you will keep your place in the queue.
