Parent and Family Visas
Australia’s Parent and Family Visa program allows Australian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens to bring their loved ones to live with them in Australia. Whether reuniting with parents, children, or other close relatives, these visas play a vital role in helping families build a life together.
There are a range of visa options available, including permanent and temporary parent visas, child visas, and visas for other eligible relatives. Each pathway has different costs, eligibility requirements, and processing times, from faster contributory parent visas to long-term options that require careful planning.
At My Immigration Options, we understand that family migration is deeply personal. We provide clear, step-by-step guidance to help you choose the right visa, meet complex requirements such as the Balance of Family Test, and prepare a strong, well-documented application, so you can move forward with confidence and peace of mind.
Introduction
Family is one of the most important reasons people choose to migrate to Australia. For many, reuniting with parents, children, or other relatives is just as significant as employment or study opportunities. The Australian migration program recognises this and provides a range of visas that allow families to live together in Australia.
Parent and family visas are designed to help Australian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens bring their loved ones to Australia, either temporarily or permanently. These visas are often complex and can involve long processing times, but for many families they are the only way to build a life together in Australia.
At My Immigration Options, we help families navigate this process with clarity and care, ensuring applications are properly prepared and giving families the best chance of success.
What You Can Do on a Student Visa
The Subclass 500 visa offers flexibility and opportunities that go beyond studying.
Holders of this visa can:
Stay in Australia for the duration of their course, up to five years
Work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study terms and unlimited hours during course breaks
Include eligible family members in their application, such as a spouse or dependent children
Travel freely in and out of Australia while the visa remains valid
This makes the visa attractive not only for study purposes but also for those wanting to experience Australian life more broadly.
The Application Process
Applying for a Student Visa involves multiple steps, and missing any detail can delay or even jeopardise your application. The process typically involves:
Step 1
Apply for a Course and Receive a CoE
Before applying for your visa, you must be accepted into a CRICOS-registered course. Once enrolled, your education provider will issue a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
Step 2
Create an
ImmiAccount
Applications are lodged online through the Department of Home Affairs’ portal known as
ImmiAccount.
Step 3
Prepare and Upload Your Documents
Documents include identity papers, financial evidence, health insurance, English test results, and your GTE statement. Providing complete and accurate information is critical.
Step 4
Pay the Visa
Application Fee
The standard fee as of 2025 is AUD $710 for the main applicant, with additional costs for dependants.
Step 5
Health and
Character Checks
Depending on your background, you may be required to attend medical exams and provide police clearances.
Step 6
Wait for a Decision
Processing times vary. Some applications may be finalised within a few weeks, while others can take months depending on complexity and workload.
Why students choose us
Personal advisers with UK immigration expertise who explain obligations, minimise delays and help you plan for arrival and registration.
Transparent pricing, step-by-step checklists and a friendly approach so you feel supported throughout the application journey.
- UK-licensed advisers
- Fast document checks
- Clear action plan
Parent Visas
Parent visas are among the most commonly requested family visas. They allow parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to join their children in Australia. There are several subclasses available, each with different costs, conditions, and processing times.
Contributory Parent Visa
(Subclass 143)
The Contributory Parent Visa provides permanent residency for parents who are willing to make a larger financial contribution to the Australian Government.
Holders of this visa can live, work, and study in Australia permanently, enrol in Medicare, and apply for citizenship when eligible. It is one of the most popular options for parents who want certainty and faster timelines.
Contributory Parent Temporary Visa (Subclass 173)
This visa allows parents to live in Australia temporarily for up to two years. It is often used as a stepping stone towards the permanent Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143). The cost of the temporary visa can be credited towards the permanent visa application, giving families more flexibility.
Parent Visa
(Subclass 103)
The standard Parent Visa provides permanent residency but has very long waiting times due to limited places. Processing can take over 20 years in some cases, making it unsuitable for families who need a faster solution.
Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870)
The Sponsored Parent Visa allows parents to live in Australia temporarily for up to five years at a time. While it does not provide permanent residency, it is a popular option for families who want their parents nearby for extended visits without waiting decades for a permanent visa.
Family Visas
Aside from parents, there are several visa subclasses designed to bring other family members to Australia.
Child Visa
(Subclass 101 and 802)
These visas allow dependent children of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live permanently in Australia with their parents. The 101 visa is for children outside Australia, while the 802 visa is for children already onshore.
Orphan Relative Visa
(Subclass 117 and 837)
This visa is designed to help children under 18 who cannot be cared for by their parents overseas. It allows an eligible relative in Australia to sponsor the child to live permanently in Australia.
Remaining Relative Visa
(Subclass 115 and 835)
This visa is for people who have no close relatives outside Australia and whose only remaining family members live in Australia. While places are limited and waiting times are long, it provides a pathway to reunite completely with family in Australia.
Carer Visa
(Subclass 116 and 836)
This visa allows applicants to move to Australia permanently to provide care for an Australian relative with a long-term medical condition. The applicant must be able to demonstrate that they are the most suitable person to provide the required care.
Parent Visas
Parent visas are among the most commonly requested family visas. They allow parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to join their children in Australia. There are several subclasses available, each with different costs, conditions, and processing times.
Contributory Parent Visa
(Subclass 143)
The Contributory Parent Visa provides permanent residency for parents who are willing to make a larger financial contribution to the Australian Government. The higher application fee reflects faster processing compared to non-contributory visas, which can take decades.
Holders of this visa can live, work, and study in Australia permanently, enrol in Medicare, and apply for citizenship when eligible. It is one of the most popular options for parents who want certainty and faster timelines.
Contributory Parent Temporary Visa (Subclass 173)
This visa allows parents to live in Australia temporarily for up to two years. It is often used as a stepping stone towards the permanent Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143). The cost of the temporary visa can be credited towards the permanent visa application, giving families more flexibility.
Parent Visa
(Subclass 103)
The standard Parent Visa provides permanent residency but has very long waiting times due to limited places. Processing can take over 20 years in some cases, making it unsuitable for families who need a faster solution.
Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870)
The Sponsored Parent Visa allows parents to live in Australia temporarily for up to five years at a time. While it does not provide permanent residency, it is a popular option for families who want their parents nearby for extended visits without waiting decades for a permanent visa.
Family Visas
Aside from parents, there are several visa subclasses designed to bring other family members to Australia.
Child Visa
(Subclass 101 and 802)
These visas allow dependent children of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live permanently in Australia with their parents. The 101 visa is for children outside Australia, while the 802 visa is for children already onshore.
Orphan Relative Visa
(Subclass 117 and 837)
This visa is designed to help children under 18 who cannot be cared for by their parents overseas. It allows an eligible relative in Australia to sponsor the child to live permanently in Australia.
Remaining Relative Visa
(Subclass 115 and 835)
This visa is for people who have no close relatives outside Australia and whose only remaining family members live in Australia. While places are limited and waiting times are long, it provides a pathway to reunite completely with family in Australia.
Carer Visa
(Subclass 116 and 836)
This visa allows applicants to move to Australia permanently to provide care for an Australian relative with a long-term medical condition. The applicant must be able to demonstrate that they are the most suitable person to provide the required care.
Trusted by students
“The adviser reviewed my documents in one session and told me exactly what to fix. My visa was granted within weeks — I felt supported every step of the way.”
Aisha, MSc Economics
Common questions
Do I need a consultation?
A short consultation quickly clarifies eligibility and the required documents — it often prevents costly mistakes later.
How long does processing take?
Processing varies by visa type and season; we estimate typical student visas at 3–8 weeks and provide tailored timing during consultation.
Can you help with dependants?
Yes — we advise on dependant eligibility, evidence and combined applications where students bring family.
Balance of Family Test
For most parent and family visas, applicants must meet the Balance of Family Test. This means that at least half of the applicant’s children must live in Australia as permanent residents or citizens, or that more of their children live in Australia than in any other single country.
This test ensures that visas are granted to families with strong ties to Australia, and it is one of the key eligibility requirements for parent visas.
Processing Times
Processing times for parent and family visas vary widely. Contributory visas generally take a few years, while non-contributory visas such as the Subclass 103 can take decades. Temporary visas like the Subclass 870 are processed much faster, often within months.
Families should plan carefully based on their needs, finances, and long-term goals. Many families choose the contributory pathway because, while more expensive, it offers certainty and faster results.
Common Challenges
Applicants for parent and family visas often face challenges such as:
Meeting the Balance of Family Test
Providing sufficient evidence of financial support and sponsorship
Long processing times for non-contributory visas
High costs for contributory visas
Complex documentation requirements for child and relative visas
Many applications fail because families underestimate the complexity of the requirements. Professional guidance can make a significant difference.
Costs
Parent and family visas can be costly, especially contributory visas. As of 2025, the Contributory Parent Visa costs around AUD $47,455 for the main applicant, while the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa has lower upfront costs but ongoing sponsorship obligations. Other family visas vary in cost but generally involve significant application fees, health examinations, and supporting documentation.
Given the expense, it is critical to get the application right the first time to avoid costly delays or refusals.
Why Apply with My Immigration Options?
At My Immigration Options, we understand that family migration is deeply personal. Our team provides step-by-step guidance to ensure that your application is strong and complete.
By working with us, you benefit from:
Assessing eligibility for parent and family visa subclasses
Advising on the best pathway based on your family’s circumstances
Preparing and lodging applications with all required evidence
Liaising with the Department of Home Affairs on your behalf
Supporting families through appeals or refusals if necessary
We combine legal expertise with compassion to help families achieve the outcome they are hoping for.
Conclusion
Parent and family visas are one of the most important parts of Australia’s migration program. They allow families to live together, care for one another, and share their lives in Australia. While the process can be long and costly, the outcome is life-changing for families who want to be reunited.
At My Immigration Options, we are committed to helping families navigate this journey with confidence. Whether you are applying for a contributory parent visa, a sponsored parent visa, or a child visa, we provide the advice and support needed to give your application the best chance of success.
Thinking about a parent or family visa?
Book your free 30-minute consultation now. We’ll confirm documents to bring and set clear next steps during your session.
- Free 30-minute call
- Available evenings
- No obligation
Or fill out this Contact form below
NAVIGATION
OUR SERVICES
Consulting
CONTACT US
Australian Office: Level 21/133 Castlereagh Street, Sydney NSW 2000
+61 423 723 214
Philippine Office: Unit 4, Right Wing, Upper Ground Floor Goshen Land Towers Condominium General Luna Road, General Luna Upper Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Globe: +63 916 641 6395
Smart: +63 968 227 2668
© 2025 My Immigration Options | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions | Powered by The Level Up™