How to Apply for a Permanent Parent Visa in Australia: Step-by-Step Process
- Jasmeet Kaur
- 2 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Many families dream of reuniting in Australia, one of the most sought-after destinations for a better lifestyle, healthcare, and opportunities. If you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident and want your parents to live with you permanently, applying for a Permanent Parent Visa Australia is your best option.
However, the process can be complex and time-consuming without the right guidance. This comprehensive step-by-step guide explains how to apply for a permanent parent visa in Australia and why seeking help from the best migration consultant in Australia can make the process easier and more successful.
What Is a Permanent Parent Visa in Australia?
A Permanent Parent Visa in Australia allows parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia permanently. This visa provides your parents with the right to stay, work, and access healthcare services under Medicare, offering peace of mind and family unity.
There are two primary types of parent visas:
Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) – Faster processing but involves higher costs.
Non-Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 103) – Lower fees but much longer processing time.
In this guide, we’ll focus on the general process applicable to both, with emphasis on the permanent parent visa Australia pathway.
Step 1: Check Eligibility Requirements
Before applying, ensure both you and your parents meet the eligibility criteria:
Sponsor Requirements: You must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. You must be at least 18 years old and able to provide an assurance of support, which is a financial commitment to support your parents for up to 10 years.
Parent Requirements: Your parent(s) must pass health, character, and background checks. They must not hold a visa that prevents them from applying for a permanent parent visa. The “balance of family test” applies: at least half of your parents' children must reside permanently in Australia, or more of their children must live in Australia than any other country.
Failure to meet any of these criteria may lead to visa refusal, so it is highly recommended to consult the best migration consultant in Australia for expert eligibility assessment.
Step 2: Choose the Right Visa Type
Depending on your financial situation and urgency, you can choose between:
Subclass 143 – Contributory Parent Visa:
Higher application fees (over AUD 47,000)
Faster processing (approximately 2 to 4 years)
Subclass 103 – Non-Contributory Parent Visa:
Lower application fees (around AUD 4,000)
Extremely long processing time (10 to 30 years)
Most applicants opt for the Contributory Parent Visa due to the long wait for Subclass 103. The best migration consultant in Australia can help you analyze your options and select the best visa type based on your needs.
Step 3: Prepare Required Documents
Having accurate and complete documentation is key to a successful application. Typical documents include:
Certified copies of your parents’ passports
Birth certificates showing your relationship
Evidence of your status in Australia (passport, citizenship certificate, or PR card)
Health assessment reports (from approved panel physicians)
Police clearance certificates
Evidence showing that the balance of family test is met
Assurance of Support form
Form 47SP (Application for Migration to Australia by a Parent)
Organizing these documents properly will help avoid processing delays.
Step 4: Submit the Visa Application
The application can be submitted online through the ImmiAccount portal, or via paper form if required.
Key points to remember:
Carefully fill out all forms, double-checking for accuracy.
Upload all required documents in the correct format.
Pay the applicable visa application fee.
Apply well in advance because even the Contributory Parent Visa can take several years for processing.
Once submitted, you will receive an acknowledgment with a Transaction Reference Number (TRN), which you can use to track your application.
Step 5: Health and Character Checks
Your parents must undergo medical examinations by a panel doctor approved by the Department of Home Affairs. This ensures they meet the health requirements.
Additionally, police clearance certificates from all countries where they lived for 12 months or more after turning 16 are mandatory.
Delays in these checks can prolong the visa processing times Australia, so it’s best to start these assessments early.
Step 6: Wait for Visa Processing
The permanent parent visa Australia processing time varies widely:
Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143): 2 to 4 years
Non-Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 103): 10 to 30 years
Processing time depends on factors such as application completeness, health and character check outcomes, and Department of Home Affairs workload.
Keeping regular contact with the Department through your ImmiAccount and having your application regularly reviewed by the best migration consultant in Australia can help prevent delays.
Step 7: Visa Decision and Arrival
If approved, your parents will receive a visa grant notice indicating the visa conditions and validity period. The visa allows them to:
Live and work in Australia indefinitely
Access Medicare
Travel in and out of Australia freely
If refused, the reasons will be provided, and the best migration consultant in Australia can help you understand your review or appeal options.
Why Work with the Best Migration Consultant in Australia?
Applying for a permanent parent visa in Australia is a complex, lengthy process that requires expert knowledge of immigration law, document preparation, and up-to-date policy changes. The best migration consultant in Australia provides:
Tailored eligibility assessments
Guidance on selecting the right visa type
Assistance in preparing error-free documentation
Timely updates on your visa status
Expert advice on appeals in case of visa refusal
Hiring a trusted migration consultant increases your chance of success and reduces stress during the process.
Conclusion
Applying for a permanent parent visa in Australia is a significant step toward family reunification but requires careful planning, accurate documentation, and patience due to long processing times. By following this step-by-step guide and working with the best migration consultant in Australia, you can navigate the process more smoothly and increase the likelihood of a successful visa grant.
Your parents’ dream of living permanently in Australia is achievable with the right strategy and expert support.
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