Child & Parent Visas – For family reunification
Bring Your Loved Ones to Live with You in Australia
Australia values family and offers a range of visa options to help you reunite with your loved ones. If you are an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, you can sponsor your children or parents to join you and live in Australia permanently.
Child and Parent Visas provide a legal pathway for families to be together, ensuring your child or parent can enjoy the safety, opportunities, and quality of life Australia offers. These visas are designed to support long-term settlement, allowing your family members to live, study, and even work in Australia where eligible.
Whether you’re bringing a dependent child, sponsoring an adopted child, or applying for your parent to join you, these visa options are tailored to make family reunification possible with clear steps and support throughout the process.
Let your family grow together—right here in Australia.
General Eligibility (for Child and Parent Visas)
To qualify for a child or parent visa, applicants must be sponsored by an eligible Australian relative, meet all health and character requirements, and—where applicable—satisfy the Balance of Family Test.
General Eligibility (for Child and Parent Visas)
To apply for a Child or Parent visa, the applicant must be sponsored by an eligible family member who is:
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Who Can Be a Sponsor | – Australian citizen – Australian permanent resident – Eligible New Zealand citizen |
| Minimum Age of Sponsor | 18 years or older |
| Sponsor Responsibilities | – Financial support for the applicant – Accommodation if required after arrival in Australia |
The sponsor must be over 18 years old and agree to support the applicant financially and provide accommodation (if needed) for a certain period after arrival in Australia.
Meet Health, Character, and Identity Requirements
All applicants must undergo health examinations to ensure they do not pose a public health risk to the Australian community.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Health Checks | Must complete health examinations to ensure the applicant does not pose a public health risk. |
| Character Checks | – Provide police clearance certificates from each country lived in for 12+ months in the past 10 years. – Must not have a significant criminal record. |
| Identity Verification | Submit valid identity documents such as a passport, birth certificate, and any name change documents. |
Balance of Family Test (For Parent Visas Only)
This test ensures that a majority of a parent’s children live in Australia. To meet the test, one of the following must be true:
| Criteria | Explanation |
|---|---|
| At least half of the children live in Australia | 50% or more of the parent’s children must live permanently in Australia. |
| More children in Australia than any other country | If less than half live in Australia, their number must still be higher than in any single other country. |
| Requirement Applies To | Most Parent visa subclasses (with some limited exceptions). |
This requirement is crucial and must be met for most parent visa subclasses (with limited exceptions).
Child Visas – Subclass 101 & 802
For dependent children of Australian citizens or permanent residents.
| Visa Type | Features | Processing Time | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subclass 103 (Parent Visa – offshore) | Permanent residency | 30+ years (queue-based) | ~4,990 |
| Subclass 804 (Aged Parent Visa – onshore) | Permanent residency for age-eligible parents | 30+ years | ~4,990 |
| Subclass 143 (Contributory Parent Visa – offshore) | Faster permanent residency | ~4–6 years | ~48,365 |
| Subclass 173 (Contributory Temporary – offshore) | 2-year temporary visa; can lead to 143 | ~2–3 years | ~31,930 |
Key Requirements:
Pass the Balance of Family Test (at least half your children live lawfully in Australia).
Meet health and character requirements.
Be sponsored by an eligible child (who has lived in Australia for 2+ years).
Parent Visas – Subclass 103, 804, 143 & 173
For parents of settled Australian citizens or permanent residents.
| Visa Type | Features | Processing Time | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subclass 103 (Parent Visa – offshore) | Permanent residency | 30+ years (queue-based) | ~4,990 |
| Subclass 804 (Aged Parent Visa – onshore) | Permanent residency for age-eligible parents | 30+ years | ~4,990 |
| Subclass 143 (Contributory Parent Visa – offshore) | Faster permanent residency | ~4–6 years | ~48,365 |
| Subclass 173 (Contributory Temporary – offshore) | 2-year temporary visa; can lead to 143 | ~2–3 years | ~31,930 |
Key Requirements:
Pass the Balance of Family Test (at least half your children live lawfully in Australia).
Meet health and character requirements.
Be sponsored by an eligible child (who has lived in Australia for 2+ years).
Steps to Apply for a Parent or Child Visa
Reuniting with family in Australia is a clear and structured process. Whether you’re sponsoring a parent or child, following these key steps will help ensure your application is complete, accurate, and ready for assessment.
Check Eligibility and Visa Type
Determine which visa subclass suits your situation—whether you’re applying from inside or outside Australia, and if you qualify for contributory or non-contributory options.
Prepare Documentation
Collect all required documents, including identity papers, evidence of family relationship, financial capacity, and sponsor details.
Lodge the Application
Submit your application either online or by paper, depending on the visa type. Ensure all information is accurate and fees are paid.
Wait for Processing / Bridging Visa (if onshore)
If you’re applying from within Australia, you may be granted a bridging visa to stay lawfully while your application is being processed.
Visa Grant and Settlement Support
Once approved, your family member can move or remain in Australia with access to essential services like Medicare, education, and support for settling in.
Need help with the process? Reach out to our Registered Migration Agents at info@openpathways.com or fill in the online enquiry form for a free eligibility check.
Child Visas – Subclass 101 & 802
| Visa Type | Application Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Subclass 101 (Offshore) | $3,140 for the main applicant. Additional applicants: $1,570 (18 and over), $790 (under 18). |
| Subclass 802 (Onshore) | $3,140 for the main applicant. Additional applicants: $1,570 (18 and over), $790 (under 18). |
Note: Fees are payable at the time of application. Additional costs may include health examinations (~$400 per adult, ~$350 per child), police checks, and document translations.
Parent Visas – Subclass 103, 804, 143 & 173
| Visa Type | Application Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Subclass 103 (Parent Visa – Offshore) | $4,990 for the first installment; $2,065 for the second installment. |
| Subclass 804 (Aged Parent Visa – Onshore) | $5,125 for the main applicant; $2,565 for a partner; $1,285 for each child under 18. A second installment of $2,065 is payable before visa grant. |
| Subclass 143 (Contributory Parent Visa – Offshore) | $4,895 for the main applicant; $2,445 for a partner; $830 for each child under 18. A second installment of $43,600 is payable before visa grant. |
| Subclass 173 (Contributory Parent Temporary Visa – Offshore) | $3,300 for the main applicant; $1,650 for a partner. A second installment of $29,130 is payable before visa grant. |
Note: Fees are subject to change and may vary based on individual circumstances. Additional costs may include health examinations (~$400 per adult), police checks, and document translations.
Additional Considerations
Assurance of Support (AoS): For certain parent visas, an AoS may be required, involving a financial bond to ensure that the applicant does not rely on government assistance after arrival. The amount varies depending on the visa subclass and the number of applicants.
Health Examinations: Mandatory for all applicants, with costs approximately $400 per adult and $350 per child.
Police Checks: Required for applicants aged 16 and over, with fees varying by country.
Document Translation: If any documents are not in English, certified translations will be necessary, incurring additional costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Balance of Family Test?
It means at least 50% of your children must live permanently in Australia, or more children live in Australia than in any other country.
Can parents work while on a parent visa?
Yes, once granted a permanent parent visa, parents can work and study in Australia.
Why is the Contributory Parent Visa so expensive?
It covers future healthcare costs, allowing faster processing compared to non-contributory options.
Can I include my spouse or dependents in a child visa?
No. Child visas are for individual children. A separate application is needed per child.
Can a child sponsor a parent?
Yes, if they are over 18, an Australian citizen or PR, and settled in Australia (usually 2+ years).
Need help deciding which visa is right for your family?
Our migration team can guide you through eligibility checks, document preparation, and application support to reunite your family in Australia smoothly.
