You might be eligible to apply for a Parent Category Visa if you have a child who is an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident or an eligible New Zealand citizen. According to the Australian Immigration Law, Parent Category Visas fall into 2 major categories and 6 subclasses. The 2 major categories (non-contributory and contributory) are defined in terms of the contribution of the second visa application fee. The 6 subclasses are classified based on the age, as well as the temporary and permanent residence.

Parent Category Visa subclasses include: Parent visa (subclass 103), Aged Parent visa (subclass 804), Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 173), Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 884), Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143) and Contributory Aged Parent visa (subclass 864).

Applicants for Parent Category Visa are required to pass the balance of family test in the Corresponding Regulations of the Immigration Act. In this test, children (including stepchildren) of applicants are classified into “eligible children” and “unqualified children” based on their situations of permanent visa, nationality and long-term residence. “Eligible Children”: the children of applicants must be –
• Australian citizens,
• Australian permanent residents who are usually resident in Australia,
• Eligible New Zealand citizens who are normally resident in Australia.
• Unqualified children”: Children other than eligible children.