How to Bring Dad to Australia: A Guide to Parent and Family Visas

“More than 112,000 parents have migrated to Australia under family visas in the past decade — and many more hope to reunite with their loved ones.” 

Whether you're a permanent resident or citizen of Australia, bringing your dad closer is not only possible — it's a heartfelt journey backed by real options. But with multiple visa types, ever-changing requirements, and strict eligibility criteria, where do you start? 

This guide walks you through the most reliable visa pathways for parents, including permanent and temporary options, application tips, and how Legacy Migration can support your family’s next chapter. 

What is a Parent Visa for Australia? 

A parent visa allows eligible Australian citizens, permanent residents, or New Zealand citizens to sponsor their parent(s) to live in Australia, either permanently or temporarily. Visa options differ based on age, financial capacity, and processing time. 

Visa Options to Bring Your Father to Australia 

Each visa type has unique benefits, requirements, and timelines. Below are the most common options: 

1. Subclass 143 – Contributory Parent Visa (Permanent) 

Best for: Parents looking for permanent residence with faster processing 

• Requirements: 

• Sponsored by an eligible child living in Australia 

• Must pass the Balance of Family Test (at least half the children must live in Australia) 

• Meet health and character requirements 

• Benefits: 

• Permanent residence 

• Access to Medicare 

• Apply for citizenship later on 

Tip: Ideal if you’re planning long-term family reunification and are financially prepared. 

2. Subclass 173 – Temporary Contributory Parent Visa (2 Years) 

Best for: Families needing more time to prepare financially 

• Pathway: Can later apply for Subclass 143 

• Requirements: 

• Same eligibility as Subclass 143 

• Must apply onshore 

• Benefits: 

• Grants temporary stay in Australia 

• Gives time to save for permanent visa 

3. Subclass 870 – Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa 

Best for: Short- to medium-term visits (up to 10 years total) 

• Requirements: 

• Australian child must meet income requirements 

• No need to pass Balance of Family Test 

• Benefits: 

• No need to leave during the stay 

• Renewable (up to 10 years total) 

• No cap on total time within that limit 

Tip: Perfect for families not ready to commit to permanent options. 

4. Subclass 804 – Aged Parent Visa 

Best for: Older parents applying while already in Australia 

• Requirements: 

• Parent must be aged (pension age in Australia) 

• Must be onshore at the time of application 

• Balance of Family Test applies 

• Benefits: 

• Bridging visa allows stay in Australia during processing 

• Low cost compared to contributory visas 

Caution: Due to long processing times, this is more about staying legally while aged. 

5. Subclass 600 – Visitor Visa (Tourist Stream) 

Best for: Short visits (family events, holidays, emergencies) 

• Processing Time: 3–6 weeks 

• Requirements: 

• Proof of genuine visit 

• May require financial and health documents 

• Benefits: 

• Multiple entries possible 

• Extendable under special circumstances 

Eligibility Checklist for Parent Visas 

To qualify for most parent visas, your dad must: 

✔ Have an eligible sponsor (usually you, the child)  ✔ Pass health and character checks  ✔ Meet the Balance of Family Test (for many visa types)  ✔ Provide financial documents (especially for Subclass 870) 

Application Tips for a Smooth Process 

• Start Early: Some visas have long queues — planning ahead helps. 

• Get Documents Ready: ID, family ties, health checks, proof of income/sponsorship, and police clearances. 

• Avoid Migration Scams: Only work with registered migration professionals (MARN holders). 

• Stay Updated: Immigration rules change. Rely on updated advice from migration experts like Legacy Migration. 

Why Choose Legacy Migration? 

Legacy Migration has supported thousands of families from the Philippines and around the world in bringing loved ones to Australia — with honesty, transparency, and care. 

Here’s how we help: 

• ✅ Tailored visa strategy based on your family’s goals 

• ✅ Guidance with the Balance of Family Test and documentation 

• ✅ Scam-proof, MARA-registered advice 

• ✅ Application monitoring and follow-up 

👉 "With Legacy Migration, you’re not just another application — you’re a family we care about." 

Ready to Reunite with Dad? 

Book a consultation with Legacy Migration today and start your journey toward bringing your father home to Australia. 

The information, updates, news, and advice provided are intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as personalised guidance. For accurate advice regarding your specific migration case, we invite you to reach out to us directly by sending a message through this link: https://www.legacymigration.com.au/take-your-first-step-to-living-working-or-studying-in-australia

Migration Agents Registration Number: 1797357

QEAC Number: S041