Parents Visa To Australia: Cost, Eligibility & How To Apply

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Bringing your parents to Australia isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about closing the gap between generations and opening the door to shared moments under our southern skies. From choosing the right visa subclass to seeing your parents settle into their new life, this process blends hope, anticipation and meticulous preparation.

In this guide you’ll find:

  • A walkthrough of Temporary and Permanent Parent visa subclasses
  • Sponsor eligibility and the balance‑of‑family, health and character requirements
  • A clear breakdown of application fees, instalment schedules and related costs
  • Step‑by‑step instructions for document gathering, lodgement (online or paper) and tracking
  • An overview of capping, queuing and current processing timelines
  • Practical advice for settling in after your visa is granted

Preparing for a parents visa can take years and demands close attention to detail. Follow each section carefully and consider expert assistance for any unexpected challenges—your family reunion begins here.

Step 1: Determine the Right Parent Visa Subclass

Choosing the correct visa subclass is the first—and one of the most crucial—steps in bringing your parents to Australia. The Australian family migration program separates these subclasses into two streams: permanent and temporary. Within each stream, you’ll find contributory and non‑contributory options, reflecting a trade‑off between processing time and upfront cost.

Permanent vs Temporary Parent Visas

Permanent visas allow your parents to stay indefinitely as permanent residents, while temporary visas grant a fixed‑term stay. Here’s how the two streams break down:

  • Permanent, non‑contributory
  • Permanent, contributory (two‑step payment)
  • Temporary, contributory
  • Temporary, non‑contributory sponsored

Contributory vs Non‑Contributory Visas

Contributory parent visas involve higher application charges but significantly shorter queues. Non‑contributory visas are much cheaper, yet can take decades to process due to annual capping and queueing.

  • Contributory: Faster processing (approx. 14 years), higher fees
  • Non‑contributory: Lower fees, very long processing (approx. 31 years)

Key Parent Visa Subclasses

Below is a quick guide to the six most common parent visa subclasses. Links point to the official Home Affairs pages for detailed information and up‑to‑date fees.

  • Subclass 103 – Parent (non‑contributory permanent)
    • Permanent residence
    • Processing: ~31 years
    • Base application fee: lower (check official pricing)
    • Details: Parent visa (103)

  • Subclass 143 – Contributory Parent (permanent, two‑step payment)
    • Permanent residence
    • Processing: ~14 years
    • Base application fee: from AUD 48,495 (in two instalments)
    • Details: Contributory Parent visa (143)

  • Subclass 804 – Aged Parent (non‑contributory permanent)
    • Permanent residence for eligible aged parents
    • Processing: similar to 103
    • Base application fee: lower (check official pricing)
    • Details: Aged Parent visa (804)

  • Subclass 864 – Contributory Aged Parent (permanent)
    • Permanent residence for eligible aged parents
    • Faster processing than 804
    • Higher contribution required
    • Details: Contributory Aged Parent visa (864)

  • Subclass 173 – Contributory Parent (Temporary)
    • Temporary stay (leads to subclass 143)
    • Shorter queue than 143 alone
    • Two‑step contribution model
    • Details: Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa (173)

  • Subclass 870 – Sponsored Parent (Temporary)
    • Short‑term visit visa (up to 3 or 5 years)
    • No pathway to permanent residency
    • Modest application fee
    • Details: Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (870)

Choosing Your Subclass

Your choice hinges on two big factors: how quickly you want your parents here, and how much you can invest upfront. If time is of the essence and budget allows, a contributory visa like subclass 143 or 864 will move through queues faster. When cost is the priority—and decades‑long waits are acceptable—the non‑contributory streams (103 or 804) can work. For a shorter stay without permanent residence, the sponsored subclass 870 offers a simpler, temporary route.

Step 2: Verify Sponsor Eligibility and Requirements

Bringing your parents to Australia is a commitment on both sides. While applicants must satisfy health and character checks, sponsors bear legal and financial obligations to support their parents once they arrive. Before you proceed, confirm you meet the basic criteria and understand what’s required of you.

Recognising an Eligible Sponsor

Not everyone can offer sponsorship. To qualify, you must be:

  • an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen
  • at least 18 years old
  • settled in Australia (living here and intending to stay throughout the sponsorship period)

In special cases, a community organisation may sponsor an applicant under 18, or you might qualify under the retiree stream (which exempts you from the balance‑of‑family test and assurance of support). Regardless of the path, the Department must formally approve your sponsorship before your parents lodge their visa applications.

Understanding Assurance of Support

An assurance of support is a financial guarantee to the Australian Government, ensuring your parents won’t rely on social security payments for a set period—usually two years. Key points include:

  • Duration: Generally two years from the date the visa is granted
  • Coverage: Applies to the primary applicant and any family members included in their application
  • Documentation: Recent bank statements, payslips or tax returns, and evidence of savings

Be aware that if Centrelink payments are made on behalf of your parents, you must reimburse the Government. Assess your finances carefully before committing; if this guarantee isn’t feasible, the retiree sponsorship pathway might be a better alternative.

Completing the Sponsorship Application

Your sponsorship journey starts with Form 40—Sponsorship for Migration to Australia. Download it here:
Form 40 Sponsorship for Migration to Australia (PDF)

To avoid delays:

  • Verify your personal details: names, dates of birth and passport numbers must match official documents
  • Prove your status: include copies of your Australian citizenship certificate, passport bio page or visa grant notice
  • Demonstrate financial capacity: attach the two most recent payslips and a bank statement covering at least three months
  • Check for completeness: missing signatures, outdated forms or absent attachments are common reasons for refusal

After you submit Form 40, the Department reviews your eligibility. If approved, you’ll receive a sponsorship approval letter—your parents’ visa applications can’t proceed without it. Keep this document safe and ready to reference in the next steps.

Step 3: Pass the Balance of Family Test

Before your parents can apply for most parent visa to Australia subclasses, they must satisfy the Balance of Family Test. This rule ensures that family ties in Australia outweigh those in any other country, helping manage demand and keep visa places for those with stronger Australian connections.

At its core, the test requires one of two conditions:

  1. At least half of the applicant’s children (including step‑children and adopted children) live in Australia as citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens.
  2. More of their children live in Australia than in any other single country.

For example, if an applicant has four children and three of them are settled in Australia, the test is met. If two live here, one in Canada and one in the UK, you compare: Australia has more than any other single country.

Parents applying under the retiree stream are exempt from this test, but everyone else must prove their family base before moving forward.

Criteria for the Balance of Family Test

To meet the test, consider:

  • Count all dependants: include biological, step‑ and adopted children.
  • Deceased children: do not count toward either side.
  • Children under guardianship: if a child has been permanently placed in care overseas, you’ll need court or statutory documents.

Thresholds:

  • If you have an even number of children, you need at least half to be in Australia.
  • With an odd number, round down to the nearest whole child. For instance, five children require at least three in Australia.

Documenting Your Family Base

Gather clear, certified evidence for every child:

  • Birth certificates showing parent–child relationships.
  • Adoption or guardianship orders for non‑biological children.
  • Children’s Australian citizenship certificates or visa grant notices.
  • Passport bio‑pages or visa labels if they hold non‑citizen resident status.

Tips:

  • Use NAATI‑accredited translators for any non‑English documents.
  • Provide notarised copies or certified originals to avoid processing delays.
  • Label each file clearly (e.g., “Smith_Jane_CitizenshipCert.pdf”).

Handling Special Scenarios

Not every family situation is straightforward. You may need to exclude certain children:

  • Deceased or legally estranged children: include a death certificate or court order.
  • Children living under state care overseas: supply court or welfare agency documents showing legal guardianship.

If your application is declined because you don’t meet the test, you can:

  1. Request a review of the decision if new evidence emerges.
  2. Consider the retiree sponsorship pathway (if eligible), which waives this requirement.

Navigating the Balance of Family Test can be tricky, but accurate counts and rock‑solid documentation give your parents the best shot at a successful Parent visa to Australia.

Step 4: Meet Health and Character Requirements

Before lodging your parents’ visa application, they must satisfy Australia’s health and character checks. These safeguards protect the community and ensure applicants won’t face unexpected medical costs or pose security risks. You’ll need to arrange medical examinations and collect police certificates well in advance—results can take weeks to finalise. Below we break down each component and share tips to keep your application on track.

Australia’s health requirement for parent visas typically includes:

  • A general medical examination by an approved panel physician
  • Chest X‑ray to screen for tuberculosis
  • HIV test (with consent and pre‑test counselling)

Character requirements involve police checks from every country where your parents have spent 12 months or more in the last ten years (including the Philippines or other nations). Each certificate must cover the full period of residence and be certified by the issuing authority.

Scheduling Health Examinations

All medical assessments must be carried out by doctors on the Department of Home Affairs’ panel. To book an appointment:

  1. Visit the Home Affairs website and search for “panel physician” in your parents’ location.
  2. Contact the clinic directly to arrange the full suite of examinations in a single visit.
  3. Confirm which tests are required for the subclass you’re applying for—some visas demand additional X‑rays or specialist referrals.

Allow at least 4–6 weeks for results. Most panel clinics issue results directly to Home Affairs, but keep a copy for your records. Results are usually valid for 12 months; if processing drags beyond that, you may need to repeat the exam.

Obtaining Police Clearances

Police certificates verify that your parents have a clean character record. For each country of residence:

  • Check official government websites for application steps. In the Philippines, secure a National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clearance.
  • Follow authentication rules: some authorities require certificates be apostilled or consular‑attested.
  • Submit a complete set of fingerprints and identity documents—any discrepancy can invalidate the check.

Aim to request these clearances only after you’ve formally applied or when advised, as certificates issued too early can expire (most authorities accept certificates no older than 12 months at the date of lodgement).

Common Pitfalls and Solutions

Even well‑prepared applicants sometimes run into snags:

  • Outdated certificates: Schedule tests so results remain valid when you lodge the visa. If a police check expires in two months but your ImmiAccount submission is still pending, you’ll need a fresh certificate.
  • Missing pages: Medical reports and police clearances often arrive in multi‑page PDF format. Confirm you have every page before uploading.
  • Adverse findings: If a health condition or character issue arises, consult your migration agent promptly. Minor health matters can often be waived, while character concerns may require statutory declarations or legal advice.

By front‑loading health and character checks, you can minimise last‑minute rushes and give your parents’ visa application the smoothest path forward.

Step 5: Calculate and Budget for Visa Costs

Bringing your parents to Australia requires a realistic budget for application charges and related expenses. Fees vary significantly across visa subclasses, and missing an instalment or deadline can delay—or even derail—your application. Below is an overview of the main charges and ancillary costs to help you plan.

Fees for Non‑Contributory Visas

  • Subclass 103 – Parent (Non‑Contributory Permanent)
    • Base Application Charge (one‑off): lower fee (typically a few thousand AUD)
    • Payment due at lodgement

  • Subclass 804 – Aged Parent (Non‑Contributory Permanent)
    • First Instalment (Base Application Charge): AUD 5,125
    • Second Instalment: AUD 2,065

Note: Exact figures for subclasses 103 and 804 can change—always verify current pricing on the Home Affairs “Current visa pricing” page.

Fees for Contributory Visas

  • Subclass 143 – Contributory Parent (Permanent, Two‑Step Payment)
    • First Instalment (Base Application Charge): AUD 4,895
    • Second Instalment (Contribution): AUD 48,365

  • Subclass 864 – Contributory Aged Parent (Permanent)
    • First Instalment: AUD 4,895
    • Second Instalment: AUD 48,365

These higher fees buy you a much shorter queue—around 14 years versus 31 years for non‑contributory streams. Instalments are due at different stages; missed payments can lead to refusal without refund.

Fees for Temporary Parent Visas

  • Subclass 173 – Contributory Parent (Temporary)
    • Follows the same two‑step payment structure as 143, paying the base charge first, then the contribution.

  • Subclass 870 – Sponsored Parent (Temporary)
    • Modest one‑off application charge (several hundred AUD)
    • Payment due at lodgement

Ancillary Expenses

Beyond visa fees, you’ll face these typical costs per person:

  • Health examinations (general medical + chest X‑ray + HIV): AUD 300–500
  • Specialist tests (if requested): AUD 200–350
  • Police clearances (domestic and overseas): AUD 30–100 each
  • Certified translations: AUD 25–50 per page
  • Postage or courier (for paper lodgement): AUD 50–100

Payment Schedule and Tips

  • Instalment deadlines: Home Affairs issues reminders, but it’s your responsibility to pay on time.
  • Late or incomplete payments: Can result in outright refusal with no refund of previous instalments.
  • Cost‑saving strategies:
    • Book all medical tests in one visit to minimise travel.
    • Ask NAATI‑accredited translators for package rates.
    • Compare courier services for document forwarding.

Sample Budget Snapshot

ExpenseSingle ApplicantCouple (2 Adults)Family of 4
Non‑Contributory Fee~AUD 2,000*~AUD 4,000*~AUD 8,000*
Contributory FeeAUD 53,260AUD 106,520AUD 212,040
Health & X‑rayAUD 500AUD 1,000AUD 2,000
Police ChecksAUD 200AUD 400AUD 800
Translations & PostageAUD 300AUD 600AUD 1,200
Estimated Total~AUD 56,260~AUD 112,520~AUD 224,040

*Approximate—refer to official sources for up‑to‑date figures.

A clear budget up front prevents unwelcome surprises later. Once you’ve mapped out costs for your chosen subclass and family size, you’ll be ready to gather documents and schedule payments on time.

Step 6: Gather and Prepare Required Documents

Before you lodge your parents’ visa application, you’ll need a robust bundle of supporting documents. This isn’t just ticking boxes—each file verifies eligibility, relationships and good character. Planning your document collection carefully saves time, avoids last‑minute scrambles and reduces the risk of a refusal.

Key categories you must cover include:

  • Identity and passport documents
  • Sponsor evidence
  • Relationship proof
  • Health and character records

You’ll also need to think about certification, translation and the format you’ll submit—whether that’s online via ImmiAccount or a traditional paper file. Below we break down what goes in your master checklist, how to organise your files, and tips on meeting certification and translation requirements.

Identity and Passport Documents

Every visa applicant must prove who they are. For your parents, this usually includes:

  • Certified copy of the passport bio‑data page (name, date of birth, passport number, issue and expiry dates)
  • National identity card (if issued)
  • Evidence of any change of name (marriage certificate, divorce decree or change‑of‑name certificate)

Tip: Provide clear, full‑colour scans or certified copies. If a page spreads across two scans, merge them into a single PDF and label it “ParentName_Passport.pdf”.

Relationship Proof

Establishing the parent–child link is critical. Gather one or more of the following for each relationship:

  • Birth certificate showing names of both parent and child
  • Adoption order or legal guardianship papers for non‑biological relationships
  • Marriage certificate if names differ (e.g., mother’s maiden name)
  • In the case of step‑children, documents proving the former spouse’s death or divorce

If your child is sponsoring, include:

  • Sponsor’s proof of status (citizenship certificate, passport bio page or visa grant notice)
  • Evidence of the parent–child bond, such as family photographs, correspondence or joint travel records (optional but helpful)

Health and Character Records

Arrange all health and police clearances before lodging:

  • Health: Booking with a Home Affairs panel physician for a medical exam, chest X‑ray and HIV test. Obtain a copy of the referral letter and confirmation that results will be sent direct to Home Affairs.
  • Character: Police certificates from every country where your parents have spent 12 months or more in the last ten years. In the Philippines, this means an NBI clearance; for other countries, follow local procedures and apostille if required.

Checklist for each record:

  • Full‑name and date‑of‑birth match passport
  • Cover letters or envelopes remain sealed if issued in sealed envelopes
  • Clear scans of all pages, including any blank or back pages with security marks

Translations and Certifications

Non‑English documents must be translated and certified:

  • Use NAATI‑accredited translators for any document not in English.
  • Provide the original document and the full translated text, stamped with translator’s accreditation number and signature.
  • Certify copies of primary documents with a Justice of the Peace, solicitor or notary public. Each copy should bear a “certified true copy” stamp and the certifier’s details.

Formatting tips:

  • For online lodgement, combine related documents into single PDFs (e.g., all birth certificates in one file) and keep each file under 5 MB.
  • For paper applications, separate sections with coloured tabs or dividers, bind volume neatly (no loose sheets) and include a contents page listing every document.
  • Adopt a consistent naming convention: “Surname_TypeOfDoc_Date.pdf” (e.g., “Garcia_BirthCert_2025.pdf”).

By following this checklist and organising your files thoughtfully, you’ll reduce processing hiccups and give your parents’ visa the best chance of success.

Step 7: Lodge Your Application Through ImmiAccount or Paper

Once your documents are ready and fees calculated, it’s time to choose your lodgement method. Australia’s Department of Home Affairs offers two routes: the digital ImmiAccount portal or a traditional paper application. Both have pros and cons, so consider your circumstances—connectivity, preference for hard copies, or need for a bridging visa—before deciding.

If you apply while in Australia, note that only certain parent visa subclasses (for example, aged parent visas like subclass 804 or contributory aged parent visas) entitle you to a Bridging Visa A (BVA) upon lodgement. Non‑contributory permanent visas (subclass 103 and 143) and most temporary visas lodged onshore do not automatically grant a bridging visa. This can affect your parents’ lawful status if they’re already here on a visitor visa.

Using ImmiAccount for Online Lodgement

  1. Create or sign in to your ImmiAccount at the Department’s website.
  2. Select “New Application” and choose the correct parent visa subclass.
  3. Complete each section of the online form, double‑checking names, dates of birth and passport details against your submitted documents.
  4. Upload your files in PDF format (keep each under 5 MB) and follow the portal’s prompts to name them clearly (e.g., “Smith_Passport.pdf”).
  5. Pay the required fee by credit card or PayPal. ImmiAccount immediately issues an application receipt with a Transaction Reference Number (TRN).
  6. Monitor the portal for any “Requests for More Information”—ImmiAccount will alert you via email and inside your dashboard.

Tips:

  • Don’t skip optional fields—even if you answer “no” or “not applicable,” it shows you’ve reviewed every question.
  • Save your progress regularly; timeouts can occur after periods of inactivity.
  • Keep your login details and TRN safe; you’ll need them for updates and status checks.

Completing a Paper Application

If you prefer paper, download and fill out Form 47PA (Application for a parent to migrate to Australia). You’ll need:

  • The signed and dated Form 47PA
  • All supporting documents (certified copies and translations) in the order listed on your cover sheet
  • Your sponsorship approval letter (Form 40)
  • A cheque or money order for the application charge, payable to “Department of Home Affairs”

Bundle your application neatly—use a contents page, numbered tabs or coloured dividers—and send it by registered post to:

Parent Visa Processing Centre
Department of Home Affairs
Locked Bag 25
BELCONNEN ACT 2616
Australia

Make sure your envelope isn’t overstuffed and that no pages fall loose. Missing signatures or incomplete forms are among the most common reasons for outright refusals on paper lodgements.

Payment and Acknowledgement

Whether you lodge online or by post, payment triggers the formal acceptance of your application. For ImmiAccount submissions, payment confirmation and TRN appear instantly. For paper, Home Affairs will process your cheque or money order—this can take 1–2 weeks. You’ll receive an acknowledgment letter (with your file number) by email or post.

Keep all receipts, acknowledgment notices and reference numbers in a dedicated folder. These will help you track your case, respond promptly to any departmental requests, and ensure you meet any bridging visa conditions if applicable.

Step 8: Understand Capping, Queuing and Processing Times

Australia places an annual cap on most Parent visa subclasses, and once that cap is reached, applications go into a managed queue. Familiarity with how capping and queuing works—and the current processing estimates—helps you set realistic expectations and plan ahead.

Capping and Queue Management

Each migration program year (1 July–30 June) allocates a fixed number of places for permanent Parent visas (subclasses 103, 143, 804, 864). Once Home Affairs fills those places, no more visas are granted until the next program year. This limit keeps demand in check, but it also means even perfectly eligible applications can wait years before the department can start a final assessment.

Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visas (subclass 870) aren’t subject to this cap, so once you lodge and meet requirements, processing generally follows standard timeframes. For capped streams, your application will only move from “eligibility check” into “final assessment” when places become available.

Queue Date Assignment

Your “queue date” is the day Home Affairs completes its initial eligibility check and confirms your application is valid and complete. Key points:

  • If you lodge online and supply every required document at once, your queue date is usually the same day.
  • If Home Affairs requests further information or missing documents, your queue date is set when you satisfy that request.
  • Early queue dates offer a better chance of reaching the front sooner—so double‑check your application before submission.

Applications are processed strictly in queue‑date order, regardless of when the visa class was introduced or amended. Legislative changes don’t reset your place in line; they may simply affect which documents or tests you need.

Current Processing Timeline Estimates

Based on the latest Home Affairs data, processing times for capped Parent visa streams approximate:

  • Contributory Parent visas (subclasses 143, 864, 173): around 14 years from queue date to grant
  • Non‑contributory Parent visas (subclasses 103, 804): around 31 years from queue date to grant

These estimates reflect planning levels, application volumes and withdrawals in recent migration program years. To track quarterly updates and see the most current queue release dates, visit the official Parent visa queue release dates page.

Understanding these timelines—and the factors that influence them—lets you choose the right subclass and manage expectations as you guide your parents through Australia’s migration process.

Step 9: Monitor Your Application and Respond to Department Requests

Once your parents’ visa application is lodged, it’s vital to keep a close eye on its progress. Home Affairs may contact you at any stage—whether to confirm a queue date, request extra documents or notify you of a fee due. Ignoring these messages can mean costly delays or even refusal. By logging into ImmiAccount regularly and activating email/SMS alerts, you’ll be among the first to see departmental correspondence. You’ll also want to bookmark the VEVO portal so you’re ready to check visa conditions the moment the grant comes through.

Tracking Application Status

In ImmiAccount, click “View Applications” and select the relevant file. You’ll see status markers such as “Lodged,” “Initial Assessment,” “Pending Fee” or “Further Information Required.” Any change here is your cue to act—so turn on notifications in your account settings to receive an instant email when a status update occurs.

Once a visa is granted, switch to the VEVO portal. Enter the grant number or passport details to view travel validity, visa conditions and expiry dates. This helps you plan arrivals, Medicare enrolment and any future Resident Return Visa applications.

Handling Requests for Further Information

During queueing or final assessment, Home Affairs often asks for supplementary documents: missing pages from a medical report, a recent police check or an updated assurance of support. When that request lands:

  • Read it thoroughly and note the deadline.
  • Gather exactly the files requested—no extras.
  • Name each PDF clearly (e.g., “Diaz_PanelPhysicianReport.pdf”).

If you lodged online, use the “Attach Documents” button beneath your application. For paper cases, send a covering letter quoting your file number and use a tracked courier. After uploading or posting, check ImmiAccount two weeks later to confirm receipt. Meeting these mini‑deadlines keeps your application moving smoothly.

Updating Personal Circumstances

Life doesn’t pause for a visa queue. Your sponsor might change address, your parents could renew passports, or unexpected events (like a sponsor’s passing) may occur. To notify Home Affairs:

  1. In ImmiAccount, click “Update Details” on the application dashboard.
  2. Choose the relevant category: “Change of Address,” “New Passport,” or “Sponsor Situation.”
  3. Upload supporting evidence—a scan of the new passport bio page, a lease agreement or a death certificate.

If you’re on a paper application, complete Form 1023i (Application for Change in Circumstances) and mail it to the address in your acknowledgement letter. Prompt updates maintain the integrity of your file and show the department you’re fully on top of requirements.

Step 10: After Visa Grant – Settling into Australia

Once your parents’ visa is granted, they officially become Australian permanent residents. This phase is about ticking off post‑grant tasks so they can start life in Australia smoothly: reviewing their visa conditions, enrolling in health care, and securing essential documents and services.

Before departure, sit down with your parents and go through the grant letter together. Note the travel facility expiry date—most permanent visas allow unlimited entries for five years. After that, they’ll need a Resident Return Visa (RRV) or Australian citizenship to re‑enter without hassle. Make a copy of the grant letter and bookmark the VEVO portal so they can check their status at any time.

Understanding Your Visa Conditions

Your parents’ visa may come with standard conditions, such as:

  • Obeying Australian laws and not relying on social security payments
  • Working and studying without restrictions
  • Ensuring they maintain valid passports and meet health obligations

Remind them that failure to comply with visa conditions can affect future travel or citizenship applications. Keep all documents—including the visa grant letter, passport bio‑data page and ImmiCard (if issued)—together in a safe place.

Medicare Enrolment Process

As permanent residents, your parents become eligible for Medicare, Australia’s public health care scheme. Here’s how to enrol:

  1. Gather key documents:

    • Passport bio‑data page
    • Visa grant letter
    • Proof of address (rental lease or utility bill)
  2. Visit a Services Australia Service Centre or enrol online. For details and to locate your nearest centre, see the Medicare enrolment page.

  3. Present originals and copies. Once verified, Medicare will issue a card—usually within a few business days.

Encourage your parents to familiarise themselves with the Medicare Benefits Schedule and any waiting periods for specific treatments.

Preparing for Arrival

Beyond health care, these practical steps help your parents settle in quickly:

  • ImmiCard: If they lose their passport, an ImmiCard serves as official proof of residency. Apply through ImmiAccount or by mailing Form 1194.
  • Tax File Number (TFN): After opening a bank account, they should apply for a TFN via the Australian Taxation Office. A TFN ensures correct withholding rates on employment income.
  • Banking: Assist them in setting up an Australian bank account—most banks require a passport, visa grant letter and proof of residential address.
  • Community connections: Introduce them to local affinity groups, sports clubs or cultural organisations. These networks can be invaluable for practical advice, social activities and emotional support.

By addressing these post‑grant tasks promptly, your parents can access the full range of residency benefits and feel at home from day one.

Next Steps for Reuniting with Your Parents

You’ve navigated the maze of visa subclasses, lined up a sponsor and assurance of support, ticked off health and character checks, and mastered the art of queuing and tracking your application. Now it’s time to bring everything together and start the home‑stretch towards welcoming your parents under the Australian sky.

Here’s a quick recap of your milestones:

  • Chosen the right visa subclass based on timeline and budget
  • Secured an eligible sponsor and, where needed, an assurance of support
  • Passed the balance‑of‑family, health and character requirements
  • Gathered, certified and translated every required document
  • Lodged your application online or by paper, then kept on top of departmental requests
  • Prepared for settlement with grant‑letter checks, Medicare enrolment and essential post‑arrival tasks

Every step demands vigilance—missed deadlines or overlooked requests can slow things down. Keep your ImmiAccount notifications switched on, save all receipts and correspondence, and update the department whenever something changes. Consistency now saves heartache later.

If the path still feels daunting or your case has unique wrinkles, professional support can make all the difference. For personalised advice and hands‑on assistance, reach out to the experts at Simon Mander Consulting.

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