Visitor Visa for Elderly Parents: A Guide for Children Sponsoring Mum and Dad for a Visit to Australia
Visitor Visa for Elderly Parents: A Guide for Children Sponsoring Mum and Dad for a Visit to Australia
If you’re a permanent resident or citizen of Australia and hope to reunite with your elderly parents for a special visit, the Australian Visitor Visa (subclass 600) may be the best short-term solution.
While the permanent parent visas are known for their long wait times and high costs, a sponsored Visitor Visa provides a much cheaper and quicker solution. It allows your parents to stay in Australia generally for up to 3 months, but in exceptional cases, they can stay for an extended period up to a year. It’s also a great solution if your parents are not yet committed to a permanent move.
This guide is designed to provide you with all the information you need to confidently invite and sponsor your elderly parents to Australia on a Visitor Visa (subclass 600).
Why choose a Visitor Visa for your parents?
The Australian Visitor Visa (subclass 600) is a practical option for children living in Australia to invite their parents for family reunions, special occasions, holidays, or to receive health or emotional support during a temporary stay. This visa provides a cost-effective and expedited solution, especially when permanent parent visas are not yet granted or are unaffordable.
Learn more about Australian Visitor Visa (subclass 600) here.
What are the requirements?
To apply for an Australian Visitor Visa, your parents must:
- Meet the health and character requirements
- Have sufficient funds or be sponsored by you
- Genuinely intend to stay temporarily
- Provide strong ties to the home country, such as property, pension, or other family members
Additionally, your parents must:
- Undergo a health examination.
- Provide proof of overseas medical insurance.
Can I sponsor my parents on a Visitor Visa?
Yes, you can. As a child living in Australia, whether as a citizen or permanent resident, you can support and sponsor your parents on an Australian Visitor Visa by:
- Writing an invitation letter explaining the purpose of the visit
- Providing evidence of a family relationship, for example, a birth certificate, family photos, etc.
- Submitting proof of financial support, such as a bank account, tax assessment, etc. (only if you will cover all expenses).
This is important: your sponsorship can significantly strengthen your parents’ Visitor Visa application, especially when supported by clear evidence that the visit is temporary.
How long can your parents stay?
Depending on the circumstances, the Department of Home Affairs may grant the Visitor Visa for your parents to stay in Australia for:
- Up to 3 months (the standard one)
- Up to 6 or 12 months (only if your parents have strong cases with good travel history)
Additionally, in certain circumstances, your parents may be granted multiple entries for 3 to 5 years if:
- They have previously visited Australia without overstaying or breaching any visa condition
- You (their child) is an Australian citizen or PR
If you want to get a longer stay for your parents, you must provide stronger evidence to prove that their visit is temporary.
Document checklist for Visitor Visa application for parents
The documents required for your parents’ Visitor Visa application are:
- Valid passport
- Photograph (passport-sized)
- An invitation letter from you as the sponsoring child
- Evidence of ties to home country to support their GTE
- Evidence of financial capacity
- Travel insurance for medical coverage during their stay
- Health and character documents (if required)
Get the Invitation Letter for Tourist Visa Sample and Guide for your parents here.
Tips to strengthen the Visitor Visa application for your parents
To strengthen the Visitor Visa application for your parents, consider doing the following:
- Provide a clear and detailed travel itinerary and return tickets.
- Emphasise their visit purpose, for example, to attend your wedding, etc.
- Demonstrate they have no intention of overstaying by providing strong documentation of their ties to their home country.
- Provide their history of previous compliant travel to Australia.
Should you apply yourself or seek help from a Registered Migration Agent?
If your parents have complex health issues, have been previously refused a visa, or you plan to apply for a longer-term stay, it’s strongly advised to seek help from a Registered Migration Agent. Their professionalism will ensure that your application is strategically prepared, backed by sufficient evidence, and avoid red flags that can lead to refusals. You’re not alone in this process.
While bringing your parents to Australia permanently may take years, even decades, a Visitor Visa (subclass 600) is an excellent short-term option for reunion. With the proper preparation and your sponsorship, the process can be smooth and successful.
Let’s make their visit memorable. Contact us now to begin the process.
