Contributory Parent Visas are typically for parents who are of working age (Typically under 65 years of age). These visas are usually applied for offshore unless you can meet the definition of “Aged Parent”. Contributory Aged Parent Visas can be applied for onshore and will allow you to remain in Australia while your application is being processed. To be eligible, males must not be less than 65 years of age and females can be between 64 and 65 depending on their year of birth.

Contributory Parent and Contributory Aged Parent Visas are usually decided in under 2 years, although are very expensive. For a main applicant and spouse, the total costs are likely to exceed $100,000.

As of 25 September 2014, applications for the standard parent visas will be accepted for a limited time. Non-Contributory Parent Visas are likely to be repealed in the near future. This is Australia recommends lodging applications for this category immediately if you to intend to apply.

The department of immigration are currently allowing applications for the non-contributory parent visas. These visas are much cheaper although the processing times are dramatically longer. For the main applicant and spouse the total costs are likely be around $17,000.

The Department’s website is reporting extensive queues for these visas and you should be aware that processing times for Non-Contributory Parent Visas can take approximately 30 years.