Parent Visa Applications Move Online: What Families Need to Know
- sorphoinchin
- Aug 20
- 3 min read
Applying for an Australian Parent visa has traditionally involved preparing and lodging a substantial paper application. Home Affairs has now moved several permanent Parent visa subclasses to online lodgement through ImmiAccount.
The change affects how new applications are submitted, supporting documents are uploaded and correspondence is managed. However, not every Parent visa subclass has moved online.
Which Parent visa applications must now be lodged online?
The Department of Home Affairs now requires applications for the following subclasses to be lodged through ImmiAccount:
Parent visa (subclass 103)
Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143)
Aged Parent visa (subclass 804)
Contributory Aged Parent visa (subclass 864)
Applicants preparing a new application for one of these subclasses should follow the current online process rather than relying on older paper forms or outdated application guides.
Which Parent visas still require a paper application?
The following temporary Contributory Parent visa applications continue to be lodged on paper:
Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 173)
Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 884)
This distinction is important. Using the wrong lodgement method may create serious problems, including the possibility that an application is not validly lodged. Always check the current Home Affairs instructions for the specific visa subclass before submitting an application.
What does online lodgement mean for applicants?
For the affected subclasses, applicants can use ImmiAccount to complete the application, pay the first instalment of the visa application charge and upload supporting documents.
Online lodgement can make it easier to:
keep application records in one place
upload supporting documents
receive correspondence from Home Affairs
respond to requests for further information
update certain details
monitor the application’s status
It does not, however, reduce the amount of preparation required. Parent visa applications can involve extensive family, identity, sponsorship, health and character information. Applicants may also need to satisfy the balance of family test, depending on the visa subclass.
Does online lodgement make Parent visa processing faster?
The move to ImmiAccount changes the method of lodgement. It does not necessarily mean that Parent visas will be processed more quickly.
Demand for Parent visas remains significantly higher than the number of places available each year. Many Parent visa categories are subject to long queues and extended processing periods. Applicants should not treat online lodgement as an indication that a decision will be made within a short period.
What about an existing Parent visa application?
Applicants who have already lodged a Parent visa application should not submit a duplicate application simply because the lodgement process has changed.
Existing applicants should continue to follow instructions provided by Home Affairs and use the communication or document-submission method applicable to their application.
Before withdrawing, replacing or submitting another Parent visa application, obtain advice about the possible consequences. A new application may involve additional charges and may affect the applicant’s place in the processing queue.
Important matters to check before applying
The correct visa subclass
Permanent, temporary, contributory and non-contributory Parent visas have different requirements, charges and expected processing periods.
The balance of family test
Most Parent visa applicants must pass the balance of family test. Broadly, the applicant must have:
at least half of their children and stepchildren living permanently in Australia as eligible children; or
more eligible children living permanently in Australia than in any other single country.
Home Affairs does not waive this test because of compassionate or exceptional circumstances.
The applicant’s location
Some Parent visa subclasses require the applicant to be outside Australia at particular stages. Aged Parent visa subclasses have different location requirements.
Current visa conditions
An applicant in Australia should check whether their current visa contains a condition restricting further visa applications.
Government charges
Parent visa costs can be substantial and may involve more than one instalment. Charges can change, so confirm the current amount immediately before lodgement.
Health and character requirements
Applicants may need to complete medical examinations and provide police clearances. Further requirements can arise depending on individual circumstances.
Avoid relying on old forms and checklists
The transition to online lodgement means that older websites, saved forms and previously downloaded checklists may no longer reflect the correct procedure.
Before applying, confirm:
whether the subclass must be lodged online or on paper
the current application charge
the correct supporting documents
the applicant’s location requirements
whether sponsorship documents are required
how additional documents must be provided after lodgement
Need advice about a Parent visa?
If you are considering a Parent visa for yourself or a family member, you can book an initial consultation with Chin & Co Migration.
Clear advice at the beginning can help you understand the available pathways, likely costs and practical limitations before proceeding.
Information current as at 13 August 2026.
This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal or migration advice. Australian migration law, policy, fees and procedures can change. Advice should be obtained for your individual circumstances before lodging an application.
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