There are 2 categories of parent visas:
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The parent category; and
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The contributory parent category.
This visa allows you (parents) to migrate to Australia permanently to join your children who are living in Australia. You will be sponsored by your child, stepchild or another eligible sponsor in Australia.
This visa is for you if you are a parent of a child or stepchild who is a settled Australian citizen, settled permanent resident or settled eligible New Zealand citizen and:
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at least half of your children are permanently resident in Australia
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you have more children living permanently in Australia than any other country
Your partner and other family members may be included in your application if they meet certain requirements.
Parent visa
Applicants for non-contributory parent visas may have to wait many years (up to 15 years or more) before being granted a visa, as the Government limits the number of places available each program year. To manage demand fairly, people who apply and meet core criteria for the grant of this visa, are placed in a global queue.
Contributory parent visa
Because of long waiting periods, applicants may choose to apply for a Contributory parent visa where applicants (or their sponsor) pay a much larger visa application charge and Assurance of Support bond. Applicants (or their sponsor) are contributing to Government revenue and helping to offset some costs placed on the community by parent migration. The Government also limits the number of places available for Contributory parents each year, but there are more places available so the waiting period for grant of a Contributory parent visa is much shorter.