Australian Parent Visa Options

If you are in Australia
Aged parent visas
These visas are for parents whose age is equivalent to a person who is eligible for an Australian Age pension.

An aged parent making a parent visa application will not immediately be entitled to an Age pension after being granted a permanent visa. All new Australian permanent residents must wait 10 years before being eligible to receive the Age pension (unless there is a reciprocal agreement with another country that pays you a pension) or Disability pension.

Aged Parent (Residence) visa (subclass 804)
A permanent visa for aged parents to remain in Australia. Applicants must have children who are living in Australia.

Contributory Aged Parent (Residence) visa (subclass 864)
A permanent visa for aged parents with children living in Australia. This visa costs more than the aged parent visa but is generally processed faster.

Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 884)
This is a temporary visa valid for two years. If you hold this visa you can apply for the permanent Contributory Aged Parent (Residence) visa (subclass 864).

Contributory Aged Parent (Residence) visa (from subclass 884 to subclass 864)
For holders of a temporary Contributory Aged Parent visa (subclass 884), to apply for a permanent Contributory Aged Parent visa (subclass 864).

Other parent visas
Contributory Parent (Migrant) visa (from subclass 173 to subclass 143)
This visa is for holders of a temporary Contributory Parent visa (subclass 173), who want to apply for a permanent Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143).

If you are outside Australia
Parent (Migrant) visa (subclass 103)
A permanent visa for parents who have children living in Australia.

Contributory Parent (Migrant) visa (subclass 143)
A permanent visa for parents with children living in Australia. This visa costs more than the Parent visa but is generally processed faster.

Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 173)
This is a temporary visa valid for two years. If you hold this visa you can then apply for the permanent Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143).

Contributory Parent (Migrant) visa (from subclass 173 to subclass 143)
This visa is for holders of a temporary Contributory Parent visa (subclass 173), who want to apply for a permanent Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143).

For up to date information , please refer : http://www.immi.gov.au/migrants/family/family-visas-parent.htm