Parent Visa Applications Now Online Only — What You Need to Know

From 22 April 2026, the Department of Home Affairs requires several permanent parent visa subclasses to be lodged online through ImmiAccount. Paper forms and postal lodgement are no longer accepted for these visa types. Which visas are affected? The online lodgement requirement applies to:

Subclass 103 — Parent visa Subclass 143 — Contributory Parent visa Subclass 804 — Aged Parent visa Subclass 864 — Contributory Aged Parent visa

What does this mean for applicants? All documents, forms and supporting evidence must now be submitted digitally through ImmiAccount. This change applies to new applications lodged on or after 22 April 2026. The good news is that online lodgement makes the process easier to manage — applicants can upload documents, track their application status, and avoid the risk of postal delays or lost paperwork. The balance of family test still applies To be eligible for a parent visa, the applicant must pass the balance of family test: more than half of their children must be Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens living in Australia. Subclass 143 vs 870 — Which is right for your parents?

Subclass 143 (Contributory Parent): Permanent residency, but processing times are currently very long (estimated 20–30 years for new applications). High application cost. Subclass 870 (Sponsored Parent Temporary): A temporary option valid for up to 3 years (renewable to 5 years). Faster to obtain, lower cost. Cannot work in Australia on this visa.

For many families, the 870 is a practical short-term solution while waiting for the 143 to be processed. Need help with a parent visa? At J&R Migration, Bella Tian (MARA 1791631) can assess your parents' eligibility and guide you through the application process — now fully online. 📞 WhatsApp: +61 450 606 426

✉️ bella@jrmigration.com.au

🌐 www.jrmigration.com.au This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a registered migration agent for advice specific to your situation. References:

Department of Home Affairs — Parent visas: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/parent-visa Work Visa Lawyers — 2026 Immigration Changes: https://www.workvisalawyers.com.au/news/all/big-updates-on-australian-immigration.html