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Migration (Arrangements for Parent Visa Applications) Instrument 2026

🇦🇺 AustraliaFamily Reunification1 recorded versionLast change 17 Apr 2026
ConfidenceVery high · 100%

Current rules

The 2026 instrument replaces the 2018 instrument. Applications for subclasses 103, 804, 143 and 864 must generally be made online. The approved online form is Form 47PA (Internet). Applications are made through the Department of Home Affairs' online system. Paper lodgement may still be possible where the Department has authorised it, including in specified circumstances. Subclasses 173 and 884 continue to have separate lodgement arrangements. The change does not create a new Parent visa. The change does not alter the substantive eligibility requirements for Parent visas.

Overview

Australia has changed how several Parent visa applications must be submitted. The new instrument, LIN 26/005, replaces the previous 2018 arrangements and moves four permanent Parent visa categories to online lodgement through ImmiAccount. The change took effect on 22 April 2026. The affected permanent visas are: Parent visa — subclass 103 Aged Parent visa — subclass 804 Contributory Parent visa — subclass 143 Contributory Aged Parent visa — subclass 864 The change is mainly administrative. It does not change who qualifies for these Parent visas, the family relationship requirements, or the visa processing priorities. It changes where and how applications are lodged. Two temporary Parent visas remain subject to different arrangements: Contributory Parent (Temporary) — subclass 173 Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) — subclass 884

Who is affected by the latest change

  • Applicants for Parent (Migrant) (Class AX) visa
  • Applicants for Aged Parent (Residence) (Class BP) visa
  • Applicants for Contributory Parent (Migrant) (Class CA) visa
  • Applicants for Contributory Aged Parent (Residence) (Class DG) visa
  • Applicants for Contributory Parent (Temporary) (Class UT) visa
  • Applicants for Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) (Class UU) visa

What changed in the latest version

Before

The Migration (IMMI 18/079: Arrangements for Parent Visa Applications) Instrument 2018 previously set the rules for Parent visa applications. The old system mostly used paper applications. This 2018 rule was in place until 21 April 2026. People applying for Parent visas generally had to follow these older application and delivery rules.

After

The 2026 rule replaces the 2018 rule. You must now generally apply online for subclasses 103, 804, 143, and 864. The approved online form is Form 47PA (Internet). You must apply through the Department of Home Affairs' online system. You may still be able to send a paper application if the Department has allowed it. This includes specific situations. Subclasses 173 and 884 still have different rules for applying. This change does not create any new Parent visas. This change does not alter the actual rules for who can get a Parent visa.

This change is important because it updates how people must apply for several Parent visas in Australia. It explains exactly where, how, and in what format applicants must send their applications. This is vital for making sure applications are valid. The rule includes rules for applications sent by post or courier before it started. This means there was a cut-off date for using the old rules. If you do not follow the new rules, your application could be invalid or delayed. This would directly affect families trying to live together in Australia.

Explained simply

Australia has made new rules about how people can apply for visas for their parents. These new rules explain exactly where and how to send in the application forms. If you want your parents to come to Australia, you need to follow these updated steps. These new rules replace some old rules from 2018.

Frequently asked

Version history

  1. v5Effective 22 Apr 2026EffectiveMedium impact
    Migration (Arrangements for Parent Visa Applications) Instrument 2026

    Australia's Department of Home Affairs has created a new rule. It is called the Migration (Arrangements for Parent Visa Applications) Instrument 2026. This rule started on 17 April 2026. It replaces an older rule, the Migration (IMMI 18/079: Arrangements for Parent Visa Applications) Instrument 2018. The new rule sets out how people must apply for several Parent visas. These visas can be for permanent or temporary stays in Australia. They include: * Parent (Migrant) (Class AX) * Aged Parent (Residence) (Class BP) * Contributory Parent (Migrant) (Class CA) * Contributory Aged Parent (Residence) (Class DG) * Contributory Parent (Temporary) (Class UT) * Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) (Class UU) This new rule applies to everyone who applies for these visas from 17 April 2026.

Timeline

  1. Announced

    17 Apr 2026

    The Australian Government has introduced the Migration (Arrangements for Parent Visa Applications) Instrument 2026, effective 17 April 2026. This new instrument details the procedural requirements for lodging Parent visa applications, including those for Migrant, Aged Parent, Contributory Parent, and Contributory Aged Parent visas. It supersedes the 2018 instrument, streamlining the application p

  2. Takes effect

    17 Apr 2026

    This instrument establishes the place, manner, and form for making Parent visa applications, including those for Parent (Migrant) (Class AX) visa, Aged Parent (Residence) (Class BP) visa, Contributory Parent (Migrant) (Class CA) visa, Contributory Aged Parent (Residence) (Class DG) visa, Contributory Parent (Temporary) (Class UT) visa, and Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) (Class UU) visa. It a

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