All parent migrants must be sponsored by their child who must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. Applications for the Aged parent (over 65 years of Age) visa can be made in Australia. A new "Contributory Parent" category was introduced on 5 March 2003, aimed at speeding up the processing time for parents. The changes enable applicants to take up one of the following options:

• apply directly for permanent residence and pay a substantial second visa application charge; or

• Apply for temporary residence and pay a lesser second visa application charge.