Options at a glance
- Australia: Visitor visa (subclass 600) — Tourist or Sponsored Family stream, AUD 250 when applying from outside Australia. For longer stays, the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 870).
- Canada: regular visitor visa for short trips, or the Super Visa to stay up to 5 years at a time.
- UK: Standard Visitor visa, usually up to 6 months per visit, with 2, 5 and 10-year options for frequent visitors.
- USA: B-2 visitor visa with an interview at a US Embassy or Consulate in India.
When children settle abroad for study or work, parents naturally want to visit — for a graduation, the birth of a grandchild, or simply to spend time together. Every country has its own rules, and a refusal can make future applications harder, so it is worth getting the first application right. Here is a practical guide for Indian parents in 2026.
Australia: Visitor visa (subclass 600)
Most parents visiting Australia apply for the Visitor visa (subclass 600) in one of two streams:
- Tourist stream — the parent applies directly. From 1 July 2026 the fee is AUD 250 when applying from outside Australia.
- Sponsored Family stream — an eligible family member in Australia sponsors the visit (also AUD 250). The Department may ask for a security bond.
The length of each stay is set in the visa grant. Parents with a good travel history may be granted longer-validity, multiple-entry visas in some cases, but there is no automatic entitlement. Some visas carry a "No Further Stay" (8503) condition, which stops you applying for most other visas while in Australia — so plan the length of your trip carefully.
Longer stays: Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 870)
If you want to stay longer, the 870 visa lets parents stay for 3 or 5 years per grant, up to a total of 10 years. Your child must first be approved as a sponsor. The base application charge is AUD 1,515, with a larger second instalment payable before the visa is granted (the amount depends on whether you choose 3 or 5 years). Adequate health insurance is required. More about Australian visitor visas.
Canada: visitor visa or Super Visa
For a trip of six months or less, a regular visitor visa is usually enough (fees start from CAD 100, plus biometrics). Parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens, permanent residents and registered Indians can also apply for the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa, which allows stays of up to 5 years at a time with multiple entries for up to 10 years.
Key Super Visa requirements:
- A signed letter of invitation from your child or grandchild in Canada.
- Your host must meet a minimum income — for example, CAD 38,002 for a family of two (amounts are set by family size).
- Private medical insurance valid for at least one year from entry, with at least CAD 100,000 emergency cover, from a Canadian insurer or an approved foreign insurer.
- A medical exam with an approved panel physician, and you must apply from outside Canada.
More about Canada visitor visas.
UK: Standard Visitor visa
Indian parents need a Standard Visitor visa, which usually allows stays of up to six months per visit. You apply online and then give biometrics at a visa application centre in India. If you visit often, ask about 2, 5 or 10-year long-term visit visas. Work is not allowed. More about UK visitor visas.
USA: B-2 visitor visa
Parents visiting children in the USA apply for a B-2 visa. You complete the DS-160 form, pay the fee and attend an interview at a US Embassy or Consulate in India. Most applicants now need an in-person interview and appointment waiting times can be long, so start early. The length of each stay is decided by the officer when you enter the USA. More about USA visitor visas.
Documents parents usually need
- Valid passport, plus old passports showing travel history
- Invitation letter from your child, with a copy of their visa or residency status and address abroad
- Your child's proof of study or employment and their financial documents (if they are supporting the trip)
- Your own bank statements (usually the last six months), income tax returns and pension or business documents
- Proof of ties to India — property, family responsibilities, business or employment
- Travel insurance or health insurance (mandatory for some visas)
- Medical exam results if requested
Tips for a strong application
- Be consistent: your purpose of visit, dates and documents should match your child's documents.
- Show genuine funds: avoid large deposits just before applying.
- Explain your ties to India: property, family and responsibilities you are returning to.
- Plan the length of stay: ask only for the time you need.
- Don't book non-refundable flights until the visa is decided.
Frequently asked questions
How long can Indian parents stay in Australia?
It depends on the visa granted. On a Visitor visa (600), each stay is set in the grant. For stays of several years, the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (870) allows 3 or 5 years per grant.
Is the Canada Super Visa better than a visitor visa?
If you want to stay longer than six months at a time, yes. For shorter trips, a regular visitor visa is simpler and cheaper.
Do parents need health insurance?
It is mandatory for the Canada Super Visa and the Australian 870 visa, and strongly recommended for all trips because medical care abroad is expensive.
Our Ahmedabad office helps parents across Gujarat prepare visitor visa applications for Australia, Canada, the UK, the USA and Europe. Book a free consultation or WhatsApp us.
