Parent Visas
Australia runs two parent visa categories: non-contributory and contributory. The difference is processing time and cost — and both are significant.
| Subclass | Type | Location | Indicative wait |
|---|---|---|---|
| 103 Parent | Non-contributory | Offshore | 25+ years |
| 143 Contributory Parent | Contributory | Offshore | 14+ years |
| 173 Contributory Parent (Temp) | Temporary then permanent | Offshore | 14+ years |
| 804 Aged Parent | Non-contributory | Onshore | 25+ years |
| 864 Contributory Aged Parent | Contributory | Onshore | 14+ years |
| 884 Contributory Aged Parent (Temp) | Temporary then permanent | Onshore | 14+ years |
The Contributory Fee
The contributory parent visa costs considerably more than the non-contributory version. The visa application charge is paid in two instalments — the second instalment (due before the permanent visa is granted) currently runs to tens of thousands of dollars per applicant. For a couple, this can approach six figures in government fees alone.
This is not a reason to avoid the contributory pathway — for many families, paying more to have parents in Australia within 4–5 years rather than waiting 20+ years is the only realistic option. But it needs to be budgeted for carefully from the start.
The Balance of Family Test
Before sponsoring a parent, the sponsor must pass the balance of family test. This requires that either:
- At least half of the parent's children live permanently in Australia, or
- More of the parent's children live permanently in Australia than in any other single country
For families applying under a family visa, understanding this requirement is critical. Stepchildren count. Adopted children count. If a child has died, their children (the parent's grandchildren through that child) may also count. For families with children spread across multiple countries, the calculation is sometimes closer than it looks — we work through it carefully.
Assurance of Support
The Australian sponsor (and in some cases a secondary assurer) must lodge an Assurance of Support — a commitment to financially support the sponsored parent if they become reliant on welfare. A bond is held by Centrelink for a set period. The assurer must meet an income threshold to qualify.
Other Family Visa Options
Aged Dependent Relative — Subclass 114 / 838
For elderly relatives who are financially dependent on an Australian family member and have no other immediate family to provide care. Eligibility is narrow and the queue is long.
Remaining Relative — Subclass 115 / 835
For applicants whose only near relatives are permanent residents or citizens of Australia. The eligibility criteria are strict — it applies only where genuinely no close family remains overseas.
Carer — Subclass 116 / 836
For people who want to come to Australia to provide care for a family member with a long-term, certified medical condition. Requires medical evidence and certification from a treating practitioner.
These pathways fall under the broader family visa category and each has strict eligibility requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Under Australian migration law, an onshore visa application will normally result in a Bridging Visa being granted, which allows the applicant to remain lawfully in Australia while waiting for a decision. For Parent visas, the onshore Parent visa options (Aged Parent categories) generally require the main applicant to be at least 67 years old. If your parents are already 67 and you meet the eligibility requirements, an onshore Parent visa can be a practical option because processing times can be very long (around 14–30 years), and the bridging visa lets your parents stay in Australia legally during that period. While holding a Bridging Visa A, they can also apply for a Bridging Visa B if they need to travel, so they can continue living with you in Australia and still travel overseas when required. The main disadvantage is that Medicare is not available, so it is strongly recommended to arrange private health insurance for your parents.
If your parents are not yet 67 years old, the offshore Parent visa options are generally the only pathway available. However, because the processing time can be extremely long, it is usually not practical to expect parents to remain outside Australia and wait for close to 30 years, so this option is often not ideal on its own.
Contributory Parent visas (such as subclass 143) can reduce the waiting time to around 12–14 years. In the meantime, many families also consider the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 870) so parents can stay in Australia while waiting in the queue. The 870 processing time is commonly around 4–8 months. If you choose the 5-year option, the visa application charge is $12,140 (the 3-year option is cheaper), and parents can hold 870 visas for a maximum total of 10 years in their lifetime. (fee as per 2026)
A practical strategy is to lodge the 143 first to secure your parents’ place in the queue, and then apply for the 870 to bring them to Australia to live with you during the waiting period. Another approach is to use the 870 as a temporary option until your parents reach 67, and then consider an onshore Aged Parent pathway.
Important note: under the rules, you cannot lodge a valid contributory Parent visa (including subclass 143) if the parent has applied for or holds a subclass 870 visa. This means you should lodge the 143 first, then lodge the 870 (not the other way around).