Parent Visa Options
Complete guide to bringing your parents to Australia permanently. Compare visa options, understand requirements, and choose the best pathway for your family.
6 Visa Options
Permanent & temporary pathways
Processing Times
Many years to 30+ years
Costs Range
AU $8,665 to over AU $47,000
Application Process
Eligibility Assessment
Document Preparation
Application Lodgement
Processing & Assessment
Decision & Visa Grant
Eligibility Assessment
Check if you meet sponsorship requirements and your parent meets eligibility criteria
1-2 weeksCompare Parent Visa Options
Parent Visa (103)
Basic parent visa with very long processing times but lower costs
Key Benefits
- •Permanent residency
- •Live in Australia permanently
- •Access to Medicare after waiting period
Important Notes
- •Extremely long waiting times
- •Limited places available annually
Contributory Parent (143)
Contributory permanent parent visa processed through a capped queue
Key Benefits
- •Capped queue processing
- •Permanent residency immediately
- •Live and work in Australia permanently
Important Notes
- •High visa application charges
- •Second instalment requested only when ready for grant
Contributory Parent Temporary (173)
2-year temporary visa leading to permanent residency via subclass 143
Key Benefits
- •Capped queue processing
- •2-year temporary visa
- •Can apply for 143 visa while in Australia
Important Notes
- •Further second instalment when converting to 143
- •Must apply for 143 within 2 years
Aged Parent (804)
For parents who meet age requirements with long processing times
Key Benefits
- •Lower cost than contributory options
- •Permanent residency
- •Age pension eligibility after waiting period
Important Notes
- •Must meet Australian pension age
- •Extremely long processing times
Contributory Aged Parent (864)
Contributory permanent visa for parents who meet age requirements
Key Benefits
- •Capped queue processing
- •Permanent residency immediately
- •Age pension eligibility after waiting period
Important Notes
- •High visa application charges
- •Must meet Australian pension age
Contributory Aged Parent Temporary (884)
2-year temporary visa for aged parents leading to permanent residency
Key Benefits
- •Costs are spread over two stages
- •Capped queue processing
- •Can apply for 864 while in Australia
Important Notes
- •Must apply for 864 within 2 years
- •Further second instalment when converting to 864
Key Requirements
Sponsor Requirements
You (the sponsor) must meet specific criteria
- Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Settled in Australia for at least 2 years
- 18 years or older
- Provide Assurance of Support (AoS) if required
- Meet income requirements for AoS
- Sign sponsorship undertaking
Balance of Family Test
At least half of your parents' children must be in Australia
- More children living in Australia than any other country
- OR equal numbers in Australia and another country
- Includes step-children and adopted children
- Children must be Australian citizens or permanent residents
- Usually settled in Australia for 2+ years
Parent Requirements
Your parent must meet health, character and other criteria
- Meet health requirements (medical examinations)
- Meet character requirements (police checks)
- Have adequate health insurance
- Not owe money to Australian government
- Sign Australian Values Statement
Financial Requirements
Assurance of Support may be required
- Bank guarantee or security deposit
- Annual income threshold (varies by family size)
- Support parent for up to 10 years if needed
- Repay any social security benefits paid to parent
- Joint sponsors may be required for higher income
Cost & Time Comparison
Charges from 1 July 2026. Check your exact amount with the Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator.
| Visa Type | Cost | Processing Time | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent (103) | AU $8,665 | 30+ years | Permanent |
| Contributory Parent (143) | Over AU $47,000 | Many years (capped queue) | Permanent |
| Contributory Parent Temp (173) | Paid in two stages | Many years (capped queue) | 2yr Temporary |
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