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Parent visas for Australia
Parent visas let the parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents and eligible New Zealand citizens live in Australia, either permanently or on a long temporary visa.
On this page
At a glance
- Who it is for
- Parents of settled Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens
- Main test
- Balance-of-family test (for the permanent and contributory visas)
- Faster option
- Contributory parent visas, which cost much more
- Temporary option
- Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa subclass 870
- Waiting times
- Long queues because places are limited each year
Australia offers several parent visas. They differ in cost, waiting time and whether the parent applies in or outside Australia. Because only a limited number of places are available each year, most permanent parent visas have long queues, and the cheaper non-contributory visas have the longest waits.
Your options at a glance
| Visa | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 103 Parent | Permanent, non-contributory | Lower cost, very long queue |
| 804 Aged Parent | Permanent, non-contributory | For parents of pension age in Australia; very long queue |
| 143 Contributory Parent | Permanent, contributory | Higher cost, shorter wait than the 103 |
| 173 Contributory Parent (Temporary) | Temporary, 2 years | Spreads the cost; leads to the 143 |
| 864 / 884 Contributory Aged Parent | Permanent / temporary | For parents of pension age in Australia |
| 870 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) | Temporary | Stay up to 3 or 5 years at a time; no path to permanent residence by itself |
The balance-of-family test
For the permanent and contributory parent visas, the parent must pass the balance-of-family test. In simple terms, at least half of the parent's children must live permanently in Australia, or more of their children must live permanently in Australia than in any other single country. Step-children can count in some situations. This test does not apply to the 870 visa.
Sponsor and assurance of support
The child who sponsors must usually be settled, which generally means living lawfully in Australia for a reasonable period. Permanent parent visas also need an assurance of support: a commitment, backed by a bond held by the government, that the parent will not rely on certain social security payments for the first years.
Choosing the right option
The right visa depends on your parents' age, health, finances and how long they can wait. Some families use the 870 visa so parents can spend long periods in Australia while a permanent application is in the queue. Others choose a contributory visa to shorten the wait. We explain the costs and timelines for each choice before you decide.
How Immi Solution helps
We check the balance-of-family test, the sponsor's eligibility and the best visa for your family, then prepare the application and explain the assurance of support. You receive a written fee estimate before any work starts.
Questions people ask
How long does a parent visa take?
Permanent parent visas have long queues because places are limited each year. Contributory visas are processed faster than non-contributory ones. Home Affairs publishes current queue information on its website.
Can my parents visit while the permanent visa is processed?
Often yes, on a visitor visa or the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa subclass 870, depending on their circumstances and visa history.
What is the balance-of-family test?
It checks whether at least half of the parent's children live permanently in Australia, or whether more of their children live in Australia than in any other single country.
Why are contributory parent visas so expensive?
They include a large second instalment of the visa charge, which helps fund future health and welfare costs. In return, they are processed much faster than the non-contributory visas.
Official sources
We check this page against the official information below and last reviewed it on 14 November 2026. Rules, fees and processing times change, so confirm the current position before you apply.
