Australia’s strong family values and multicultural society make it a top destination for family reunification through various visa streams. If you're an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen looking to bring your parents to live with you in Australia, the Parent Visa options offer multiple pathways. In this in-depth guide,we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Parent Visa Australia, from types and eligibility criteria to processing times, costs, and insider tips fora successful application.

What is a Parent Visa forAustralia?

A Parent Visa allows the parent(s) of an eligible Australian sponsor (citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen) to migrate to Australia either temporarily or permanently.The main aim of this visa is to reunite families and support ageing parents who wish to live closer to their children and grandchildren.

Types of Parent Visas in Australia

Australia offers several types of Parent Visas, each with different conditions, costs,and waiting periods. Below is a breakdown:

1. Subclass 103 – Parent Visa (Permanent)

• Who is it for? Parents of     settled Australian citizens or permanent residents.
• Visa type: Permanent     residence.
• Processing time: Up to 30+     years (capped and queued).
• Key benefits:
  
   
  • Medicare      access.
   
  • Freedom      to work and study.
   
  • Travel      rights for five years.
 
• Limitations: Long queue     and limited annual placements.

2. Subclass 143 – Contributory Parent Visa (Permanent)

• Who is it for? Parents     willing to pay a higher application charge for faster processing.
• Visa type: Permanent     residence.
• Processing time: Approx.     6–12 years.
• Cost: Over AUD $48,000 per     applicant (excluding second installments).
• Benefits:
  
   
  • Faster      processing than Subclass 103.
   
  • Access      to Medicare and full residency benefits.

3. Subclass 173 – Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa

• Who is it for? A     stepping-stone visa to Subclass 143.
• Visa type: 2-year     temporary visa.
• Cost: Around AUD $31,000.
• Option to transition: Can     be upgraded to Subclass 143 within 2 years.

4. Subclass 870 – Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa

• Who is it for? Parents     seeking long-term visits (without permanent residency).
• Visa type: Temporary (3 or     5 years).
• Processing time: 6–12     months.
• Cost:
  
   
  • 3      years: AUD $5,735
   
  • 5      years: AUD $11,470
 
• Extension: Can be renewed     for a maximum of 10 years total stay.
• Note: No work rights must     be sponsored by an eligible child.

🧾 Key Eligibility Requirements

EachParent Visa subclass has its own criteria. Below are the general conditions:

✅ 1. Balance of Family Test

Thistest determines visa eligibility and requires:

• At least half of your children live permanently in     Australia, or
• More children live in Australia than in     any other single country.

Example:

• You have     4 children: 2 in Australia, 1 in India, 1 in Canada – ✅ You meet the     test.
• You have     2 children: 1 in Australia, 1 in the UK – ❌ You     do not meet the test.

✅ 2. Sponsorship

Thesponsor must:

• Be 18     years or older.
• Be a     settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ citizen.
• Provide financial     and accommodation assurance.

✅ 3. Health and Character Checks

Applicantsmust undergo:

• Medical     exams to ensure no public health threat.
• Police     clearance for good character.

✅ 4. Assurance of Support (AoS)

Requiredfor Subclass 103 and 143:

• Acts as a     financial bond (up to AUD $14,000).
• Ensures     that applicants won’t rely on government welfare.

💰 Visa Fees and Costs (2025 Update)

Visa Type

Application   Charge (Approx.)

Other Costs

Subclass 103

AUD $4,990

Assurance of Support, health checks

Subclass 143

AUD $48,365

Second installment (AUD $43,600), AoS

Subclass 173

AUD $31,980

Transition fee to 143 later

Subclass 870

AUD $5,735 (3 years), $11,470 (5 years)

No AoS

Important Tip: These fees are subject to change. Check the Department of Home Affairs for the latest.

⏳ Processing Times: How Long Will You Wait?

Dueto high demand and limited places, processing can be lengthy. Here's a snapshot:

Visa Type

Estimated   Processing Time

Subclass 103

25–30+ years

Subclass 143

6–12 years

Subclass 173

2 years

Subclass 870

6–12 months

Pro Tip: Consider temporaryoptions like Subclass 870 if you need faster access.

📋 Step-by-Step Application Process

Here’show to apply for a Parent Visa in Australia:

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

• Use the Visa Finder tool on the     DHA website.
• Check     balance of family test, sponsor eligibility.

Step 2: Prepare Documents

• Identity     documents, passports, relationship evidence.
• Health     and character documents.
• Financial     and assurance of support paperwork.

Step 3: Lodge Application

• Some     visas can be applied online     (e.g., Subclass 870), others by     paper (e.g., Subclass 103).
• Pay the     initial fee to be placed in the queue.

Step 4: Wait for Processing

• For     permanent visas, you'll be placed in a queue.
• You may     need to update documents during the wait.

Step 5: Second Installment (for Contributory Visas)

• Pay when     requested, after pre-visa approval.

Step 6: Visa Grant

• Once     approved, travel to or remain in Australia as a permanent resident or     long-term visitor.

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🧠 Expert Tips for a StrongApplication

1. Apply early – Especially     for Subclass 103 due to the long queues.
2. Keep documents updated –     Especially if your application spans several years.
3. Consider contributory options     – If time is critical and cost is manageable.
4. Use a migration agent –     For complex family situations or if you're unsure of eligibility.
5. Explore bridging options –     Some visas allow applicants to stay onshore during processing.

📚 Helpful Resources

• Visa     Comparison Table – Home Affairs
• Balance     of Family Test Tool
• Find a Registered Migration     Agent

🧾 Final Thoughts: Is the Parent Visa Worth It?

The Parent Visa Australia program is a lifeline for many families wanting to reunite across borders. While the costs and wait times can besignificant, the emotional and social rewards of having loved ones nearby oftenoutweigh the challenges.

For those seeking permanent family unity,the contributory pathway offers a faster alternative, while temporary optionslike Subclass 870 provide a flexible, lower-commitment entry.

Whether you're planning for tomorrow or tenyears down the road, the time to start your Parent Visa journey is now.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)

1.Who is eligible for a parent visa in Australia?

To be eligible for a Parent Visain Australia, the applicant must be the parent of an Australian citizen,permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. One of the key criteria isthe Balance of Family Test, which means:

• At least 50% of the applicant's children must live     in Australia permanently, or
• More of the applicant’s children live in Australia than     in any other single country.

Other eligibility requirements include:

• Meeting health and character requirements
• Having a sponsor, typically the child living in     Australia
• Providing an Assurance of Support in most cases     (to ensure the parent doesn’t become a financial burden on the state)

The eligibility varies slightly depending on the visa subclass – e.g., Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143),Non-Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 103), or Aged Parent Visa(Subclass 804).

2.What is the best visa to bring parents to Australia?

The best visa to bring parents toAustralia depends on your goals (permanent residency vs. temporary stay),budget, and waiting time tolerance.

Here are the top options:

• Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) – Offers permanent residency with a faster     processing time (around 6–12 years) but comes with high visa     charges (over AUD $48,000) per applicant. It's the most popular for     faster PR.
• Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870) – Allows parents to stay for up to 3 or 5 years     without meeting the Balance of Family Test. This is ideal for temporary     stays and repeat visits.
• Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804) – For older parents who are eligible for an aged     pension in Australia and are already in Australia on a valid visa.     Processing time is very long (30+ years).

Subclass 143 is generally considered the best option for permanent migration, especially for those who can afford the higher cost and wantquicker settlement.

3.How much is a 5-year parent visa in Australia?

The 5-year Sponsored Parent(Temporary) Visa – Subclass 870 has a visa application charge of AUD$10,560 (as of 2025) for the 5-year stay option. This visa allows parents to stay in Australia continuously for up to five years, and it can be renewed to a maximum of 10 years.

Key financial details:

• For the 3-year visa, the cost is AUD $5,660
• For the 5-year visa, it’s AUD $10,560
• The sponsor must meet an income threshold     (usually around AUD $83,454.80) to sponsor a parent.

Importantly, this visa does not lead to permanent residency, but it’s excellent for long-term visits.

4.Is it hard to get parents visa in Australia?

Getting a parent visa in Australia isn’t necessarily hard, but it can be lengthy and expensive, dependingon the visa subclass. Here’s what can make the process challenging:

• Lengthy processing times: Non-contributory visas like Subclass 103 can take 30+     years.
• High costs:     Contributory Parent Visas cost over AUD $48,000 per applicant.
• Strict eligibility:     The Balance of Family Test can disqualify many applicants.
• Assurance of Support:     Required for many permanent parent visas, and sponsors must show financial     capacity.

Despite these challenges, with proper documentation, planning, and possibly using a registered migration agent, many families successfully bring their parents to Australia.

5.Can parents stay permanently in Australia?

Yes, parents can stay permanently in Australia by applying for permanent parent visas such as:

• Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143)
• Parent Visa (Subclass 103)
• Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)

These visas grant permanent residency, allowing parents to:

• Access Medicare
• Eventually apply for Australian citizenship
• Work or volunteer (if they choose)
• Live with family long-term without needing to leave the     country

Note that the waiting time and costvary widely. Subclass 143 is the fastest permanent option, while Subclass 103and 804 can take decades to process.

6.How can I bring my parents to Australia permanently from India?

To bring your parents to Australiapermanently from India, follow these steps:

1. Check Eligibility:     Ensure your parents pass the Balance of Family Test and meet     health/character requirements.
2. Choose the Right Visa:
    
   • Subclass 143 (Contributory Parent Visa) – Faster but expensive
    
   • Subclass 103 (Parent Visa) – Cheaper but can take 30+ years
 
3. Prepare Financials:     Be ready for the Assurance of Support requirement and high visa     application fees.
4. Lodge Application:     Apply online or via paper, including all supporting documents.
5. Wait for Processing:     You may consider applying for a visitor visa or subclass 870 while     waiting.

Using a MARA-registered migration agent can help streamline the process and reduce errors.

7.Can I bring my old parents to Australia?

Yes, you can bring your elderly parents to Australia through:

• Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804) – For parents old enough to qualify for the Australian     Age Pension and already in Australia.
• Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864) – Permanent residency for elderly parents with shorter     waiting time than 804.
• Sponsored Parent Temporary Visa (Subclass 870) – No age limit, allows 3–5 years stay, extendable up     to 10 years.

Note: Elderly applicants must stillmeet health checks. It’s best to consult a migration agent to determine themost suitable option based on age and medical conditions.

8.What is the new 10-year parent visa in Australia?

The new 10-year parent visa refers to the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa – Subclass 870, whichallows parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents to stay in Australia for up to 10 years cumulatively.

Key features:

• Stay for 3 or 5 years per grant (extendable up     to 10 years)
• No work rights
• No Balance of Family Test required
• Must be outside Australia to apply

It offers a long-term stay solution without the costs and conditions of permanent parent visas, making itideal for families not ready for permanent migration.

9.How much money do you need to sponsor your parents in Australia?

To sponsor your parents, the financial requirements depend on the visa subclass. For Subclass 870 (TemporaryParent Visa), the sponsor must earn at least AUD $83,454.80 per yearin taxable income (as of 2025).

For permanent parent visas,the Assurance of Support (AoS) requirement applies:

• You may need to lodge a bond of AUD $14,000 for a     single applicant or AUD $20,000 for a couple.
• The AoS lasts for 10 years, and the bond is     refundable (if no government welfare is accessed).

Having sufficient savings and meeting income thresholds is essential to meet sponsor obligations.

10.Which country allows parents to stay permanently?

Several countries offer options for parents to migrate permanently, including:

• Australia     – Via Parent Visa Subclass 143, 103, 804, 864
• Canada     – Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program, granting PR
• United Kingdom     – Adult Dependent Relative Visa (strict and rarely granted)
• New Zealand     – Parent Resident Visa, with income and sponsorship requirements
• United States     – Green Card for parents of U.S. citizens

Among these, Australia and Canada are the most accessible for permanent parent migration, provided applicantsmeet criteria and financial thresholds.

Looking to reunite with your parents in Australia without the stress and confusion of visa paperwork? Go Ahead Migration is your trusted partner in navigating the complexities of the Parent Visa Australia process. With over 15 years of experience and a proven track record, our expert migration agents offer personalised guidance, up-to-date advice, and full application support—whether you're applying for a Contributory Parent Visa, Subclass 870, or Aged Parent Visa. We’recommitted to helping families come together with confidence and clarity.Contact Go Ahead Migration today for a free consultation and take thefirst step toward bringing your loved ones home.

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