Bringing Your Parents to Australia
For many Australian permanent residents and citizens, the next dream after settling down is to bring their parents to live with them.
Australia’s Parent Visa Program makes this possible by offering several migration pathways for parents of Australian Citizens, Permanent Residents, and eligible New Zealand Citizens to reunite with their families.
Parent visas are designed to allow families to stay together long-term, whether through permanent residency (PR) or temporary extended stays.
However, there are several visa subclasses under this category, each with different processing times, government fees, and sponsorship requirements. Some lead directly to PR, while others provide temporary residence with the option to transition later.
Demand for parent migration is growing rapidly, especially among international graduates and skilled migrants who have already secured their PR and want to bring their parents to Australia.
But with wait times ranging from 5 to over 30 years, choosing the right visa category is crucial.
This article will help you understand the full range of Parent Visa options for Permanent Residency in Australia, from the faster but more expensive Contributory Parent Visas, to the slower but affordable Non-Contributory options, and even the temporary Sponsored Parent visa (Subclass 870) for families who want to stay connected sooner.
Understanding the Parent Visa System in Australia
Australia’s Parent Visa program is part of the Family Migration stream, designed to help parents of settled Australians live with their children either temporarily or permanently.
The program recognises the importance of family unity but also manages demand carefully, which is why some visa subclasses have faster processing and higher fees, while others are slower but more affordable.
To apply for any Parent Visa, the child (sponsor) must meet specific eligibility criteria. They must be:
- An Australian Citizen, or
- An Australian Permanent Resident, or
- An Eligible New Zealand Citizen who is living in Australia.
The sponsoring child must also:
- Be 18 years or older,
- Have lived lawfully in Australia for at least 2 years, and
- Agree to support their parents financially and help them settle in Australia.
Two Main Categories of Parent Visas
There are two primary pathways for parents who wish to migrate to Australia:
- Contributory Parent Visas
- These visas have higher application charges but much faster processing times (generally 5–7 years).
- Applicants must pay a significant contribution to offset healthcare and social support costs.
- This option is ideal for families who can afford a larger upfront fee and want their parents to obtain PR within a realistic timeframe.
- Non-Contributory Parent Visas
- These are much cheaper but come with extremely long waiting periods — often exceeding 25 to 30 years.
- Due to strict annual quotas, only a limited number of visas are granted each year.
- Suitable for applicants not in a rush or who plan to remain offshore while waiting.
Balance of Family Test
Every permanent Parent Visa (except Subclass 870) requires applicants to pass the Balance of Family Test.
This test ensures that at least half of the applicant’s children live permanently in Australia, or that more children live in Australia than in any other single country.
Example:
If a parent has four children, two in Australia, one in Indonesia, and one in Canada, they pass the test because at least half of their children are in Australia.
If only one child lives in Australia and three live overseas, the parent would not meet the requirement.
Health, Character, and Assurance of Support (AoS)
Like most permanent visas, parent applicants must also:
- Meet health and character requirements, including medical examinations.
- Provide an Assurance of Support (AoS), a financial bond paid by the sponsor to ensure the parent will not rely on government benefits during their first years in Australia.
The AoS amount is refunded after the required period (usually 10 years) if no government assistance was used.
Onshore vs Offshore Applications
- Some Parent Visas can be applied for onshore (inside Australia), allowing parents to stay on a Bridging Visa during processing.
- Others must be lodged offshore, meaning parents must wait outside Australia until a decision is made.
- Choosing the right application location depends on the visa subclass and the parent’s age or visa status.
In summary, Australia’s Parent Visa system provides multiple options, but each comes with trade-offs between cost, waiting time, and eligibility.
Understanding these differences is essential before deciding which pathway to take.
Main Parent Visa Options for Permanent Residency
Australia offers several Parent Visa subclasses, each designed for different family situations, budgets, and timeframes.
While all provide a way for parents to live in Australia with their children, they vary significantly in processing time, application cost, and eligibility conditions.
Below are the main Parent Visa options currently available for families seeking permanent residency (PR) or long-term stay in Australia.
1. Contributory Parent (Permanent) Visa — Subclass 143
Overview:
The Subclass 143 is the most popular parent visa for families who want their parents to become Australian Permanent Residents within a reasonable timeframe.
Although it involves a high application fee, it is much faster than non-contributory options.
Key Features:
- Grants permanent residency from the start.
- Allows parents to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.
- Gives access to Medicare and the option to apply for citizenship after eligibility period.
- Processing time: around 5–7 years.
Eligibility:
- Applicant must pass the Balance of Family Test.
- Sponsored by an eligible child who is an Australian Citizen, PR, or eligible NZ citizen.
- Sponsor must provide an Assurance of Support (AoS).
Cost:
- Approximately AUD 48,640 per applicant (excluding AoS bond and health checks).
2. Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa — Subclass 173
Overview:
The Subclass 173 is a temporary 2-year visa that serves as the first stage toward permanent residency under the Contributory Parent pathway.
It allows families to split the cost of the migration process into two stages.
Key Features:
- Temporary stay for up to 2 years.
- Allows parents to work, study, and live in Australia.
- Must apply for the Subclass 143 within 2 years to transition to PR.
Eligibility:
- Same as Subclass 143 (Balance of Family Test and sponsorship).
Cost:
- Around AUD 32,525 total per applicant, divided between Subclass 173 and Subclass 143 applications.
3. Parent Visa (Non-Contributory) — Subclass 103
Overview:
The Subclass 103 is a low-cost permanent visa, but due to very limited annual quotas, the waiting time can exceed 25–30 years.
It is the least expensive but slowest option.
Key Features:
- Grants permanent residency once approved.
- Allows parents to live, work, and study in Australia permanently.
- Does not require high financial contributions like the 143.
Eligibility:
- Must pass the Balance of Family Test.
- Sponsored by an eligible child.
- AoS required.
Cost:
- Around AUD 7,345 per applicant.
Processing Time:
- 25–30+ years. This visa is not suitable for families seeking near-term migration.
4. Aged Parent Visa — Subclass 804
Overview:
The Subclass 804 is a permanent onshore visa for parents who are old enough to receive the Australian Age Pension.
It allows applicants to stay in Australia on a Bridging Visa while waiting for a decision — which can take decades.
Key Features:
- Can only be applied for while in Australia on a valid visa.
- Applicants may remain on a Bridging Visa A during processing.
- Permanent residency granted upon approval.
Eligibility:
- Must be of pension age (currently 67 years and above).
- Must pass the Balance of Family Test.
- Sponsored by an eligible child in Australia.
Cost:
- Around AUD 7,345 per applicant, plus AoS and health checks.
Processing Time:
- 20–30+ years, but allows long-term stay in Australia while waiting.
5. Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa — Subclass 870
Overview:
The Subclass 870 allows parents of Australian Citizens or PR holders to stay temporarily in Australia for 3 or 5 years, with an option to renew once (up to 10 years total).
It’s ideal for families who want extended visits but cannot afford the high cost of contributory visas.
Key Features:
- Does not require the Balance of Family Test.
- Fast processing (usually 4–6 months).
- No work rights, but full flexibility to live with family.
- Cannot apply for PR directly from this visa.
Eligibility:
- Must be sponsored by a child who meets the minimum household income requirement (AUD 83,454 or more).
- Applicant must apply offshore (outside Australia).
Cost:
- AUD 6,070 (3 years) or 12,140 (5 years).
Each visa type offers a different balance of cost, timing, and long-term security.
Families who prioritise faster reunification often choose Subclass 143, while others may start with Subclass 870 as a temporary alternative while preparing for permanent migration later.
Key Eligibility Criteria and Sponsorship Requirements
All Parent Visa applications require a close family relationship between the parent (applicant) and their child (sponsor) who is settled in Australia.
While each visa subclass has unique conditions, there are several core eligibility criteria that apply across the Parent Visa program.
Meeting these requirements correctly is essential to avoid processing delays or refusals.
1. Sponsorship Requirements
Every parent visa application must be sponsored by an eligible child who is:
- An Australian Citizen, or
- An Australian Permanent Resident, or
- An Eligible New Zealand Citizen living in Australia.
The sponsor must also:
- Be 18 years or older.
- Have lived lawfully in Australia for at least 2 years before the application.
- Be the biological, adopted, or stepchild of the applicant.
- Agree to provide financial support and accommodation to the parent for the first 2 years (for temporary visas) or as required under the Assurance of Support (AoS) for permanent visas.
If the sponsoring child does not meet these requirements, another eligible Australian relative may act as a secondary sponsor, provided they are an Australian citizen or PR and related to the parent’s child or partner.
2. Balance of Family Test
The Balance of Family Test is one of the most important criteria for all permanent parent visas (Subclass 103, 143, 804, 173).
It ensures that Australia prioritises parents who have a close family connection to the country.
To pass the test, at least half of the parent’s children must live permanently in Australia, or more of their children must live in Australia than in any other single country.
Examples:
- A parent with 2 children in Australia and 2 overseas → passes the test (50%).
- A parent with 1 child in Australia and 3 overseas → fails the test.
- A parent with 2 children in Australia, 1 in Indonesia, and 1 in the US → passes (more in Australia than any other country).
This test is not required for the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa Subclass 870, which makes it a more flexible short-term option.
3. Assurance of Support (AoS)
For most permanent Parent Visas (Subclass 143, 103, 804), the sponsor must provide an Assurance of Support (AoS) — a financial commitment to cover the parent’s potential use of social welfare benefits.
Key points:
- The AoS is a legal and financial undertaking lasting up to 10 years.
- It requires the sponsor (or a joint assurer) to pay a refundable bond, typically AUD 10,000 for the main applicant and AUD 4,000 for each additional adult family member.
- The bond is held by the Australian Government and refunded if the parent does not claim welfare payments during the AoS period.
4. Health and Character Requirements
Parent Visa applicants must meet standard Australian health and character requirements, including:
- Medical examinations and chest X-rays to assess public health risks.
- Police clearances from every country lived in for 12 months or more within the past 10 years. These checks ensure applicants meet Australia’s standards for community safety and public health.
5. Age Requirements
Only the Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804) includes an age restriction, requiring the applicant to be of pension age (currently 67 years or above).
All other Parent Visa subclasses do not have age limitations but may require parents to remain outside Australia while waiting for a decision.
6. Income Requirement (for Sponsored Parent 870)
For the Subclass 870 (Temporary) visa, the sponsor must meet a minimum household taxable income of AUD 83,454 per year.
This can include the combined income of the sponsor and their partner.
This requirement ensures that sponsors have sufficient financial capacity to support their parents during their temporary stay, as 870 visa holders are not eligible for government benefits.
In summary, every Parent Visa requires a careful balance of eligibility, sponsorship, and financial readiness.
While the process can be complex, understanding these requirements early helps families plan strategically, and increases the chances of approval without unnecessary delays.
Cost, Processing Time, and Visa Comparison Table
The cost and waiting time for Australia’s Parent Visas vary significantly, ranging from a few months to more than 30 years depending on the subclass.
This difference is mainly due to visa quotas, financial contribution requirements, and whether the visa grants permanent or temporary residence.
Below is a clear comparison of all major Parent Visa options to help you evaluate which is most practical for your family’s situation.
Parent Visa Comparison Table
| Visa Type | Visa Duration | Approximate Processing Time | Government Application Fee (AUD) (July 2026) | Assurance of Support (AoS) | Permanent Residency (PR) | Where to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) | Permanent | 5–7 years | ≈ $49,900 person (split in two stages) | Required | ✅ Yes | Offshore or Onshore (if eligible) |
| Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 173) | 2 years (then transition to 143) | 4–6 years | ≈ $33,375 total (split in two stages) | Required (when applying for 143) | ✅ Yes (after 143) | Offshore |
| Parent Visa (Non-Contributory) — Subclass 103 | Permanent | 25–30+ years | ≈ $8,665 (split in two stages) | Required | ✅ Yes | Offshore |
| Aged Parent Visa — Subclass 804 | Permanent | 20–30+ years | ≈ $8,665 (split in two stages) | Required | ✅ Yes | Onshore |
| Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa — Subclass 870 | 3–5 years (renewable, max 10 years) | 4–6 months | $6,370 (3 years) or $12,440 (5 years) | Not required | ❌ No (temporary only) | Offshore |
Key Insights
- Contributory Parent Visas (Subclass 143 / 173)
- Best option for families seeking PR within 5–7 years.
- High cost due to the required “contribution” toward healthcare and social costs.
- Applicants gain Medicare access and can later apply for citizenship.
- Non-Contributory Parent Visas (Subclass 103 / 804)
- Low-cost alternative but with extremely long wait times — often 25 years or more.
- Suitable for families not in a rush or parents already residing in Australia on a Bridging Visa (for 804).
- Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870)
- The quickest option for parents who wish to join family temporarily.
- Does not provide PR or work rights, but allows extended stays up to 10 years.
- Ideal for families who want proximity without permanent migration yet.
Additional Costs to Consider
Beyond government application fees, families should also budget for:
- Assurance of Support (AoS) bond (for permanent visas): $10,000 for main applicant + $4,000 per additional adult.
- Medical examinations and police checks.
- Migration agent or legal fees (if using professional assistance).
- Travel and insurance costs for offshore applicants.
Processing Time Considerations
Parent Visa applications are subject to annual quotas, which means processing is capped each financial year.
Contributory visas are allocated higher priority and faster movement through the queue, while non-contributory visas face significant backlogs.
The Department of Home Affairs updates queue release dates regularly, and applicants should expect processing times to fluctuate depending on yearly demand.
In summary, Subclass 143 and 173 are the most practical choices for families who can afford the higher cost and want realistic PR outcomes.
For those with limited budgets or older parents already in Australia, Subclass 804 or 103 may still be viable, while the Subclass 870 remains the best temporary alternative for near-term reunification.
Pros and Cons of Each Parent Visa Option
Choosing the right Parent Visa depends on your financial capacity, urgency, and family situation.
Each visa subclass comes with its own advantages and limitations, whether that’s faster processing at a higher cost, or affordability with long waiting times.
Below is a breakdown of the key pros and cons for each visa option to help you decide which is most suitable for your parents’ circumstances.
1. Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143)
Pros:
- Grants permanent residency directly.
- Processing time is relatively fast (around 5–7 years).
- Access to Medicare, social benefits (after waiting periods), and citizenship eligibility.
- Parents can live, work, and study freely in Australia.
- Can include both parents in a single application.
Cons:
- High cost (over AUD 49,900 per applicant).
- Requires Assurance of Support (AoS) bond and ongoing financial responsibility.
- Offshore application means parents must usually wait outside Australia.
Best for: Families with strong financial capability who want PR within 5–7 years.
2. Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 173)
Pros:
- Lower upfront cost than Subclass 143; payment split across two stages.
- Allows temporary stay (2 years) while preparing to transition to PR.
- Provides work and study rights.
Cons:
- Must apply for Subclass 143 within 2 years to gain PR.
- Total cost still similar to the 143 pathway once both stages are completed.
- Cannot extend beyond the 2-year limit.
Best for: Families who want to spread the PR cost over two years.
3. Parent Visa (Non-Contributory) — Subclass 103
Pros:
- Much cheaper than contributory options (around AUD 8,665).
- Grants permanent residency once approved.
- Ideal for families who don’t need urgent migration.
Cons:
- Extremely long processing times — up to 30 years or more.
- Parents must stay offshore while waiting.
- No temporary stay rights in Australia during the waiting period.
Best for: Families with limited budget or long-term planning who can wait decades for PR.
4. Aged Parent Visa — Subclass 804
Pros:
- Low application cost (similar to 103).
- Can be lodged onshore in Australia.
- Parents receive a Bridging Visa A, allowing them to stay legally in Australia during the long waiting time.
Cons:
- Only available for parents of pension age (currently 67+).
- Very long processing time (20–30+ years).
- Bridging Visa conditions may include no travel unless permission is granted.
Best for: Elderly parents already in Australia who want to stay with family while waiting for PR.
5. Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa — Subclass 870
Pros:
- Fastest processing (usually 4–6 months).
- No Balance of Family Test or AoS required.
- Allows parents to stay for 3 or 5 years, renewable for up to 10 years total.
- Perfect for family reunions or long-term visits.
Cons:
- Not a permanent visa (no PR or citizenship pathway).
- No work rights.
- Sponsor must meet a minimum household income of AUD 83,454 or more.
- Must apply offshore.
Best for: Families wanting to bring parents to Australia quickly for extended stays without pursuing immediate PR.
Summary Table: Parent Visa Pros and Cons
| Visa Type | Key Advantages | Main Limitations | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subclass 143 | Permanent PR, fast processing, full rights | High cost | Families seeking PR within 5–7 years |
| Subclass 173 | Two-stage payment, temporary stay | Must apply for 143 later | Families wanting to spread PR cost |
| Subclass 103 | Low cost, permanent visa | Wait time 25–30+ years | Families not in a hurry |
| Subclass 804 | Onshore application, bridging stay | Long processing, age restriction | Elderly parents already in Australia |
| Subclass 870 | Fast approval, flexible stay | No PR, no work rights | Temporary family reunions |
Each Parent Visa option serves a different family dynamic.
For most families seeking permanent reunification, the Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) remains the most practical balance between processing time and certainty.
However, if affordability or age is a factor, the Subclass 804 or 870 visa can still provide legal, long-term solutions to stay close to loved ones in Australia.
How RACC Can Help with Parent Visa Applications
Applying for a Parent Visa is one of the most complex and time-sensitive processes in Australia’s migration system. Each subclass has different requirements, and even small errors, such as failing to meet sponsorship, financial, or health conditions — can delay an application for years or lead to refusal.
RACC Indonesia provides expert, end-to-end guidance to help families plan, prepare, and lodge their Parent Visa applications with confidence. Our team understands both the technical immigration rules and the emotional importance of reuniting families in Australia.
Here’s how RACC can assist you every step of the way:
1. Visa Eligibility and Pathway Assessment
Before starting the process, RACC conducts a comprehensive eligibility assessment to determine which Parent Visa subclass fits your family’s goals, budget, and timeline.
We review key factors such as:
- Sponsor’s citizenship or PR status.
- Parent’s age and location (onshore or offshore).
- Family composition for the Balance of Family Test.
- Financial readiness for Contributory vs Non-Contributory options.
This assessment ensures your application is realistic and aligned with current Department of Home Affairs policies.
2. Sponsorship and Documentation Preparation
RACC assists in preparing and verifying all supporting documents, including:
- Proof of family relationship and identity.
- Sponsorship forms and financial records.
- Assurance of Support (AoS) documentation and bond requirements.
- Health and police clearances.
Our consultants ensure all evidence meets the Department’s format and legal standards, reducing the risk of delays or “further information” requests.
3. Managing Complex Timelines and Bridging Visas
For onshore applicants (especially under Subclass 804), RACC helps manage Bridging Visa conditions to maintain lawful stay while waiting for a decision.
We guide you on:
- When a Bridging Visa becomes active.
- Whether you can work, study, or travel.
- How to avoid cancellation or unlawful stay periods.
This is crucial for elderly parents who may spend years in Australia while waiting for visa finalisation.
4. Assurance of Support (AoS) Guidance
The AoS is a major part of the Contributory and Non-Contributory Parent Visa process. RACC helps you understand:
- How much bond must be paid.
- How to meet income thresholds.
- Which government agencies to liaise with (Centrelink for AoS). We also assist with documentation required to prove financial stability for the sponsorship.
5. Temporary to Permanent Pathway Strategy
For families starting with the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa Subclass 870, RACC can help plan a long-term migration strategy to transition toward PR later — for example, by preparing for Contributory Parent Visas in the future.
This includes setting up correct timelines, maintaining lawful status, and understanding reapplication requirements.
6. Ongoing Case Monitoring and Communication
Parent Visa applications, especially Subclass 103 and 804, can remain in queue for decades.
RACC ensures that your case remains active and compliant by:
- Tracking application progress and queue movements.
- Notifying you of updates from the Department of Home Affairs.
- Advising on policy changes that could affect your application.
7. Professional Representation and Migration Expertise
RACC works closely with Registered Migration Agents (RMAs) to represent your case professionally to the Department of Home Affairs.
This means your application is handled according to Australian migration law and backed by a team experienced in complex family visas.
In short:
RACC helps you move from uncertainty to clarity, guiding you through every document, condition, and requirement involved in bringing your parents to Australia.
With structured planning, complete documentation, and legal compliance, RACC ensures your family’s visa journey is smooth, lawful, and strategically aligned with Australia’s migration system.
Start your Parent Visa journey today.
Contact RACC Indonesia for a consultation
Let our team help you choose the right visa, understand your eligibility, and bring your family closer, step by step.
