Bringing your parents to Australia can be a rewarding way to strengthen family bonds and provide them with a new chapter in life. If you’re an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen looking to reunite your family, understanding the parent visa in Australia is essential. This guide covers everything you need to know about how to get a parent visa in Australia, including options, eligibility, and application steps, all updated for 2026.
What Are Australian Parent Visas?
Australian parent visas allow parents of settled Australians to live in the country either temporarily or permanently. These visas help families reunite and contribute to Australia’s social fabric. There are permanent options for long-term settlement and a temporary option for extended visits. The demand for these visas often exceeds available spots, leading to queues for some subclasses.
Key parent visa options in Australia include non-contributory visas with lower fees but longer waits, contributory visas with higher fees for faster processing, and a sponsored temporary visa.
Types of Parent Visas in Australia
Australia offers several parent visa subclasses to suit different needs. Here’s a breakdown:
Parent (Migrant) Visa (Subclass 103)
This is a permanent offshore visa for parents to move to Australia. It’s non-contributory, meaning lower upfront costs but potentially very long processing times due to high demand.
Contributory Parent (Migrant) Visa (Subclass 143)
A permanent offshore visa with a contributory fee structure. Paying higher fees allows for quicker processing compared to non-contributory options. It’s ideal if you want to bring parents to Australia permanently without excessive delays.
Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)
Similar to subclass 103 but for aged parents already in Australia on a temporary visa. It’s permanent, onshore, and non-contributory, with long queues.
Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864)
This onshore permanent visa is for aged parents in Australia, with contributory fees for faster processing.
Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870)
A temporary option allowing parents to stay in Australia for up to 3 or 5 years. It doesn’t lead to permanent residency but is great for extended family visits without the permanent visa queues.
Parent Visa Australia Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a parent visa in Australia, you must meet specific requirements. These apply across most subclasses, with some variations.
- Sponsor: You need an eligible child who is a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. The sponsor must be at least 18 and have lived in Australia for at least two years.
- Age: For aged parent visas (804 and 864), the parent must be old enough to receive the Australian age pension (currently 67 years, but confirm current thresholds).
- Health and Character: All applicants must meet health standards and provide police certificates showing good character.
- Assurance of Support (AoS): For permanent visas, a sponsor or assurer must provide financial support for 10 years to cover potential government costs.
- No Prior Temporary Visa: You can’t hold or have applied for a subclass 870 visa when applying for permanent parent visas.
- Balance of Family Test: Required for permanent visas (see below).
For the subclass 870, no balance of family test applies, but you need an approved parent sponsor first.
Eligibility details can vary, so check the official Department of Home Affairs website for your situation.
The Balance of Family Test Explained
The balance of family test is a key requirement for permanent parent visa Australia eligibility. It ensures the family is primarily based in Australia.
To pass:
- At least half of your children must be permanent residents, citizens, or eligible New Zealand citizens settled in Australia.
- Or, more children live in Australia than in any single other country.
Stepchildren and adopted children count if they meet certain criteria. If you have no children, you automatically pass. This test doesn’t apply to the temporary subclass 870.
Costs and Fees for Australian Parent Visas in 2026
Costs vary by subclass and are paid in installments. Here’s an overview based on 2025-26 updates (fees indexed annually, so confirm current rates).
| Visa Subclass | First Installment (Base Fee) | Second Installment | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subclass 103 (Parent) | AUD 5,280 (main applicant) AUD 2,640 (over 18) AUD 1,325 (under 18) | AUD 2,065 per applicant | AoS bond: AUD 5,000-10,000; long wait times. |
| Subclass 143 (Contributory Parent) | AUD 5,040 (main applicant) AUD 1,700 (spouse) | AUD 43,600 per applicant | Total around AUD 50,000+ per person; faster processing. |
| Subclass 804 (Aged Parent) | AUD 5,280 (main applicant) AUD 2,640 (over 18) AUD 1,325 (under 18) | AUD 2,065 per applicant | Similar to 103; onshore application. |
| Subclass 864 (Contributory Aged Parent) | AUD 5,040 (main applicant) AUD 1,700 (spouse) | AUD 43,600 per applicant | Onshore; contributory for quicker grant. |
| Subclass 870 (Temporary) | 3 years: AUD 6,070 5 years: AUD 12,140 | N/A | Per applicant; no AoS required, but health insurance mandatory. |
Additional costs may include health checks, police certificates, and biometrics. For 2026, the Migration Program allocates 8,500 places for parent visas, impacting queues.
Processing Times for Parent Visas in 2026
Processing times depend on demand and planning levels. As of late 2025:
- Non-contributory (103, 804): Queued applications up to June 2013, so waits of 12+ years.
- Contributory (143, 864): Queued up to June 2018, around 7-8 years.
- Subclass 870: Generally faster; check the visa processing time guide for estimates (often months).
Times can change due to program levels or policy shifts. In 2026, expect similar trends unless new announcements.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for a Parent Visa in Australia
Applying for a parent visa in Australia involves preparation. Here’s a simple guide:
- Check Eligibility: Confirm you meet criteria, including the balance of family test. Use online tools on the Home Affairs site.
- Gather Documents: Collect birth certificates, marriage proofs, police checks, health exams, and financial evidence.
- Get Sponsorship (if needed): For subclass 870, apply for parent sponsorship first (AUD 420 fee, valid 10 years).
- Lodge Application: Most are paper-based, but from April 2025, you can import to ImmiAccount for updates. Apply online where possible (e.g., 870).
- Pay Fees: Submit first installment with application.
- Provide Biometrics and Health Checks: As requested.
- Assurance of Support: For permanent visas, arrange AoS after queue progression.
- Wait for Decision: Monitor via ImmiAccount. Pay second installment if approved.
- Visa Grant: Once granted, parents can travel or stay accordingly.
For detailed forms, visit the official visa pages.
Comparison of Australian Parent Visa Options
| Feature | Subclass 103 | Subclass 143 | Subclass 804 | Subclass 864 | Subclass 870 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Permanent, offshore | Permanent, offshore, contributory | Permanent, onshore (aged) | Permanent, onshore, contributory (aged) | Temporary |
| Stay | Permanent | Permanent | Permanent | Permanent | 3 or 5 years (renewable once) |
| Cost | Lower (~AUD 7,345+) | Higher (~AUD 48,640+) | Lower (~AUD 7,345+) | Higher (~AUD 48,640+) | AUD 6,070-12,140 |
| Processing Time | 12+ years | 7-8 years | 12+ years | 7-8 years | Months |
| Balance of Family Test | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Work/Study Rights | Full | Full | Full | Full | Limited (no work) |
This table helps compare options when deciding how to bring parents to Australia.
FAQs About Australian Parent Visas
What is the balance of family test for parent visa in Australia?
It’s a requirement where at least half your children must live in Australia permanently, or more than in any other country. It applies to permanent visas only.
How much does a contributory parent visa cost in 2026?
Around AUD 50,000+ per applicant, split into installments. This includes the base fee and contributory amount for faster processing.
What are the processing times for subclass 143 visa?
As of 2025 data, queued applications up to June 2018 are being processed, suggesting 7-8 years. Check for 2026 updates.
Can I apply for a parent visa if my parents are already in Australia?
Yes, for onshore options like subclass 804 or 864 if they meet age and other criteria. They must hold a valid visa during application.
Is there a temporary option to reunite family in Australia via parent visa?
Yes, subclass 870 allows stays up to 5 years, renewable once for a total of 10 years max. No path to PR, but quicker to obtain.
What documents do I need for parent visa Australia eligibility?
Key items include identity proofs, relationship evidence, health and character checks, and financial documents for AoS.
Navigating the process to reunite your family through a parent visa in Australia can be complex, but platforms like Edvise Hub offer trusted guidance on visa options, eligibility checks, and application pathways to simplify your journey. Always consult official sources or professionals for personalized advice. With the right preparation, you can successfully bring your parents to Australia in 2026.
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