Overview of Parent Visas
Bringing your parents to Australia is a significant step in unifying your family. The Australian Department of Home Affairs provides several visa subclasses designed for parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. At Aussie Immigration Services®, we specialise in navigating these complex pathways to ensure your family stays together.
Contributory vs. Non-Contributory Pathways
The parent visa system is divided into two primary categories based on cost and priority:
- Non-Contributory Visas (Subclass 103 and 804): These have lower application fees but involve extremely long waiting periods, often exceeding 30 years due to annual cap limits.
- Contributory Visas (Subclass 143 and 864): These require a significantly higher "contribution" fee but offer much faster processing times compared to the non-contributory options.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a Parent visa in 2026, applicants must meet the following core criteria:
- Sponsorship: You must be sponsored by an eligible child who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen settled in Australia.
- Balance of Family Test: At least half of your children must live permanently in Australia, or more of your children must live permanently in Australia than in any other single country.
- Assurance of Support (AoS): A legal commitment (usually involving a bond of $10,000 for the main applicant and $4,000 for each adult secondary applicant) to provide financial support so the applicant does not rely on social security payments.
- Health and Character: All applicants must meet strict health standards and provide police clearances from every country they have lived in for 12 months or more over the last 10 years.
2026 Costs and Processing Benchmarks
Fees and processing times are subject to change by the Department of Home Affairs. Below are the current standards as of April 2026.
Current Visa Fees (Base Application Charge)
| Visa Subclass | Base Application Charge (AUD) | Second Instalment (Per Person) |
| Parent (103) | $5,280 | $2,065 |
| Aged Parent (804) | $5,280 | $2,065 |
| Contributory Parent (143) | $5,040 | $43,600 |
| Contributory Aged Parent (864) | $5,040 | $43,600 |
| Sponsored Parent (870) - 3 Year | $6,070 | N/A |
| Sponsored Parent (870) - 5 Year | $12,140 | N/A |
| Child (101/802) | $3,235 | N/A |
Processing Time Benchmarks
Following the 2026 processing reviews, the Department has updated its benchmarks. Note that permanent parent visas remain subject to strict annual migration caps.
| Visa Category | 50% of Applications | 90% of Applications |
| Contributory (143/864) | 12 Years | 15 Years |
| Non-Contributory (103/804) | 30 Years | 30+ Years |
| Sponsored Parent (870) | 2 Months | 4 Months |
| Child Visa (101/802) | 18 Months | 25 Months |
The Application Process
- Initial Consultation: We assess your "Balance of Family" and financial eligibility.
- Document Preparation: Gathering birth certificates, marriage licenses, and relationship evidence.
- Sponsorship Lodgement: The Australian child submits their sponsorship application via ImmiAccount.
- Visa Lodgement: Submission of the main application and payment of the first instalment.
- Queue Release and Checks: Once the application is reached in the queue, health and character checks are requested.
- Final Payment and Grant: Payment of the second instalment (if applicable) and visa grant.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can my parents stay in Australia while the visa is being processed?
A: If your parents apply for an Onshore Aged Parent visa (Subclass 804 or 864) and meet the age requirements (currently 67 years or older), they may be granted a Bridging Visa. This allows them to remain in Australia lawfully during the processing period.
Q: What is the "Balance of Family" test?
A: This is a mandatory requirement for most parent visas. It ensures the applicant has a substantial connection to Australia. You must show that at least half of the children are "settled" in Australia.
Q: Does my parent need a medical exam?
A: Yes. All permanent visa applicants must undergo a medical examination. Because processing times are currently long, the Department recommends waiting until a case officer requests the exam to ensure the results do not expire before the visa is granted.
Q: Can my parent work in Australia?
A: Once a permanent parent visa (103, 804, 143, or 864) is granted, the holder has full work and study rights. If they are on a Bridging Visa, work rights depend on the conditions of their previous visa and their current circumstances.
Q: Can I use my Mobile phone to track the application?
A: Yes, the Department of Home Affairs' online portal is compatible with most Mobile browsers, and notifications are often sent via email to your Mobile device.
