Parent Visas
Australian Parent visas allow parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia, temporarily or permanently. These visas are intended for parents to reunite and live with their children in Australia.
There are many different parent visa pathways to consider depending on your individual situation.
General Requirements
Important Considerations
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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Common Questions To Parent Visas
Considering whether a Parent Visa is right for you can be a daunting task. Here are some of the more common questions we get asked.
What are the prerequisites for a Parent Visa?
Your parent must be sponsored by you — an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. The core requirements are:
• Balance of Family Test — at least half of your parent's children must live permanently in Australia, or more of their children must live here than in any other single country. This is the most common hurdle families face
• Your parent must pass a health examination and character check (police clearances)
• An Assurance of Support is required — a legal financial guarantee to the government that you'll support your parent, backed by a bond of AUD10,000, held for 10 years
• Balance of Family Test — at least half of your parent's children must live permanently in Australia, or more of their children must live here than in any other single country. This is the most common hurdle families face
• Your parent must pass a health examination and character check (police clearances)
• An Assurance of Support is required — a legal financial guarantee to the government that you'll support your parent, backed by a bond of AUD10,000, held for 10 years
How difficult is the process for a Parent Visa?
The paperwork is manageable, but the waiting times are the real challenge — and they are severe. There are only 8,500 parent visa places available per year nationally, and demand far exceeds that cap. In plain terms:
• Non-Contributory (cheaper) pathway: estimated wait of 30+ years for new applications
• Contributory (expensive) pathway: still 12–15 years currently
• The only genuinely flexible short-term option is the Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa, which allows stays of up to 10 years total but does not lead to permanent residency
• Non-Contributory (cheaper) pathway: estimated wait of 30+ years for new applications
• Contributory (expensive) pathway: still 12–15 years currently
• The only genuinely flexible short-term option is the Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa, which allows stays of up to 10 years total but does not lead to permanent residency
How much does a Parent Visa Cost?
There are two very different cost levels depending on which pathway you choose:
Non-Contributory – Is cheaper. Trade-off: very low cost, but a 30+ year wait.
Contributory (Subclass 143): Approximately about AUD50,000 per parent
Plus, Assurance of Support bond ($10,000Trade-off: expensive, but significantly faster (still 12–15 years)
Temporary (Subclass 870): Affordable option Depending on the duration of stay in Australia. If you intend applying for permanent residency it is advisable to apply for that first.
All fees are non-refundable, even if the visa is refused.
Contact Us to discuss your particular case to get an estimation of costs involved for you.
Non-Contributory – Is cheaper. Trade-off: very low cost, but a 30+ year wait.
Contributory (Subclass 143): Approximately about AUD50,000 per parent
Plus, Assurance of Support bond ($10,000Trade-off: expensive, but significantly faster (still 12–15 years)
Temporary (Subclass 870): Affordable option Depending on the duration of stay in Australia. If you intend applying for permanent residency it is advisable to apply for that first.
All fees are non-refundable, even if the visa is refused.
Contact Us to discuss your particular case to get an estimation of costs involved for you.
How do I begin?
1. Check the Balance of Family Test first — if your parent fails this test, the permanent visa pathways are closed, and the Subclass 870 temporary visa is likely your only option
2. Decide on your priority — speed vs. cost. If your parents are older, the contributory route makes more sense despite the expense
5. Contact Us — given the wait times, fees, and complexity, professional advice upfront can prevent costly mistakes that push you further back in the queue. Also, this is one of the most difficult visa categories in the Australian system. Small mistake can cost you dearly.
2. Decide on your priority — speed vs. cost. If your parents are older, the contributory route makes more sense despite the expense
5. Contact Us — given the wait times, fees, and complexity, professional advice upfront can prevent costly mistakes that push you further back in the queue. Also, this is one of the most difficult visa categories in the Australian system. Small mistake can cost you dearly.
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