Parent Visa Australia: All Options, Wait Times, and Costs Compared (2026)
Published 2026-02-14
Overview of Parent Visa Options
Australia offers several parent visa pathways for parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. The main options are: Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143, onshore or subclass 173 temporary), Non-Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 103), Aged Parent Visa (subclass 804, onshore), Contributory Aged Parent Visa (subclass 884 temporary / 864 permanent), and the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870). Each has vastly different costs and processing times, so choosing the right one is critical. See our /visa/parent-visa/ page for an overview of eligibility requirements.
How Long Does a Contributory Parent Visa Take?
The Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143) is the fastest permanent option, with current processing times of approximately 5 to 7 years. While still lengthy, this is dramatically faster than the non-contributory alternative. The temporary Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 173) can be granted in approximately 2 to 4 years, allowing the parent to live in Australia while waiting for the permanent visa.
How Long Does a Non-Contributory Parent Visa Take?
The Non-Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 103) has extremely long processing times — currently estimated at 29 to 40+ years. The Department processes very few of these visas each year due to the capped number of places. For most families, this is not a practical option for parents who wish to live in Australia in the near term. Many applicants lodge a subclass 103 as a placeholder while also considering contributory or temporary options.
What Does Each Parent Visa Cost?
Subclass 143 (Contributory Parent): $4,990 first instalment + $47,755 second instalment per person = approximately $52,745 total in government fees. Subclass 173 (Contributory Parent Temporary): $3,390 first instalment, then $47,755 second instalment when converting to permanent. Subclass 103 (Non-Contributory Parent): $4,990 — significantly cheaper but with decades-long wait times. Subclass 870 (Sponsored Parent Temporary): $5,735 for 3 years or $11,470 for 5 years — no pathway to permanent residency. Migration agent fees for parent visas typically range from $2,500 to $5,000.
What Is the Balance of Family Test?
All parent visa applicants must meet the 'balance of family' test. This means at least half of your children must be living lawfully and permanently in Australia, or more of your children live in Australia than in any other single country. Step-children and adopted children are included in the count. This is a strict requirement and cannot be waived. If you do not meet the balance of family test, you are not eligible for any parent visa.
Which Parent Visa Should You Choose?
If your parent needs to come to Australia quickly and you can afford it, the subclass 870 (Sponsored Parent Temporary) is the fastest option but offers no permanent residency and must be renewed. For permanent residency, the subclass 143 (Contributory Parent) is the most practical choice despite the high cost — the 5 to 7 year wait is manageable compared to the 29+ years for non-contributory. Consider lodging a subclass 103 early as it holds your queue place, then upgrading to a contributory visa later. A migration agent can help you develop the right strategy for your family's circumstances.
Assurance of Support Requirements
Contributory and non-contributory parent visa holders require an Assurance of Support (AoS) from their sponsoring child or another eligible person. The AoS is a financial guarantee to the Australian Government that the parent will not need to access social security payments for a specified period (usually 10 years for contributory visas). The assurer must lodge a bond with Services Australia — currently approximately $10,000 for one parent or $14,000 for a couple. This bond is refundable if no social security payments are claimed during the assurance period.
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