What are the Parent Visa options?
There are a number of visa options that lead to permanent residency, including:
Contributory Parent Visa (Offshore)
Permanent (Subclass 143)
Temporary (Subclass 173)
These visas are classified as “contributory” due to their elevated application fees and assurance of support requirements, offering a faster route to permanent residency.
Both temporary and permanent options are available under the Contributory Parent Visa. The Subclass 173 (Temporary) permits parents to reside in Australia for up to two years, followed by the opportunity to apply for the Subclass 143 (Permanent). This essentially splits up the second Visa Application Charge and Assurance of Support bond costs over the two applications.
Offshore Contributory Parent visa applicants are not eligible for a Bridging Visa to remain in Australia during processing. It is possible to travel on a visitor visa during processing, or applicants may consider a temporary Parent visa for a longer stay.
Aged Contributory Parent Visa (Onshore)
Permanent (Subclass 864)
Temporary (Subclass 884)
The Aged Contributory Parent Visa also offers both temporary and permanent pathways. Parents can initially apply for the Subclass 884 (Temporary), allowing them to stay in Australia, followed by the opportunity to convert to permanent residency by applying for the Subclass 864 (Permanent) visa.
The main difference between the onshore and offshore visas is that onshore applicants must meet the ‘Aged’ requirement, which is deemed to be a person who would be old enough to secure an Australian pension. This is currently 67 years of age.
These applicants are also able to obtain a Bridging Visa to remain in Australia during processing, with full working rights. Access to Medicare is restricted to those with reciprocal healthcare access.
Parent Visa or Aged Parent Visa
Permanent (Subclass 103/804)
The non-contributory Parent Visas offer a permanent pathway only. Though the costs are much lower, applicants typically encounter significant waiting periods before being granted these visas, with the Subclass 103 Parent visa expected to take at least 30 years to process.
Again, onshore Aged Parent visa applicants able to obtain a Bridging Visa to remain in Australia during processing. Access to Medicare is restricted to those with reciprocal healthcare arrangements.
What are the requirements for a Subclass 870 Temporary Sponsored Parent Visa?
The Subclass 870 Temporary Sponsored Parent visa allows parents to stay for 3 or 5 years at a time, with a maximum 10 years total stay. It does not convert to permanent residency.
The Subclass 870 visa is split into two separate applications; a Family Sponsorship and a Parent Visa application.
Family Sponsorship
The Family Sponsorship must be lodged and approved before a Parent Visa application can be lodged. The sponsor must be able to demonstrate that they:
- Are a child of the applicant (or the spouse/partner of the child)
- Are an Australian Citizen, an Australian permanent resident, or Eligible New Zealand citizen
- Have been living in Australia for at least 4 years.
- Received a minimum taxable income of $83,454.80 in the most recent financial year. A spouse or other child of the applicant can contribute to meeting the income requirement if needed.
- Meet character requirements
Once Sponsorship is approved, there is a limited period of time to submit the Parent visa application.
Visa Application
Applicants must be outside Australia at the time of lodgement, unless permission to apply within Australia is granted at sponsorship stage. Immigration will only consider granting permission in exceptional circumstances for an initial 870 visa (not subsequent applications).
Applicants must demonstrate that they:
- Have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay (as there are no work rights on this visa)
- Meet the health and character requirements
- Have adequate health insurance, such as a private insurance policy or reciprocal Medicare card
- Are a genuine temporary entrant, with incentive to depart at the end of the stay period
Further Applications
There is a condition on the 870 visa preventing holders from applying for any other Parent visa while the 870 valid.
Applicants must spend at least 90 consecutive days outside Australia before applying for a further 870 visa.
Once the maximum 10-year stay period is reached, no further 870 visas will be granted.
Key information for Parent Visa applicants
Balance of Family Test – Parent visas (apart from the 870 visa) have Balance of Family Test requirements, where at least half of the applicant’s children must be Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens living in Australia, or they must have more children living in Australia than in any other single country.
Settled – Sponsors must be able to demonstrate they are ‘settled’ in Australia, which is living in Australia for at least 2 years for permanent residents and Eligible NZ Citizens, or 3 months for Australian Citizens.
Significant Wait Times – Careful planning is necessary for these visas due to associated costs, waiting periods, and eligibility criteria.
Restrictions – There are legal restrictions on applying for certain visas while holding a Parent visa, or within a certain period of being granted a Parent visa
No Medicare – Onshore Parent applicants are not eligible for Australian Medicare until grant of the visa, unless reciprocal arrangements apply. This means private health insurance is highly recommended.
Capping and Queuing – ‘Capping’ means there is a maximum number of visas that Immigration can grant each migration program year. Once that quota is met, Immigration will not grant more visas in that year. All remaining visa applications will stay in the ‘queue’ until a place becomes available in a future program year. The 870 visa is not subject to capping and queuing.
How much does a Parent visa application cost?
As of 1 July 2025, the government application fees are as follows:
| 103 | 143 | 804 | 864 | |
| Visa Fee – Main Applicant | $5,280 | $5,040 | $5,280 | $5,040 |
| Visa Fee – Dependent Applicant | $2,640 | $1,700 | $2,640 | $2,515 |
| Assurance of Support Bond | $5,000 | $10,000 | $5,000 | $10,000 |
| Second VAC | $2,065 | $43,600 | $2,065 | $43,600 |
| Family Sponsorship | $420 |
| Visa Fee – Main Applicant | $1,215 |
| Second VAC – 3-year visa | $4,855 |
| Second VAC – 5-year visa | $10,925 |
How long does a Parent Visa take to process?
As of 31 July 2025, Immigration advises the current processing times are as follows:
| Visa Type | Queue Assessment (Application Lodged) | Visa Assessment (Queue Date) | Estimated Processing Times for New Applications |
| 143 | November 2022 | May 2018 | 15 years |
| 173 | November 2022 | May 2018 | 15 years |
| 864 | September 2022 | May 2018 | 15 years |
| 884 | October 2022 | May 2018 | 15 years |
| 173 to 143 / 884 to 864 | N/A | April 2025 | N/A |
| Parent (103) | February 2023 | January 2013 | 33 years |
| 804 | November 2022 | January 2013 | 33 years |
As of 29 July 2025, Immigration advises the current processing times are as follows:
| Application Type | 50% processed within | 90% processed within |
| Family Sponsorship | 70 days | 5 months |
| 870 Visa | 5 months | 7 months |
Why Choose AVIE for Immigration Services?
Personalized Guidance – Every migration journey is unique, and we provide tailored advice to match your circumstances and goals.
Expert Problem-Solving – Our team has extensive experience handling complex visa situations and finding tailored solutions to meet client needs.
Dedicated Support – We intentionally cap our agents’ caseloads to ensure you receive the time, care, and dedication you deserve. You’re never just a number with us.
Avoid Mistakes – Avoid costly delays and reapplications—our expertise ensures visa applications are done right the first time.
Stress-Free Process – We handle the complexities of visa applications, so you can focus on planning your new life in Australia.
