Who should apply for a Parent Visa?
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The Australian Parent visa allows parents of settled Australian citizens or permanent residents to migrate to Australia. There are several Parent visa options available, each with different costs, processing times and eligibility requirements. Choosing the right Parent visa depends on your budget, timeline and whether you need a temporary or permanent solution.
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What are the Parent Visa options?
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There are three main Parent visa pathways:
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Parent Visa (Subclass 103): A permanent visa with a lower application cost but a significantly longer processing queue. This is suitable for parents who can wait and want to minimise upfront costs.
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Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143): A permanent visa with higher application fees but substantially faster processing. This is the most popular option for parents who want to settle in Australia sooner.
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Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870): A temporary visa allowing parents to stay in Australia for up to 5 years. This option does not lead directly to permanent residency but provides a way for families to be together while other visa options are explored.
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What are the eligibility requirements?
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To be eligible for a Parent visa, you must meet the following requirements:
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You must be the parent of a child who is a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
You must meet the balance of family test: at least half of your children must live permanently in Australia, or more of your children live in Australia than in any other single country.
Your child in Australia must sponsor your application.
You must meet health and character requirements.
For the Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143), your sponsor must provide an Assurance of Support.
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How to apply for a Parent Visa?
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Step 1: Determine which Parent visa pathway is best suited to your circumstances and budget.
Step 2: Your Australian child must agree to sponsor your application.
Step 3: Gather all required documents including proof of the parent-child relationship, balance of family evidence, and health and character certificates.
Step 4: Lodge your application online through ImmiAccount or by paper (for subclass 103).
Step 5: For subclass 143, provide an Assurance of Support through Services Australia after initial approval.
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Processing time for Parent Visas:
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Parent visa (subclass 103): Approximately 29 years or more due to the long queue. A limited number of places are available each year.
Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143): 12 to 24 months for most applications.
Sponsored Parent Temporary visa (subclass 870): 6 to 12 months.
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How much does a Parent Visa cost?
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Parent visa (subclass 103): AUD 4,990 for the primary applicant.
Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143): AUD 47,755 total, paid in two instalments. The first instalment of AUD 4,765 is paid at application, and the second instalment of AUD 42,990 is paid after approval.
Sponsored Parent Temporary visa (subclass 870): AUD 10,000 for a 3-year visa or AUD 20,000 for a 5-year visa.
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LifeinAus specialises in Parent visa applications and can help you choose the right visa pathway for your family. As a registered migration agent (MARA No. 1795282), we guide you through every step from eligibility assessment to visa grant.
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Contact us today to check your eligibility for a Parent visa and reunite with your family in Australia.
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Last Updated: March 2026