Partner & family
Parent visas
Bring your parents to Australia, for long visits or permanently.
Reviewed by SavieMEC's registered migration agents
View all Google reviews (opens in a new tab)“Thanks to Amrit, my parents and I are now PR residents in Australia… She's very professional and has very good knowledge in Immigration.”
About parent visas
Australia has several parent visas. They differ greatly in cost, waiting time and eligibility. Most permanent parent visas require the "balance of family" test: at least half of the parent's children must live in Australia.
Contributory visas cost more but are processed much faster than non-contributory visas, which can involve very long queues.
Options
Sponsored Parent (Temporary) 870
Visits of 3 or 5 years at a time, no balance of family test
Contributory Parent 143 / 173
Permanent (143) or temporary first step (173), higher cost, faster
Contributory Aged Parent 864 / 884
For parents of pension age in Australia
Parent 103 / Aged Parent 804
Non-contributory, lower cost, very long waiting times
Visitor visa 600
Shorter visits, including longer-validity options for parents
Key requirements
- Sponsored by a settled child who is an Australian citizen, PR or eligible NZ citizen
- Balance of family test (permanent visas)
- Assurance of support (contributory visas)
- Health insurance (temporary visas)
- Health and character requirements
How to apply
- 01
Step 1
Compare options on cost, time and eligibility
- 02
Step 2
Sponsor approval (870) or balance of family evidence
- 03
Step 3
Lodge the visa application
- 04
Step 4
Health checks and assurance of support
- 05
Step 5
Decision (or queue position for some visas)
Common reasons applications fail
- Balance of family test not met
- Sponsor not eligible or not settled
- Health requirement issues not planned for
- Choosing a visa that doesn't fit the family's budget or timeline
Download PDF
What to bring to your consultation
Free PDF checklist. Print it or save it to your phone before your consultation.
Download PDFGovernment fees
What Home Affairs charges, current as at 1 July 2026. These are not our professional fees.
Parent and family visas
| Fee | Amount (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Contributory Parent (143), first instalment | $4,040 |
| Contributory Parent (143), second instalment For each parent, paid before the visa is granted. | $43,600 |
| Parent (103), first instalment A second instalment is paid before grant. | $6,600 |
| Sponsored Parent (Temporary) (870), up to 3 years | $6,370 |
| Sponsored Parent (Temporary) (870), up to 5 years | $12,440 |
| Child and other family visas Check the Visa Pricing Estimator for your visa. | Varies |
Not sure which visa fits?
Book a consultation and we'll map out your options.
Frequently asked questions
What is the balance of family test for parent visas?
The balance of family test means at least half of the parent's children must live permanently in Australia, or more of them must live in Australia than in any other single country. Most permanent parent visas require you to pass this test.
Which parent visa is the fastest?
Contributory parent visas are generally much faster than non-contributory parent visas, but they cost significantly more. Non-contributory parent visas cost less but have very long waiting times, often many years.
Can my parents visit Australia while they wait for a permanent parent visa?
Often, yes, on a Visitor visa or a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 870). The 870 lets parents stay for 3 or 5 years at a time, up to 10 years in total, but does not allow work.
Can my parents work in Australia on a parent visa?
It depends on the visa. Temporary visas such as the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (870) do not allow work. Permanent parent visas allow your parents to work, study and access Medicare once the visa is granted.
General information only, not migration advice. Visa rules change often. We'll confirm what applies to you in a consultation. Last reviewed October 2026 by SavieMEC's registered migration agents.