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Family Visas
Parent Visa Options
Complete guide to bringing your parents to Australia permanently. Compare visa options, understand requirements, and choose the best pathway for your family.
6 Visa Options
Permanent & temporary pathways
Processing Times
1-2 years to 30+ years
Costs Range
$4,990 - $52,750
Application Process
Eligibility Assessment
Check if you meet sponsorship requirements and your parent meets eligibility criteria
1-2 weeks
Document Preparation
Gather required documents including sponsorship forms, financial evidence, and health checks
4-8 weeks
Application Lodgement
Submit application online with all supporting documents and pay fees
1-2 days
Processing & Assessment
Department assesses application, may request additional information
12 months - 30+ years
Decision & Visa Grant
Receive decision, if approved parent can enter Australia
Immediate
Compare Parent Visa Options
Non-Contributory
Permanent
Parent Visa (103)
Basic parent visa with very long processing times but lower costs
AU $4,990
Total Cost
30+ years
Processing
Key Benefits
- •Permanent residency
- •Live in Australia permanently
- •Access to Medicare after waiting period
Important Notes
- •Extremely long waiting times
- •Limited places available annually
Contributory - Permanent
Permanent
Contributory Parent (143)
Fast-track permanent parent visa with higher fees for quicker processing
AU $47,755 + AU $4,995
Total Cost
12-24 months
Processing
Key Benefits
- •Much faster processing than 103
- •Permanent residency immediately
- •Live and work in Australia permanently
Important Notes
- •High visa application charges
- •Must pay second installment if visa granted
Contributory - Temporary
Temporary to Permanent
Contributory Parent Temporary (173)
2-year temporary visa leading to permanent residency via subclass 143
AU $31,755
Total Cost
12-18 months
Processing
Key Benefits
- •Faster processing than non-contributory
- •2-year temporary visa
- •Can apply for 143 visa while in Australia
Important Notes
- •Additional costs for permanent visa later
- •Must apply for 143 within 2 years
Non-Contributory - Aged
Permanent
Aged Parent (804)
For parents who meet age requirements with long processing times
AU $4,990
Total Cost
30+ years
Processing
Key Benefits
- •Lower cost than contributory options
- •Permanent residency
- •Age pension eligibility after waiting period
Important Notes
- •Must meet Australian pension age
- •Extremely long processing times
Contributory - Aged Permanent
Permanent
Contributory Aged Parent (864)
Fast-track permanent visa for parents who meet age requirements
AU $47,755 + AU $4,995
Total Cost
12-24 months
Processing
Key Benefits
- •Fast processing for aged parents
- •Permanent residency immediately
- •Age pension eligibility after waiting period
Important Notes
- •High visa application charges
- •Must meet Australian pension age
Contributory - Aged Temporary
Temporary to Permanent
Contributory Aged Parent Temporary (884)
2-year temporary visa for aged parents leading to permanent residency
AU $31,755
Total Cost
12-18 months
Processing
Key Benefits
- •Lower initial cost than permanent option
- •Faster than non-contributory aged parent
- •Can apply for 864 while in Australia
Important Notes
- •Must apply for 864 within 2 years
- •Additional costs for permanent visa
Key Requirements
Sponsor Requirements
You (the sponsor) must meet specific criteria
- Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Settled in Australia for at least 2 years
- 18 years or older
- Provide Assurance of Support (AoS) if required
- Meet income requirements for AoS
- Sign sponsorship undertaking
Balance of Family Test
At least half of your parents' children must be in Australia
- More children living in Australia than any other country
- OR equal numbers in Australia and another country
- Includes step-children and adopted children
- Children must be Australian citizens or permanent residents
- Usually settled in Australia for 2+ years
Parent Requirements
Your parent must meet health, character and other criteria
- Meet health requirements (medical examinations)
- Meet character requirements (police checks)
- Have adequate health insurance
- Not owe money to Australian government
- Sign Australian Values Statement
Financial Requirements
Assurance of Support may be required
- Bank guarantee or security deposit
- Annual income threshold (varies by family size)
- Support parent for up to 10 years if needed
- Repay any social security benefits paid to parent
- Joint sponsors may be required for higher income
Cost & Time Comparison
| Visa Type | Cost | Processing Time | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent (103) | $4,990 | 30+ years | Permanent |
| Contributory Parent (143) | $52,750 | 12-24 months | Permanent |
| Contributory Parent Temp (173) | $31,755 | 12-18 months | 2yr Temporary |