Secure Your Parent Visa With Confidence — Life Is Too Short To Live In Separate Countries!

Reunite with Your Loved Ones in Australia – Explore Parent Visa Options with Expert Guidance To Ensure You Maximise Your Chance of a Successful Outcome.

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Parent Visa Options for Australia – Comprehensive Guide

Australia provides a range of visa pathways for parents of settled Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. These pathways include both temporary and permanent options, varying significantly in cost, eligibility requirements, processing times, and associated obligations. Choosing the right visa depends on your personal circumstances, goals, and ability to meet the criteria.

This guide will help you understand the different visa options, what they involve, and how to assess which might be the most suitable for you.

Types of Parent Visas

Parent visas fall into two main categories: contributory and non-contributory. Contributory visas involve higher application fees but generally have faster processing times. Non-contributory visas are more affordable but can take several decades to process. There are also temporary visas available for parents who wish to stay in Australia for a defined period without seeking permanent residency.

What Is the Balance of Family Test?

Most parent visas require applicants to pass the Balance of Family Test. This test assesses your ties to Australia and ensures that a substantial number of your children live in Australia.

You meet the Balance of Family Test if:

At least half of your children live permanently in Australia; or
More children live in Australia than in any other single country.

All children, including stepchildren and adopted children, are counted, regardless of whether they are dependent or estranged. This test does not apply to the Subclass 870 visa.

Assurance of Support (AoS)

Most permanent parent visa subclasses (except subclass 870 and certain retirees) require an Assurance of Support:

What It Is: A financial undertaking provided by the sponsor (or another eligible party) guaranteeing repayment of any recoverable Centrelink payments received by the visa holder.
Who Can Be an Assurer: Must meet a minimum income threshold. Organisations may also act as assurers.
Bond Amounts:
- Contributory visas (143, 864): $10,000 for the main applicant, $4,000 per additional adult.
- Non-contributory visas (103, 804): $5,000 for the main applicant, $2,000 per additional adult.
Duration:
- Contributory: 10 years
- Non-contributory: 4 years
Refund: The bond is refunded at the end of the AoS period, less any welfare debts.

Australian Parent Visa Options Overview

Visa Subclass	Description	Duration	Estimated Processing Time	Approximate Cost	Notes
143	Contributory Parent (Permanent)	Permanent	~14 years	From $48,495	Offshore applicants. Leads to PR. Requires AoS.
173	Contributory Parent (Temporary)	2 years	~14 years (with 143)	From $32,430	Temporary step to 143. Offshore only.
864	Contributory Aged Parent (Permanent)	Permanent	~14 years	From $48,495	Onshore only. Must be of pension age.
884	Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary)	2 years	~14 years (with 864)	From $34,025	Onshore only. Pension age requirement.
103	Parent (Non-contributory, Permanent)	Permanent	~31 years	From $7,190	Offshore only. Longest wait. Requires AoS.
804	Aged Parent (Non-contributory, Permanent)	Permanent	~31 years	From $7,190	Onshore only. Must be of pension age. Requires AoS.
870	Sponsored Parent (Temporary)	3 or 5 years (up to 10 years total)	Varies	3 years: $5,8955 years: $11,785	No pathway to PR. Does not require AoS or balance of family test.

Core Eligibility Requirements

All parent visa applicants must meet certain fundamental criteria:

Relationship to Sponsor
- You must be the biological, adoptive, or step-parent of your sponsor.
- In some cases, a parent-in-law can apply under subclass 870.
Eligible Sponsor
- Your child must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- They must be at least 18 years old and “settled” in Australia, generally having lived there for at least 2 years.
- In some cases, sponsorship can be provided by your child’s spouse, a guardian, or a community organisation.
Balance of Family Test (except for subclass 870 and some retirees)
- At least half of your children must live in Australia permanently, OR
- You must have more children living in Australia than in any other single country.
Health and Character Requirements
- All applicants and some non-migrating family members must undergo medical exams and police checks.
No Outstanding Debts to the Australian Government
- All debts must be paid or arrangements made to repay them.
Australian Values Statement
- All applicants aged 18 and over must sign this statement confirming their respect for Australian values and laws.

Detailed Visa Subclass Information

Subclass 143 – Contributory Parent Visa (Permanent)

This visa allows parents to migrate permanently to Australia if they are willing and able to pay a significantly higher fee in exchange for faster processing compared to non-contributory options.

Eligibility: Must meet the balance of family test, have a settled and eligible child in Australia who is willing to sponsor, and pass health and character checks.
Sponsor Requirements: Must be 18+, an Australian citizen/PR/eligible NZ citizen, and settled in Australia for at least 2 years.
Location Requirement: Application must be lodged offshore unless holding a subclass 173 visa; must be offshore at the time of grant unless transitioning from 173.
Assurance of Support: Mandatory prior to visa grant.
Benefits: Permanent residency, access to Medicare, work and study rights, travel facility for 5 years, eligibility for citizenship.
Cost: From $48,495 (split into two instalments).
Processing Time: Estimated at 14 years due to current queue release dates.

Subclass 173 – Contributory Parent Visa (Temporary)

This visa is a temporary, two-year option that allows parents to begin their stay in Australia while preparing for a subclass 143 permanent visa application.

Purpose: Spread the cost of the contributory parent migration over a longer period.
Eligibility: Same as subclass 143 — must meet the balance of family test, sponsorship, and AoS requirements.
Location Requirement: Must be outside Australia to lodge and be granted the visa.
Pathway: Holders can later apply for subclass 143.
Cost: From $32,430.
Processing Time: Part of the broader 14-year estimated pathway.
Visa Duration: 2 years from first entry.

Subclass 864 – Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Permanent)

For aged parents who are already in Australia and are eligible for the age pension. This visa provides permanent residency.

Eligibility: Balance of family test, sponsor eligibility, health and character checks.
Age Requirement: Must be of age pension age (currently 66–67, depending on birthdate).
Location Requirement: Must be in Australia (but not in immigration clearance) when lodging and when the visa is granted.
Cost: From $48,495 (split across two instalments).
AoS: Mandatory before grant.
Benefits: Full PR benefits including Medicare, work rights, and eventual eligibility for citizenship.
Pathway Option: Many applicants first apply for subclass 884 to spread the cost.
Processing Time: Estimated 14 years from lodgement.

Subclass 884 – Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Temporary)

This is the temporary version of the 864 visa. It allows aged parents to live in Australia for two years while preparing for permanent residency.

Eligibility: Same as subclass 864.
Cost: From $34,025.
Visa Duration: 2 years from grant.
Location Requirement: Must be in Australia to apply and be granted the visa.
Pathway: Designed to transition to the permanent subclass 864 visa.
Purpose: Enables families to manage visa costs across two applications.

Subclass 103 – Parent Visa (Non-Contributory, Permanent)

This is the traditional permanent parent visa option with much lower costs but extremely long processing times due to annual capping.

Eligibility: Must meet balance of family test, have an eligible sponsor, and meet health and character requirements.
Location Requirement: Must be outside Australia when the visa is granted.
Cost: From $7,190.
Processing Time: Estimated at 31 years.
AoS: Required before visa grant.
Best For: Applicants who are not in a hurry and prefer a more affordable PR route.

Subclass 804 – Aged Parent Visa (Non-Contributory, Permanent)

A permanent visa option for parents who are of pension age and already in Australia. This is the onshore version of the subclass 103 visa.

Eligibility: Same as 103 plus age pension eligibility.
Cost: From $7,190.
Processing Time: Estimated 31 years.
Location Requirement: Must be in Australia at the time of application and grant.
AoS: Required before grant.
Best For: Aged parents already in Australia who are comfortable with long processing times.

Subclass 870 – Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa

This visa allows parents to stay in Australia for extended periods (3 or 5 years at a time) without applying for permanent residency.

Eligibility: Must be the parent (including in-law) of an eligible sponsor; must be outside Australia when applying (unless special permission is granted).
Sponsor Requirements: The child must have a taxable income of at least $83,454.80 and be an Australian citizen/PR/eligible NZ citizen who has lived in Australia for 4 years.
No Balance of Family Test or AoS Required
Visa Duration: 3 or 5 years per grant; up to 10 years total stay limit.
Cost: $5,895 for 3 years; $11,785 for 5 years.
Other Conditions: No work rights. Cannot apply for a permanent parent visa while holding or having applied for a subclass 870.

Subclass 143 – Contributory Parent Visa (Permanent)

This visa allows parents to migrate permanently to Australia if they are willing and able to pay a significantly higher fee in exchange for faster processing compared to non-contributory options.

Eligibility: Must meet the balance of family test, have a settled and eligible child in Australia who is willing to sponsor, and pass health and character checks.
Sponsor Requirements: Must be 18+, an Australian citizen/PR/eligible NZ citizen, and settled in Australia for at least 2 years.
Location Requirement: Application must be lodged offshore unless holding a subclass 173 visa; must be offshore at the time of grant unless transitioning from 173.
Assurance of Support: Mandatory prior to visa grant.
Benefits: Permanent residency, access to Medicare, work and study rights, travel facility for 5 years, eligibility for citizenship.
Cost: From $48,495 (split into two instalments).
Processing Time: Estimated at 14 years due to current queue release dates.

Subclass 173 – Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa

This visa is a temporary, two-year option that allows parents to begin their stay in Australia while preparing for a subclass 143 permanent visa application.

Purpose: Spread the cost of the contributory parent migration over a longer period.
Eligibility: Same as subclass 143 — must meet the balance of family test, sponsorship, and AoS requirements.
Location Requirement: Must be outside Australia to lodge and be granted the visa.
Pathway: Holders can later apply for subclass 143.
Cost: From $32,430.
Processing Time: Part of the broader 14-year estimated pathway.
Visa Duration: 2 years from first entry.

Subclass 864 – Contributory Aged Parent (Permanent) Visa

For aged parents who are already in Australia and are eligible for the age pension. This visa provides permanent residency.

Eligibility: Balance of family test, sponsor eligibility, health and character checks.
Age Requirement: Must be of age pension age (currently 66–67, depending on birthdate).
Location Requirement: Must be in Australia (but not in immigration clearance) when lodging and when the visa is granted.
Cost: From $48,495 (split across two instalments).
AoS: Mandatory before grant.
Benefits: Full PR benefits including Medicare, work rights, and eventual eligibility for citizenship.
Pathway Option: Many applicants first apply for subclass 884 to spread the cost.
Processing Time: Estimated 14 years from lodgement.

Subclass 884 – Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) Visa

This is the temporary version of the 864 visa. It allows aged parents to live in Australia for two years while preparing for permanent residency.

Eligibility: Same as subclass 864.
Cost: From $34,025.
Visa Duration: 2 years from grant.
Location Requirement: Must be in Australia to apply and be granted the visa.
Pathway: Designed to transition to the permanent subclass 864 visa.
Purpose: Enables families to manage visa costs across two applications.

Subclass 103 – Parent Visa (Offshore Permanent)

This is the traditional permanent parent visa option with much lower costs but extremely long processing times due to annual capping.

Eligibility: Must meet balance of family test, have an eligible sponsor, and meet health and character requirements.
Location Requirement: Must be outside Australia when the visa is granted.
Cost: From $7,190.
Processing Time: Estimated at 31 years.
AoS: Required before visa grant.
Best For: Applicants who are not in a hurry and prefer a more affordable PR route.

Subclass 804 – Aged Parent Visa (Onshore Permanent)

A permanent visa option for parents who are of pension age and already in Australia. This is the onshore version of the subclass 103 visa.

Eligibility: Same as 103 plus age pension eligibility.
Cost: From $7,190.
Processing Time: Estimated 31 years.
Location Requirement: Must be in Australia at the time of application and grant.
AoS: Required before grant.
Best For: Aged parents already in Australia who are comfortable with long processing times.

Subclass 870 – Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa

This visa allows parents to stay in Australia for extended periods (3 or 5 years at a time) without applying for permanent residency.

Eligibility: Must be the parent (including in-law) of an eligible sponsor; must be outside Australia when applying (unless special permission is granted).
Sponsor Requirements: The child must have a taxable income of at least $83,454.80 and be an Australian citizen/PR/eligible NZ citizen who has lived in Australia for 4 years.
No Balance of Family Test or AoS Required
Visa Duration: 3 or 5 years per grant; up to 10 years total stay limit.
Cost: $5,895 for 3 years; $11,785 for 5 years.
Other Conditions: No work rights. Cannot apply for a permanent parent visa while holding or having applied for a subclass 870.

Bridging Visas and Work Rights

In some cases, when a parent visa application is lodged onshore, the applicant is generally granted a Bridging Visa A (BVA) to allow them to stay lawfully in Australia while the application is processed.

Bridging Visas Apply To:

Subclass 804 – Aged Parent visa
Subclass 864 – Contributory Aged Parent visa
Subclass 884 – Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) visa

Bridging Visas Do NOT Apply To:

Subclass 143 – Contributory Parent visa (offshore only)
Subclass 103 – Parent visa (offshore only)
Subclass 173 – Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa (offshore only)
Subclass 870 – Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (offshore only)

Bridging Visa Work Rights

Bridging Visas granted to Subclass 804 and 864 applicants generally come with work rights.
For Subclass 884, the work rights depend on the applicant’s visa history and status at the time of lodgement.
If no work rights are granted, you can apply for another bridging visa with work rights by demonstrating financial hardship.

Medicare Eligibility For Parent Visa Applicants

You can enrol in Medicare once your parent visa is granted. You may also be eligible to enrol in Medicare while your visa is being assessed, if any of the following apply:

Medicare Eligibility Table

Type of Parent Visa	Circumstances to Enrol in Medicare
Subclass 804 Aged Parent visa	You are from a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) country. You must meet the conditions of that RHCA.
Subclass 103 Parent visa	You are from a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) country. You must meet the conditions of that RHCA.
Subclass 143 Contributory Parent visa (permanent)	You are from a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) country. You must meet the conditions of that RHCA. You can also enrol if you have previously held a Contributory Parent visa (temporary) subclass 173.
Subclass 864 Contributory Parent visa (permanent)	You are from a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) country. You must meet the conditions of that RHCA. You can also enrol if you have previously held a Contributory Parent visa (temporary) subclass 884.

What is a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA)?

Australia has signed Reciprocal Health Care Agreements with certain countries. These agreements allow visitors from those countries to access limited subsidised health services from Medicare for essential medical treatment during their stay in Australia.

To be eligible under an RHCA:

You must be a resident of an RHCA country.
You must meet the specific conditions outlined in the agreement between Australia and your country.
You must provide proof of your eligibility when enrolling in Medicare (e.g., passport, visa, and evidence of residency in the RHCA country).

Countries with a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with Australia:

Belgium
Finland
Italy
Malta
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Republic of Ireland
Slovenia
Sweden
United Kingdom

Note: RHCA provides only medically necessary care and does not cover all medical expenses or long-term treatment. Medicare falls outside of Australian migration law, please contact Services Australia should you have any queries.

Our Process

1. Initial Consultation

We assess your eligibility and help you understand the best pathway.

2. Sponsorship Review

We ensure your sponsor (your child in Australia) meets all legal and income requirements.

3. Document Preparation

We issue a tailored checklist for you and your sponsor and help gather the required evidence.

4. Application Drafting

We prepare all submissions, forms, and legal documentation.

5. Lodgement & Monitoring

We lodge your application, track progress, and liaise with the DHA. For onshore applicants, we manage your bridging visa strategy.

6. Decision & Post-Visa Support

We assist with any additional requests from DHA and post-lodgement steps, including second VAC, Assurance of Support, and bridging visa transitions.

Need Help with Your Parent Visa?

The Parent Visa process can be complex, lengthy, and emotionally significant. At Migration Unity, we specialise in guiding families through every stage of the journey with expert support and up-to-date legal knowledge.

Assess your eligibility and best visa pathway
Help your sponsor meet financial and legal obligations
Prepare and lodge your application with care and accuracy
Monitor progress and respond to any DHA correspondence

How To Maximise Your Chances Of A Successful Parent Visa — Without The Stress, Delays, Or Costly Mistakes

Are you looking to reunite with your children in Australia — or helping your parents make the move?

Navigating Australia’s parent visa process can be daunting. Between strict eligibility rules, long wait times, and complex application requirements, even a small oversight can set you back months — or even years.

We understand how important this journey is. At Migration Unity, we help families confidently navigate the parent visa process — whether you’re applying for a contributory, non-contributory, or temporary parent visa. Our registered migration agents are experts in family migration, with years of experience managing complex applications across all subclasses.

With clear advice, fixed fees, and guidance from start to finish, we make sure your parent visa process is done right — the first time.

How can Migration Unity help you?

Your trusted partner, guiding you every step of the way!

Eligibility Assessment

We’ll assess your situation to determine which parent visa subclass is the best fit — whether you’re applying from inside or outside Australia, and whether you meet requirements such as the Balance of Family Test, age eligibility, or sponsorship conditions. We’ll also evaluate your child's ability to act as a sponsor and explain the financial, health, and character requirements involved.

Sponsor & Support Assessment

We’ll work with your child (or eligible sponsor) to ensure they meet the Department of Home Affairs' sponsorship requirements. This includes assessing income thresholds, Assurance of Support obligations, sponsor caps, and application timing. We’ll make sure your sponsor understands their legal responsibilities and is fully prepared for the process ahead.

Visa Application

We prepare and lodge your parent visa application with care and accuracy. From gathering required documents (like birth certificates, police clearances, AoS evidence, and sponsor forms) to drafting clear, compliant submissions — we ensure your application is as strong and streamlined as possible. We also help manage bridging visa strategies if applying from onshore.

Visa Grant and Compliance Support

Once your parent visa is granted, we’ll explain any applicable conditions — including travel limitations, bridging visa transitions, Medicare access, and steps toward permanent residency or citizenship. For temporary parent visas (like the 870 or 884), we’ll help you plan for future applications and ensure you remain compliant during your stay.

Global Trust, Proven Results

Parents From Around the World Trust Migration Unity to Reunite Their Families in Australia

Parents from all walks of life have turned to Migration Unity for help navigating Australia’s complex parent visa pathways. Whether you’re seeking to live permanently in Australia with your children or stay temporarily to spend precious time with family, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

With decades of experience, our team helps families understand visa options like the contributory and non-contributory parent visas, bridging strategies, health and income requirements, and the Balance of Family Test — ensuring your application is compliant, complete, and ready for approval.

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Why Choose Us

The Migration Unity Advantage

Expert & Personalised Visa Support

Get peace of mind with honest, expert advice tailored to you, not a one-size-fits-all checklist. We’ve helped many clients navigate this process with confidence.

Real Results, Backed by Experience

Maximise your chances of a successful outcome with our highly experienced team.

No Visa, No Fee Money-Back Guarantee

Rest assured that you will be covered by our No Visa, No Fee, money-back guarantee.

Fixed Fee & Split Fee Payments

Know exactly every cent you will be paying upfront with no hidden additional charges. We also offer split fee payments to assist you financially while your application is being prepared.

Stress-Free Process

We take the stress out of preparing and lodging visa applications so you don’t have to. We have done it thousands of times!

Global Service

Secure, online access to manage your application anytime, anywhere.

How It Works

Initial Consultation

During this stage, we assess your unique situation, find the correct visa, and confirm your eligibility so we can plan your application accordingly.

Quotation

Once we understand your unique requirements, we’ll put together a fixed-fee quotation for our end-to-end migration services.

Preparation & Lodgement

From here, your Registered Migration Agent in Australia who specialises in your visa subclass will look after the entire process, from paperwork to lodgments, on your behalf.

Visa Application Decision

Once the application is finalised, we’ll guide you through the next steps of your migration journey!

Our Team

Reliable and registered migration experts, here to help

Taina Brennan

Co-founder & Registered Migration Consultant

Scott Brennan

Co-founder & Managing Director