Parent Visa Options in Australia: Comparing Your Choices

If you plan to bring your parents to Australia, you must choose the correct visa pathway based on age, location and financial capacity.

Australia offers several parent visa subclasses. Each has different eligibility criteria, processing times and financial commitments.

For a detailed breakdown of eligibility requirements, the Balance of Family Test and Assurance of Support obligations, see our complete Parent Visa Australia guide.

Permanent Parent Visas

Permanent parent visas grant Australian permanent residency but usually involve long queue periods.

Parent Visa (Subclass 103)

• Permanent residency

• No minimum age requirement

• Apply onshore or offshore

• Must pass the Balance of Family Test

• Long processing queues due to annual caps

This option has lower government charges but significantly longer waiting times.

Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)

• Permanent residency

• Applicant must meet Australian pension age

• Must apply while in Australia

• Must pass the Balance of Family Test

• Long queue periods

Applicants may remain in Australia during processing if they hold a valid visa.

Contributory Parent Visas

(Faster Processing with Higher Cost)

Contributory visas involve higher government charges and require an Assurance of Support, but they generally process faster than non-contributory visas.

For full details on Assurance of Support requirements and financial obligations, Parent Visa Australia page

Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143)

• Permanent residency

• No minimum age requirement

• Apply onshore or offshore

• Requires Assurance of Support

• Faster processing compared to Subclass 103

Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864)

• Permanent residency

• Must meet pension age

• Apply in Australia

• Requires Assurance of Support

• Faster processing compared to Subclass 804

Two-Stage Contributory Pathway

Some families choose a temporary stage before permanent residency:

Temporary Visa	Leads To	Validity
Subclass 173	Subclass 143	2 years
Subclass 884	Subclass 864	2 years

This structure spreads government charges across two stages.

Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870)

The Subclass 870 is a temporary visa only.

• Stay for 3 or 5 years

• Maximum cumulative stay of 10 years

• No work rights

• Does not lead to permanent residency

• Requires an approved sponsor

Key Differences Between Parent Visa Types

Feature	103	804	143	864	870
Permanent Residency	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Temporary Stage	No	No	Optional (173)	Optional (884)	Yes
Age Requirement	None	Pension age	None	Pension age	None
Assurance of Support	No	No	Yes	Yes	No
Processing Speed	Very long	Very long	Faster	Faster	Fast

Important Eligibility Considerations

Most permanent parent visas require:

• Passing the Balance of Family Test

• An eligible sponsor who is settled in Australia

• Meeting health and character requirements

Contributory visas also require an Assurance of Support involving a financial bond.

How RACC Can Help Your Parent Visa

Choosing the right parent visa for your family can be complex. With varying eligibility criteria, processing times, and costs, it’s essential to get professional advice.

Our team of registered migration agents is here to:

• Help you understand which parent visa suits your family’s situation.

• Guide you through the application process.

• Ensure compliance with all eligibility requirements.

Contact us today to get started on bringing your parents to Australia.

Book a Consultation