Which visa is right for your family?
Reuniting families is one of the most important — and most difficult — parts of the Australian migration program. Parent visas are in very high demand, processing queues are long, and government charges are substantial. Understanding the differences between the available pathways before applying is essential.
Balance of Family test applies to most permanent pathways
The Balance of Family test requires that at least half of a parent's children are settled in Australia (or more children are settled in Australia than in any other single country). Most permanent parent visa subclasses require it — only the subclass 870 is exempt.
Temporary visa as a pragmatic alternative
Many families use the subclass 870 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa as a practical solution while they wait in the permanent queue or assess whether permanent migration is achievable.
Contributory parent visas have high charges — but shorter queues
The contributory pathways (143, 173, 864) require substantially higher government charges than non-contributory pathways (103, 804), but their queues, while still long, are currently shorter. The trade-off is explicit: pay more, wait less.
Assurance of Support required for permanent visas
All permanent parent visas require the sponsor (the child in Australia) to lodge an Assurance of Support — a legally binding undertaking to support the parent financially if they claim certain government benefits. A bond is required.
Parent visa types at a glance
Contributory Parent
Contributory Parent (Temporary)
Parent
Aged Parent
Contributory Aged Parent
Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary)
Sponsored Parent (Temporary)
The Queue Reality — What Families Need to Know
Planning for parent migration requires an honest assessment of realistic timeframes. The Department of Home Affairs publishes indicative processing times, but these can understate real-world waits for new applications at the back of a long queue.
Non-contributory pathways (103, 804)
The subclass 103 (Parent) and subclass 804 (Aged Parent) are non-contributory pathways with much lower government charges (~AUD 4,990). The trade-off is a processing queue that is extraordinarily long. The Department has publicly stated that wait times for non-contributory parent applications currently extend to several decades. For a parent who is already in their 60s, a non-contributory permanent visa is not a realistic near-term option. Nanak Migration Group does not recommend lodging a non-contributory parent application if the family expects a decision within 10–15 years.
Contributory pathways (143, 173, 864)
The subclass 143 (Contributory Parent) is the most common permanent parent pathway. The higher charges fund the contributory queue, which is shorter — but still currently estimated at 12–15 years for new applications at the back of the queue. A child who sponsors a parent today should plan for the parent to spend those 12–15 years visiting on visitor visas or living in Australia on the subclass 870 while the permanent application is processed. The 173 Contributory Parent Temporary visa allows the parent to live in Australia on a temporary basis while the permanent 143 application processes.
The 870 as a bridge strategy
For many families, the most practical near-term solution is the subclass 870 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa. This allows the parent to live in Australia for up to 10 years in total (via 3-year or 5-year grants) while waiting in the permanent queue. The 870 has no Balance of Family test, is significantly cheaper than any permanent option, and can be applied for relatively quickly once the sponsor is approved. However, it provides no work rights, no Medicare access (private health insurance required for the full stay), and no direct pathway to permanent residence — the parent must still qualify for and be processed in a permanent parent visa queue.
Visa Comparison Table
Figures current at August 2026 — confirm on the Department of Home Affairs website before relying on these amounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
This information is general in nature and does not constitute immigration assistance or legal advice for any individual situation. Requirements including occupation lists, fees and processing criteria change without notice.
Nanak Migration Group Pty Ltd makes no representation that information on this site is complete, current or applicable to your circumstances. Nothing here guarantees, implies or represents any visa outcome, approval likelihood or processing time.
Obtain advice tailored to your situation from a registered migration agent or Australian legal practitioner. Navpreet Aulakh, MARN 2619467, is registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority.
Information current as at August 2026. Verify all requirements with the Department of Home Affairs (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) before lodging any application.