Parents: Bringing Your Family to Australia
Bringing your parents to Australia is one of the most important migration decisions a family can make. Due to the complexity and long processing times, expert advice is essential. We help you choose the pathway that best meets your family's financial situation and reunion timeline.
The Core Requirement:
Balance of Family Test
To be eligible for any Parent Visas, the parent must satisfy the Balance of Family Test.
The Rule: At least half of the parent's children must be Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens settled in Australia.
Crucial Note: The Temporary Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870) is the only option that does not require meeting the BofT.
Permanent Residency Pathways
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The Contributory Pathways (Subclasses 143 / 864)
These visas require a significant financial contribution to the Australian government in exchange for a place in a much shorter queue.
Key Feature: High cost (approximately AUD $48,000+ per parent, usually paid in two instalments).
Processing Time: Although still lengthy, it is significantly faster than the non-contributory pathway. Current estimates are generally around 12 – 15 years, depending on demand and annual caps (this timeframe changes frequently).
Aged Parent Option (SC 864): Available to parents who meet Australian Age Pension age (currently 67+) and who are already in Australia and eligible to apply onshore.
Cost-Spread Option (SC 173 / 884): These temporary visas allow the cost to be spread over two stages—temporary first, then permanent—meaning the larger contribution is paid over several years instead of upfront.
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The Non-Contributory Pathways (Subclasses 103 / 804)
These visas have much lower government application charges compared to contributory parent visas, but they come with extremely long processing times due to strict annual caps and queue limits.
Key Feature: Low cost (approximately AUD $7,300+ per parent).
Processing Time:Extremely long, currently estimated at 30+ years due to very limited annual grant numbers.
Suitability: This option is generally only suitable when families understand that the parent may never reach grant in their lifetime, and instead wish to lodge a low-cost permanent application while relying on a different visa (such as the Subclass 870) for ongoing visits.
Aged Parent Option (Subclass 804): For parents who meet the Age Pension age requirement and are already in Australia. Applicants are usually granted a Bridging Visa after lodgement, allowing them to remain lawfully in Australia while waiting in the queue.
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Temporary Solution Sponsored Parent (Subclass 870)
A non-permanent visa designed for long-term family visits, offering a practical option while permanent parent visas remain in long queues.
Maximum Stay: Up to 10 years total, granted in 3- or 5-year periods, with a maximum cumulative stay condition.
Processing Time: Significantly faster
Key Benefit: No Balance-of-Family Test is required, making it accessible even where most children are overseas.
Cost: Significantly lower than contributory permanent parent visas
Limitations:
- does not lead to permanent residency
- no work rights
- no Medicare eligibility (private OVHC/health insurance is mandatory)
Deciding between a 30-year queue, a faster contributory option with higher fees, or a long-stay temporary visa requires careful analysis of your family situation, timing, and financial capacity.
We can assess all available pathways and recommend the most suitable option for your parents. We also handle the full application process, including sponsor eligibility, financial requirements, and supporting documentation.
Book a consultation to discuss your family’s best strategy.