How to Sponsor Parents to Australia: Complete 2026 Guide
Bringing parents to Australia permanently is one of the most complex and expensive family migration pathways. Parent visas involve long wait times, high costs, and specific eligibility requirements. This guide explains all available options, the balance of family test, and helps you decide which pathway is most realistic for your situation.
Quick Facts: Parent Visa Options
| Visa | Type | Cost (Approx.) | Wait Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subclass 143 | Contributory Parent | AUD $49,000+ per parent | 5-7 years |
| Subclass 173/143 | Contributory (two-stage) | AUD $49,000+ total | 5-7 years |
| Subclass 103 | Non-Contributory Parent | AUD $6,990 | 15-30+ years |
| Subclass 804 | Aged Parent (onshore) | AUD $6,990 | 15-30+ years |
| Subclass 870 | Sponsored Parent (Temporary) | AUD $5,735-$11,470 | Months |
| Subclass 600 | Visitor (extended stay) | AUD $430 | Weeks |
The Balance of Family Test
Before looking at specific visas, your parents must meet the balance of family test. This test requires that:
- At least half of your parents' children live permanently in Australia, OR
- More of your parents' children live permanently in Australia than in any single other country
How It's Calculated
All of your parents' children are counted — including step-children, adopted children, and children from previous relationships. "Living permanently" generally means holding Australian permanent residency or citizenship.
Example: Your parents have four children. Two live permanently in Australia, one in the UK, one in India. The test is met because at least half (2 out of 4) live in Australia.
Example: Your parents have three children. One lives in Australia, one in the UK, one in India. The test is met because more children live in Australia (1) than in any single other country (1 each).
Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143)
This is the most common choice because, despite the high cost, it processes significantly faster than the non-contributory option.
Requirements
- Your parent must be sponsored by their child (or child's partner) who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Balance of family test met
- Parent meets health and character requirements
- Assurance of Support (financial bond) required
- Contributory Parent visa charge paid
Costs Breakdown
The total cost per parent is approximately AUD $49,000+:
- First visa application charge: approximately AUD $4,765
- Second visa application charge: approximately AUD $44,545 (payable before visa grant)
- Assurance of Support bond: approximately AUD $10,000-$14,000 (refundable after 10 years if the parent doesn't claim social security benefits)
Processing Time
Contributory parent visas currently take approximately 5 to 7 years to process. This has fluctuated over time — it was shorter several years ago and has gradually increased.
Two-Stage Option (Subclass 173 then 143)
If paying the full amount upfront is difficult, the two-stage option allows:
- Apply for subclass 173 (temporary contributory parent visa) — pay the first charge
- After the 173 is granted, you have two years to apply for the permanent 143 — pay the second charge
This spreads the cost over time but adds additional application fees.
Non-Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 103)
The Wait Time Problem
The non-contributory parent visa costs significantly less than the contributory option — but the processing queue is extraordinary. Current wait times are estimated at 15 to 30+ years. This is not a typo.
The Department processes only a very small number of subclass 103 visas each year, prioritising the contributory stream. This means the non-contributory queue barely moves.
Is It Worth Applying?
For most families, the realistic answer is no — unless you're comfortable with a decades-long wait. The visa application fee (approximately AUD $6,990) is non-refundable, and your parent's circumstances may change dramatically over 15-30 years.
However, some families lodge a 103 application as a backup while pursuing the 143 or other options.
Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870)
The subclass 870 provides a temporary alternative for parents who want to spend extended time in Australia without permanent migration.
Key Features
- Valid for 3 or 5 years (your choice)
- Can be renewed once (maximum total 10 years)
- Allows parents to stay in Australia continuously
- No work rights
- No Medicare (must hold private health insurance)
- Does not lead to permanent residency
Requirements
- Sponsor (their child) must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ citizen
- Sponsor must meet income threshold (taxable income of AUD $83,454.80 or combined family income of AUD $83,454.80)
- Sponsor approval required before parent's visa application
- Parent must hold adequate health insurance
- Parent meets health and character requirements
Cost
- 3-year visa: AUD $5,735
- 5-year visa: AUD $11,470
- Sponsorship application fee: AUD $420
Advantages
The 870 processes much faster than parent visa categories (months rather than years) and allows extended family time. The downside is it's temporary, doesn't provide Medicare or work rights, and doesn't lead to permanent residency.
Visitor Visa (Extended Stay)
For parents who don't need permanent residency, repeated visitor visa grants can provide significant time in Australia:
- Apply for a subclass 600 with a stay period of up to 12 months
- Some visitor visas allow multiple entries
- Cost: AUD $430 per application
This is the simplest and cheapest option but requires repeated applications and doesn't provide Medicare, work rights, or a pathway to permanent status.
Comparing Your Options
| Factor | Contributory (143) | Non-Contributory (103) | Temporary (870) | Visitor (600) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | ~AUD $49,000+ | ~AUD $6,990 | AUD $5,735-$11,470 | AUD $430 |
| Wait Time | 5-7 years | 15-30+ years | Months | Weeks |
| Permanent? | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Medicare | Yes (from grant) | Yes (from grant) | No | No |
| Work Rights | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can both parents apply together?
Yes. Both parents can apply simultaneously, but each parent is a separate applicant with separate fees. The total cost for two parents on the contributory pathway exceeds AUD $100,000.
Can my parents work in Australia on a parent visa?
On permanent parent visas (143, 103), yes — they have full work rights from visa grant. On temporary (870) and visitor (600) visas, no.
What is the Assurance of Support?
A financial guarantee that your parent won't access Australian social security for a specified period (usually 10 years). You lodge a bond (approximately AUD $10,000-$14,000) with Services Australia, which is returned after the period if your parent hasn't claimed benefits.
Can I sponsor my parents if I'm on a temporary visa?
No. You must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to sponsor parents for any parent visa category.
What if my parent has a health condition?
Parents must meet health requirements. Pre-existing conditions may result in a health waiver request or additional costs. Elderly parents may face higher scrutiny on health requirements due to potential healthcare costs to Australia.
Is there a way to speed up the process?
The contributory pathway is the fastest permanent option. There's no way to further expedite processing. The temporary 870 visa is the fastest way to get a parent to Australia if permanent residency isn't immediately needed.
