Australia remains a dream destination not just for skilled migrants and international students but also for families wanting to reunite. If you’re a permanent resident or citizen of Australia (or an eligible New Zealand citizen) and wish to bring your parents over, Australia offers several parent visa options. Each subclass has specific eligibility criteria, processing times, and costs, ranging from temporary to permanent pathways.
Here’s everything you need about Parent Visas 2025, including Subclass 103, 143, 173, 870, 864, and 884.
Why Consider a Parent Visa?
Australia’s Parent visa program allows parents to join their children and grandchildren in Australia either permanently or temporarily. These visas enable families to stay connected, especially for aging parents who may require emotional and physical support from their children.
Key Eligibility Criteria for Parent Visas
Regardless of the visa subclass, most parent visas require:
- Sponsorship by an eligible child (must be a permanent resident, Australian citizen, or eligible New Zealand citizen)
- Meeting the Balance of Family Test, meaning at least half of your children are Australian Permanent Residents, Australian citizens, or eligible New Zealand citizens living in Australia
- Proof of identity and health & character requirements
- Sometimes, an Assurance of Support (AoS) and/or income thresholds are needed.
1. Parent Visa (Subclass 103) Permanent and Affordable, But Slow
Subclass 103 is a permanent visa with the lowest government fee. Still, it has long processing times due to more demand and limited annual allocations.
Key Features:
- Cost-effective: Lowest visa charges
- Permanent residency: Access to Medicare and other benefits
- No age limit
- Family reunion focus
Drawbacks:
- Very long queue
- Cannot be granted while onshore unless eligible to apply from within Australia
Best for: Those willing to wait and don’t need immediate permanent residency.
2. Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) Permanent and Faster
Subclass 143 is a permanent visa like the 103 but is significantly faster and typically processed within 5–6 years. However, it comes with a much higher cost due to the “contribution” to Australia’s healthcare and social system.
Key Features:
- Faster processing than Subclass 103
- Grants permanent residency
- Must pass the Balance of Family Test
- Requires an Assurance of Support (AoS)
Costs:
- Total government fees can exceed AUD 47,825 (principal applicant)
Best for families who can afford more costs and want quicker permanent residency for their parents.
3. (Temporary) Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 173) Step Toward Subclass 143
Subclass 173 authorizes parents to live in Australia for up to 2 years.
Key Features:
- Temporary stay for 2 years
- Must apply for Subclass 143 during or after the 173 period
- Requires payment in two installments, spreading out the total cost
Advantages:
- Allows parents to experience life in Australia first
- Cost split over two applications (173 + 143)
Best for: Those who want to spread the financial burden over time.
4. Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864) Onshore Option for Aged Parents
Subclass 864 is ideal for aged parents (pension-eligible age) already in Australia. It offers a permanent visa with onshore application rights and access to Medicare while awaiting the decision.
Key Features:
- Must be in Australia at the time of application and decision
- Must meet aged parent criteria (65+ depending on birth year)
- Grants permanent residency
- Processing time of about 12+ years
- Requires Assurance of Support (AoS)
Best for: Aged parents already in Australia on a visitor visa who meet eligibility and prefer to stay permanently. They can keep staying in Australia on a Bridging Visa A until the decision is made.
5. Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 884) First Step to 864
Like the 173–143 combination, the Subclass 884 allows aged parents to live in Australia temporarily for 2 years, after which they can apply for the Subclass 864 permanent visa.
Key Features:
- Apply while onshore
- Spread visa costs over two stages
- No bridging visa granted if applying for a visitor visa must maintain lawful status
Best for: Aged parents wanting to extend their stay in Australia and plan for a permanent future.
6. Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870) Temporary Stay for Up to 10 Years
Subclass 870 is a parent visa that doesn’t require meeting the Balance of Family Test and allows parents to live in Australia for 3 or 5 years, extendable up to 10 years in total.
Key Features:
- No Balance of Family Test required
- No Assurance of Support
- Stay for 3 or 5 years (renewable)
- No work rights
- Sponsor must meet income requirements
- Sponsor must be a permanent resident/Australian citizen/eligible NZ citizen for a minimum of 4 years
Limitations:
- No pathway to permanent residency
- Cannot apply for another onshore parent visa while holding 870
Best for Families seeking long-term temporary stay for parents without the high costs or processing delays of permanent visas.
How to Choose the Right Parent Visa?
Choosing the proper parent visa depends on the following:
- Budget: Subclass 103 is economical but slow, while 143 and 864 are costly but faster.
- Urgency: If quick entry or onshore stay is needed, 870 or 864 may be suitable.
- Parent’s age: Aged options like 864 and 884 are only available to those at or above pension age.
- Location: Onshore vs offshore availability can significantly impact your options.
Processing Times in 2025
| Visa Subclass | Estimated Processing Time | Acknowledge New Application | Queue Assessment | Visa Assessment (Queue Release Date) |
| Subclass 103 | 30+ years | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Subclass 143 | 14 years | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Subclass 173 | 2 years (then apply for 143) | Approx. 4 weeks | Lodged March 2022 | Lodged/queued up to May 2018 |
| Subclass 864 | 3-5 years | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Subclass 884 | 2 years (then apply for 864) | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Subclass 870 | 5-7 Months (temporary) | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Note: Processing times can vary based on demand, quotas, and changes in immigration policy.
Assurance of Support (AoS)
An AoS is a financial guarantee the sponsor provides (and sometimes an additional person) to ensure the visa holder doesn’t rely on government welfare. This is required for Subclass 143, 173, 864, and 884.
Balance of Family Test
Most of your children must live in Australia legally and permanently to pass this test. For example:
- If you have four children, at least two must be in Australia
- If you have three children and only one is in Australia, you won’t pass the test
The 870 visa is exempt from this requirement.
Recent Updates and Future Trends
As of 2025:
- Demand for parent visas remains high, especially for Subclass 143 and 870
- The government continues to review processing quotas and waitlists
- Many families are using temporary pathways (870, 173, 884) to bridge the long wait for permanent residency
Let Oracle Immigration Consultants Help You Reunite With Your Loved Ones
Australia’s parent visa options can be challenging due to the rules, requirements, and lengthy wait times. At Oracle Immigration Consultants, we recognize the significance of family and are dedicated to assisting you in making the best choice based on your circumstances.
Ready to bring your parents to Australia? Book a consultation with Oracle Immigration Consultants today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the processing time for Parent Visa Subclass 103?
The Subclass 103 Parent Visa is one of the most affordable options but also the slowest.
Estimated Processing Time: Over 30 years
Due to high demand and limited yearly spots, this visa has an extensive queue.
What is the processing time for Contributory Parent Visa Subclass 143?
This is a permanent visa with a faster queue – but it comes with higher costs.
As of May 2025, the actual processing time is around 14 years, even though the general estimate is 3 to 5 years.
Applications lodged in March 2022 are being assessed, with queue releases up to April 2018.
What is the processing time for Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa Subclass 173?
Subclass 173 is valid for 2 years. Applicants are expected to apply for Subclass 143 within this time.
Processing Timeline (as of 30 April 2025):
- New Application Acknowledgement: Approx. 4 weeks
- Applications Lodged: March 2022
- Queue Release Date: Up to May 2018
What is the processing time for Contributory Aged Parent Visa Subclass 864?
This is the permanent aged parent visa for parents of Australian pension age.
Estimated Processing Time: 3 to 5 years
Actual wait times may vary depending on lodgement dates and available positions in the migration program.
What is the processing time for Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) Visa Subclass 884?
Subclass 884 allows aged parents to stay temporarily in Australia for 2 years.
During this period, applicants are expected to apply for the permanent Subclass 864 visa.
What is the processing time for Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa Subclass 870?
870 visa is designed for parents who wish to stay temporarily without a path to permanent residency.
Estimated Processing Time: 5 to 7 months
This visa allows parents to stay for 3 to 5 years, with a maximum stay of 10 years.
Disclaimer: The above information is not tailored to personal circumstances.
For information relevant to personal circumstances, please book an
appointment with Oracle Immigration Consultant’s expert migration agents in
Australia.
For any inquiries, please contact us at +61 430812158. We are premier Immigration agency and consultancy in Melbourne (Bundoora and Geelong).
