Parent Visas for Families in Australia
Parent visas let the parents of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen settle in Australia. The options differ a great deal in cost and waiting time, so choosing the right one matters. We help you compare them honestly, including how long the queue is likely to be.
Parent visas come in four main forms. The contributory visas (143 and 173) cost more but are processed faster, while the non-contributory visas (103 and 804) cost less but involve very long waits. Your choice depends on your circumstances, budget and how quickly your parents need to come.
- SponsorChild living in Australia
- TestBalance of family
- Contributory143 and 173
- Non-contributory103 and 804
Which parent visa fits
| Visa | Type | Where you apply | Waiting time and cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contributory Parent (143) | Permanent, contributory | Outside Australia | Shorter wait, higher cost |
| Contributory Parent Temporary (173) | Temporary, first stage | Outside Australia | Shorter wait, with a later 143 application |
| Parent (103) | Permanent, non-contributory | Outside Australia | Lower cost, very long queue |
| Aged Parent (804) | Permanent, non-contributory | In Australia | Age Pension age required, very long queue |
Overview
Parent visas let the parents of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen settle in Australia.
- They fall into two groups: contributory visas (143 and 173), and non-contributory visas (103 and 804).
- The groups differ greatly in cost and waiting time, so the choice affects both your budget and your timeline.
- The 143, 103 and 804 are permanent visas, and the 173 is a temporary first stage for the 143.
Who this suits
Parents whose child in Australia is ready to sponsor them and who want a shorter wait, through the contributory visas
Parents who can wait a very long time and prefer the lower-cost non-contributory route
Parents already in Australia who have reached Age Pension age, who may consider the 804
Families who want an honest comparison before committing to a pathway
Key facts
- The contributory visas (143 and 173) have a shorter wait than the non-contributory visas, usually at a higher cost.
- The 173 allows a stay of up to 2 years, cannot be extended, and most holders then apply for the 143.
- The 103 is subject to annual quotas and a very long queue, often many years or decades.
- The 804 is for parents of Age Pension age who are in Australia, and it is queue-based with a very long wait.
Government application fees
Parent (103) and Aged Parent (804)
Main applicant$6,600
Additional applicant 18+$3,300
Additional applicant under 18$1,655
A second instalment of $2,065 is payable before the visa is granted.
Contributory Parent (143)
Main applicant$6,300
Additional applicant 18+$2,125
Additional applicant under 18$1,065
A second instalment of $43,600 is payable before the visa is granted. Lower rates apply in some cases, such as holders of a 173 visa.
Contributory Parent (Temporary) (173)
Main applicant$4,245
Additional applicant 18+$2,125
Additional applicant under 18$1,065
A second instalment of $29,130 is payable before the visa is granted.
These are the Department of Home Affairs charges only. They are indexed each 1 July, so confirm the current amount with the Department before you lodge. Other costs may apply, such as health examinations, police certificates, skills assessments and the Skilling Australians Fund levy. Our professional fees are separate.
What you need to qualify
- You have a child who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, and who will sponsor you.
- You meet the Balance of Family test: generally at least half of your children live permanently in Australia, or more of your children live in Australia than in any other single country.
- The sponsor is approved, and generally has been settled in Australia for the required period.
- An Assurance of Support (a financial guarantee) is provided in most cases.
- Everyone included in the application meets health and character requirements.
How the process works
- 01Check the Balance of Family test and the sponsor’s eligibility before choosing a visa
- 02Compare the contributory and non-contributory options, and the waiting time of each
- 03Prepare and lodge the application with the sponsorship and supporting family documents
- 04Wait in the queue, respond to requests, and arrange the Assurance of Support and health checks when asked
- 05For the temporary route, hold the 173 and then apply for the 143; otherwise, receive the permanent visa when it is reached in the queue
Documents you will need
- Identity: passports, birth certificates and any name-change records for you and your included family members
- Family composition: records for all of your children, including stepchildren and adopted children, and where each lives
- Sponsor: evidence of the sponsor’s status in Australia, and their identity and residence documents
- Financial: documents for the Assurance of Support, in the form the department requires
- Health and character: police certificates and health examinations for everyone included
What to expect after you apply
- Non-contributory applications wait in a queue, and the length of the wait is not predictable.
- Contributory visas are assessed with priority, but waiting times still vary and are not guaranteed.
- You may be asked for updated documents while you wait, including health and police checks that need to be current.
- Visa charges, quotas and the Assurance of Support rules change, and Southern Stone confirms the current rules before you lodge.
How we help
- Check the Balance of Family test accurately, including stepchildren and adopted children
- Prepare the sponsorship and the supporting family documents
- Compare the contributory and non-contributory options, and the waiting time of each
- Support you through health, character and procedural requirements
Common pitfalls
- Miscounting children and failing the Balance of Family test, which cannot be waived
- Incomplete sponsorship or Assurance of Support
- Underestimating waiting times and annual quotas
- Applying for the 804 from outside Australia, or applying while holding certain temporary parent visas
Frequently asked questions
Is there an age limit?
There is no strict age limit for the 143 and 173. The 804 requires you to be old enough for the Age Pension, and that threshold is set by the government and can change. We confirm the current requirement when we assess your eligibility.
Can my partner or dependent children be included?
Yes, eligible family members can be included if they meet health and character requirements. Each person is assessed individually, and the rules for who counts as a dependant can be detailed. We check who can be included in your situation and what evidence is needed.
Is there an alternative if I cannot wait many years?
The contributory visas (173 then 143) have shorter waits than the non-contributory options, usually at a higher cost. Which suits you depends on your finances, age and family plans. We compare them honestly, including the likely waiting time for each.
Do I need an Assurance of Support?
In most cases yes, to show you will not rely on social security payments after arrival. It is a financial guarantee given by someone in Australia, and the requirements can change. Southern Stone confirms what applies to your visa and helps prepare it.
What is the Balance of Family test?
It generally requires that at least half of your children live permanently in Australia, or that more of your children live in Australia than in any other single country. It cannot be waived, so counting correctly is essential. We check it carefully, including stepchildren and adopted children.
Can I visit Australia while waiting for a parent visa?
Often yes, on a visitor visa, if you meet its requirements. Long stays and repeated visits can raise questions, and some temporary visas affect later parent applications. Please speak with us before you apply so your visit does not cause problems for your plans.