Reviewed by Skillage Nimbus | MARN 2217972 | IAA 202503676
Choosing a Parent visa is a family decision and a financial one. The right pathway depends on eligibility, budget, the need for permanent residence and how long your family can wait.
The central trade-off is clear: the lower-cost permanent option has a much longer queue. Contributory options cost more and may move through the queue sooner. A temporary visa can allow extended family time, but it does not provide permanent residence.
Start with the main requirements
Most permanent parent visa pathways require an eligible child who is settled in Australia and is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. The sponsor must meet the relevant requirements. Depending on the visa, an income requirement may apply to a sponsor or to a person providing an Assurance of Support.
Permanent parent visa applicants generally need to meet the balance-of-family test. Broadly, this looks at where the parent’s children and stepchildren live, and how many are eligible children living in Australia. It applies to subclasses 103, 143, 173, 804 and 864. It does not apply to subclass 870.
An Assurance of Support may also be required for a permanent parent visa. This is a formal undertaking intended to help prevent the visa holder from relying on certain government payments. The assurer must meet applicable requirements. The sponsor and assurer are not necessarily the same person.
These are general outlines, not a complete eligibility assessment. Family structure, sponsor circumstances, health and character requirements, and visa history can all matter. Check the current Home Affairs Parent visa information and relevant subclass criteria before deciding.
Compare the main Parent visa options
| Visa | What it offers | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Subclass 103, Parent visa | Permanent residence, with lower charges than contributory options | Much longer queue |
| Subclass 143, Contributory Parent | Permanent residence through a contributory pathway | Higher charges; may move through the queue sooner |
| Subclass 173, Contributory Parent (Temporary) | A temporary first stage with a later pathway to subclass 143 | Charges are staged; permanent residence is not automatic |
| Subclasses 804 and 864: Aged Parent options | Onshore permanent options for eligible aged parents | Age, location and other requirements apply; queues still matter |
| Subclass 870, Sponsored Parent (Temporary) | Extended family time in Australia without permanent residence | Temporary only; no work rights |
Subclass 103: lower charges, longer queue
The subclass 103 Parent visa is a permanent visa. Its charges are lower than those for a contributory Parent visa. The trade-off is the queue. Home Affairs says demand for Parent visas exceeds available places, and applications are subject to capping and queueing.
This may suit a family that meets the requirements, wants a permanent pathway and can plan around a long, uncertain wait. It is not a good fit if you need a predictable grant date.
The parent generally needs an eligible sponsor and must meet the balance-of-family test. An Assurance of Support is also required, subject to the applicable rules.
Subclass 143: higher charges for a contributory pathway
The subclass 143 Contributory Parent visa is a permanent visa. It has higher charges than subclass 103. Home Affairs may process contributory applications faster, but that does not mean immediate processing or a guaranteed outcome.
Applicants still need to meet the relevant sponsor, balance-of-family, health and character requirements. An Assurance of Support also applies. Consider the full cost and obligations before choosing this pathway.
Subclass 173: pay in stages, then consider subclass 143
The subclass 173 Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa offers a two-stage approach. Eligible parents may later apply for the permanent subclass 143 pathway, subject to meeting the requirements at that stage.
This spreads payments across stages. But it means two applications and a further decision. Moving from subclass 173 to subclass 143 is not automatic. Compare the total pathway and requirements, not just the initial stage.
Subclasses 804 and 864: onshore aged-parent options
The subclass 804 Aged Parent visa and subclass 864 Contributory Aged Parent visa are onshore options for parents who meet the relevant age and other criteria. Broadly, subclass 804 is non-contributory; subclass 864 is contributory and may move through the queue sooner.
Being in Australia does not by itself make someone eligible. Visa status, location and age requirements need careful checking. The balance-of-family test and an Assurance of Support generally apply to these permanent pathways.
Subclass 870: extended stays without permanent residence
The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa subclass 870 can be a practical option for families seeking longer visits. It allows a parent to stay for an approved period of up to three or five years at a time, subject to visa conditions, with a maximum cumulative stay of 10 years.
The parent cannot work on this visa. It does not grant permanent residence and does not require the balance-of-family test. The Australian sponsor must first meet sponsorship requirements, including the applicable income requirement. The visa also has specific rules about repeat applications and how it interacts with other Parent visa applications.
Subclass 870 may help a family spend more time together while considering a permanent pathway. It is not a substitute for permanent residence. Families should also note that visitor visas to Australia now generally carry a no-further-stay condition, which can affect options for later onshore applications. For background, see our earlier article on no-further-stay conditions on visitor visas. Check the official subclass 870 requirements before making plans.
Processing reality: plan for uncertainty
Parent visa queues run for years. The exact wait for an individual application cannot be predicted. It depends on factors such as the visa subclass, application readiness, places available and future program settings. No estimate should be treated as a promised processing time.
The Department’s Parent visa queue information explains that applications are assessed and queued, then released for further processing as places become available. A complete application matters, but it cannot remove the queue or guarantee when a visa will be granted.
Practical steps:
- Check the balance-of-family test before committing to a permanent application.
- Compare total charges and obligations across the full pathway.
- Consider whether subclass 870 suits your family’s interim needs.
- Get advice before changing or withdrawing an existing application.
- Recheck official requirements before lodging and while waiting.
Considering New Zealand too?
Families weighing both countries may also want to review New Zealand’s Parent Resident Visa settings. Immigration New Zealand says a hybrid expression-of-interest selection model began on 5 October 2026. About 90% of selections are made chronologically and about 10% by ballot. The first selection under that model is scheduled for 10 November 2026.
These are New Zealand settings, not Australian Parent visa rules. Check the details directly with Immigration New Zealand. To explore Skillage Nimbus services, visit skillage.com.au.
Talk through your options
A Parent visa decision can involve several applicants, sponsors and long-term plans. We can help you compare the pathways and identify what to check before lodging.
- Book a migration consultation
- Explore our migration services
- Speak with a migration agent in Adelaide
- Call Skillage Nimbus on +61 8 9131 6011
- Call +61 8 9131 6011
General information disclaimer: This article provides general information, not migration advice for your circumstances. Visa requirements, charges, sponsorship criteria and program settings can change. Verify current Australian visa information directly on immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before acting. Confirm New Zealand requirements with Immigration New Zealand. Eligibility depends on individual circumstances. No visa outcome or processing timeframe is guaranteed.
Frequently asked questions
Which Parent visa is the cheapest?
Subclass 103 generally has lower charges than contributory Parent visa options. However, it comes with a much longer queue. Check current charges and related costs before applying.
Is subclass 143 faster than subclass 103?
Home Affairs may process contributory Parent visas faster than subclass 103. There is no guaranteed processing time. Queue movement and available places can change.
What is the difference between subclasses 143 and 173?
Subclass 143 is a permanent Contributory Parent visa. Subclass 173 is temporary and may provide a pathway to subclass 143 through a later application. The second stage is not automatic.
Do subclasses 103, 143 and 173 require the balance-of-family test?
The test applies to these permanent parent pathways, including subclass 173. Check the current rules and how they apply to every child and stepchild.
Can a subclass 870 visa lead to permanent residence?
No. Subclass 870 is temporary and does not itself lead to permanent residence. It allows eligible parents to stay for approved periods, subject to the maximum cumulative stay and visa conditions.
Can parents work on subclass 870?
No. Subclass 870 does not provide work rights. Review the visa conditions before making travel or family plans.