Parent visas. Understand your family’s options.
Seven parent visa subclasses differ in cost, waiting time, age requirements and where the application is made. Compare them below, then talk through your family’s circumstances with Amir.
Compare all seven subclasses
General information only, not an eligibility assessment. Scroll the table sideways on smaller screens.
| Visa | Status | Age | Balance of family | Where to apply | Cost and wait |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contributory Parent Visas | |||||
| 143Contributory Parent Visa | Permanent | No aged-parent threshold | Generally required; exemptions may apply | In or outside Australia to apply, subject to visa conditions and pathway-specific rules. | Higher government charges than subclass 103. Capped and queued; substantial waits still apply. |
| 173Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa | Temporary · up to 2 years | No aged-parent threshold | Required | In or outside Australia to apply, subject to current visa conditions. | Two application stages spread charges over time, but generally cost more overall than direct 143. Queues apply. |
| 864Contributory Aged Parent Visa | Permanent | Australian Age Pension age threshold | Generally required; exemptions may apply | In Australia to apply, not in immigration clearance; confirm grant-location requirements for your circumstances. | Higher government charges than subclass 804. Capped and queued; not a fast-track. |
| 884Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) Visa | Temporary · up to 2 years | Australian Age Pension age threshold | Required | In Australia, not in immigration clearance, at application and decision. | A staged payment pathway, not a discount. Combined 884 and 864 charges generally exceed direct 864; queues apply. |
| Non-Contributory Parent Visas | |||||
| 103Parent Visa | Permanent | No aged-parent threshold | Generally required; exemptions may apply | In or outside Australia to apply, subject to visa conditions and pathway-specific rules. | Lower government charges than contributory options, with very long processing queues. |
| 804Aged Parent Visa | Permanent | Australian Age Pension age threshold | Required, subject to applicable exemptions | In Australia, not in immigration clearance, at application and decision. | Lower charges than contributory aged parent visas, but very long queues. Assess life during the waiting period. |
| Sponsored Temporary Parent Visa | |||||
| 870Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa | Temporary · up to 3 or 5 years | At least 18 years | Not required | Normally outside Australia to apply; permission to apply onshore is limited to exceptional circumstances. | Separate sponsorship and visa charges; health insurance and financial obligations. No work rights or direct PR pathway. |
General information only, not individual migration advice. See the official parent visa overview and current parent visa queue information.
Parent visa questions
Broadly, it considers where your children live: at least half must be eligible children, or more eligible children must live in Australia than in any one other country. Counting rules and exemptions matter. It generally applies to the six contributory and non-contributory parent subclasses, but not subclass 870.
No. Permanent parent visa places are limited, and contributory options also involve capping, queueing and potentially substantial waits. Compare current Department queue information rather than relying on a fixed promise.
The applicant must meet the qualifying Australian Age Pension age threshold as well as the other visa criteria. Being of that age does not establish eligibility for pension payments.
Not automatically across all parent visa types. A valid onshore application may lead to a bridging visa, but grant, commencement, work and travel conditions need individual assessment. Check current visa conditions before making plans.
It is a financial undertaking that may be required for a permanent parent visa and is separate from sponsorship. Eligibility, any bond and the support period depend on the circumstances. Subclass 870 does not require Assurance of Support.
Book your appointment first, then complete the visitor registration form linked below. Appointments are normally by phone, via Zoom or in person at the Melbourne office.
Your matter:
Parent visas.
Selected service · Parent visas
A consultation assesses your circumstances, discusses realistic options and outlines possible next steps. It is not a visa or review application and not a representation agreement. Any further work, its scope and fees are agreed separately.
- 01Book your appointment
Choose an available appointment time and check the details before confirming.
Book appointment (opens booking page in a new tab) - 02Complete the visitor registration form
After booking, add your details and circumstances for your parent visas consultation.
Complete registration form (opens in a new tab) - 03Attend your consultation
Appointments are normally by phone, via Zoom, or in person at our Melbourne office. Follow your appointment confirmation for the arrangements.
Urgent matter or approaching deadline? Call our office on 03 9620 3195 or mobile +61 415 997 528.Message (SMS)WhatsAppA booking does not lodge anything, preserve rights or extend a deadline.