Parent visas
These routes often come down to a choice
between time and cost. We'll help you weigh it honestly.
I have time and want a low cost route
Parent Resident Visa
Lower fee, longer wait, sometimes years.
Parent visa (103) or Aged Parent visa (804)
Lower fee, longer wait, sometimes years.
I want my parents here faster
and can pay more
Contributory Parent (143) or
Contributory Aged Parent (864)
Higher fee, much faster processing.
I want a temporary option while the permanent application is decided
Contributory Parent Temporary (173)
Contributory Aged Parent Temporary (884)
Both options let your parent be there with
you sooner, ahead of the permanent outcome.
My parents are only visiting
Parent Boost Visitor Visa
No residence, but quicker and
cheaper than any permanent route.
Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (870)
No residence, but quicker and
cheaper than any permanent route.
Lot of trade-offs to think about?
Tell us what matters to you and we'll lay out what that actually means.
What we do
- Tell you what each route costs and how long it tends to take.
- Preparing the application and speaking with immigration.
- Staying in touch through what can be a very long wait.
- Checking whether the Balance of Family Test or other requirements apply to you.
Common questions
Why do parent visas take so long?
Non-contributory routes in both countries have long queues, sometimes years. Contributory routes cost more but move faster. We'll set realistic expectations from the start, not after you've committed to one.
What's the Balance of Family Test?
An Australian requirement that at least half your children live in Australia, or more of them live there than in any other single country. It applies to most parent visa categories, and we'll check it against your family before recommending a route.
Is there a way to have my parents here while we wait?
Yes, the temporary contributory visas (173, 884) or the Sponsored Parent visa (870) can bring them here sooner, even if the permanent outcome is still years away.
Will my parents have access to healthcare here?
It depends on the visa. Temporary visas like Sponsored Parent (870) usually require private health insurance for the full stay, since they don't include public healthcare access. Contributory visas can include Medicare in Australia once granted. We'll explain what your parents will and won't be covered for before you commit to a route.
Interested in other family visa categories or support beyond visas?
Here's where else to look.