Bring Your Parents to Australia on a Visa — Expert Guidance from Registered MARA Agents

Q: What if I cannot afford a contributory visa?

You may apply for Subclass 103 or 804 , but expect a long wait time.

Compare visa options, processing times, and requirements with expert help from licensed migration professionals.

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🧾 Quick Visa Facts

Visa Types: Permanent (103, 143, 804, 864), Temporary (870)

Points Tested?: No – parent visas are not points-based

Processing Time: 4 months to 30+ years (depending on subclass & queue)

Direct PR: Subclass 143, 143, 864
Temporary only: Subclass Temporary (870)

Includes Family?: Yes – main applicant + dependents

Sponsor Requirement: Must be sponsored by an eligible child (PR/citizen)

Balance of Family: Must meet the “balance of family test”

Onshore/Offshore: 103/143 offshore; 804/864 onshore; 870 offshore

Bridging Visa? Available for onshore subclasses (804, 864)

Fees (From): Starting from AUD 4,990+ (higher for contributory visas)

🧭 Overview: What is a Parent Visa?

Parent visas allow eligible Australian citizens and permanent residents to bring their parents to live in Australia, either temporarily or permanently. Each subclass suits different family, financial, and location circumstances.

🧩 Visa Streams Overview

Subclass 103
Parent Visa

PR Status: PR (Queue-based)
Onshore/Offshore: Offshore
Approx. Wait Time : 20–30+ years

Subclass 143
Contributory Parent

PR Status: PR (Paid)
Onshore/Offshore: Onshore
Approx. Wait Time :18-24 months

Subclass 804
Aged Parent

PR Status: PR (Queue-based)
Onshore/Offshore: Onshore
Approx. Wait Time : 2 years (after 820)

Subclass 864
Contributory Aged Parent

PR Status: PR (Paid)
Onshore/Offshore: Offshore Applications Only
Approx. Wait Time : 20–30+ years

Subclass 870
Sponsored Parent (Temporary)

PR Status: Temporary
Onshore/Offshore: Offshore Applications Only
Approx. Wait Time : 3 or 5 years

Eligibility Summary | Key Points

Must be parent of an Australian citizen, PR or eligible NZ citizen

Some visas require age ( 804 / 864), others don't

All permanent visas require balance of family test

870 (temporary) only requires sponsor approval and insurance

📊 Compare Partner Visa Options

Visa Type	Subclass 309 (Offshore)	Subclass 820 (Onshore)	Subclass 100 (Offshore)	Subclass 801 (Onshore)	Subclass 300 (Offshore)
Fees	Moderate	Moderate	High	High	Moderate
Eligibility	Genuine relationship with an Australian citizen, PR, or eligible NZ citizen	Genuine relationship with an Australian citizen, PR, or eligible NZ citizen	Genuine relationship with an Australian citizen, PR, or eligible NZ citizen	Genuine relationship with an Australian citizen, PR, or eligible NZ citizen	Genuine relationship with an Australian citizen, PR, or eligible NZ citizen
Waiting Times	12–18 months	18–24 months	9–12 months	2 years (after Subclass 820)	9–12 months
Age Requirement	None	None	None	Must be under pension age	None
Location of Application	Offshore	Onshore	Offshore	Onshore	Offshore

Step-by-Step Parent Visa Application Process

Check eligibility with a MARA agent

Choose the right subclass (103, 143, 804, 864, 870)

Gather sponsorship + health insurance documents

Lodge your application and wait

Track queue / bridging status while preparing for outcome

Document Checklist Summary

Identity documents

Sponsorship forms (Form 40)

Police & medical clearances

Assurance of Support (AoS), if required

Health insurance (870 only)

❓Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my partner permanently to Australia?

Yes — if they meet health, character, and balance of family test.

What if I cannot afford a contributory visa?

You may apply for Subclass 103 or 804, but expect a long wait time.

Can I switch from 870 to PR?

Yes, but you’ll need to lodge a separate PR application (e.g., 143 or 864).

What is the Balance of Family test?

A: At least half your children must live permanently in Australia.

📞 Book a Free Consultation with a Migration Expert

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Disclaimer
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not guarantee visa approval. All visa applications are subject to the discretion of the Australian Department of Home Affairs. For personalized guidance, please contact a registered migration agent at Visa Advisor.