✔ Reviewed September 2026 by a Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2518899). Official sources: Home Affairs: parent visas.
Bringing your parents to Australia is one of the most common questions we hear at Study Mate Migration. There are several parent visa options, and the right one depends on your budget, how long your parents want to stay and how long you can wait. This 2026 guide explains the main choices.
General information only, current at the date of publishing. Visa rules and fees change often, so always check the official Department of Home Affairs website or get advice before you apply.
Permanent parent visas
| Visa | Apply from | Key point |
|---|---|---|
| Parent (subclass 103) | Outside Australia | Lower cost, but very long waiting times |
| Contributory Parent (subclass 143) | Outside Australia | Higher cost, much faster than the 103 |
| Contributory Parent (Temporary) (subclass 173) | Outside Australia | A 2-year step towards the 143, paying the cost in two parts |
| Aged Parent (subclass 804) | In Australia | For parents old enough to receive the Age Pension |
| Contributory Aged Parent (subclass 864) | In Australia | Faster, higher-cost version of the 804 |
How much does a Contributory Parent visa cost?
The Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143) costs approx. AUD 49,000+ (varies, paid in 2 instalments) for a single applicant in 2026. Costs may be lower for current Contributory Parent (Temporary) (subclass 173) holders. An Assurance of Support bond is usually also required.
Key eligibility rules
- Sponsor: usually a child who is a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Balance-of-family test: at least half of the parent’s children must live permanently in Australia, or more of them live in Australia than in any other single country
- Assurance of Support: a financial guarantee that your parents won’t need certain government payments
- Health and character requirements for each applicant
- You can’t apply for these visas if you have applied for or hold a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) (subclass 870) visa
A temporary option: subclass 870
The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa lets parents visit for longer periods without meeting the balance-of-family test. It suits families who want long visits rather than permanent residency. The sponsor must be approved first.
Processing times
Demand for parent visas is much higher than the number of places each year, so waiting times are long, especially for non-contributory visas. Parent visa applications (103, 143, 804 and 864) are now lodged online through ImmiAccount.
Which option is right?
It depends on your parents’ age, health, your family’s spread across countries and your budget. Our Registered Migration Agent can compare the options with you. Read our Parent visa page for more detail.
Talk to Study Mate Migration
Study Mate Migration (also known as StudyMate) is an Adelaide-based education and migration consultancy. Our Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2518899) can check your eligibility, explain your options and prepare a complete application.
