Permanent Visas
The permanent parent visa system operates on two tracks – contributory and non-contributory – which offer the same outcome but at very different costs and timelines. The Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143 for offshore applicants, 864 for those onshore) is the faster of the two permanent options. Government fees typically exceed AUD $50,000 per applicant across both stages of the application, making it a significant financial commitment. In return, processing times are comparatively shorter. For many families, the cost is manageable when weighed against the certainty of a permanent outcome within a foreseeable timeframe. The Non-Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 103 offshore, 804 onshore) carries much lower fees (in the range of AUD $4,000 to $6,000) but the waiting period is extraordinarily long, often cited at 30 years or more. These visas are subject to a strict annual cap, and the queue has grown to the point where most immigration professionals consider it impractical for anyone seeking a realistic outcome. It may suit applicants who lodge early, have no urgency, and simply want a permanent visa on the record at minimal upfront cost. Both permanent tracks require applicants to pass the balance of family test, which means at least half of the applicant’s children must be Australian citizens or permanent residents, or more of their children must live in Australia than in any single other country. This requirement catches some families off guard, particularly where siblings are spread across multiple countries.Aged Parent
An Aged Parent option exists within both the contributory (864) and non-contributory (804) streams for applicants aged 67 or over who are already living in Australia. The key advantage is that eligible applicants can remain in Australia on a bridging visa throughout the waiting period, rather than having to wait offshore. This is particularly valuable for elderly parents who are already settled near family and cannot practically relocate back overseas for years at a time.Assurance of Support (AoS)
These visas also require an Assurance of Support (AoS), which is a legal commitment from an eligible person in Australia (sponsoring child or another approved assurer) to provide financial support to the applicant so they do not rely on government income support. The assurer is required to lodge a financial bond with the Australian Government, which is held for a set period and may be used to recover any social security payments accessed by the visa holder during that time. The AoS is typically required prior to visa grant and applies for up to 10 years depending on the visa subclass.Temporary visa – Subclass 870
For families who cannot wait years for a permanent visa to be processed, the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870) offers a faster and more accessible alternative. It allows parents to live in Australia for up to three or five years at a time, and can be renewed up to a maximum cumulative stay of 10 years. Unlike the permanent tracks, the 870 does not require applicants to pass the balance of family test, and processing takes around eight months on average, a fraction of the time involved in permanent applications. It is capped at 15,000 grants per year, so applications early in the program year are advisable. However, the 870 comes with meaningful restrictions. Parents on this visa have no work rights and must maintain continuous private health insurance from an Australian provider for the duration of their stay. Medicare access is not available. The visa is temporary by design and does not lead to permanent residency through this pathway alone. The most important consideration is a strategic one: applying for or holding a Subclass 870 visa can close off access to the permanent parent visa pathways. Families who may eventually want to pursue a permanent outcome for their parent should take professional advice before lodging an 870 application, as the decision can have long-term consequences that are difficult to reverse. The sponsorship process also requires the child in Australia to be separately approved as a sponsor before the parent can apply. The sponsor must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, have lived in Australia for at least four years, and meet an income threshold demonstrating they can financially support their parent during the stay. Government fees for the 870 are over AUD $6,000 for a three-year visa and over AUD $12,000 for a five-year visa, in addition to the sponsorship application fee.Frequently Asked Questions
Can my parents apply for a parent visa while already in Australia on a visitor visa?
For most permanent parent visa subclasses, applicants need to be offshore at the time of grant. The Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804 and 864) is a notable exception – aged parents can apply onshore and remain on a Bridging Visa while the application is assessed. Careful planning is needed to avoid your parents becoming unlawful.
My parents cannot satisfy the Balance of Family Test. What are their options?
The Subclass 870 temporary visa does not require the Balance of Family Test and is typically the most accessible option. While it does not lead to permanent residency, it allows extended stays and can be renewed to a maximum of 10 years.
Do my parents get Medicare on a parent visa?
Permanent visa holders are generally entitled to Medicare upon arrival. Temporary 870 visa holders are not – they must hold and maintain private health insurance throughout their stay. This is a significant and ongoing cost to factor into the decision.
How long does the 870 visa take to process?
The 870 is generally processed much faster than permanent parent visas – often within a few months. The sponsorship application must be approved before the visa application can be lodged, so it is a two-step process. One can only apply for the 870 visa if they haven’t yet applied for the other parent visa application.
Can my parents work in Australia on a parent visa?
Permanent parent visa holders have full work rights. Temporary Subclass 870 holders do not have work rights. This distinction can be important for parents who are not yet at retirement age or who wish to remain economically active.
Can my parent apply for the 870 visa while they are visiting Australia on a visitor visa?
No – the initial 870 visa application must be lodged and decided while the parent is outside Australia. Parents who are already in Australia on a visitor visa cannot switch to the 870 from onshore. Careful planning of travel timing is essential.
What is the minimum income the sponsor needs?
The Department sets a minimum taxable income threshold for sponsors. This figure is updated periodically and should be confirmed with the Department or a registered professional before lodging. The sponsor must meet this threshold at both the initial application and any renewal.
Can the 870 be renewed after 10 years?
No. The maximum combined stay under all 870 grants is 10 years. After that, the parent would need to leave Australia.
Does the 870 cover both parents?
Each parent must lodge their own sponsorship and visa application separately. If both parents are alive and wish to visit, two separate applications are required, and the sponsor must meet the income requirement for each.
Can the sponsor be a permanent resident rather than a citizen?
Yes. Permanent residents can sponsor under the 870, provided they have been lawfully resident in Australia for at least four years. The four-year residency requirement is one of the most commonly misunderstood aspects of sponsor eligibility.
What happens if my parent's health insurance lapses during their 870 stay?
A lapse in health insurance is a breach of a visa condition. This can affect not only the current visa but future applications. It is worth setting up a direct debit or automatic renewal arrangement and keeping documentation of coverage throughout the parent’s stay.
My parent has three children - one in Australia, one in England and one in the USA. Do they pass the Balance of Family Test?
Yes. The test requires that the number of children in Australia must be at least equal to the number in any other single country. With one child in each of three different countries, Australia has the same number as England and the USA – and the test is satisfied.
Can my parent include their partner on a parent visa application if the partner is younger than pension age?
Yes. If the main applicant meets the aged parent age requirement, a younger partner can be included as a secondary applicant on the application. The younger partner does not need to independently meet the age requirement.
How much does an Assurance of Support bond cost?
The bond amount varies by visa subclass and whether there are one or two assurers. As a rough guide, bonds can range from approximately AUD 5,000 to AUD 10,000 or more. The bond is held by Services Australia for the assurance period and is refundable if no claims are made.
Are permanent parent visa holders entitled to Medicare immediately?
Medicare entitlement begins upon grant of the permanent visa and arrival in Australia. There are waiting periods for certain social security payments – typically 10 years for age pension and some other payments – but Medicare access itself is generally immediate.
Should I lodge a non-contributory and contributory application at the same time?
Some families lodge a Subclass 103 application alongside a Subclass 143 to hold a place in both queues. The financial and strategic implications of this approach depend on individual circumstances and should be discussed with a professional.
What happens to the 143 application if my parent passes away before the visa is granted?
The application lapses if the primary applicant passes away. In some circumstances, a secondary applicant (such as a parent’s spouse) may be able to continue the application independently, but this depends on the specific facts. Professional advice is needed promptly.
Disclaimer!
Content on this page is for informational purposes only and not intended as legal advice, nor should it be relied on as such. Australian immigration law is complex and its policies and visa eligibility criteria are changing regularly.