AUSTRALIAN PARENT VISAS
Five commonly considered subclasses do very different jobs. Before choosing, the family needs to compare permanent and temporary outcomes, the Balance of Family test, age, queueing and the real cost over time.
Five routes, three decisions
A non-contributory permanent route. The government charge is lower, but the queue is substantially longer.
A contributory permanent route with a shorter estimated queue than subclass 103, but a much higher second instalment.
The non-contributory onshore route for a parent who meets the Australian pension-age requirement and can validly apply in Australia.
The contributory onshore permanent route for an eligible aged parent. It remains capped and queued despite the higher charge.
A two-step temporary reunion route: the eligible child or their spouse first obtains sponsorship approval, then the parent applies for the visa.
Queue estimates are planning indicators, not promises. As at 31 May 2026, Home Affairs estimated about 15 years for new contributory Parent applications and about 33 years for new Parent/Aged Parent applications.
Eligibility architecture
The sponsoring child is generally a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. For subclass 870, sponsor approval comes first and separate income and obligations apply.
For permanent Parent visas, at least half the children must be eligible children, or more eligible children must live in Australia than in any other single country. The test cannot be waived.
Subclasses 804 and 864 require the parent to meet the pension-age test and to be able to lodge validly in Australia. Visa conditions and onshore application restrictions must be checked.
A higher contribution changes the category and estimated queue, but does not buy an immediate outcome. Temporary reunion, health cover, travel and long-term residence need one joined-up plan.
of all counted children are eligible children
ORAustralia has moreeligible children than any other single country
Balance of Family test
The test looks at the applicant and their partner’s children, including stepchildren and adopted children. It is not a simple count of Australian-citizen children, and compelling circumstances do not create a waiver.
Read the official test and examples ↗Application journey
List every child and stepchild, their residence and immigration status before testing family balance.
Compare location, age, budget, estimated queue and whether the family needs a temporary stay first.
Check settled status, sponsorship limits, current visa conditions and the correct lodgement method.
Provide identity, relationship, family-balance, health and character material. Permanent Parent visas undergo an initial queue assessment.
Update passports, addresses, family composition and contact details. Do not let evidence or communication go stale.
When released for final processing, respond to updated health, character, Assurance of Support and second-instalment requests.
Official references
Charges, income thresholds and queue indicators shown on this page were checked against official sources on 8 August 2026 and can change.
Start with the whole family picture
General information only. It is not migration or legal advice and does not predict a visa outcome.
