Father with daughters in Australia using the subclass 870 while waiting for their subclass 143 to be granted

Can Your Parent Be on an 870 While Waiting for the Subclass 143?

Written by webadmin on . Posted in News.

Yes, your parent can hold a Subclass 870 while a Subclass 143 application is pending in the queue. The two visas are compatible, and combining them is the most common parent visa strategy I see in practice. But it requires careful planning to make it work across a 12-to-15-year wait.

Can your parent be on an 870 while waiting for the subclass 143?

The Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that holding an 870 does not affect or jeopardise a pending Subclass 143 application. Your parent can be an 870 holder at the same time as being an applicant or intending applicant for the 143. There is no conflict between the two.

This matters because the 143 queue, as of March 2026, is processing applications lodged in November 2018. A new application lodged today faces a realistic wait of 12 to 15 years before the Department invites the applicant to pay the second instalment and complete the assessment. Without a solution in the interim, many parents would simply not be able to spend meaningful time in Australia during that window.

How the 870-as-bridge strategy works

The strategy is straightforward: lodge the 143 application to secure a place in the queue, then apply for the 870 separately to give the parent a legal basis to live in Australia while the 143 works its way through.

The parent can be outside Australia when the 143 is lodged. From 22 April 2026, permanent parent visas are lodged online via ImmiAccount, which makes the process simpler. Once the 143 application is in the queue, the family can then initiate the 870 sponsor application.

Timeline: when to apply for the 870

The 870 process is a two-step sequence. The Australian-based child (the sponsor) applies first, and the parent cannot apply until that sponsor approval is granted. Once the sponsor is approved, the parent has six months to lodge their own 870 application.

Processing of the parent’s 870 application typically takes around seven months. Families should factor this in when planning: if the parent wants to be in Australia for a specific occasion or needs to arrive by a particular date, the 870 application needs to be running well before that.

There is no requirement to lodge the 143 and the 870 simultaneously. Many families lodge the 143 first, then start the 870 process. Others get the 870 underway first so the parent can arrive while the 143 is being lodged. Either sequence is workable.

How many years can the 870 cover?

The 870 has a maximum total stay of 10 years across all grants combined. Grants come in three-year or five-year increments. So in theory, a parent could use the 870 for up to 10 years before it is exhausted.

For a family that lodged the 143 in 2020 or 2021 and is now looking at a remaining wait of roughly eight to ten years, the 870 can credibly bridge most or all of the remaining queue time. For a family lodging the 143 now, the 870 can cover the first decade of the wait, after which another arrangement will be needed if the 143 has not yet been granted.

Key considerations before committing to this strategy

Health insurance costs over the waiting period

The 870 does not include Medicare. Private health insurance covering hospital treatment is a mandatory visa condition and must be maintained for the entire stay. This is not a minor cost item.

For a parent in their late 60s or 70s, hospital-grade private health insurance can cost $4,000 to $8,000 per year or more depending on the insurer, the level of cover, and any pre-existing conditions. Over a five-year 870 period, that is $20,000 to $40,000 in insurance premiums alone. Over a 10-year run using two grants, the figure can exceed $50,000 to $70,000 for a single parent.

This cost needs to be weighed against the alternative: having the parent remain overseas or use visitor visas, which have their own costs and limitations.

The 10-year total cap on the 870

The 10-year cap is absolute and non-negotiable. Once a parent has used 10 years of 870 stay, that is the end of their 870 eligibility, regardless of whether the 143 has been granted. There is no exemption and no ministerial discretion to extend beyond 10 years.

This creates a real planning challenge for families lodging a fresh 143 today. If the 143 takes 13 to 15 years to process, the 870 will run out several years before the 143 is granted. Families need to think about what happens in the gap, which might mean the parent is on visitor visas for a period, or has returned home while waiting.

Potential risks of this strategy

The main risks to keep in mind:

  • Health complications at renewal. Each 870 renewal involves a new health examination. If the parent’s health has deteriorated significantly, meeting the health requirement for renewal may become difficult. This can strand a parent mid-strategy.
  • Sponsor income changes. The sponsor must re-qualify at each renewal. If the sponsor’s financial circumstances change and they no longer meet the $83,454.80 income threshold (or cannot combine with a partner to reach it), renewal is at risk.
  • Policy risk. The 870 is a government creation and can be modified or discontinued by policy change. This is a risk with any temporary visa arrangement.
  • The 10-year gap. As described above, for new 143 applicants, the 870 runs out before the 143 is likely to be granted. Families need a plan for that gap period.
  • Second instalment cost. When the 143 eventually reaches the second stage, the family will need to pay the second instalment of approximately $43,600. Families should be saving for this throughout the waiting period.

When this strategy makes sense

The 870-plus-143 combination makes strong sense when:

  • The parent genuinely wants to spend most of their time in Australia, not just visit occasionally.
  • The sponsor comfortably meets the income threshold and is likely to continue doing so.
  • The family has already lodged the 143 (or is planning to) and wants the parent in Australia during the wait.
  • The parent’s health is currently reasonable and the health examination is not expected to be a barrier.
  • The family has factored in the health insurance costs and can sustain them over the visa period.
  • The parent does not need to work and does not rely on Medicare.

It makes less sense when the parent has significant health conditions that may make renewal difficult, when the sponsor’s income is borderline, or when the family cannot sustain the ongoing health insurance cost.

Frequently asked questions

Does lodging the 143 affect the parent’s eligibility for the 870?

No. Being an applicant or intending applicant for the Subclass 143 does not disqualify the parent from applying for or holding the 870. The two visa streams are independent of each other.

When the 143 is eventually granted, what happens to the 870?

When the 143 is granted, the parent becomes a permanent resident and the 870 ceases. The parent does not need to take any particular action to cancel the 870; the grant of the permanent visa effectively supersedes it. The parent should not continue to hold themselves out as an 870 holder after the 143 grant.

Can two parents both be on the 870 at the same time with the same sponsor?

A sponsor can have up to two parents or step-parents sponsored on the 870 at any one time. So yes, both parents can hold the 870 simultaneously if they are both parents of the same sponsor and the sponsor meets the income requirement. The annual grant cap of 15,000 applies across all 870 applications, not per sponsor.

What if the parent needs to leave Australia for an extended period while on the 870?

The 870 permits travel in and out of Australia freely. There is no minimum presence requirement. If the parent leaves Australia for an extended period, the time outside Australia does not count toward the 10-year cap, which is calculated based on time spent in Australia. However, they must maintain valid health insurance for any periods they are in Australia.

Want to work out the right strategy for your family?

The 870-plus-143 combination is the most common strategy I put together for clients, but the details matter: timing, income, health, costs. I am Andrew Heathcote, registered migration agent MARN 0850840, and I have helped dozens of families build and execute this approach.

Talk to me about your parents’ situation

Elderly woman smiling after learning her parent visa queue date has been reached in Australia

Parent Visa Queue Dates in Australia: What They Are and How They Work

Written by webadmin on . Posted in News.

If you have lodged a parent visa application, or are thinking about it, you will quickly encounter the term “queue date.” It causes more confusion than almost anything else in the parent visa process, and that confusion is understandable. The system is not intuitive. This article explains exactly how it works, where things stand in 2026, and what you can realistically expect.

What are parent visa queue dates?

A queue date is the date your parent visa application was lodged and entered the processing queue. The Department of Home Affairs does not process parent visa applications on a first-come, first-served basis across all visa types. Instead, each visa subclass has its own queue, and the department works through that queue chronologically, granting a limited number of visas each year based on the annual migration programme allocation.

Think of it as a numbered ticket system. When your application is lodged, you get your spot in the queue. The department then calls numbers in order, but it only calls a fixed number each year. If the annual allocation runs out before your number is called, you wait until the next programme year.

This is why you will hear people talk about “what queue date is being processed now.” That figure tells you roughly where the department is up to, not when your specific application will be finalised.

How the queue date system works

When is your queue date set?

Your queue date is set on the day your application is validly lodged and the application charge is paid. For contributory parent visas like the Subclass 143, the first instalment must be paid at lodgement. For the Subclass 103, the full application fee is paid upfront.

From 22 April 2026, all permanent parent visa applications must be lodged online through ImmiAccount. See the April 2026 online lodgement changes for details on what shifted and how the process now works.

How queue dates move forward

The queue moves forward as the department finalises applications. Each financial year, the government sets the migration programme, which includes a fixed number of places for parent visas. In recent years that allocation has been approximately 8,500 places per year across all parent visa subclasses: around 7,250 for contributory visas and 1,250 for non-contributory visas. This has recently been reduced to 7060 and parent visas now as a result will expereince loanger waits.

The speed at which queue dates advance depends entirely on how many applications from a given lodgement period are finalised within the available places. If there are a large number of applications sitting at a particular queue date, progress can slow. If applicants withdraw or become ineligible, those spots pass to the next group.

The department publishes approximate processing information, but it does not give individual queue date estimates. You will not receive a notification telling you that your queue date is approaching. You have to monitor it yourself or work with an agent who tracks it regularly.

Current queue dates by visa subclass (2026)

As of March 2026, here is where each parent visa queue stands:

Visa Subclass Current Queue Date Being Processed Estimated Wait for New Lodgements
Subclass 143 (Contributory Parent) November 2018 Approximately 13 to 15 years from now
Subclass 864 (Contributory Aged Parent) November 2018 Approximately 13 to 15 years from now
Subclass 103 (Parent) July 2013 30-50 years
Subclass 804 (Aged Parent) July 2013 30-50 years

Those 103 and 804 figures are not a typo. The department is currently processing applications lodged in July 2013. A new applicant lodging today would be waiting well into the 2050s under the current programme settings. The 143 queue is significantly better, but still measured in years, not months.

What happens when your queue date is reached?

When the department reaches your queue date, it does not automatically grant your visa. It means your application is now eligible to be assessed and finalised. The department will contact you, or your registered agent, to request any outstanding documents, updated health examinations, police clearances, and to confirm your current circumstances.

This is also when the bulk of the substantive casework happens. Health assessments, character checks, and the Assurance of Support process all need to be completed before a decision can be made. How long this takes after your queue date is reached depends on how complete your file is and how quickly you respond to requests.

Stage 2 of the contributory parent visa

For the Subclass 143, reaching your queue date triggers what is commonly called Stage 2. This is when the second visa application charge becomes payable: approximately $43,600 per person. This is on top of the first instalment of approximately $5,040 paid at lodgement, bringing the total to around $48,640 per person.

You are not required to pay the second instalment until the department invites you to do so. The department will issue an invitation and set a deadline. If you do not pay in time, your application can lapse. Keep your contact details in ImmiAccount current so you do not miss this notification.

Can you speed up your queue date?

No. There is no mechanism to pay extra, apply for priority processing, or otherwise move your queue date forward for standard parent visas. Your position in the queue is fixed from the day you lodge.

What some families do is lodge a Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent Visa while waiting for the permanent visa to be processed. The 870 does not have a queue system. It processes on a rolling basis, currently running at around seven months, and it allows parents to live in Australia temporarily while the longer-term permanent application works its way through the queue. Holding an 870 does not affect your position in the permanent visa queue.

The annual programme allocation is set by the government and can change with policy decisions. Individual applicants have no control over that number, but it is worth knowing that advocacy and budget decisions can influence how many places are available each year.

Frequently asked questions

Does my queue date change if I update my application?

No. Updating documents, changing sponsors, or responding to department requests does not change your original queue date. Your position in the queue is locked in at the time of lodgement. The only way to reset your queue date would be to withdraw and re-lodge, which would place you at the back of the queue.

Can I check my queue date status online?

You can log into ImmiAccount to check the status of your application, but ImmiAccount does not show you where your queue date sits relative to current processing. The department publishes global processing information on its website periodically. A registered migration agent can track this for you and flag when your application is likely to become active.

What happens if my circumstances change while I am in the queue?

The department assesses your circumstances at the time of finalisation, not at the time of lodgement. Changes to your sponsor’s circumstances, your health, or your family composition can all affect the outcome. Keep the department informed of any significant changes and maintain valid health insurance if you are living in Australia on a bridging or temporary visa during the wait.

If my parent passes away before their queue date is reached, are fees refunded?

In most cases the application fees are not refunded. This is one of the harder practical realities of a very long queue. For 103 and 804 applicants, given the 30-plus year wait, this is a serious consideration. For 143 applicants, a parent who lodges today is looking at a wait of potentially a decade. These are real risks that should factor into which visa pathway you choose.

Get clear on where you stand in the queue

Queue dates, processing times, and the right visa strategy are not things to guess at. If you want a straightforward assessment of your family’s situation and a realistic timeline, speak with a registered migration agent who works with parent visas every day.

Andrew Heathcote, MARN 0850840, has been helping families navigate the parent visa system for over 15 years. Contact us through parentvisas.com.au/contact for an honest, no-spin assessment of your options.

Immigration application forms and documents required for an Australian parent visa application

Parent Visa Australia: Documents You Need to Prepare

Written by webadmin on . Posted in News.

What documents do you need for an Australian parent visa?

Getting your document preparation right from the start saves time and reduces the risk of requests for further information from the Department of Home Affairs, which can push your application back in the processing queue. The document list for a parent visa is longer than most people expect, particularly because it covers not just the applicant and sponsor but also all of the parent’s other children for the balance of family test.

This list applies to all four permanent parent visa subclasses: the Subclass 143, the Subclass 103, the Subclass 864, and the Subclass 804. Where a document is specific to one subclass or stream, that is noted.

Identity and relationship documents

Proof of identity

The parent applicant needs:

  • Current passport (all pages, including the biodata page and any visa stamps)
  • Passport-sized photographs
  • Any expired passports covering the past 10 years, if available
  • Birth certificate
  • If applicable: marriage certificate, divorce certificate, or death certificate of a former spouse
  • If the parent has changed their name: deed poll or official name change documentation

Proof of the parent-child relationship

You need to establish that the visa applicant is genuinely the parent of the Australian-based sponsor. Required documents typically include:

  • The sponsor’s birth certificate, showing the parent’s name
  • If the sponsor was adopted: adoption order or equivalent legal document
  • If the relationship is through a step-parent: marriage certificate establishing the relationship, plus evidence of the genuine family relationship

Sponsor documents

The Australian-based sponsor must provide evidence of their status and identity. This includes:

  • Current Australian passport, or
  • Australian citizenship certificate, or
  • Evidence of Australian permanent residency (such as the ImmiCard or a current visa grant notice showing permanent status)
  • If sponsoring as an eligible NZ citizen: New Zealand passport plus evidence of Australian residency for the required period
  • Evidence of Australian address and settlement (utility bills, lease agreement, or similar)

For applications lodged from 22 April 2026, all of this is submitted through ImmiAccount. Details on the online process are on the parent visa online lodgement page.

Balance of family test evidence

This is the section that requires the most work. The Department needs evidence about all of the parent’s eligible children, not just the sponsoring child. For each eligible child you need:

  • Birth certificate (to prove they are the parent’s child)
  • Evidence of their usual country of residence. For children in Australia: their Australian citizenship certificate or permanent visa grant notice. For children overseas: their foreign passport and evidence of residence in that country
  • If any children are deceased: death certificate

A statutory declaration from the parent listing all eligible children and their countries of residence is also commonly included. This gives the Department a clear picture of the family structure before they review the individual documents.

Remember: children on temporary visas in Australia do not count as “usually resident in Australia” for the balance of family test. Do not include a temporary visa grant notice as evidence of Australian residence for this purpose. It will not help and may invite questions about the accuracy of the overall count.

Financial documents: Assurance of Support

The Assurance of Support (AoS) is not lodged at the time of visa application. It is arranged when the Department is ready to finalise the application, which for the 143 and 864 may be seven or more years after lodgement. At that point you will need:

  • Evidence that the AoS has been lodged with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia
  • The bond amounts are $10,000 for one adult applicant and $14,000 for two adults
  • Evidence of the AoS assurer’s identity and financial capacity

The assurer does not have to be the same person as the visa sponsor, but it usually is. The assurer must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ citizen.

Health and character documents

Medical examination results

Your parent must undergo a medical examination by a Department-approved panel physician. The examination includes:

  • General health assessment by the physician
  • Blood tests (HIV is standard; additional tests depending on age and health history)
  • Chest X-ray
  • For applicants over certain ages or with specific health histories: additional specialist tests may be required

Medical results are valid for 12 months. Do not arrange the medical examination too far in advance of lodgement, and note that for applications with a long queue time, the medical will need to be repeated when the application is near finalisation.

Police clearance certificates

Your parent needs police clearance certificates from every country where they have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. For most applicants this means their home country. If they have lived in multiple countries, each country requires a separate clearance.

Police clearances from some countries take weeks or months. Start this process early. Clearance certificates also have validity periods, so timing matters. Australian Federal Police (AFP) checks can be ordered online and are usually returned within 15 working days.

Additional documents for aged parent visas

For the Subclass 804 and Subclass 864, you additionally need:

  • Evidence that the parent meets the age requirement (has reached Australian pension age, currently 67). The parent’s birth certificate is usually sufficient.
  • For these visas, the parent must be in Australia at the time of grant, so evidence of lawful residence in Australia when finalisation approaches is also required.

Getting documents certified and translated

All documents in a language other than English must be translated by a NAATI-accredited translator. NAATI is Australia’s national translation authority. Do not use unofficial or unaccredited translators, as the Department will not accept those translations.

Certified copies are required for most identity documents. A Justice of the Peace, solicitor, or other authorised person can certify copies in Australia. For documents certified overseas, they may need to be apostilled or legalised depending on the country.

Originals are not typically submitted electronically, but the Department may request originals to be produced for inspection in some cases.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I start gathering documents?

At least three to six months before you plan to lodge. Police clearances from some countries are the longest lead item. Birth certificates for all eligible children also take time to obtain, particularly if records are held in a foreign country or need translation. Starting early gives you time to chase anything that is delayed without holding up the application.

My parent’s birth certificate is in a language other than English. Does it need to be translated?

Yes. Any document not in English must be translated by a NAATI-accredited translator. The translation must accompany the original document. The translator will provide a signed statement confirming the accuracy of the translation.

What if one of my siblings refuses to provide their documents for the balance of family test?

This is a real issue that comes up occasionally. If a sibling declines to participate, you can still submit what you have and provide a statutory declaration explaining the situation. The Department has some discretion in these cases. However, incomplete evidence for the balance of family test can lead to a request for further information or, in the worst case, a refusal. Getting legal advice early is wise if a sibling is uncooperative.

Do I need to provide the same documents again when the application is finalised years later?

Yes, in part. Some documents will need to be updated at finalisation, including the medical examination (if the original has expired), police clearances (which also expire), and passport copies if the passport has been renewed. The Department will let you know what is needed when the application is approaching the front of the queue.

Need help getting your application documents right?

A poorly prepared application can cause unnecessary delays or a request for further information that puts you back in the queue. I’m Andrew Heathcote, registered migration agent MARN 0850840, and I work with families on parent visa applications from first eligibility check through to grant. Let’s make sure your documents are right the first time.

Get document help

Australian passport and visa application documents representing the Assurance of Support requirement for parent visas

Assurance of Support for Australian Parent Visas: What You Need to Know

Written by webadmin on . Posted in News.

The Assurance of Support is one of the most misunderstood parts of the Australian parent visa process. Families either don’t know it exists until late in the application, or they understand it vaguely as “a bond” without grasping what it actually commits them to. This guide covers it plainly.

What is an Assurance of Support?

An Assurance of Support (AoS) is a legal commitment made by a person in Australia (the assurer) to repay the Commonwealth government if the visa holder accesses certain welfare payments during a defined period. It is backed by a cash bond held by the Department of Social Services.

In practical terms: if your parent is granted a permanent parent visa, someone in Australia needs to vouch financially that they will not rely on government welfare payments for the specified period. That person lodges a bond in cash. If your parent receives certain welfare payments and the government seeks reimbursement, the bond can be drawn down. If no claims are made, the bond is returned in full at the end of the period.

The AoS is administered by Services Australia (formerly Centrelink), not by the Department of Home Affairs. It is a separate process from the visa application itself, but it is a condition that must be met before the visa can be granted.

Which parent visas require an Assurance of Support?

The AoS is required for the following parent visas:

The temporary Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870) does not require an Assurance of Support. This is one of the practical advantages of the 870 for families where the bond requirement creates difficulties.

How much is the Assurance of Support bond?

The bond amount depends on how many adults are included in the visa application.

Single applicant

For a single adult visa applicant, the AoS bond is $10,000. This is paid as a lump sum to Services Australia before the visa is granted.

Two applicants together

If two adults are applying together (for example, both parents on a joint application), the bond is $14,000 for both combined. It is not $10,000 per person when applying jointly. This is a common source of confusion.

The bond is paid in full upfront. There are no payment plan options. The assurer needs to have the cash available at the point the bond is requested, which typically occurs when the visa is close to being granted.

Who can be an assurer?

The assurer is usually the sponsoring child in Australia, but it does not have to be. An assurer must be:

  • An Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
  • At least 18 years of age
  • Resident in Australia
  • Able to meet the income threshold for the AoS period

There can be more than one assurer on a single AoS. Having a joint assurer (for example, the Australian child and their partner) is common and is often necessary to meet the income requirements.

Income requirements

The assurer must demonstrate sufficient income to meet the government’s threshold. The income test is applied at the time the AoS bond is lodged. Services Australia assesses whether the assurer’s income is adequate to support both their existing dependants and the incoming visa holder(s) without recourse to government support.

The income thresholds are updated periodically and vary depending on the assurer’s family composition. If the assurer’s income falls below the relevant threshold, the AoS may not be approved, which can block the visa grant. It is worth confirming income eligibility early in the process rather than finding out late.

Can a partner’s income be combined?

Yes. If the primary assurer is in a relationship, they can include their partner as a co-assurer, and the combined household income is assessed against the threshold. This is actually how most families get across the line when a single income is not enough. Both partners need to be willing to enter into the legal commitment of the AoS, and both need to meet the eligibility criteria above.

What happens if the assurance is called in?

During the AoS period, if your parent accesses certain welfare payments (primarily income support payments from Centrelink), Services Australia can seek repayment from the assurer. The bond is available to cover these costs. If the welfare debt exceeds the bond amount, the assurer may be personally liable for the shortfall.

In practice, most parent visa holders do not access the specific welfare payments that trigger AoS recovery. The main risk categories are income support payments, which parents generally cannot access for several years after arriving in Australia regardless of the AoS. But the commitment is real and should be understood before it is entered into.

The AoS period for contributory parent visas (143 and 864) is 10 years from visa grant. For non-contributory parent visas (103 and 804), the period is also 10 years.

When is the bond released?

The $10,000 or $14,000 bond is held for the full 10-year AoS period. At the end of that period, provided no recovery action has reduced the bond balance, the full amount is returned to the assurer. Services Australia initiates the release process and the funds are returned by cheque or direct deposit.

There is no interest earned on the bond during the holding period. The money sits in a Commonwealth Bank account in the assurer’s name but earns nothing. The real financial cost of the AoS is not the $10,000 or $14,000 itself (since you get it back), but the 10-year opportunity cost of having that capital locked away.

Frequently asked questions

Can the AoS bond be paid in instalments?

No. The bond must be paid as a single lump sum when Services Australia approves the AoS and issues a payment request. There is no instalment arrangement. If you do not have the funds available at that point, the AoS cannot proceed and the visa cannot be granted.

What if the assurer’s financial circumstances change after the bond is lodged?

Once the AoS is in force, the assurer’s ongoing financial situation does not affect the bond itself. The bond amount is fixed at lodgement. However, if the assurer loses income and becomes unable to meet the obligations of the AoS agreement (for example, reimbursing the government for welfare payments accessed by the visa holder), they remain legally liable regardless. The AoS is a genuine legal commitment, not just a deposit.

Does the AoS affect the assurer’s ability to access welfare payments themselves?

Not directly. The AoS does not automatically exclude the assurer from accessing Centrelink payments they are otherwise entitled to. However, Services Australia will consider the assurer’s income and assets when assessing any future payments, and having a significant cash bond in their name may affect some means-tested calculations.

What happens to the bond if the visa holder passes away during the 10-year period?

If the visa holder passes away during the AoS period, the obligation generally ends. Services Australia should be notified, and the remaining bond balance (less any amounts already claimed for welfare payments) can be returned early. The exact process depends on individual circumstances and it is worth contacting Services Australia directly when this situation arises.

Get the full picture before you commit

The Assurance of Support catches families off guard more than almost any other part of the parent visa process. I am Andrew Heathcote, a registered migration agent (MARN 0850840) based in Brisbane. I have been working on parent visas for more than 15 years and I can walk you through exactly what the AoS means for your family, whether you meet the income requirements, and how to structure it properly.

Contact me for a consultation before you get to the point where the AoS becomes urgent.

Grandparents spending quality time with their granddaughter after a successful Australian parent visa application

How Much Does an Australian Parent Visa Cost? (Complete 2026 Guide)

Written by webadmin on . Posted in News.

Parent visa costs in Australia are genuinely confusing, and the government fee schedule doesn’t make it easy. You’ve got two-instalment systems, bonds that tie up cash for a decade, mandatory insurance, and visa options that look cheap until you do the maths. This guide breaks it all down clearly so you can budget properly before you commit.

How much does a parent visa cost in Australia?

The short answer: anywhere from a few thousand dollars for a temporary arrangement to nearly $100,000 for two parents on a permanent contributory visa. The type of visa, the number of applicants, and how long the process takes all affect the final figure. Here’s the landscape at a glance.

Government fees at a glance

Visa Type Subclass Government Fee (per person) Approximate Wait
Contributory Parent (Permanent) 143 ~$48,640 (paid in two instalments) ~8 years from today
Parent (Permanent, Non-Contributory) 103 ~$7,345 30+ years
Contributory Aged Parent (Permanent) 864 ~$48,640 Similar to 143
Aged Parent (Permanent, Non-Contributory) 804 ~$7,345 30+ years
Sponsored Parent (Temporary) 870 ~$1,145 (3 yr) or ~$1,730 (5 yr) ~7 months

These are government application charges only. Add medical exams, police checks, health insurance, and professional fees and the real cost is higher. More on that below.

The two-instalment system explained

The Contributory Parent visas (143 and 864) use a two-instalment fee structure. You pay the first instalment when you lodge the application. You pay the second, much larger, instalment when the Department of Home Affairs invites you to do so, shortly before the visa is granted. This can be years apart. It is not a payment plan in the conventional sense: it is two separate legal obligations at two separate points in the process.

The practical effect is that you lodge with a manageable upfront cost, then face a very large bill when grant is imminent. Families who have not planned for the second instalment sometimes scramble when the invitation arrives. Don’t be one of them.

Contributory Parent Visa 143 costs

The Subclass 143 is the most popular pathway to permanent residence for parents. It costs significantly more than the non-contributory option, but the queue is manageable rather than generational.

First instalment: the lodgement fee

The first instalment for the primary applicant is approximately $5,040. A secondary applicant (the other parent, if applying jointly) pays approximately $2,535. These fees are paid at the time of lodgement and are non-refundable if the application is refused or withdrawn after assessment begins.

Note: from 22 April 2026, all permanent parent visa applications must be lodged online through ImmiAccount. Paper lodgements are no longer accepted. If you are planning to apply soon, make sure you understand what the April 2026 online lodgement changes mean for your case.

Second instalment: the contributory charge

This is the big one. The second instalment for each applicant is approximately $43,600. For two parents applying together, that is roughly $87,200 payable when the Department invites you to pay before visa grant. Combined with the first instalment, the total government fee per person is approximately $48,640, or around $97,000 for a couple.

The second instalment payment invitation typically arrives with limited notice. Have funds accessible and be ready to move quickly when it comes.

Assurance of Support bond

On top of the visa fees, most 143 applicants are required to lodge an Assurance of Support (AoS) bond with the Department of Social Services. The bond for a single adult applicant is $10,000. For two adults applying together, it is $14,000. This money is held by the government for 10 years from the date of visa grant. It is not a fee: you get it back after the holding period, provided it has not been called upon to recover welfare costs.

Non-Contributory Parent Visa 103 costs

The Subclass 103 has a government application fee of approximately $7,345 per person. For two parents, that is around $14,690 total. On the surface, it is a fraction of the 143 cost.

Why it looks cheaper but isn’t always

The 103 is allocated from the non-contributory pool, which receives just 1,250 places per year across all parent categories. The queue is enormous. As of early 2026, the Department is processing 103 applications lodged around July 2013. Applications lodged today face a wait of more than 30 years before grant.

The lower fee looks attractive. But you are paying $7,345 now for a visa your parent may not receive in their lifetime. In most cases, the 103 only makes practical sense for younger parents, or as a secondary strategy alongside a temporary option like the 870.

The real cost of waiting 30+ years

Consider what a 30-year wait actually costs in practical terms. Your parent needs to either leave Australia and return only on visitor visas, or stay on a temporary arrangement that requires ongoing fees and private health insurance. Over 30 years, the cost of temporary bridging arrangements can easily exceed the 143’s second instalment. The 103 “savings” can be largely or entirely illusory depending on your family’s circumstances.

Sponsored Parent Visa 870 costs

The Subclass 870 is the government’s temporary solution for families waiting on a permanent visa. It is processed in approximately 7 months and gives parents up to 10 years in Australia across multiple grants. It does not lead to permanent residence on its own, but it buys time while a permanent application works through the queue.

Application fee

The 870 visa fees are considerably lower than the permanent options. A 3-year grant costs approximately $1,145 per applicant. A 5-year grant costs approximately $1,730. Most families opt for the 5-year grant given the marginal cost difference. The sponsor (the Australian child) also pays a sponsorship application fee of approximately $420.

There are 15,000 places available per year across the 870 program. This cap has been a limiting factor in some years, so applying early in the program year is worth considering.

Ongoing costs: mandatory health insurance

This is where the 870 gets expensive over time. The visa requires the parent to hold Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) for the entire period of their stay. There is no Medicare access on the 870. A basic OVHC policy for an older parent can run $3,000 to $6,000 or more per year depending on age and coverage level. Over a 5-year visa, that is $15,000 to $30,000 in insurance premiums alone. Factor this in when comparing 870 costs against permanent visa costs.

Aged parent visa costs (804 and 864)

The aged parent visas are structurally similar to their standard parent equivalents, but they are available to parents who are of pension age in Australia and who meet the balance of family test.

The Contributory Aged Parent Visa (864) carries the same fee structure as the 143: approximately $48,640 per person, paid across two instalments. The Assurance of Support bond also applies at the same amounts.

The Aged Parent Visa (804) carries the same fee as the 103: approximately $7,345 per person. It faces the same 30+ year queue. The 864 is generally the more practical option for aged parents who can absorb the cost, particularly because the aged parent pathway allows onshore lodgement.

Hidden costs every family misses

Government fees are just the start. These additional costs catch families off guard more often than they should.

Medical exams and police checks

All parent visa applicants are required to undergo a medical examination conducted by a Department-approved panel physician. Budget approximately $300 to $500 per person for the initial medical. If a follow-up or specialist review is required, costs can increase substantially.

Police clearance certificates are required from every country where the applicant has lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Australian Federal Police checks cost around $42 online. Overseas police checks vary widely: some are free, others can cost $100 to $200 and take weeks to obtain. If translation is required, add a further $80 to $150 per document.

Private health insurance (when required)

As noted above, 870 holders must hold OVHC throughout their stay. Some 143 and 864 applicants may also be asked to take out health insurance before the second instalment is paid, depending on individual health assessments. Both 143 and 864 holders do get Medicare access upon visa grant, which is a significant benefit over the 870.

Migration agent fees

You are not legally required to use a registered migration agent, but parent visa applications are complex documents with long holding periods and significant financial consequences if something goes wrong. Professional fees vary depending on the complexity of the case and the agent. For a straightforward 143 or 864, expect to pay between $3,000 and $6,000 in professional fees for a competent registered agent. Cases involving health waivers, character issues, or complex family structures cost more. Get a clear scope of work in writing before you engage anyone.

Total real-world cost: what two parents actually cost

Here is what two parents on the most common pathways typically cost from lodgement through to visa grant:

Cost Item Subclass 143 (Two Parents) Subclass 870 x2 (5-Year)
Government visa fees ~$97,000 ~$3,460
Assurance of Support bond (returned after 10 years) ~$14,000 Not required
Medical exams (both parents) ~$800 ~$800
Police checks ~$200 ~$200
Health insurance (5-year estimate) Medicare after grant (nominal pre-grant only) ~$25,000 to $50,000+
Migration agent fees ~$4,000 to $8,000 ~$2,000 to $4,000
Estimated total (excl. refundable bond) ~$102,000 to $106,000 ~$31,000 to $58,000 over 5 years

The 870 looks cheaper over 5 years. But over 10 years of temporary stay while waiting for a permanent visa, the insurance costs alone can approach or exceed the 143’s second instalment. The 143 delivers permanent residence, Medicare, and eventually citizenship eligibility. The 870 delivers none of those. The right choice depends on your family’s financial position, your parent’s age and health, and how important permanent residence is.

Frequently asked questions

Are parent visa fees refundable if the visa is refused?

Generally, no. Once the Department begins assessing an application, the visa application charge is not refunded if the visa is refused or the application is withdrawn. There are very limited exceptions. The second instalment for contributory visas is not paid until grant is imminent, so refund risk is largely limited to the first instalment.

Do visa fees increase each year?

Yes. The Department of Home Affairs typically reviews and adjusts visa application charges annually on 1 July. Fees have increased consistently over recent years. Do not rely on fee figures from previous years when planning. Check the current amounts on the ImmiAccount fee estimator before lodging.

Does the Assurance of Support bond earn interest?

No. The bond is held in a Commonwealth Bank account and does not earn interest for the depositor. The $10,000 or $14,000 you deposit is the exact amount returned to you after 10 years, with no adjustment for inflation or interest.

Can the visa fees be paid in instalments beyond the two-instalment structure?

No. Each instalment is a single payment due in full at the relevant point in the process. There is no government-administered payment plan. Some families use personal loans or family lending arrangements to fund the second instalment, which is worth planning for well in advance.

Is there any way to reduce the cost of a parent visa?

The government fees are fixed and non-negotiable. You can reduce ancillary costs by using an efficient migration agent, obtaining police checks promptly, and preparing documents properly the first time. Choosing the right visa subclass for your family’s situation matters too: choosing wrongly can mean years of avoidable temporary costs.

Get clear advice on your family’s options

Parent visa costs add up fast and the decisions you make early have long-term financial consequences. I’m Andrew Heathcote, a registered migration agent (MARN 0850840) based in Brisbane with more than 15 years working specifically on parent visas. I can help you understand which pathway makes sense for your family, what you will actually pay, and how to avoid the mistakes that cost families thousands.

Contact me for a consultation and let’s go through your options properly.

Parent Visa Online Lodgement — What Changed in April 2026

Written by webadmin on . Posted in News.

From April 2026, permanent parent visa applications must be lodged online. Paper applications are gone. If you have been building a file for a parent visa, or your family has been waiting to lodge, this changes how you submit.

The process is not simpler. Documentation requirements, processing queues, and application charges are the same. What changed is where and how you submit, and the online system has its own failure modes that paper did not. This article covers what you need to know before you lodge.

Which Visas Are Affected

Four permanent parent visa subclasses moved to online lodgement in April 2026:

  • Parent (subclass 103): For parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens, lodging from outside Australia.
  • Contributory Parent (subclass 143): For parents lodging from outside Australia, under the contributory pathway with a higher application charge and faster processing.
  • Aged Parent (subclass 804): For parents already in Australia at time of lodgement, under the non-contributory pathway.
  • Contributory Aged Parent (subclass 864): For parents already in Australia at time of lodgement, under the contributory pathway.

The Temporary Sponsored Parent visa (subclass 870) was already online. This change covers the permanent pathways.

Step-by-Step: How to Lodge Online

All permanent parent visa applications are lodged through ImmiAccount at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.

Step 1: Set up an ImmiAccount

Create one before you start. Each applicant needs their own account. The primary applicant submits the application; secondary applicants need accounts for identity verification.

Step 2: Select your visa subclass

Choose carefully. The subclass determines whether you need to be inside or outside Australia at lodgement, your processing queue, your application charge, and your bridging visa position. Selecting the wrong subclass is not a small error. More on this below.

Step 3: Complete the application form

Have everything ready before you start: travel history, residential history, employment history, personal details for all applicants, and your sponsor’s details. The form lets you save and return, but it is easier to work through it in one sitting once you are prepared.

Step 4: Upload your documents

Documents go directly into ImmiAccount. Check file formats and size limits before you scan. See the document list below.

Step 5: Pay the visa application charge

Paid by credit or debit card at lodgement. For subclass 143 and 864, the charge splits into two stages. The second payment triggers when the application is close to a decision. Charges are indexed annually, so confirm the current amount on the Department’s website before you lodge.

Step 6: Save your Transaction Reference Number

Your TRN is the receipt of lodgement and the reference for all future contact with the Department. Keep it somewhere permanent.

What Documents You Need to Upload

The list varies by subclass and circumstances, but every permanent parent visa application requires:

  • Certified copies of all passports (current and expired), birth certificate, and any name change documents (marriage certificate, deed poll, or statutory declaration)
  • The sponsor’s birth certificate naming you as parent, and proof of the sponsor’s Australian citizenship or permanent residence
  • A completed Form 40 (Sponsorship for Migration to Australia), signed by your Australian sponsor
  • Health examinations completed through the eMedical system with a Department-approved panel physician, not your regular GP
  • Police clearances for every country where you have lived for 12 cumulative months or more over the past 10 years
  • Passport-style photographs meeting Department specifications

All documents not in English need a certified translation from a NAATI-credentialled translator.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Lodging Online

The wrong subclass is the most expensive mistake, and it happens more than you might expect. Parent (103) and Aged Parent (804) are the non-contributory pathways. Contributory Parent (143) and Contributory Aged Parent (864) are for the faster, higher-cost route. Whether you lodge from inside or outside Australia further narrows the options. If you are unsure, get advice before you touch the form.

Scan quality catches people out. Online lodgement accepts scans of your original documents directly — you do not need a JP or solicitor to certify copies for most documents. What gets rejected is a photo taken at an angle, a scan with cut-off edges, or a file too compressed to read clearly. Every page must be complete and legible. Documents not in English still need a certified NAATI translation alongside the original.

File upload errors catch people by surprise. ImmiAccount accepts PDF, JPG, and PNG only, with a per-file size limit. If a document will not upload, check the format and compress or split the file before trying again.

Health examinations must be done through a Department-approved panel physician via the eMedical system. Your GP cannot carry out a visa medical, and examinations done outside the approved system are not accepted.

Secondary applicants must be included at lodgement. For permanent parent visas, dependants cannot be added after the visa is granted.

The application process is now online. The application itself is still substantial. Long queues, significant charges, and strict documentation requirements have not changed. Lodge carefully.

If you want someone to review your situation before you submit, contact MigrationBuro for a consultation with Andrew Heathcote (MARN 0850840).

How Long Is the Processing Time For Australia Parent Visas?

Written by isoadmin on . Posted in News.

Due to the rising number of Australians with parents who reside overseas, Australian Parent visas are in great demand; however, the processing timeframes for these visas can be lengthy. Depending on whether applicants select to pursue either a contributory visa or a non-contributory visa, applicants can expect differing processing times ranging from a few years up to three decades. For many applicants, these lengthy processing timeframes can be a major challenge; they can significantly impact applicants, including separation from family members and the uncertainty of visa approval. This article details up-to-date information on processing timeframes and visa grants, as well as various factors and options to consider for an applicant’s visa strategy.

The Latest Statistics

According to the Department of Home Affairs,  processing times for Contributory Parent, Parent, Contributory Aged Parent and Aged Parent visa applications are not provided. Applications for these visas are subject to capping and queueing. A cap is an upper limit of places available for a visa, and when the number of visas has been reached, no more will be granted. You are then placed in a queue after the cap is reached. All queue places are ordered by date, and this cant be changed.  

A queue date is a date that your application meets all requirements, and one needs to understand that this is not your date of lodgement. 

The Department of Home Affairs estimates new Contributory Parent visa (Subclass 143 and 864) applications lodged that meet the criteria to be queued are likely to take at least 12 years to be released for final processing.  

New Parent (Subclass 103) and Aged Parent (subclass 804) visa applications lodged that meet the criteria to be queued are likely to take at least 29 years for final processing.  

These lengthy processing times can certainly be a challenge for applicants, who may face separation from their loved ones for an extended period.  

As of 31 December 2022, the Department of Home Affairs has released for final processing:

  • Contributory Parent visa applications with a queue date up to March 2017
  • Parent visa applications with a queue date up to August 2011
  • Aged Parent visa applications with a queue date up to December 2012.

The Australian Governments Migration Program planning levels for 2022-23 have increased to a total of 8500 places. Compared to the number of existing applications on hand, these numbers show the wait times ahead. As of 31 October 2022, the following numbers of visas were on hand at the Department of Home Affairs:

  • 34,733 Subclass 103 Parent Visa applications
  • 15,208 Subclass 804 Aged Parent Visas,
  • 70,153 Subclass 143 Contributory Parent visas
  • 7,090 Subclass 864 Contributory Aged parent visas
Choosing the Right Visa Stream and Category

Contributory and non-contributory are the two visa streams available to applicants seeking an Australian Parent Visa. These in turn can be broken into onshore versus offshore subclass. The Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143) and the Non-Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 103) are permanent residency visas that can be lodged whilst the applicant offshore. 

The Contributory Aged Parent Visa (subclass 864) and the Non-Contributory Aged Parent Visa (subclass 804) require the applicant to be old enough to receive the age pension in Australia. On the 1 July 2023 the pension age changes to 67 years. 

The main distinction between the contributory versus non-contributory streams is the payment that the applicant is obliged to make towards the cost of their Visa. This helps cover the costs of their healthcare while in Australia.  

The Subclass 103 and 804 Parent and Aged Parent Visa, which has cheaper costs but a lengthier processing timeframe, is a part of the non-contributory visa stream. The Subclass 143 Contributory Parent Visa and the Subclass 864 Aged Contributory Parent Visa from the contributory visa stream have higher costs but quicker processing timeframes. 

On the other hand, non-contributory visa applicants must wait longer for their visas but do not have to make a large second payment.  

With the longer processing times, the strategy an applicant may choose to follow may be influenced by factors such as age, life expectancy, financial resources, and location.  

Is a Contributory Parent Visa Worth Applying For?

An individual’s situation and priorities will influence their decision to submit an application for a Contributory Parent Visa or Aged Contributory Parent Visa. The second visa application charge for these Contributory Aged Parent visas is $43600. While the cost of applying for a Contributory Parent Visa is significantly more than a Non-Contributory Parent Visa, it historically offered quicker processing times. This was a significant benefit for those looking to bring their parents to Australia as soon as possible. It’s essential to consider the financial implications of this Visa. For many, the non-contributory visa stream could be a better choice.  

Applying for a 103 Visa as an Alternative Strategy

Historically the Subclass 103 Parent Visa was one of the least favoured Parent visas with most applicants adopting the more costly Contributory parent visa. With the processing times Contributory Parent visa no longer a major advantage the Subclass 103 may again be a subclass worth considering.  

Although this visa subclass does come with the downside of much longer processing times, taking between 25-30 years to be approved.  

A major and often overlooked advantage of applying for a 103 is that you will not lose your place in the queue if you, at a later stage, decide to convert and lodge an onshore Aged Parent visa or Aged Contributory Parent should you so choose.  

For example, you would look to convert from subclass 103 to subclass 864 because a Bridging visa is available during the wait time of the Subclass 864, but you will receive credit for the time already spent in the queue.  

Overall, it’s essential to carefully weigh up all of the options before deciding which is the most appropriate visa stream and category for your unique situation. That’s where MigrationBuro can help. The expert team of accredited migration agents at MigrationBuro specialise in Australian visas, specifically parent visas. We help our clients navigate the complexities of the Australian visa system and thoroughly understand visa application processes from beginning to end. We offer qualified and knowledgeable guidance to ensure each client’s parent visa application is managed professionally. To schedule a consultation, get in touch with the MigrationBuro team today!

Key factors in determining your Australian Parent Visas strategy

Written by isoadmin on . Posted in News.

There are a variety of Australian visa options to reunite families in Australia; Parent Visas allow parents to live with their children who are Australian citizens or permanent residents. When applying for an Australian Parent Visa, it’s essential to have a well-thought-out strategy, as the process for attaining a Parent Visa is complex and requires careful preparation and planning in order to achieve success. The main factors to consider when developing your parent visa strategy include the age of the parent applicants, onshore vs offshore applications, the family’s financial situation and various health insurance and costs. 

Age as a Prominent Factor

Age plays a significant role in determining eligibility for various visa streams and may impact the application procedure. Once a parent is of Australian pensionable Age they may be eligible to lodge an onshore parent visa assuming that they meet all the criteria and are not restricted from lodging an onshore application. The major benefit for onshore applications is that the parent receives a bridging visa allowing them to remain in Australia whilst their Visa is being processed.  

Additionally, older applicants may struggle to meet some Parent Visa health standards, affecting eligibility for either type. 

For parents younger than age 67 they may have little option but to apply for either a subclass 103 Parent Visa or Subclass 143 Contributory Parent Visa. There are no bridging visas with either of these subclasses, so they are often used in conjunction with other applications with the family wishing to be reunited sooner than later.  

Alternatively, applicants can consider other visa streams, such as other Employer nominated visas, Investor or Business Visas, which have different eligibility requirements and may be more suitable for their circumstances. 

Onshore vs Offshore Applications

The processing time and eligibility for various visa streams may vary depending on where the application is submitted. An offshore application is one that is submitted from outside of Australia, whereas an onshore application is one that is submitted while the applicant is already in Australia. Both come with advantages and disadvantages. 

Onshore applications have the advantage that applicants are able to stay in Australia while their application is being processed, giving them the chance to spend time with relatives and get ready for their future life in Australia. This is achieved assuming that they are in Australia holding a substantive visa that does not prevent them from submitting a further application onshore. Their onshore Aged Parent visa or Aged Contributory visa is also an application for a Bridging Visa, which enables them to stay in Australia while their Parent Visa application is being reviewed.  

When deciding whether to pursue an onshore or offshore application, it’s important to take into account individual circumstances, such as family and job obligations, financial status, and processing delays. 

The Financial Situation of the Family

It is crucial to have a sound financial plan as part of the application strategy because the financial requirements for Parent Visa applications can be substantial. There are two main types of Parent Visas: Contributory and Non-Contributory. While a Non-Contributory Parent Visa offers cheaper application costs, it takes longer to process than a Contributory Parent Visa, which requires a larger financial investment. As of February 2023, the application fee for a Non-Contributory Parent Visa is AUD $6,415 per person, whereas the application fee for a Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 173/143) is AUD $43,600 per person. While not requiring the same amount of financial support, Non-Contributory Parent Visas are subject to lengthy processing timeframes, often taking between 25-30 years to be accepted. 

Saving money beforehand, taking into account various payment plans, and looking into financing choices like loans or sponsorships are all methods for easing the financial strain of a Parent Visa application. Budgeting appropriately requires having a clear awareness of the financial commitments of the specific Visa you are applying for.

Health Insurance and Costs

Health insurance is a critical consideration for any individual applying for an Australian Parent Visa. Private health insurance and Medicare, Australia’s public health system, are just two of the various health insurance options in Australia. 

Medicare is a public healthcare option available to those within Australia; however, eligibility for this program is dependent on meeting a range of criteria, including residency status and income level. If you do not fall within these criteria, then private healthcare alternatives need to be your next consideration. Examining several insurance providers, contrasting plans and expenses, and negotiating with insurance companies are all strategies for managing the often high cost of health insurance. In attaining your health insurance, it’s essential you ensure your health care plan’s coverage meets the visa’s health requirements to avoid cancellation.

A well-thought-out plan should be developed in order to submit a successful Australian Parent Visa application. While creating a strategy, it’s important to take into account elements, including the age of the parent applicants, onshore vs. offshore applications, the family’s financial status, and varied health insurance and prices. By taking the time to learn about and comprehend these various factors, you can develop a customised plan which fits your individual requirements and circumstances. If you’re thinking about applying for a parent visa, it is wise to get assistance from a registered immigration agent or migration agent who can offer individualised advice and guidance based on your unique situation. The expert team of accredited migration agents at MigrationBuro specialise in Australian visas, specifically parent visas. We help our clients navigate the complexities of the Australian visa system and thoroughly understand visa application processes from beginning to end. We offer qualified and knowledgeable guidance to ensure each client’s parent visa application is managed professionally. To schedule a consultation, get in touch with the MigrationBuro team today!