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Elderly couple relaxing together in Australia on a Sponsored Parent Temporary Visa subclass 870

Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent Visa: Full Cost Breakdown for Australia

Written by webadmin on . Posted in News.

The Subclass 870 is marketed as an affordable temporary visa that lets parents spend extended time in Australia. The application fees are genuinely low. But the 870 has ongoing costs that most families only discover after they have committed. This breakdown gives you the full picture so there are no surprises. For how the visa works end to end, see our complete 870 guide.

How much does the 870 visa cost?

The Subclass 870 is available in two grant periods: 3 years and 5 years. The 5-year version is available only for a second 870 grant (you must hold a prior 870 to access the 5-year stream in most cases). Across multiple grants, a parent can accumulate up to 10 years total stay in Australia on the 870.

Primary applicant fee

As at 1 July 2026, the base visa application charge for the 870 is AUD 1,515, the same whether the grant is for 3 or 5 years, and a second visa application charge instalment of up to $10,925 applies before the visa is granted, depending on the length of stay. Government charges are indexed on 1 July each year, so confirm the current figure with the Department of Home Affairs before you apply. From 1 July 2026, a lower application charge applies to eligible citizens of Pacific Island countries, Timor-Leste and ASEAN member countries. For reference, the base charge is:

  • Base application charge: AUD 1,515 (as at 1 July 2026)
  • Indexed on 1 July each year; confirm the current amount with the Department

These fees are paid at the time of application lodgement. They are non-refundable if the application is refused or withdrawn after assessment begins.

Secondary applicant fees

Secondary applicants (additional dependants included in the same application) pay a reduced fee at the same rate schedule. Most 870 applications involve a single parent as primary applicant. In some cases, a couple applies together, in which case both fees apply.

Sponsor application costs

Before a parent can apply for the 870, the Australian child must be approved as a sponsor. The sponsorship application costs approximately $420. This is a one-time cost for the sponsorship approval, though the sponsorship needs to be maintained and updated if circumstances change significantly.

The sponsor must meet an income threshold to be eligible. The current threshold is $83,454.80 per year. If the sponsor’s individual income does not meet this threshold, they can combine their income with a partner’s to reach it. This is the same principle as the Assurance of Support for permanent visas: the government wants evidence that the sponsoring household can support the parent without reliance on public resources.

There is no Assurance of Support bond required for the 870. This is a meaningful practical difference from the permanent parent visa pathways, where a $10,000 to $14,000 bond is required (our 143 vs 103 comparison sets out the permanent visa costs in full).

Ongoing costs during the visa period

The application fees are the smallest part of the 870’s true cost. The ongoing expenses during the visa period are where the real money goes.

Mandatory private health insurance

Every 870 visa holder is required to hold approved private health insurance for the entire duration of their stay in Australia. This is not optional and it is not reviewable. The insurance must meet the Department of Home Affairs’ requirements for Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC).

The cost of OVHC varies based on the parent’s age, the level of cover selected, and the insurer. For a parent in their 60s, a basic policy typically costs around $3,000 to $4,500 per year. For parents in their 70s or above, premiums can reach $5,000 to $8,000 per year or more, particularly if hospital cover is required. Premiums increase with age each year, so a policy that costs $3,500 in year one may cost $4,500 by year four.

Over a 5-year grant period, a single parent’s health insurance costs might range from $15,000 to $40,000 depending on age and health status. For two parents, double those figures.

No Medicare: what this means in practice

The 870 does not include Medicare access. This is fundamental. Without Medicare, every GP visit, specialist appointment, pathology test, imaging, and hospital admission is either paid out of pocket or claimed through private insurance.

For parents with ongoing health needs (which is common for people in their 60s and 70s), the gap between what OVHC covers and what healthcare actually costs can be significant. Most OVHC policies have excess amounts and restricted cover for pre-existing conditions. Parents with chronic conditions may find that their insurance covers less than they expected, and that uncovered medical costs accumulate throughout their stay.

This is one of the strongest arguments for pursuing permanent residence through the Subclass 143 or Subclass 864 if the family can absorb the cost. Permanent residents have full Medicare access from arrival after grant.

Total cost over 5 years vs 10 years

To illustrate the real cost of the 870, here are two scenarios for a single parent:

Cost Item Single Parent, 5 Years Single Parent, 10 Years
870 application fees (lodgement) ~$1,730 ~$2,875 (two applications)
Sponsor approval fee ~$420 ~$420 (one-time)
Health insurance (mid-range estimate) ~$20,000 to $30,000 ~$45,000 to $70,000
Out-of-pocket medical costs (estimate) ~$3,000 to $8,000 ~$6,000 to $20,000
Estimated total ~$25,000 to $40,000 ~$54,000 to $93,000

Health insurance is the variable that drives the range. A parent in good health in their early 60s will sit near the lower end. An older parent with ongoing health needs will be at the higher end or beyond it.

How 870 costs compare to permanent parent visa costs

The comparison that matters most is: what does the 870 cost over the time your parent waits for a permanent visa to be granted?

If a family lodges a 143 today and the parent spends approximately 8 years on 870 visas while waiting, the total 870 cost over that period (visa fees plus insurance plus out-of-pocket medical) could reach $45,000 to $80,000 for a single parent. Add the 143’s government fees of approximately $48,640 and the Assurance of Support bond of $10,000 (returned after 10 years), and the total cost of the combined strategy is approximately $100,000 to $140,000 per parent.

By contrast, a parent who goes straight to permanent residence (where this is possible onshore, as with the 864) skips the years of OVHC costs entirely and moves to Medicare from grant date.

The 870 is genuinely useful as a holding strategy while a permanent application progresses through the queue. But it is not a cheap option when viewed over a realistic timeframe. Families should plan for the full cost of the combined strategy rather than just the next visa fee.

Frequently asked questions

Can my parent work on the 870 visa?

No. The Subclass 870 does not include work rights. The parent cannot undertake any work in Australia while on this visa. This is one of several limitations of the 870 compared to permanent residence pathways.

What happens if the 870 application is refused?

If a 870 application is refused, the application fee is generally not refunded after substantive assessment has begun. The parent would need to depart Australia if they do not hold another valid visa. Refusals are not common for straightforward applications, but they can occur where the sponsor does not meet income requirements or where the parent has a health or character issue.

Is there a limit on how many 870 visas a parent can hold?

Yes. The maximum total stay on the 870 is 10 years, accumulated across multiple grants. After 10 years, no further 870 grants are available. If a permanent parent visa has not been granted by that point, the parent must either have an alternative visa to remain or depart Australia.

Does the 870 count towards the balance of family test for permanent parent visas?

Being in Australia on an 870 does not affect how the balance of family test is applied for a permanent parent visa application. The balance of family test is assessed separately based on where the parent’s children are legally residing.

Work out whether the 870 makes sense for your family

The 870 is the right option for many families, but it needs to be planned properly. I am Andrew Heathcote, a registered migration agent (MARN 0850840) based in Brisbane, and I have been working on parent visa strategies for more than 15 years. I can help you understand whether the 870 is the right bridge for your situation, what it will actually cost over time, and how it fits alongside a permanent visa application.

Contact me for a consultation and let’s build a plan that works for your family.

Couple reviewing eligibility requirements for an Australian parent visa application

Australian Parent Visa Eligibility: Do You and Your Parent Qualify?

Written by webadmin on . Posted in News. 1 Comment on Australian Parent Visa Eligibility: Do You and Your Parent Qualify?

Who can apply for an Australian parent visa?

Australian parent visa eligibility has two sides: the sponsor (the Australian-based child) and the visa applicant (the parent). Both must satisfy their respective requirements before an application can proceed. Getting clarity on both sets of criteria before lodgement is essential. Visa application fees are not refunded on refusal, and for the contributory visas, that means up to $5,040 per person is at risk if you lodge without confirming eligibility first.

There are four permanent parent visa subclasses and one temporary option. The right one depends primarily on the parent’s age, the family’s financial position, and how long you can realistically wait: our guide to choosing the right parent visa walks through that decision. This article covers the eligibility rules that apply across all of them.

Sponsor eligibility requirements

The sponsor must be an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen. Eligible NZ citizens are those who hold a Special Category Visa (SCV) and have been lawfully resident in Australia for at least two continuous years immediately before sponsoring.

Temporary visa holders cannot sponsor a parent for a permanent parent visa. If you are currently on a skilled temporary visa, a partner visa that has not yet been granted permanently, a student visa, or any other temporary status, you will need to obtain permanent residency before you can sponsor.

The sponsor must also be settled in Australia. This is assessed on a case-by-case basis but essentially means Australia must be your usual place of residence. If you have only recently arrived or spend the majority of your time overseas, the Department may question whether Australia is genuinely your home.

There is no minimum income requirement for sponsoring a permanent parent visa. The financial obligation is met through the Assurance of Support, which is a bond requirement, not an ongoing income test.

Parent eligibility requirements

Age requirements: standard vs aged parent visas

The parent visa stream available depends on the parent’s age:

The “aged parent” classification is based on Australian pension age, which is currently 67. Age is assessed at the time of application. If a parent turns 67 after lodging a 103 or 143, they cannot automatically transfer to the aged parent stream. They would need to lodge a new application under the 804 or 864.

The aged parent visas (804 and 864) have one additional requirement not applicable to the standard stream: the parent must be in Australia at the time of visa grant. This means the parent needs to hold a valid visa to be lawfully in Australia throughout the waiting period and at grant time.

Relationship to the sponsor

The applicant must be the parent of the sponsoring Australian citizen or permanent resident. “Parent” includes biological parents, legal adoptive parents, and step-parents where a genuine parent-child relationship exists or existed.

The Department will request documentary evidence of the relationship: typically the sponsor’s birth certificate showing the parent’s name. For adoptive and step-parent relationships, additional documents are required to establish the legal or factual basis of the relationship.

Balance of family test

The balance of family test is the eligibility requirement that eliminates the most applicants. Your parent must pass it before a permanent visa can be granted.

The test has two limbs. Your parent passes if either is satisfied:

  1. At least half of their eligible children usually reside in Australia, or
  2. More of their eligible children usually reside in Australia than in any other single country.

Eligible children include biological, adopted, and step-children. Deceased children are excluded. Children on temporary visas in Australia do not count as “usually resident in Australia” for this test, even if they have lived here for years. Only children with permanent residency, citizenship, or equivalent long-term settled status count.

This test cannot be waived. If your parent does not pass it, no permanent parent visa is available. The Subclass 870 temporary visa is the only option that does not require the balance of family test.

Health requirements

All parent visa applicants must meet Australia’s health requirement. This involves a medical examination by a Department-approved panel physician. The examination includes a general health assessment, blood tests, and a chest X-ray. Additional testing may be required depending on age and health history.

Australia applies a public interest criterion that assesses whether an applicant’s health condition would be likely to result in significant healthcare or community service costs, or would prejudice the access of Australian citizens and residents to those services. For older applicants with chronic conditions, this assessment is more closely scrutinised.

A health waiver exists in limited circumstances, most commonly for applicants with a disability where the costs are below a certain threshold and there are compelling reasons to grant the visa despite the health concern. Waivers are not routinely available and should not be assumed.

Medical examination results are valid for 12 months. For applications with a long queue time (which applies to all permanent parent visas), the medical will need to be repeated when the application approaches finalisation.

Character requirements

Your parent must satisfy Australia’s character requirement. This means:

  • No substantial criminal record (generally, no sentences of 12 months or more)
  • No history of conduct that would suggest the applicant is not of good character
  • Police clearance certificates from every country where the parent has lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years

If your parent has a criminal conviction, the outcome depends on the nature and seriousness of the offence, how long ago it occurred, and evidence of subsequent conduct. It does not automatically result in refusal but does require careful handling. Seek advice from a registered migration agent if there is any criminal history.

Financial requirements

The primary financial requirement is the Assurance of Support (AoS). The AoS is not paid at lodgement. It is arranged when the application is close to being finalised, which for the 143 and 864 is approximately seven to eight years after lodgement from today (see current parent visa processing times).

The bond amounts are:

  • $10,000 for one adult applicant
  • $14,000 for two adult applicants (typically both parents applying together)

The bond is lodged with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia and held for 10 years. If no social security payments are claimed against it during that period, the full amount is returned. It is a contingency bond, not a payment.

For the Subclass 870 temporary visa, the sponsor must meet an income threshold of $83,454.80, which can be combined with a partner’s income. This is the only parent visa stream with an ongoing income requirement for the sponsor.

Which visa matches your situation?

Situation Likely visa
Parent under 67, passes balance of family test, cost is not the primary concern Subclass 143
Parent under 67, passes balance of family test, lower cost is the priority and family accepts 30+ year wait Subclass 103
Parent is 67 or older, passes balance of family test, cost is not the primary concern Subclass 864
Parent is 67 or older, passes balance of family test, lower cost is the priority and family accepts 30+ year wait Subclass 804
Parent does not pass the balance of family test, or family wants parent here while permanent application is in the queue Subclass 870

Frequently asked questions

Can a grandparent apply for an Australian parent visa?

No. Parent visas are limited to the direct parent of the sponsoring Australian citizen or permanent resident. Grandparents do not qualify unless they have legally adopted the sponsoring child. A grandparent who was not the primary caregiver and was not legally the applicant’s parent cannot be sponsored through the parent visa program.

My parent was a stepparent but we were not formally adopted. Can they still apply?

Possibly. Step-parents can qualify where there is evidence of a genuine parent-child relationship, even without a legal adoption. The Department assesses whether the relationship is genuine based on factors such as when the step-parent entered the child’s life, whether they lived together, and whether they acted in the role of parent. Evidence of the genuine relationship, such as statutory declarations, photographs, school records, and other documents, is important.

What if my parent’s health condition makes them likely to be refused?

It is worth getting advice before lodging. In some cases, a health waiver application can be made alongside the visa application. The waiver is not guaranteed but may succeed depending on the nature of the condition and the circumstances. Lodging without considering the health waiver strategy, or without advice, risks a refusal that could have been avoided or better managed.

Can my parent apply from outside Australia?

For the Subclass 143 and 103, yes. These visas can be lodged and granted while the applicant is offshore. For the 864 and 804 (aged parent visas), the parent must be in Australia at the time of grant. This means aged parent applicants generally need to hold a lawful visa to remain in Australia during the waiting period and at the time the visa is finalised.

Want to know if your family qualifies?

Eligibility for Australian parent visas is not always straightforward. The balance of family test, health requirements, and the choice between visa subclasses all depend on your specific family’s circumstances. I’m Andrew Heathcote, registered migration agent MARN 0850840. A consultation gives you a clear answer before you commit to anything.

Book an eligibility check

Elderly grandparents enjoying life in Australia on the Sponsored Parent Temporary Visa subclass 870

Sponsored Parent Visa 870: The Complete Australian Guide for 2026

Written by webadmin on . Posted in News. 1 Comment on Sponsored Parent Visa 870: The Complete Australian Guide for 2026

The Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa is the only parent visa in Australia’s current program that can get your parent here within months rather than years. It is a temporary visa, and it comes with real limitations. But for families facing the 12-to-15-year queue on a Subclass 143, it is often the most practical tool available.

This guide covers everything you need to know: how the visa works, what your parent can and cannot do on it, the two-step application process, costs, and how the 870 fits into a broader long-term strategy.

What is the Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent Visa?

The Subclass 870 is a temporary visa that allows a parent of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia for extended periods. Unlike permanent parent visas, it does not lead directly to permanent residence and does not require the parent to pass the balance of family test.

The visa was introduced to give families a workable option while the permanent visa queues stretched to a decade or more. The government caps grants at 15,000 per year across the entire program, so places are limited.

Processing time has been around seven months, though this varies (see current parent visa processing times). For context, that compares to a realistic 12-to-15-year wait for a new Subclass 143 application lodged today.

Key facts: what this visa allows

Stay duration and renewal options

The 870 is granted in two possible increments: a three-year stay or a five-year stay. A parent can hold a maximum total of 10 years on the 870 across all grants combined. In practice, a parent could hold two five-year grants, or a five-year grant followed by a three-year grant followed by a two-year grant, provided the total does not exceed 10 years.

Each new grant requires a fresh sponsor application and a new parent application. The sponsor must re-qualify at the time of each renewal.

What you can and cannot do on the 870

The 870 allows your parent to live in Australia for the duration of the visa. Travel in and out of Australia is permitted. The visa does not impose a restriction on how long your parent must stay, so they can come and go.

However, there are significant restrictions:

  • No work rights. Your parent cannot work in Australia on this visa, not even casually.
  • No Medicare access. Private health insurance is a mandatory condition of the visa.
  • No pathway to permanent residence directly through the 870. It does not convert to a permanent visa.

Eligibility requirements

Parent eligibility

To be eligible, the parent must be the parent of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. Step-parents and adoptive parents can qualify in certain circumstances. The parent does not need to pass the balance of family test, which is a significant advantage over the permanent parent visas and their eligibility rules.

The parent must meet health and character requirements. The health requirement is important: older parents with significant medical conditions may face complications. This is worth discussing with a registered migration agent before lodging.

Sponsor eligibility

The sponsor must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen who is at least 18 years old. The sponsor must be ordinarily resident in Australia. There is a limit of two parents or step-parents sponsored on the 870 at any one time per sponsor.

The sponsor must demonstrate they can financially support the parent during their stay, assessed against an income threshold.

Sponsor income requirements

The sponsor must meet a minimum income threshold of $83,454.80 per year. This figure is indexed and reviewed periodically. Importantly, if the sponsor has a partner, their combined income can be used to meet the threshold. This makes the requirement achievable for many families where the sponsor earns below the threshold individually but has a working partner.

The sponsor must provide evidence of income, typically through tax assessments, payslips, or employment letters.

The two-step application process

The 870 uses a two-step process that is different from most Australian visa applications. Getting the sequence right matters.

Step 1: sponsor application

The sponsoring child applies first. The Department of Home Affairs assesses whether the sponsor meets the eligibility and income requirements. Once approved, the sponsor receives an approval notice with a reference number.

The sponsor approval is valid for a limited window. The parent must lodge their own application within six months of the sponsor’s approval being granted. If the parent misses that window, the sponsor will need to apply again.

Step 2: parent visa application

Once the sponsor approval is in place, the parent applies for the 870 visa itself. The application is lodged online through ImmiAccount. The parent nominates their sponsor and provides health, character, and identity documents.

Health examinations are required and must be completed through an approved panel physician. The parent should also arrange private health insurance before the visa is granted, as it is a grant condition.

Processing time for the parent application has typically been around seven months, though the Department does not guarantee timeframes.

Visa conditions to understand before you apply

No work rights

Condition 8303 and related conditions prohibit the 870 holder from working in Australia. This applies to all forms of work, including part-time, casual, volunteer work that has remuneration, and self-employment. Breach of this condition can have serious consequences for the visa holder and future applications.

No Medicare: private health insurance is mandatory

This is the condition that catches families off guard most often. Unlike the permanent parent visas (the Subclass 143 grants Medicare on arrival), the 870 does not give access to Medicare at any point.

Private health insurance covering hospital treatment must be maintained for the entire stay. For an older parent, this is not a trivial expense. Premiums for a 70-plus-year-old parent can run to several thousand dollars per year, and exclusions for pre-existing conditions are common. Families should get health insurance quotes before lodging so the ongoing cost is factored into the decision.

Travel conditions

The 870 holder can travel in and out of Australia freely during the visa period. There is no requirement to maintain a minimum period of physical presence in Australia. However, the parent must hold valid health insurance for periods in Australia, and travel conditions should be checked if the parent plans extended absences.

Cost breakdown

The government visa application charge (VAC) for the 870 is paid by the parent applicant. As at 1 July 2026, the base visa application charge for the 870 is AUD 1,515, the same whether the grant is for 3 or 5 years, and a second visa application charge instalment of up to $10,925 applies before the visa is granted, depending on the length of stay. Government charges are indexed on 1 July each year, so confirm the current figure on the Department of Home Affairs website before you apply. From 1 July 2026, a lower application charge applies to eligible citizens of Pacific Island countries, Timor-Leste and ASEAN member countries who lodge a valid application.

Beyond the VAC, families should budget for:

  • Health examination costs (typically $300 to $500 depending on the panel physician and tests required)
  • Police clearance certificates for countries the parent has lived in
  • Private health insurance premiums for the full visa period (highly variable by age, insurer, and pre-existing conditions)
  • Migration agent fees, if using a registered agent

Compared to the Subclass 143, which costs approximately $48,640 per person across both visa application charge instalments, the 870 is far cheaper in government fees (our 143 vs 103 comparison sets out the permanent visa costs in full). The recurring cost of private health insurance over a 10-year period can, however, be substantial.

How the 870 fits into a long-term parent visa strategy

Using the 870 while a subclass 143 is in the queue

The most common use of the 870 is as a bridging arrangement while a Subclass 143 application waits in the queue. As of March 2026, the Department is processing Subclass 143 applications lodged in November 2018. New applications lodged today face a realistic wait of 12 to 15 years before they are invited to the second stage.

The 870’s maximum stay of 10 years means it cannot bridge the entire 143 queue for a new applicant. However, for families who lodged a 143 application several years ago, the 870 can cover much or all of the remaining wait. For families lodging a 143 now, the 870 buys a decade of time in Australia before another solution is needed.

The 870 and the 143 are compatible: holding an 870 does not prevent the parent from also being an applicant for a permanent parent visa.

Limitations and risks

The 870 is a useful visa, but it is not a complete solution for most families. The key limitations to understand before committing:

  • The 10-year total cap is absolute. Once exhausted, there is no further access to the 870.
  • No Medicare means ongoing health insurance costs for the life of the visa. For parents with significant health needs, this can become financially burdensome.
  • The annual cap of 15,000 grants per year means the visa is not always available on demand. If the cap fills early in a program year, new applications may be delayed.
  • The visa does not provide a pathway to permanent residence. At the end of the 870 period, the parent needs another solution, whether through a permanent parent visa being granted or another basis to remain.
  • Policy changes are a real risk with temporary visas. The 870 is a relatively new visa (introduced 2019) and its conditions and availability are subject to government policy decisions.
  • There is no Assurance of Support bond for the 870 itself, but if the parent later applies for a permanent parent visa, an Assurance of Support bond will apply: $10,000 for one adult and $14,000 for two adults, held for 10 years.

Frequently asked questions

Does the parent need to pass the balance of family test to get the 870?

No. The balance of family test does not apply to the Subclass 870. This is one of its significant advantages over the permanent parent visa options. The balance of family test requires that at least half of the parent’s children live permanently in Australia, or that more children live in Australia than in any other single country. Many families cannot meet this test for the permanent visas, making the 870 their only viable option.

Can my parent apply for the 870 if they are already in Australia on a visitor visa?

Yes, the 870 can generally be applied for onshore (in Australia) or offshore (outside Australia). Being in Australia on a visitor visa at the time of lodgement does not disqualify the parent, provided they hold a substantive visa at the time of application. Specific circumstances should be checked with a registered migration agent before lodging.

Can the sponsor be a New Zealand citizen?

Eligible New Zealand citizens who are Special Category visa holders and ordinarily resident in Australia can be sponsors. However, not all New Zealand citizens qualify. The specific rules for NZ citizen sponsors are worth confirming with a registered migration agent, as the eligibility requirements are more nuanced than for Australian citizens and permanent residents.

What happens if the sponsor’s income drops below the threshold during the visa period?

The income threshold applies at the time of the sponsor application and at renewal. There is no ongoing income reporting requirement during the visa period itself. However, if the parent applies for a renewal and the sponsor no longer meets the income threshold, the renewal application will have a problem. Sponsors should be aware of this when planning.

Is the 870 a good option if my parent needs a lot of medical care?

It depends on the circumstances, but caution is warranted. The health examination at lodgement may identify conditions that complicate the application. More practically, no Medicare access means all medical costs are borne by the parent and their private health insurer. Parents with significant ongoing medical needs may face high premiums, gaps in cover, and out-of-pocket costs that make the 870 financially very demanding over time. This is a factor that deserves serious consideration before committing to the strategy.

Ready to get your parent to Australia sooner?

I am Andrew Heathcote, a registered migration agent (MARN 0850840) based in Brisbane with over 15 years of experience handling parent visa applications. The 870 can be a genuinely useful tool when it is applied strategically. I can assess whether it is right for your family’s situation and manage the entire two-step process for you.

Get in touch for a consultation

Two older friends comparing their Australian parent visa options between the subclass 143 and subclass 103

Parent Visa 143 vs 103: Which One Is Right for Your Family?

Written by webadmin on . Posted in News.

The two permanent parent visas available to most applicants are the Subclass 143 Contributory Parent Visa and the Subclass 103 Parent Visa. On the surface, the 103 looks like the budget option and the 143 looks like the premium one. The reality is considerably more nuanced, and for the vast majority of families in 2026, the choice is effectively made for them by the realities of the queue.

143 vs 103: the fundamental trade-off

The 143 costs significantly more upfront but processes in years. The 103 costs less upfront but takes over 30 years to process under current queue conditions. That is not a trade-off between cost and speed in any meaningful sense. It is a choice between a visa that will realistically be granted in your parent’s lifetime and one that almost certainly will not, at least not for new applicants today.

Both visas lead to the same outcome: permanent residence in Australia with full work rights, Medicare access, and the ability to sponsor other family members. The difference is entirely in the cost to get there and, critically, how long it takes.

Cost comparison: what you actually pay

Subclass 143 fees

The 143 has a two-instalment fee structure. The first instalment is approximately $5,040 per person, payable at lodgement. This sets your queue date. The second instalment of approximately $43,600 per person is payable when the department invites you to finalise your application, typically six to eight years later at current queue rates.

Total cost per person: approximately $48,640. For two parents: approximately $97,280 in visa application charges alone, before factoring in health examinations, police clearances, agent fees, and the Assurance of Support bond.

The Assurance of Support bond is $10,000 for one adult or $14,000 for two adults. This is a bond lodged with Centrelink that is held for 10 years and then released. It is not a fee you lose, but it is cash that is tied up for a decade.

Subclass 103 fees

The 103 has a single upfront fee of approximately $7,345 per person, payable at lodgement. For two parents, that is approximately $14,690. There is no second instalment. The Assurance of Support bond requirements are the same: $10,000 for one adult, $14,000 for two.

The real cost of waiting: why 103 is not as cheap as it looks

The $7,345 fee for the 103 looks far more attractive than the $48,640 for the 143. But consider what you are actually buying with that lower price. The department is currently processing 103 applications lodged in July 2013. A new applicant lodging today will be waiting well into the 2050s. Over a wait that long, most parents will either be deceased, physically unable to migrate, or in circumstances so changed that the visa is irrelevant.

There are also real costs to a 30-year wait that do not appear in the fee schedule. Your parent cannot access Medicare during the queue wait unless they are in Australia on another visa. They cannot access Australian government benefits. If they develop serious health conditions, those conditions may make them ineligible when the queue date is finally reached.

For anyone lodging a 103 today, the honest advice is: lodge it as a hedge if you wish, but do not rely on it as your pathway to bringing your parents to Australia in any realistic timeframe.

Processing time comparison

Current 143 queue timeline

As of March 2026, the department is processing 143 applications with a queue date of November 2018. A new application lodged in mid-2026 would be looking at a queue date gap of approximately seven and a half years, suggesting a grant in the 2031 to 2034 range under current programme settings (see full parent visa processing times).

Approximately 7,250 contributory parent visa places are allocated each year across the 143 and Subclass 864. The pace at which the queue advances depends on how many applications are at each queue date and how many programme places are available each year.

Current 103 queue timeline

As of March 2026, the department is processing 103 applications with a queue date of July 2013. That is a 13-year gap to the current processing date, and new applications are still being accepted and lodged into a queue that now stretches more than 30 years beyond today.

Approximately 1,250 non-contributory parent visa places are allocated each year across the 103 and Subclass 804. The pace of progress is glacial by any measure.

Health coverage and Medicare access

143: Medicare on arrival in Australia

When the Subclass 143 is granted, your parent becomes eligible to enrol in Medicare on arrival in Australia. This is one of the most practically significant differences between the two visas. Medicare access means your parent can access the public health system, bulk-billed GP visits, subsidised medications through the PBS, and public hospital treatment without out-of-pocket costs for most services.

For parents of retirement age, Medicare access is often the single most important feature of permanent residency. Private health insurance premiums for elderly parents can be extraordinarily expensive. Medicare fundamentally changes the financial equation.

103: no Medicare until the visa is granted

For the Subclass 103, your parent does not have Medicare access until the visa is actually granted. During the queue wait (which could be 30 or more years), they are not entitled to Medicare based on holding the 103 application alone. If they are in Australia on a visitor visa or bridging visa during the wait, they will need private health insurance or will face significant out-of-pocket health costs.

For a new 103 applicant, this is somewhat academic given the 30-year wait. They will almost certainly not be waiting in Australia for three decades. But it is worth understanding that the 103 does not provide Medicare access in the way the 143 does.

Other key differences

Private health insurance requirements

Neither the 143 nor the 103 has a mandatory ongoing private health insurance requirement written into the visa conditions in the same way as the Subclass 870. However, if your parent is in Australia on a bridging visa while the permanent application is in the queue, practical necessity means adequate health cover is essential. For 143 applicants who may be onshore during the six to eight year wait, this is a real consideration and a real ongoing cost.

Travel and work rights

Both the 143 and 103 grant the same travel and work rights once granted: full work rights in Australia, and a five-year travel facility from the date of grant (renewable through a Resident Return Visa). There is no difference between the two visas in this respect once the visa is in hand.

During the queue wait, neither visa provides standalone work rights. Your parent’s right to work in Australia during the wait depends on the visa they hold at the time, such as a visitor visa, a bridging visa, or a 870.

Which visa is right for your family?

Choose 143 if…

  • Your family can meet the cost of approximately $48,640 per person (either now or over time, given the two-instalment structure).
  • Your parents are in reasonable health and realistically expect to be alive and able to migrate in six to eight years.
  • Medicare access after grant is important to your family’s planning.
  • You want the certainty of a defined (if long) pathway to permanent residence.

Choose 103 if…

  • You are lodging primarily to preserve an application date and do not expect to rely on the 103 as the primary pathway.
  • Your parent is young enough that a 30-plus year wait is theoretically possible (though this scenario is unusual).
  • You want to make a low-cost lodgement as a hedge while pursuing the 143 or another pathway simultaneously.

In practice, lodging a 103 today as a stand-alone strategy makes very little sense for most families. The realistic pathway to bringing parents to Australia in any foreseeable timeframe is the 143, potentially combined with a Subclass 870 as a bridge.

When to consider the 870 instead

If your family cannot afford the 143 fees, or if your parent’s age or health makes a six to eight year wait uncertain, the Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent Visa is worth serious consideration. It processes in approximately seven months, allows your parent to live in Australia for up to 10 years in total, and costs a fraction of the 143. The trade-off is that it does not lead to permanent residence.

Many families use the 870 and the 143 together: lodge the 143 to lock in a queue date, then lodge the 870 so your parent can actually be in Australia during the years the 143 is in the queue. The two applications are independent and do not interfere with each other.

Frequently asked questions

Can I lodge both a 143 and a 103 at the same time for the same parent?

Generally, a parent can only hold one substantive visa application at a time for the same visa class. You would not lodge both a 143 and a 103 simultaneously for the same parent. You choose one pathway. For most families, the 143 is the right choice based on the realities of the 103 queue.

Does the balance of family test apply to both the 143 and 103?

Yes. The balance of family test is a mandatory requirement for both the 143 and the 103. It requires that at least half of your parent’s children are usually resident in Australia, or more of their children are in Australia than in any other single country. This test cannot be waived and is assessed at the time of decision, not at lodgement. Families with children spread across multiple countries should check parent visa eligibility and seek specific advice before lodging.

What happens to my 103 application fees if I later want to switch to a 143?

You cannot “switch” a 103 to a 143. They are separate applications. If you withdraw a 103 application to lodge a 143, the 103 fees are not refunded and your 103 queue date is lost. This is a one-way door. Get the strategy right before you lodge.

If my parent is already quite elderly, should they still lodge a 143?

That depends on their age, health, and how realistic a six to eight year wait is for them. A parent who is 65 today and in good health may well be granted the 143 in their early to mid 70s, which is entirely feasible. A parent who is 78 with significant health conditions faces a different calculation. The age requirement for the aged parent pathway (Subclass 864 or 804) should also be considered for older parents who meet the “aged parent” definition.

Are 143 fees indexed or could they increase before Stage 2 is due?

Yes. Visa application charges are indexed periodically by the government. The second instalment of the 143, payable at Stage 2 some years after lodgement, will almost certainly be higher in dollar terms than the current figure of approximately $43,600. Budget conservatively and do not lock in financial plans based on today’s fees for a payment that may not fall due for six to eight years.

Get the right visa strategy for your family

The 143 vs 103 decision sounds simple but carries real financial and practical consequences. The balance of family test, the cost timing, the Medicare implications, and whether to run a 870 alongside: these are decisions that are much easier to get right before lodgement than to fix afterwards.

Andrew Heathcote, MARN 0850840, has been navigating parent visa strategy for families across Australia for over 15 years. Contact us to book a consultation and discuss your specific situation.

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).