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Older parents with their adult daughter in Australia, weighing the subclass 870 and 143 parent visa options

Parent Visa 870 vs 143: Choosing the Right Path for Your Parents

Written by webadmin on . Posted in News.

Two visa options come up in almost every parent visa conversation: the Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent Visa and the Subclass 143 Contributory Parent Visa. They serve different purposes, operate on completely different timelines, and suit different family situations. Understanding the distinction is the foundation of any sensible parent visa strategy.

870 vs 143: two very different solutions

The 870 is a temporary visa. It gets your parent to Australia quickly, on a renewable basis, for up to 10 years total. It does not lead to permanent residence. The 143 is a permanent visa. It takes years to process but results in permanent residency with full rights, including Medicare.

Many families treat these as an either/or choice, when in reality they work best together. Lodge the 143 to lock in your queue position, and use the 870 as a bridge while you wait. That combined approach is the most effective parent visa strategy for most families in 2026.

Key differences at a glance

Feature Subclass 870 Subclass 143
Permanency Temporary (up to 10 years total) Permanent residence
Processing time ~7 months 6 to 8 years (queue-based)
Cost (per person) ~$5,000 to $10,000 (across multiple grants) ~$48,640 total (two instalments)
Medicare No Yes (on arrival after grant)
Work rights No Yes (full work rights after grant)
Balance of family test Not required Required (cannot be waived)
Annual cap 15,000 per year ~7,250 per year (contributory)
Pathway to PR No direct pathway Is the permanent residence

Permanency: the biggest difference

143 leads to permanent residency

The Subclass 143 is a permanent visa. Once granted, your parent is a permanent resident of Australia. They can live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. They can enrol in Medicare on arrival. They can access Australian government benefits after a waiting period. After four years as a permanent resident, they can apply for Australian citizenship.

Permanent residency also provides a stable, long-term foundation for family life. Your parent is not on a countdown clock. They are not subject to renewal processes, annual caps, or income thresholds once the visa is granted. It is, simply put, the goal for most families.

870 is temporary with no direct PR pathway

The 870 is explicitly a temporary visa. It does not lead to permanent residence. There is no provision in the 870 visa conditions to transition directly to permanent residency based on holding the 870. After 10 years of total stay, a parent who has exhausted their 870 entitlement must leave Australia unless they hold or can be granted another visa.

This is not a criticism of the 870. It was designed as a temporary solution, and it delivers on that purpose very effectively. But families who assume the 870 will “convert” to permanent residence at some point are operating on a misunderstanding. If permanent residence is the goal, the 143 (or another permanent parent visa) must be part of the strategy.

Processing time comparison

The 870 processes in approximately seven months under current conditions. The sponsor approval step takes two to four months, and the parent application itself takes around seven months from lodgement assuming the sponsor is already approved.

The 143 operates on a queue system. As of March 2026, the department is processing 143 applications with a queue date of November 2018. A new lodgement today would carry a queue date of mid-2026, putting the likely grant date in the 2031 to 2034 range at current programme settings. That is the reality, and there is no mechanism to pay your way to the front of the queue.

The processing time contrast is the reason the 870 exists. The government created it specifically to address the reality that permanent parent visas take many years, and families wanted a legal, structured way to have parents present in Australia during that wait.

Cost comparison

870 costs

The 870 is granted in tranches of three years or five years. The five-year grant costs more than the three-year grant. Across multiple grants to reach the 10-year maximum, total visa fees in the range of $5,000 to $10,000 per person are typical, depending on the combination of grant lengths chosen. There is also the sponsor application fee to factor in.

The income requirement for sponsors is $83,454.80 per year. If a sponsor’s individual income is below this threshold, they can combine with a partner’s income to meet it. This is an ongoing eligibility consideration for each renewal, not just at initial application.

The 870 does not require an Assurance of Support bond. It does require your parent to hold adequate private health insurance throughout their stay, which is a mandatory visa condition, not optional. For elderly parents, this is a significant ongoing cost that should be factored into any comparison with the 143.

143 costs

The 143 has a first instalment of approximately $5,040 per person at lodgement, and a second instalment of approximately $43,600 per person when the department invites you to finalise the application. The total is approximately $48,640 per person. For two parents, that is approximately $97,280 in visa application charges.

On top of that: health examinations, police clearances for all countries of residence, professional fees, and the Assurance of Support bond of $10,000 for one adult or $14,000 for two. The bond is held by Centrelink for 10 years and then released. It is not a fee but it is cash that is locked up.

The second instalment is also likely to be higher in dollar terms when it falls due in six to eight years, as visa fees are indexed periodically. Budget conservatively.

Health insurance and Medicare

This is one of the starkest practical differences between the two visas.

The 870 requires your parent to hold adequate private health insurance throughout their stay. This is a visa condition: breach it and your parent is in violation of their visa. For elderly parents, the cost of appropriate private health insurance can be very high, particularly as they age. Hospital cover with appropriate limits needs to reflect the likely healthcare needs of the parent involved. Budget this cost carefully.

The 143, once granted, entitles your parent to Medicare from the day they arrive in Australia as a permanent resident. Medicare covers GP visits, specialist consultations with a referral, public hospital treatment, and subsidised medications through the PBS. For most families, Medicare access is one of the most financially significant features of the permanent visa, and it is the single biggest healthcare cost advantage the 143 has over the 870.

During the 143 queue wait, if your parent is in Australia on a bridging visa or a visitor visa, they do not have Medicare access. Practically speaking, you would need to arrange private health cover during that period regardless of which visa strategy you are pursuing.

Work rights and government benefits

The 870 does not include work rights. Your parent cannot take paid employment in Australia on this visa, including part-time or casual work. They also cannot access Australian government benefits such as Centrelink payments.

The 143, once granted, carries full work rights. Your parent can work in any occupation. They also gain access to government benefits after the standard Newly Arrived Resident’s Waiting Period, which is currently four years for most payments. After that waiting period, your parent may be eligible for the Age Pension and other income support payments, subject to the usual eligibility criteria.

The 870-while-waiting strategy

How to use the 870 as a bridge

The most effective use of the 870 for most families is as a bridging visa while the 143 works through the queue. Here is how it works in practice:

  1. Lodge the 143 application and pay the first instalment. This locks in your queue date immediately.
  2. Separately, lodge the sponsorship application for the 870 and then the parent’s 870 application.
  3. The 870 is granted in approximately seven months, allowing your parent to be in Australia within the year.
  4. Your parent lives in Australia on the 870 while the 143 processes through the queue.
  5. When the 143 queue date is reached and Stage 2 is invited, pay the second instalment and finalise.
  6. The 143 is granted. Your parent is now a permanent resident and enrolls in Medicare.

This approach means your parent is in Australia during the years-long 143 queue wait, rather than sitting overseas. It is the most common strategic combination for families who can afford the 143 fees.

Important timing considerations

A few practical points on running both applications together:

  • The 143 and 870 are completely independent applications. One does not affect the other’s processing or outcome.
  • Lodging the 870 does not reset or affect your 143 queue date.
  • The 870 has an annual cap of 15,000 grants per year. Lodge it early in the financial year if possible to reduce cap risk.
  • When the 143 Stage 2 invitation arrives, your parent can be onshore in Australia on the 870. That is a perfectly valid situation and common in practice.
  • Once the 143 is granted, the 870 ceases to have effect. Your parent moves to their permanent visa.

Which one is right for your family?

If permanent residence is your goal and your family can manage the costs and the timeline, the 143 is the right answer. Lodge it now to lock in your queue date. The longer you wait to lodge, the further back in the queue you will be.

If your parents need to be in Australia sooner, or if the 143 costs are not feasible right now, the 870 is a practical and well-structured option. Used alone, it provides up to 10 years of Australian residence. Used alongside the 143, it provides your parents with an Australian life while you work towards permanent residence.

The balance of family test is also a relevant factor. The 870 does not require your parent to pass the balance of family test, which requires at least half of their children to be usually resident in Australia. If your family structure means you cannot satisfy this test, the 870 may be your only viable pathway. The 143 requires it without exception.

Frequently asked questions

Can my parent apply for the 870 if a 143 application is already lodged?

Yes. The 870 and 143 can run simultaneously. Many families lodge both. The 143 lodgement does not prevent the 870 application, and holding an 870 does not affect the 143 queue position. Running both is the standard “bridge and permanent” strategy.

Does the 870 count towards the 143 processing time in any way?

No. The 870 is an entirely separate visa. Time spent on the 870 does not shorten the 143 queue wait. The only thing that moves your 143 queue date is the department working through applications ahead of yours under the annual programme allocation.

My parent does not meet the balance of family test. Is the 870 their only option?

For permanent visas, yes: the balance of family test applies to both the 143 and the 103, and it cannot be waived. If your parent genuinely cannot satisfy the test, a permanent parent visa is not available to them. The 870 does not have this requirement, making it the most accessible option for parents whose children are dispersed across multiple countries.

What happens to my parent’s 870 when the 143 is granted?

When the 143 is granted, it operates as the substantive visa. The 870 ceases to apply, and your parent’s rights and obligations are governed by the 143 conditions from that point. They enrol in Medicare, they have full work rights, and the 10-year clock on 870 stay is no longer relevant.

Can I sponsor my parent for the 870 if my income is below the threshold?

The income threshold for 870 sponsors is $83,454.80 per year. If your individual income is below this, you can include your partner’s income to meet the threshold as a combined household income. If you genuinely cannot meet the threshold even with combined income, you cannot sponsor a parent for the 870 unless your circumstances change. This is a firm eligibility requirement, not a guideline.

Build the right strategy for your parents

The 870 vs 143 decision is rarely straightforward. Costs, timelines, health circumstances, the balance of family test, and income eligibility all interact. Getting the combination right before you lodge anything saves considerable time, money, and stress.

Andrew Heathcote, MARN 0850840, has spent over 15 years helping Australian families bring their parents home, with a specific focus on parent visa strategy. Contact us at parentvisas.com.au/contact for practical, experience-based advice on your family’s situation.

An older father in Australia during the long wait for his Contributory Parent Visa subclass 143 to be processed

Contributory Parent Visa 143 Processing Time: What to Expect in 2026

Written by webadmin on . Posted in News.

The Subclass 143 is the most commonly lodged permanent parent visa in Australia, and the question I get asked most often is: how long will it take? The honest answer is that it takes years, not months. But understanding exactly why, and what stage the queue is at right now, helps you plan rather than just wait.

How long does the subclass 143 take in 2026?

The Subclass 143 Contributory Parent Visa currently takes approximately six to eight years from lodgement to grant, based on where the queue sits as of early 2026. That estimate will vary depending on how the annual programme allocation changes over coming years and how quickly the department works through the current backlog.

This is not a processing delay in the conventional sense, such as a case stuck on someone’s desk. It is a structural queue. The government allocates a fixed number of parent visa places each year, and there are far more applicants than places. The result is a multi-year wait that is baked into the system.

New applicants lodging a 143 today should plan for a grant somewhere around 2031 to 2033 at current rates. That timeline could improve if the government increases the annual allocation, or it could extend further if lodgement volumes rise or the allocation is cut.

The two-stage process explained

The 143 has a two-stage fee structure, and understanding it is critical to understanding the timeline.

Stage 1: lodgement and queueing

When you lodge the application and pay the first instalment of approximately $5,040 per person, your queue date is set. That is the date that determines your position in the line. From this point, your application sits in the queue. There is no active casework happening during this period; you are simply waiting for the department to work through the applications ahead of yours.

All permanent parent visa applications have been lodged online via ImmiAccount since 22 April 2026. Read the April 2026 online lodgement changes if you are preparing to lodge now.

During Stage 1 you should keep your ImmiAccount details current, particularly your email address and your sponsor’s contact details. The department uses ImmiAccount for all correspondence. If the Stage 2 invitation goes to an old email address and you miss it, your application can lapse.

Stage 2: finalisation

When the department reaches your queue date, you will be invited to pay the second instalment: approximately $43,600 per person. For two parents that is $87,200 in second instalment fees alone. This payment must be made within the deadline the department sets. Once paid, the department moves to actively assess and finalise your application.

Stage 2 involves completing or updating health examinations, obtaining current police clearances from every country where you have lived, progressing the Assurance of Support arrangement (a bond lodged with Centrelink of $10,000 for one adult or $14,000 for two), and providing any further documents the case officer requests.

If your documents are in order and you respond promptly, Stage 2 typically takes a few months. It is Stage 1, the queue, that accounts for the overwhelming majority of the total wait time.

Current queue date for the 143 visa

As of March 2026, the department is processing 143 applications with a queue date of November 2018. That means applications lodged in late 2018 are currently being invited to pay their second instalment and finalised.

A new application lodged today would have a queue date of June 2026. The gap between November 2018 and June 2026 is roughly seven and a half years. If the queue advances at its current rate, a 2026 lodgement is looking at a grant in the 2031 to 2034 range.

This is the single most important number to know when deciding whether to lodge the 143. The fees are substantial (around $48,640 per person all up), but many families decide the permanent residency outcome and the Medicare access that comes with it justify the cost and the wait.

Will processing times improve?

Annual program cap and queue movement

The annual parent visa programme has been running at approximately 8,500 places in recent years, with around 7,250 of those allocated to contributory visas like the 143 and Subclass 864. There have been periodic calls from the sector to increase this number, but no government has significantly expanded the programme in recent years.

Processing times for the 143 will only improve materially if the government increases the number of places allocated each year. Operational improvements at the department, such as digitising lodgement (done), can reduce Stage 2 processing time, but they cannot change how fast the queue moves. Queue speed is a function of programme places, not departmental resourcing.

The practical advice is to not lodge and wait for things to get faster. Lodge because you have assessed the cost, the timeline, and the outcome, and decided it makes sense for your family.

How the 143 compares to the 173 temporary pathway

The Subclass 173 is the temporary contributory parent visa. It was designed as a stepping stone to the 143: you lodge the 173, it is granted relatively quickly (processing times have historically been faster than permanent parent visas), and then you onshore and eventually transition to the 143.

However, the 173 and 143 share the same queue. Lodging a 173 sets your queue date just as lodging a 143 does. The 173 grant gives your parent a visa to be in Australia while waiting, but it does not move them ahead in the 143 queue. The total fees are also roughly the same across both visas as a pathway.

For most families today, the Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent Visa has become a more practical bridging option because it does not require lodging a separate contributory visa application, it processes in around seven months, and it can be held for up to 10 years in total. You can lodge the 870 while your 143 works through the queue.

Frequently asked questions

Does lodging early really matter for the 143?

Yes, significantly. Every month you delay lodging is another month added to the back of a queue that is already years long. If you are confident your family meets the eligibility requirements, including the balance of family test, there is no strategic benefit to waiting. Lodge as soon as you are ready.

Can my parent visit Australia while the 143 is in the queue?

Yes. Your parent can apply for a Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) to spend time in Australia while waiting. Alternatively, applying for the Subclass 870 gives your parent a longer-term, renewable temporary visa specifically designed for this purpose. The 870 allows stays of up to three or five years at a time, up to a maximum of 10 years total.

What happens to the first instalment if the 143 is refused?

Application fees are generally not refunded if an application is refused or withdrawn after lodgement. This makes it important to assess eligibility carefully before lodging. The balance of family test, in particular, is the most common eligibility issue for 143 applicants, and it cannot be waived.

Does my parent need private health insurance for the 143?

While the 143 application is in the queue, there is no mandatory requirement to hold private health insurance in the same way as the 870. However, if your parent is in Australia on a bridging visa or a visitor visa during the wait, they will not have Medicare access, so arranging private health cover is strongly advisable from a practical standpoint. Once the 143 is granted, your parent becomes eligible for Medicare on arrival in Australia.

Talk to someone who knows this queue inside out

The 143 involves significant fees, a multi-year wait, and decisions that are hard to undo. Getting the strategy right before you lodge, not after, makes a real difference.

Andrew Heathcote, MARN 0850840, has been working with contributory parent visa applications for over 15 years. Contact us at parentvisas.com.au/contact to discuss your family’s situation.

Several family members of different ages stacking their hands together, representing the balance of family test for Australian parent visas

The Balance of Family Test for Australian Parent Visas: A Plain-English Guide

Written by webadmin on . Posted in News.

What is the Balance of Family Test?

The balance of family test is an eligibility requirement for Australian permanent parent visas. It exists to ensure that Australia’s parent visa program benefits families where the majority of the parent’s children are already settled here. Put simply: if most of your parent’s children live somewhere other than Australia, the Australian government will not grant a permanent parent visa.

This test applies at the time the Department of Home Affairs assesses the application. It is not assessed at lodgement, though you should be confident your parent passes it before you lodge and pay the application fees. Failing the test means refusal, and visa application fees are generally not refunded.

The balance of family test is one of the first things I check when a family comes to me about a parent visa. It is the single most common reason an otherwise straightforward application is not possible.

How do you pass it?

The two ways to satisfy the test

Your parent can pass the balance of family test in either of two ways:

  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.

The second limb exists for situations where no single country has half the children but Australia still has more than any individual alternative. For example: a parent with four children, two in Australia, one in the UK, and one in India, passes the test under limb two even though Australia does not have a majority.

Only one of these two tests needs to be satisfied. If either applies, your parent passes.

Who counts as an “eligible child”?

Children included in the count

All of the following count as eligible children for the purposes of the test:

  • Biological children of the parent
  • Legally adopted children
  • Stepchildren (where there is or was a genuine family relationship)

The child’s nationality does not matter. Australian citizens, foreign nationals, and children of any residency status can all be counted, subject to the exclusions below.

Children excluded from the count

Deceased children are excluded. They are not counted as residing anywhere.

Children who have been adopted by a person outside the family unit may be excluded depending on the circumstances. Legal adoption severs the relationship in some cases.

The most significant exclusion in practice is this: children who are in Australia on temporary visas do not count as “usually resident in Australia.” This is a critical and frequently misunderstood point. A sibling on a student visa, a working holiday visa, a partner visa that has not yet been granted permanently, or any other temporary visa does not tip the balance in favour of Australia. Only children who are Australian citizens, permanent residents, or otherwise settled in Australia on a long-term basis satisfy the “usually resident” standard.

Common situations that trip families up

Children living in multiple countries

When the parent’s children are spread across three or more countries, families sometimes assume Australia “wins” because it has the most children in absolute terms. That is correct if Australia has more children than any other single country. But if, say, two children are in Australia, two are in India, and one is in Canada, Australia does not satisfy either limb of the test and the application cannot proceed.

Counting carefully and honestly before lodgement is essential. The Department will request birth certificates for all eligible children and evidence of their usual country of residence, so the numbers will be verified.

Children on temporary visas in Australia

This is the most common trap. A family where two children are in Australia (one as a permanent resident, one on a student visa) and one child is overseas assumes the test is passed two-to-one. In fact, only the permanent resident child counts. The balance is one-to-one, and the test fails under the first limb. Whether it passes under the second limb depends on where the overseas child is and whether any single country can claim more than one Australian-based child.

I have seen families lodge applications and pay tens of thousands of dollars in fees based on a miscalculation involving a temporary visa sibling. The fees are not recovered on refusal.

Can the test ever be waived?

No. The balance of family test cannot be waived under any circumstances. There is no ministerial discretion, no compassionate grounds exception, and no alternative criteria that substitute for it. If your parent does not pass the test, no permanent parent visa is available to them.

The only pathway for a parent who fails the balance of family test is the Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa, which does not require the balance of family test. The 870 allows your parent to live in Australia for up to 10 years but does not lead to permanent residency.

Which parent visas require the balance of family test? (See our guide to choosing the right parent visa.)

The balance of family test applies to all four permanent parent visa subclasses:

The test does not apply to the 870 temporary visa. This is one of the reasons the 870 is a useful option for families where the permanent visa pathway is blocked or uncertain.

Frequently asked questions

My parent has children from two different relationships. Do all of them count?

Yes. All eligible children, regardless of which relationship they came from, are included in the count. Half-siblings, stepchildren from a prior marriage, and children from a current relationship all count if they meet the eligibility criteria.

What evidence does the Department require to prove usual residence?

The Department typically requires birth certificates for all eligible children and supporting evidence of their usual country of residence. This might include copies of their passport (showing visa status), utility bills or lease agreements, employment records, or statutory declarations. Evidence should be recent and clearly demonstrate that Australia is the child’s usual home, not a temporary stop.

Can we wait for a sibling to get permanent residency before lodging?

Yes, and in many cases this is the right approach. If a sibling is currently on a temporary visa and is likely to obtain permanent residency within the next year or two, it may be worth waiting until that happens before lodging the parent visa. Once the sibling holds PR, they count in the balance. This is a timing strategy worth discussing with a migration agent before committing to lodgement.

Does the balance of family test apply to the parent or to the sponsor?

It applies to the parent (the visa applicant). It counts the parent’s eligible children and assesses where those children usually reside. The sponsor’s personal circumstances do not affect the test calculation directly, though the sponsor’s residency in Australia contributes to the count of Australian-resident children.

Not sure if your family passes the balance of family test?

It’s worth getting this right before you spend anything. I’m Andrew Heathcote, registered migration agent MARN 0850840, and I offer consultations specifically to assess eligibility before lodgement. A short consultation can save you thousands in non-refundable fees.

Check your eligibility

Grandparent reuniting with grandchild in Australia after successfully bringing parents to Australia permanently

How to Bring Your Parents to Australia Permanently: A Complete Guide

Written by webadmin on . Posted in News.

Can you bring your parents to Australia permanently?

Yes, you can bring your parents to Australia permanently, but it takes planning, patience, and in most cases a significant financial commitment. Australia’s permanent parent visa program has four main visa subclasses, a lengthy queue, and a limited annual allocation of roughly 8,500 places across all streams. The earlier you understand the system, the better placed you are to navigate it.

This guide covers everything: who can sponsor a parent, what your parent needs to qualify, which visa suits your situation, what it costs, how long it takes, and what mistakes to avoid. I’ve been working on parent visa cases for over 15 years and the questions I get most often are addressed directly here.

Who is eligible to sponsor a parent?

Australian citizenship, permanent residency or eligible NZ citizens

To sponsor a parent for a permanent visa, you 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 resident in Australia for at least two years.

Temporary visa holders cannot sponsor a parent for a permanent visa. If you are on a temporary skilled visa, a student visa, or a partner visa that has not yet been granted permanently, you cannot be the primary sponsor. You would need to wait until you hold permanent residency or citizenship.

Residence requirements for the sponsor

There is no strict minimum residence period required for most sponsors, but you must be settled in Australia at the time of application. The Department will assess whether Australia is genuinely your usual country of residence. If you have been here for only a few months or are frequently absent, that can raise questions about the genuineness of the sponsorship.

For the Aged Parent Visa (804) and Contributory Aged Parent Visa (864), the sponsor must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ citizen who is settled in Australia.

Does your parent qualify? Key eligibility checks

The balance of family test

The balance of family test is the eligibility requirement that catches the most families off guard. Your parent must pass this test to be eligible for a permanent parent visa.

The test works like this: at least half of your parent’s eligible children must usually reside in Australia. Alternatively, more of your parent’s children must usually reside in Australia than in any other single country.

Eligible children include biological children, adopted children, and stepchildren. Children who are deceased are excluded. The count looks at where children usually live, not their nationality or visa status.

One important and frequently misunderstood point: children on temporary visas in Australia do not count as “usually resident in Australia” for the purposes of this test. A sibling on a student visa or a working holiday visa does not tip the balance in your favour. Only those with permanent residency, citizenship, or settled long-term status count.

This test cannot be waived and there is no discretionary override. If your parent does not pass it, there is no permanent visa pathway available to them.

Health and character requirements

Your parent must meet Australian health and character requirements. Health is assessed through a medical examination conducted by a Department-approved physician. The examination includes blood tests, chest X-rays, and a general health assessment. For older applicants, additional tests may be required.

Australia applies a health waiver in limited circumstances, but the cost-to-health-care ratio is a strict filter. Character requirements involve police clearances from every country where your parent has lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.

Financial requirements: Assurance of Support

Before a permanent parent visa is granted, an Assurance of Support (AoS) is required. This is a financial bond lodged with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia. The amounts are $10,000 for one adult applicant and $14,000 for two adults. The bond is held for 10 years. If your parent claims certain social security payments during that period, the government recovers those amounts from the bond. After 10 years without a claim, the bond is released back to you.

The AoS is separate from visa application fees. It is a cash deposit, not a payment.

Your permanent parent visa options

Contributory Parent Visa 143: faster and more expensive

The Subclass 143 Contributory Parent Visa is the most practical permanent option for most families. It costs approximately $48,640 per person (roughly $5,040 at lodgement and $43,600 before grant) and as of March 2026 the Department is processing applications lodged in November 2018. That puts the current wait at around seven to eight years from lodgement today.

The 143 can be lodged and granted while your parent is offshore or onshore. Upon grant, your parent receives Medicare access from day one.

Non-Contributory Parent Visa 103: lower cost but very slow

The Subclass 103 Parent Visa costs approximately $7,345 per person, with no second instalment. The catch: as of March 2026, the Department is processing July 2013 lodgements. From today’s lodgement date, you are looking at 30 or more years in the queue.

The 103 is technically still available and people do still lodge it. In most cases I advise against it unless cost is genuinely the primary constraint and your family fully understands what a multi-decade wait means. Unlike the 143, Medicare under the 103 is available only after the visa is granted, not on arrival in Australia.

Aged Parent Visas 804 and 864

If your parent is 67 or older (the current Australian pension age), they qualify for the aged parent stream instead of the standard stream. The Subclass 864 Contributory Aged Parent Visa costs approximately $48,640 and shares the 143’s queue. The Subclass 804 Aged Parent Visa costs approximately $7,345 and shares the 103’s queue.

A critical difference from the 103 and 143: aged parent visas must be granted while your parent is physically in Australia. They cannot be granted offshore.

The 870 temporary visa as a first step

The Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa deserves serious consideration alongside any permanent application. It is a temporary visa, capped at 15,000 grants per year, and allows your parent to live in Australia for up to three or five years per grant, with a maximum stay of 10 years total.

The 870 does not require the balance of family test. It does not lead to permanent residency directly. Processing is typically around seven months. Your parent will not have Medicare or work rights on an 870.

The sponsor income requirement for the 870 is $83,454.80, which can be combined with a partner’s income.

How to use the 870 while a permanent application is in the queue

The most common strategy I see is this: lodge the permanent visa application (usually a 143 or 864), then lodge the 870 to cover the waiting period. This lets your parent spend meaningful time in Australia with you now, rather than waiting offshore for seven or more years before the permanent visa comes through.

There are two things to keep in mind. First, the 870 does not provide Medicare. Private health insurance is essential. Second, only 15,000 870 visas are granted per year globally, so earlier lodgement is better.

Step-by-step: how to apply for a parent visa

Step 1: check eligibility

Before lodging anything, confirm three things: you can sponsor (citizen, PR, or eligible NZ citizen), your parent passes the balance of family test, and your parent meets the health and character criteria. The balance of family test is the most common stumbling block. Do this analysis carefully before paying any fees.

Step 2: gather your documents

Core documents include your parent’s passport and birth certificate, birth certificates for all of your parent’s eligible children, evidence of the children’s usual country of residence, your citizenship or residency evidence, police clearance certificates for your parent, and medical examination results. Start gathering these early. Police clearances from some countries take weeks or months.

Step 3: lodge online via ImmiAccount (required from April 2026)

From 22 April 2026, all permanent parent visa applications must be lodged online through ImmiAccount. Paper lodgement is no longer accepted. You will need to create or log in to your ImmiAccount, complete the relevant form, attach all supporting documents, and pay the first instalment of the visa application charge. Details on the online lodgement changes are covered on the parent visa online lodgement page.

Step 4: await queue release and finalise

After lodgement, your application enters the queue. The Department will contact you when it is approaching the front of the queue to request updated documents, health examinations, and the Assurance of Support. The second instalment of the visa application charge (for the 143 and 864) is paid at this stage, not at lodgement.

How long it takes and what it costs

Visa Cost per person Approximate wait (from today) Medicare on arrival
Subclass 143 ~$48,640 7 to 8 years Yes
Subclass 103 ~$7,345 30+ years No (after grant only)
Subclass 864 ~$48,640 7 to 8 years Yes
Subclass 804 ~$7,345 30+ years Yes (after grant)
Subclass 870 Variable ~7 months No (temporary visa)

Common mistakes that cause delays or refusals

The balance of family test is miscalculated. Families often include children on temporary visas in the count without realising those children do not satisfy the “usually resident” requirement. The calculation must be done correctly before lodgement.

Documents are not certified or translated. If any document is not in English, it must be translated by a NAATI-accredited translator. Uncertified copies of identity documents are commonly rejected.

Health examinations are arranged too early. Medical results are only valid for 12 months. If you arrange the medical before lodgement and the application is not finalised within that window, the exam will need to be repeated.

The Assurance of Support is not set up in time. The AoS must be arranged before the visa is granted, but the bank process takes time. Leaving it to the last minute when the Department is ready to finalise the application causes unnecessary delays.

The sponsor’s status changes between lodgement and grant. If the sponsor loses permanent residency or citizenship for any reason, the sponsorship is affected. This is rare but worth noting for complex situations.

Frequently asked questions

Can I sponsor both parents on the same application?

Yes. Both parents can be included in a single application as the primary and secondary applicant. Visa fees apply per person, so the total cost is roughly doubled for a couple.

My parent failed the balance of family test. Are there any other options?

There is no permanent visa pathway if the balance of family test is not met. The 870 temporary visa does not require the test, so your parent could live in Australia temporarily for up to 10 years. That said, it does not lead to permanent residency.

Can my parent work in Australia on a permanent parent visa?

Yes. Both the 143 and 103 (and their aged equivalents) grant full work rights. However, most parents in their 60s or 70s are not looking to work. The more relevant benefit is usually Medicare access and the ability to be close to family.

Do processing times ever change?

They move slowly and usually in one direction. The annual allocation is approximately 8,500 places across all permanent parent streams. With a large backlog and limited annual places, the queue does not clear quickly. Times quoted here are as of early 2026 and may shift slightly.

Is there a faster way to get parents to Australia permanently?

Not through the parent visa program. The 143 and 864 are the fastest options and they still take seven to eight years. There is no premium processing or priority pathway for parent visas outside the normal queue.

Does it matter which country my parent lives in?

No. Parent visa applications are available to applicants from any country. The same rules, costs, and queue positions apply regardless of nationality. Country of origin can affect police clearance requirements and the time needed to gather documents.

Get a clear plan for your family’s situation

Parent visa strategy is not one-size-fits-all. The right approach depends on your parent’s age, the balance of family test, your timeline, and your budget. I’m Andrew Heathcote, registered migration agent MARN 0850840, and I’ve helped hundreds of families work through exactly this decision.

Book a consultation

Australian passport and parent visa application documents representing the 1 July 2026 visa fee increase

Parent Visa Fees Have Gone Up: What Changed on 1 July 2026

Written by webadmin on . Posted in News.

If you are planning to bring a parent to Australia, the cost of doing so rose on 1 July 2026. The Department of Home Affairs lifted its visa application charges across almost every visa, and the parent program was part of that increase. Here is what actually changed, and what it means before you lodge.

The increase is on the first instalment, not the contribution

The rise applies to the first instalment, the charge you pay when you lodge. Across the parent program this went up by about 25 per cent.

The much larger second instalment, the contribution that contributory parent applicants pay before the visa is granted, did not change. That distinction matters, because for a contributory visa the second instalment is where most of the money sits.

Here are the new first instalments for a main applicant, current as at 1 July 2026, with the second instalment payable before grant.

Visa First instalment (was) First instalment (now) Second instalment before grant
Parent (subclass 103) $5,280 $6,600 $2,065
Aged Parent (subclass 804) $5,280 $6,600 $2,065
Contributory Parent (subclass 143) $5,040 $6,300 $43,600
Contributory Aged Parent (subclass 864) $5,040 $6,300 $43,600
Contributory Parent Temporary (subclass 173) $3,395 $4,245 applied toward the 143
Sponsored Parent Temporary (subclass 870) $1,215 $1,515 up to $10,925

These charges are per person. A second adult applicant pays a further additional applicant charge on top.

The contributory reality

For a contributory parent visa, 143 or 864, the headline cost is still the second instalment of $43,600 per adult. That amount did not move on 1 July, but it remains the single largest charge in the parent program. For a couple applying together, that is about $87,200 in second instalments alone, before you add the first instalment, the Assurance of Support bond and any professional fees.

The Assurance of Support also sits on top. For contributory parents this is a refundable bond lodged with the government, currently around $10,000 for the main applicant, held for ten years.

The lower-cost pathways

The non-contributory Parent (103) and Aged Parent (804) visas are far cheaper, with a second instalment of just $2,065. The trade-off is the queue. These visas have processing times measured in decades, so for most families they are a long-term hold rather than a practical route to reunion.

The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (870) is not permanent residence. It lets a parent stay for up to five years at a time. Its first instalment rose only modestly to $1,515, though a second instalment of up to $10,925 applies before grant depending on the length of stay.

What it means for you

If your parent’s application is not yet lodged, the higher first instalment now applies. That is a reason to plan the budget properly, not to rush a half-ready application in. A refused or invalid parent visa application is an expensive mistake given the charges involved.

Before you commit, confirm the exact charge for your situation using the Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator, and factor in the second instalment, the Assurance of Support bond, health checks and police clearances. Our 143 vs 103 comparison sets out how the pathways differ on cost and wait.

At MigrationBuro we help families weigh the contributory and non-contributory pathways against cost, timing and each parent’s circumstances. If you are thinking about bringing a parent to Australia, talk to us before you lodge.

This article is general information only and is current as at 1 July 2026. Visa charges change, and your circumstances can affect the amount payable. It is not migration or legal advice. For advice on your own situation, contact a registered migration agent.

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

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.

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.