Sponsoring a parent for migration to Australia involves meeting specific legal and financial obligations set by the Department of Home Affairs. The process includes strict eligibility requirements, extensive documentation, and often long processing times for many visa categories. The Department of Home Affairs (DOHA) offers several pathways for Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens to bring their parents to Australia.
This guide explains the main parent visa options, who can act as a sponsor, and the steps involved in lodging a valid application. It also covers typical visa fees, indicative processing times, and guidance for meeting application requirements effectively. If you need assistance navigating this complex area, Australian Migration Lawyers can provide expert support.
Visa Options for Sponsoring a Parent
Sponsoring a parent for migration to Australia can be achieved through several visa subclasses, each with distinct eligibility criteria, costs, and waiting periods. The choice of visa will depend on your circumstances, your parent's age, and whether you are prepared to meet the higher charges associated with faster processing.
Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143 & 173)
The Contributory Parent pathway allows parents to migrate more quickly than under standard parent visas, but at a significantly higher cost.
- Subclass 173 is a temporary visa valid for two years. Holders can later apply for the permanent Subclass 143 without repeating health and character checks.
- Subclass 143 is the permanent stage, granting an indefinite stay in Australia.
Processing for this visa stream can still take many years, with new applications placed in a queue. Both subclasses require the applicant to meet the Balance of Family Test and have an Assurance of Support (AoS), a legal undertaking discussed in detail below.
Non-Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 103)
The Parent (Subclass 103) visa offers permanent residence at a lower application charge than contributory visas. However, it is subject to strict annual caps, resulting in extremely long waits that can extend for decades — current Departmental estimates place new applications at around 33 years. Applicants must be sponsored by an eligible child and meet the Balance of Family Test.
"Non-contributory" refers to the Subclass 103 and Subclass 804 (Aged Parent) visas, which have a much lower government application charge than the Contributory Parent (143/173) visa in exchange for a dramatically longer queue. Both non-contributory and contributory pathways ultimately lead to the same outcome permanent residency but the choice between them is essentially a trade-off between cost and waiting time.
Temporary Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870)
This visa allows parents to visit Australia for three or five years, with the option to apply for a second visa to extend their stay to a maximum of ten years. It does not lead to permanent residence and does not require the Balance of Family Test. Sponsorship approval is required before applying, and there is no Assurance of Support requirement.
For parents who are more interested in spending extended time with family than in obtaining permanent residency, the Subclass 870 is worth serious consideration precisely because it isn't subject to the same annual capping and queuing arrangements as the permanent parent visa categories, sponsorship and visa processing generally proceed in a matter of months rather than years.
Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)
This permanent visa is for parents old enough to receive the Australian Age Pension. It can only be applied for in Australia. Like the Subclass 103 visa, waiting times are extremely long and can span several decades.
Because the Subclass 804 must be applied for onshore, some families consider it in situations where a parent is already in Australia on a different visa such as a Visitor visa or the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 870) and wishes to remain in Australia while their application for permanent residency is assessed, even though the wait for a final decision will be extremely long. This is a significant, multi-decade commitment and should be discussed carefully with a migration lawyer alongside the alternative pathways above.
Key Differences Between Contributory and Non-Contributory Visas
Contributory visas have higher government charges but significantly shorter queues compared to non-contributory options. Non-contributory visas involve lower fees but may require decades of waiting. The choice is often influenced by processing timeframes and the applicant's migration priorities.
In summary, the subclass 143 and 173 visas make up the contributory pathway, while the subclass 103 and 804 visas make up the non-contributory pathway. All four are permanent visas leading to the same residency outcome, and all require the Balance of Family Test; they differ mainly in cost and queue length, not in the ultimate visa status granted.
Who Can Sponsor a Parent for a Visa?
Sponsorship is a central requirement in all parent visa applications. Sponsors must meet strict DOHA eligibility rules to ensure they can support the applicant during the visa's initial period.
Eligibility Criteria for Sponsors
Sponsors must be:
- An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Aged 18 or over.
- Settled and usually resident in Australia for a specified minimum period before applying.
Proof of Settlement and Citizenship or Permanent Residency
Evidence must demonstrate that the sponsor is settled in Australia. This can include proof of long-term residence, employment history, and community connections. A current passport or citizenship certificate is required for Australian citizens, while permanent residents must provide their visa grant notice.
Income and Assurance of Support Requirements
For most permanent parent visas, the sponsor must arrange an Assurance of Support (AoS). This is a legal commitment to repay certain welfare payments received by the visa holder during their initial years in Australia. The AoS also requires the sponsor or assurer to meet income thresholds to ensure they can fulfil the obligation.
The Assurance of Support is typically held for a set period; commonly cited as around 10 years from the date of the visa holder's arrival in Australia or visa grant, depending on the visa duringwhich the assurer remains liable to repay specified welfare payments the visa holder receives. The assurer does not need to be the same person as the visa sponsor, though in many cases they are, and the assurer must meet a minimum income threshold set by the Department to demonstrate they can genuinely meet this obligation if called upon.
The Balance of Family Test is a separate eligibility requirement (distinct from the Assurance of Support) that applies to most permanent parent visa categories. Broadly, it requires that at least half of the applicant's children live in Australia, or that more of the applicant's children live in Australia than in any other single country. This test is assessed at the time of application and is one of the most common areas where applicants seek clarification from a migration lawyer, particularly in blended family or multiple-country situations.
Step-by-Step Process to Sponsor Your Parent
While each visa has its own form and requirements, the parent sponsorship process follows a general sequence.
Costs and Processing Times
Visa charges and processing times vary significantly according to the visa subclass. Timelines are subject to change, and the costs are set at the discretion of DOHA.
Visa Fees: Contributory vs. Non-Contributory
Contributory Parent visa (Subclass 143)
This visa has a substantial application charge, payable in two instalments: a first instalment payable at the time of application, and a second instalment payable only once the visa is otherwise ready to be granted.
The two-instalment structure used for the contributory parent visas is designed so that the larger portion of the government charge is only payable once a decision is essentially ready to be made, this means applicants are not required to pay the full contributory charge upfront, years before their application is likely to be finalised.
The additional applicant charge must be paid for each additional person in a joint visa application (adult or child).
Processing Time Estimates Based on Visa Subclass
Because processing time estimates are updated regularly by DOHA, it is best to check the official processing times guide for the most recent data. Generally, the waiting periods are as follows:
Subclass 143 / 173
While faster than non-contributory options, processing can still take a very long time; current Departmental estimates place new Contributory Parent visa applications at around 15 years.
Subclass 103
Waiting periods can be extremely long, potentially up to around 33 years, based on current Departmental estimates for new non-contributory Parent and Aged Parent visa applications.
Subclass 804
Waiting times are comparable to the Subclass 103, often spanning several decades, with current estimates aligning with the approximately 33-year figure cited above for non-contributory categories.
Subclass 870
Sponsorship is usually processed within months, with the visa application assessed after sponsorship approval.
These figures reflect queue positions and are subject to annual visa capping.
As of 25 July 2026, Ministerial Direction 117 replaced the previous Ministerial Direction 102 and now governs family visa processing priorities, including parent visas. Under the new Direction, the highest priority is given to family visa applications made while the primary applicant is in Australia, for a visa that can be granted onshore. Within this framework, after cases involving ministerial intervention, partner and child visa applications rank highest, followed by orphan relative visas, then Contributory Parent visas, then carer visas, with non-contributory Parent and Aged Parent visas, remaining relative, and aged dependent relative applications ranked lowest. A separate direction (Ministerial Direction 103) governs applications subject to annual capping and queuing specifically, and takes precedence over Direction 117 where the two overlap. As under the previous framework, an application may still be prioritised in limited circumstances involving special compassionate circumstances and compelling reasons to depart from the standard order.
Other Associated Costs
- Assurance of Support: Required for contributory and non-contributory permanent parent visas. A bond is held for a set number of years from the date of arrival in Australia or the grant date.
- Medical and Character Checks: Costs vary by provider and country of residence.
- Translations and Certification: Non-English documents must be translated and certified according to DOHA's standards.
Tips for a Successful Parent Sponsorship Application
The parent sponsorship process in Australia can be complex. With the right approach, applicants can reduce the risk of delays by following established procedural guidance. Below are key tips to guide you in submitting a successful application. Thorough preparation may assist in reducing processing time by minimising requests for further information.
Submit a Complete, Decision-Ready Application
Provide all required forms, documents, and fees at lodgement. Ensure information is consistent across all forms. Double-check that the application is consistent across all documents. Any missing information or inconsistencies can result in unnecessary delays or a refusal.
It is vital to ensure that every section is filled out properly and that all questions are answered honestly and completely. Sponsors should also be sure to include up-to-date personal details, including addresses, contact information, and employment history where applicable.
It is often helpful to keep a checklist of all required documentation to avoid any overlooked items.
Double-Check Supporting Documents and Translations
When submitting documents that are not in English, it's important to make sure they are properly translated. DOHA requires that all non-English documents be translated by an accredited translator. This requirement is in place to ensure that the information is properly understood and evaluated. Translations should not be self-done or provided by friends or family, as they may not meet the certification standards set by DOHA.
Additionally, ensure that all documents, whether translated or not, comply with the certification requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs. For example, copies of original documents may need to be certified by a registered certifier to verify their authenticity. Be sure to check the DOHA website for up-to-date guidelines on document certification and translations.
It's also worth confirming health insurance requirements early, particularly for the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 870), where the sponsor and applicant should understand what level of health cover is required before the visa is granted, since inadequate cover can affect visa conditions and the parent's practical access to healthcare while in Australia.
Consider Using an Experienced Migration Lawyer
For complex applications, such as those involving medical conditions, blended families, or multiple dependants, professional advice can help ensure compliance with DOHA requirements. A migration lawyer can help you navigate the legal complexities that may arise and provide valuable advice regarding the eligibility of your parent, dependent children, or other family members who may be part of the application.
The team at Australian Migration Lawyers can also help if there are any complications with the Balance of Family Test, a financial test, or the Assurance of Support (AoS) requirement. Our lawyers are familiar with the latest changes in Australian immigration laws, ensuring that your application meets current standards. They can communicate with the Department of Home Affairs on your behalf and assist in addressing any procedural queries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Form 40 used for in a parent visa application?
Form 40 is the sponsorship form used for most permanent parent visa applications. It is completed by the sponsor (the child or eligible relative in Australia) and confirms the sponsor's eligibility and commitment to support the parent applicant.
How long is the current wait for a parent visa in Australia?
As of this review, Departmental estimates place new Contributory Parent visa applications at around 15 years, and new non-contributory Parent and Aged Parent visa applications at around 33 years. These are estimates, not guarantees, and can change based on planning levels, application volumes, and processing priorities. The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 870) offers a considerably faster, though non-permanent, alternative.
%402x.svg){kind=icon}
.svg)
.webp)
.webp)