Subclass 103
Parent visa
A permanent parent category subject to capping, queueing and potentially very long processing.
← All migration pathways
Parent and family visas
Plan family reunion with a realistic view of the pathway.
Understand parent visa categories, sponsorship, family tests, costs and processing realities before choosing a route.
Start with the category
Family migration pathways are specific and often highly constrained.
Parent visas include contributory and non-contributory permanent categories, aged parent pathways and a temporary sponsored parent option. Other family visas have separate, limited eligibility.
Age, applicant location, sponsor circumstances, the balance of family test, Assurance of Support and queueing can all affect the pathway.
Common parent pathways
Which category deserves closer review?
These descriptions do not replace a full eligibility and affordability assessment.
Subclasses 143 and 173
Contributory Parent visas
Permanent and temporary contributory options involving substantially higher visa charges.
Aged parent categories
Pathways for eligible older parents
Age, location and other criteria apply, with queueing considerations remaining important.
Subclass 870
Sponsored Parent (Temporary)
A temporary stay option with separate sponsor and visa processes; it is not a permanent visa.
Plan with the whole family
Test eligibility, time and cost together.
- ✓Confirm the child or sponsor meets the relevant status and settlement rules.
- ✓Check whether the balance of family test applies and can be met.
- ✓Understand charges, Assurance of Support and queueing before selecting a category.
Avoid costly assumptions
A family relationship alone is not enough.
- ×Do not assume every parent or relative has an available visa pathway.
- ×Do not overlook long queues and changing circumstances.
- ×Do not confuse temporary sponsored parent residence with permanent migration.
Preparing your evidence
Document family structure and sponsorship carefully.
Parent applications often require detailed family information that must remain consistent across records.
- 01 Identity and relationship documents
- 02 Children and sibling family records
- 03 Sponsor citizenship or residence evidence
- 04 Evidence of the sponsor’s settlement
- 05 Balance of family information where relevant
- 06 Assurance of Support material where required
- 07 Health and character documents
- 08 Accurate applicant location and history
Application journey
From first check to a decision.
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01
Map the family
Identify every child, relationship and country of usual residence accurately.
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02
Compare categories
Test eligibility, location, age, cost and expected processing realities.
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03
Prepare sponsorship
Coordinate sponsor, family and financial support evidence.
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04
Plan for the wait
Keep information current and understand how changed circumstances may matter.
Costs and timing
Check current information before you act.
Charges vary markedly between parent categories. Contributory payments, Assurance of Support, health checks and document costs may be significant, while estimates and charges can change.
Common complications
Small inconsistencies can create large questions.
- • Balance of family calculations
- • Sponsor eligibility or settlement questions
- • Health requirements and potential costs
- • Changes in family composition during a long queue
Frequently asked questions
Clear answers to common starting questions.
What is the balance of family test? +
For relevant parent visas, it compares the number and residence status of the parent’s children under detailed rules. It cannot be waived simply because of hardship.
Why are parent visa processing times so long? +
Many parent categories are subject to annual limits and queueing. Demand is much greater than the number of places available.
Is a contributory parent visa guaranteed to be fast? +
No. Contributory categories are processed differently and involve higher charges, but eligibility, processing and annual program settings still apply.
Does the temporary sponsored parent visa lead to permanent residence? +
No. Subclass 870 is a temporary visa and is separate from permanent parent visa pathways.
Authoritative sources
Check the official rules.
The following official pages were used to prepare this guide.
Sources last checked: 24 July 2026.
Your next step
Would you like clarity before you apply?
Tell us about your circumstances. We can help you identify the questions and evidence that deserve attention.
General information only: This page does not provide personal migration advice or guarantee eligibility, processing time or an outcome. Requirements and government information can change. Check current official information and consider professional advice for your circumstances.