Australian Parent Visa Guide: How to Choose the Right Visa for Elderly Parents? Contributory vs. Non
Recently, we've received many inquiries about parent migration. Today, we'll clarify the most common questions to help you make informed decisions.
Q: What are the requirements for parent applicants?
A:
Meet the Balance of Family Test: At least half of their children must be Australian PRs or citizens.
Have an Assurer (usually their PR/citizen child) to provide financial support.
Be in good health without serious medical conditions.
Q: What are the requirements for the sponsor?
A:
Must be an Australian PR or citizen who has lived in Australia for at least 2 years.
Commit to providing financial assurance and meet minimum income requirements.
Q: What are the common parent visa types?
A:
There are four main categories:
Subclass 103 (Non-Contributory Parent Visa)
Subclass 143 (Contributory Parent Visa)
Subclass 804 (Aged Non-Contributory Parent Visa)
Subclass 864 (Aged Contributory Parent Visa)
Key Differences: Contributory vs. Non-Contributory
Processing Times:
Non-Contributory (103/804): ~29 years waiting period
Contributory (143/864): ~12 years waiting period
Cost: Contributory visas require an additional AUD $43,600 contribution fee payable before visa grant.
Important Age Considerations
Aged Parent Visas (804/864): For parents aged 67+
Must be applied for onshore
Comes with a Bridging Visa allowing stay in Australia during processing
Can travel with a Bridging Visa B (BVB)
Younger Parents (<67):
Can apply onshore or offshore but no bridging visa
May use Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa for extended stays (3-5 years, renewable)
How to Choose the Right Visa?
For faster PR & Medicare access: Choose Contributory pathway (143/864)
Important note: Switching from 143 to 864 after turning 67 is possible but loses previous queue time - not recommended. Consider 870 visa for long stays instead.
For uncertain applicants: Start with Subclass 103 to secure a place in the queue. You can later transfer to contributory pathways while preserving queue time.
Pro Tip
The Subclass 870 Temporary Parent Visa serves as an excellent "waiting solution" - allowing extended stays while awaiting permanent visa outcomes.
Need personalized advice? Consult our registered migration agents for tailored strategies!








