Parents Migration

Quick answer

EMI International helps Australian citizens and permanent residents bring their parents to Australia through the Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143), the Parent visa (subclass 103) and the Aged Parent visas (subclass 804 and 864). Most parent visas require the parent to meet the balance of family test.

• Visas covered: Subclass 143, 103, 804 and 864
• Key requirement: Balance of family test
• Main trade-off: Contributory visas cost more but are processed much faster than non-contributory visas
• First step with EMI: Free 45-minute in-person consultation in Sydney CBD

Last reviewed: September 2026, against current Department of Home Affairs policy. General information only, not legal advice.

Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143, with 173 temporary option)

A permanent visa for parents of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. It costs much more than the non-contributory Parent visa but is processed far sooner. The Subclass 173 is a two-year temporary version that lets you pay the contribution in two stages.

Key Requirements

• Sponsored by a child who has been settled (lawfully resident) in Australia for at least 2 years
• Pass the balance of family test
• Assurance of Support and bond
• Health and character requirements

Stage	Main applicant (from 1 July 2026)
First instalment (at lodgement)	AUD 4,040
Second instalment (before grant)	AUD 43,600

Parent Visa (Subclass 103)

A non-contributory permanent parent visa with much lower charges but an extremely long queue.

• Pass the balance of family test
• Sponsored by an eligible child
• Health and character requirements, and no outstanding debts to the Australian Government

Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864, with 884 temporary option)

Applied for and decided in Australia, for parents who have reached Australian Age Pension age (currently 67).

Advantages

• No English, skills, work experience or asset requirements
• Remain in Australia on a bridging visa while the application is processed (subject to visa conditions)
• Permanent residence with work, study and Medicare rights, and a pathway to citizenship

Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)

The non-contributory onshore option for parents of Age Pension age. Charges are lower, but the queue is similar to the Subclass 103.

Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870)

Allows parents to visit for 3 or 5 years at a time, up to 10 years in total. It is not a pathway to permanent residence and does not require the balance of family test.

Balance of Family Test

At least half of the parent's children must be Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens living in Australia, or more of the parent's children must live in Australia than in any other single country.

Government charges shown are base application charges for the main applicant from 1 July 2026 and change regularly. Confirm current amounts with the Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the balance of family test?

The balance of family test requires at least half of the parent's children to live permanently in Australia, or more of their children to live in Australia than in any other single country.

What is the difference between contributory and non-contributory parent visas?

Contributory parent visas (such as subclass 143 and 864) have a much higher government charge but are processed far sooner. Non-contributory visas (such as subclass 103 and 804) cost less but involve very long waiting periods.

Can my parents apply from inside Australia?

The Aged Parent visas (subclass 804 and 864) can be applied for in Australia by parents who have reached Australian age pension age, subject to visa conditions. EMI checks eligibility during the consultation.

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