Understanding the types of parent visa Australia offers is essential for families hoping to reunite and live together in Australia. Whether you are a permanent resident, citizen, or eligible New Zealand citizen wanting your parents to join you, selecting the correct visa stream can make the entire process smoother. In this complete guide, we explain each visa type, eligibility, costs, processing times, and how to choose the best option for your family.
Australia offers two major categories of parent visas:
Non-Contributory Parent Visas – cheaper but extremely slow
Contributory Parent Visas – faster but expensive
Within these categories, several sub-types exist, each suited to different circumstances.
Contributory parent visas are the most popular because they offer faster processing. Although they require a higher financial contribution, they provide a permanent pathway for parents to settle in Australia.
This is a permanent visa allowing parents to live in Australia indefinitely.
Permanent residency
Access to Medicare
Ability to apply for citizenship
Must meet balance-of-family test
Higher visa charges
If you want a direct permanent visa under the main types of parent visa Australia, Subclass 143 is the most reliable option. Although costly, it avoids long waiting times.
Currently estimated at 4–6 years, which is fast compared to non-contributory visas.
Subclass 173 is a 2-year temporary visa that allows parents to live in Australia before transitioning to a permanent visa.
Temporary residency for 2 years
Lower upfront payment than Subclass 143
Applicants must later apply for Subclass 143
Families who want to spread the visa cost over two stages.
Usually 3–5 years.
These visas are cheaper but extremely slow because of yearly caps.
This is one of the traditional types of parent visa Australia, offering a permanent residency pathway.
Low application cost
Permanent residency
Very long processing queue
Up to 30–40 years, making it the slowest option.
Families are not concerned about the long wait.
This visa is for parents old enough to receive the Australian Age Pension.
Permanent visa
Can apply while onshore
Limited bridging visa benefits
Also around 30–40 years.
Older parents are already in Australia on another visa.
This visa is increasingly popular among the types of parent visa Australia because it allows parents to stay temporarily without meeting the balance-of-family test.
No balance-of-family requirement
3-year or 5-year duration
Renewable up to 10 years
Cannot work in Australia
Requires sponsorship approval
Usually 3–6 months.
Families wanting flexible, faster, temporary stays for parents.
Understanding where your parents are located helps choose the correct stream.
These must be applied for outside Australia:
Subclass 103
Subclass 143
Subclass 173
These can be applied for within Australia:
Subclass 804
Subclass 870
Knowing your parent’s location determines eligibility and bridging visa rights.
Although each visa has rules, some conditions apply broadly across categories.
At least 50% of children must live in Australia as permanent residents/citizens.
Not applicable for Subclass 870.
Required for contributory and non-contributory visas.
Mandatory for all applicants.
Your child must be:
18 or older
An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ citizen
Usually living in Australia for 2 years
Here’s a quick cost breakdown:
You want permanent residency and are ready to invest financially.
You prefer paying the visa cost in stages.
You are not in a hurry and want low-cost options.
You want temporary but long stays without balance-of-family requirements.
Although each visa form differs, the steps are generally the same:
Balance-of-family test, health, documents, age requirements.
Pick the correct category based on cost, waiting time, and goals.
Your child must submit a sponsorship application.
Attach documents, proof of relationship, financial evidence, etc.
Depending on the visa, this may take months or decades.
Provide additional medicals or documents if asked.
Regardless of the stream, parents can enjoy:
Staying with children and grandchildren
Pathway to permanent residency (except Subclass 870)
Access to Medicare (for PR visas)
Ability to apply for citizenship (PR visas)
Travel rights
Choosing the right visa helps maximise benefits and reduce waiting times.
The Subclass 870 is fastest (3–6 months), followed by Subclass 143 (4–6 years).
Subclass 103 and Subclass 804 are the cheapest but have extremely long queues.
Yes, through Subclass 143, 173→143 pathway, 103, or 804.
Yes, for most visas except Subclass 870.
No, Subclass 870 does not provide a permanent migration pathway.
Only permanent parents visas allow work rights, not temporary options like Subclass 870.
Understanding the different types of parent visa Australia helps families make informed decisions based on time, cost, and long-term plans. Whether you choose a temporary stay through the Subclass 870 or a permanent pathway like Subclass 143, selecting the right visa ensures your parents can enjoy a stable, meaningful life with their family in Australia. Always consult an experienced migration agent to avoid mistakes and improve approval chances.
