Australia Parent Visas in 2026

Australia does not have one generic parent visa. The program includes permanent and temporary categories with very different costs, queueing rules and eligibility tests.

Permanent and contributory parent categories

Home Affairs lists permanent or staged parent pathways including:

  • Parent visa subclass 103;
  • Contributory Parent subclass 143;
  • Contributory Parent (Temporary) subclass 173;
  • Aged Parent subclass 804;
  • Contributory Aged Parent subclass 864; and
  • Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) subclass 884.

These categories are subject to annual planning, capping and queueing. “Contributory” generally means materially higher visa charges in exchange for a different queue position; it does not mean instant processing.

Balance of family test

For the relevant permanent parent categories, the balance of family test generally requires either at least half of the parent's children to be eligible children in Australia, or more eligible children in Australia than in any one other country. Home Affairs states that the test cannot be waived simply because other circumstances are compelling.

Current queue reality

As at 31 May 2026, Home Affairs' parent-processing page showed queue releases around late 2018 for contributory parent applications and around early 2014 for Parent/Aged Parent queues. Its current planning estimate for a newly lodged application is approximately 15 years for contributory parent visas and 33 years for Parent and Aged Parent visas.

Those figures are estimates, not guaranteed decision dates, and can change with planning levels, demand and policy.

Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa subclass 870

Subclass 870 is a separate temporary option. An approved parent sponsor applies first; the parent then applies for the visa after sponsorship approval. It can allow a stay of up to three or five years, with a cumulative maximum generally up to 10 years under the program.

The 870 does not lead to permanent residence and holders cannot work in Australia on this visa. Current Home Affairs charges list AUD 6,370 for a three-year visa and AUD 12,440 for a five-year visa, plus a AUD 420 sponsorship application fee. Exact family circumstances and later charges should still be checked in the official estimator.

Choosing a parent pathway

Compare the parent's age, balance-of-family position, queue tolerance, budget, health-insurance needs and whether the family needs temporary reunion or a permanent route. Do not treat subclass 870 as a shortcut around permanent-parent queue rules.

Return to the Australia visa hub, Oceania or family visa routes.

Source: Australian Government Department of Home Affairs, verified 16 September 2026.

Official and supporting sources

Related routes in Australia