Bringing parents to Australia
Reuniting with parents is one of the most common family goals we're asked about. Parent visas sit alongside our partner and family services and our partner visa pathways guide, but they work very differently — and the choice between two streams shapes everything about your wait and your budget.
Contributory vs non-contributory — the key split
Australia's parent visa program has two broad streams. Non-contributory parent visas (such as subclasses 103 and 804) have much lower government charges but extremely long queues, with waits commonly measured in many years. Contributory parent visas (such as subclasses 143 and 864) involve a substantially higher second-instalment charge, but are processed considerably faster. The trade-off is, bluntly, time versus money.
Onshore or offshore, permanent or temporary
Within each stream there are onshore and offshore options, and permanent and temporary versions — for example a contributory temporary visa that later leads to the permanent grant, and a separate sponsored temporary visa designed for longer family visits. The right combination depends on where your parents are, their age, and how quickly you need certainty.
Plan for the wait and the cost
Parent visa charges, balance-of-family rules and queue lengths change, and the figures are significant — so this is an area where realistic, current advice genuinely matters. Always check the latest charges and processing estimates on the Department of Home Affairs website before committing to a stream.
Next steps
Book a consultation and we'll explain the parent visa options open to your family honestly — including the real waits and costs — so you can choose between the contributory and non-contributory routes with your eyes open.
This article is general information only and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. Please book a consultation for advice specific to your circumstances.