Bringing parents to Australia, eyes open
The parent program is a strategy problem before it is a paperwork problem. Contributory streams cost more but move; non-contributory streams cost less but queue for decades. We help families choose the right pathway — 143, 173, 103, 804 or 864 — and secure the earliest defensible queue date.
Contributory or non-contributory?
Contributory
A much higher second instalment (currently $43,600 per parent for the 143) buys a materially shorter processing pathway. The 143 delivers permanent residence; the 173 is a temporary bridge that later converts. The 864 is the aged-parent onshore equivalent.
- ✓ Permanent residence (143 / 864)
- ✓ Years faster than non-contributory
- ✓ Assurance of support required
Non-contributory
A far lower charge, but the queue runs for many years given the program’s small annual allocation. It is mainly used to secure a queue date; the onshore 804 aged-parent stream can provide a bridging visa while the very long wait plays out.
- ✓ Lower government charge
- ✓ Secures a queue date early
- ✓ 804 may offer onshore bridging
The balance-of-family test
Before any stream is available, a parent must pass the balance-of-family test: at least half of their children must be permanently settled in Australia, or more of their children must live in Australia than in any other single country.
- ✓ Count every child, worldwide
- ✓ ‘Settled’ means lawful & permanent
- ✓ Step and adopted children included
Assurance of support and the bond
Parent visas require an assurance of support: a person or people who agree to repay certain welfare payments the parent might receive, backed by a refundable bond lodged with Services Australia. Getting the assurer, the income test and the bond right is part of the application, not an afterthought.
The assurer
An eligible individual (or group) who meets an income test and takes on the assurance for the required period.
The bond
A refundable bond — indicatively in the order of $10,000–$14,000 depending on the visa and number of parents — held by Services Australia.
Online lodgement
Since 22 April 2026, parent visa applications (103 / 143 / 804 / 864) must be lodged online — paper-era habits no longer apply.
Why hire a parent visa lawyer?
The contributory second instalment alone is $43,600 per parent, and the balance-of-family test can quietly rule a family out before a cent is spent. The wrong stream can cost years — or the whole application.
We test balance-of-family first, model contributory against non-contributory timing and cost, structure the assurance of support, and manage the file through to decision — with review at the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) if a refusal occurs.
Indicative government fees
The 143 second instalment is unchanged for 2026–27; first instalments rose on 1 July 2026. The assurance of support bond is refundable and set by Services Australia. Health examinations, translations and professional fees are additional.
Fees current as at 3 July 2026 (FY2026-27); the charge at your lodgement date applies — confirm at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
The full family practice
Partner visas
The decision-ready evidence standard for onshore, offshore and prospective marriage partner applications.
Partner pathway → 101 / 802 / 445 / 102Child visas
Permanent reunion for dependent children of Australian citizens and permanent residents.
Explore options → Conferral & descentAustralian citizenship
The citizenship pathway once a parent has held permanent residence for the required period.
Explore options → PIC 4007Health waivers
Strategy where an ageing parent does not meet the health requirement at first instance.
Legal strategy → Merits reviewART appeals
Review of a parent visa refusal at the Administrative Review Tribunal, within the lodgement deadlines.
Review options → Next stepBook a consultation
Map contributory against non-contributory timing and cost with an Australian migration lawyer.
Book now →Parent visa FAQs
What is the balance-of-family test?
It is the threshold requirement for parent visas. At least half of a parent’s children must be permanently settled in Australia, or more of their children must live in Australia than in any other single country. Every child worldwide is counted, including step and adopted children. If a parent fails this test, no parent stream is available.
How much does a contributory parent visa cost in 2026?
For the contributory 143, the first instalment is $6,300 and the second instalment is $43,600 per parent. The first instalment rose on 1 July 2026; the $43,600 second instalment is unchanged for 2026-27. Fees are current as at 3 July 2026 (FY2026-27); the charge at your lodgement date applies — confirm at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. Professional fees are quoted separately.
Why is the non-contributory 103 so much cheaper?
The non-contributory 103 has a far lower charge (a $6,600 first instalment) because the trade-off is time: the annual allocation is small, so the queue runs for many years. It is mainly used to lock in an early queue date. The onshore 804 aged-parent stream can offer a bridging visa while the wait plays out, subject to eligibility.
What is an Assurance of Support?
An Assurance of Support is a commitment by an eligible person (or group) to repay certain welfare payments the parent might claim during the assurance period. It is backed by a refundable bond lodged with Services Australia — indicatively in the order of $10,000 to $14,000, depending on the visa and number of parents. The assurer must meet an income test.
Can my parent live in Australia while they wait?
It depends on the stream and where they apply from. Onshore aged-parent applicants (804/864) may be granted a bridging visa that lets them remain in Australia during processing. Offshore applicants generally wait outside Australia, though the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa can allow longer visits in the meantime. We advise on the right combination for your family.
Choose the right stream. Before you pay
Book a consultation with an Australian migration lawyer and model the contributory and non-contributory pathways against your family’s timing and budget.
Book a consultationOr call +61 411 807 172