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Home/Migration Law/Parent Visas

Parent Visas

Overview

  • ✦Parent Visas — Family Reunion Pathways

Bringing parents to live permanently in Australia is a significant decision that requires careful planning due to strict visa caps and long processing times.

Australia's parent migration program includes two permanent streams — contributory and non-contributory visas — as well as temporary options in limited circumstances. All permanent parent visa applications must be lodged through ImmiAccount.

The Balance of Family Test

The Balance of Family Test

To qualify for the permanent parent categories, the applicant must show that at least half of their children live permanently and lawfully in Australia, or that more of their children live in Australia than in any other single country. Children living in Australia temporarily or unlawfully do not count. If this threshold is not met, a permanent parent application cannot succeed.

Two-Column Comparison

Contributory stream

Pathways: Subclass 143 (offshore) and Subclass 864 (onshore, aged).

Cost: a substantial visa application charge, plus a 10-year Assurance of Support bond.

Reality: this stream receives most of the annual parent visa places and is the faster permanent option, but new applications still face very long waits — current Departmental guidance suggests in the order of 15 years.

Onshore advantage: parents who have reached pension age and apply onshore can generally remain in Australia on a bridging visa while they wait.

Non-contributory stream

Pathways: Subclass 103 (offshore) and Subclass 804 (onshore, aged).

Cost: significantly lower government charges.

Reality: very few places are allocated each year, and the Department’s guidance indicates new applications may wait more than 30 years. For most families this stream is only practical where an onshore application secures bridging arrangements.

The Temporary Alternative

Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa — Subclass 870

Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa — Subclass 870

Given the multi-decade queues for permanent visas, many families use the Subclass 870. It allows a parent to stay for three or five years at a time, up to ten years in total, and it does not require the Balance of Family Test. It does not lead to permanent residence, but it can keep your family together — often while a permanent application waits in the queue.

Build a Realistic Family Migration Plan

Choosing the wrong subclass, or miscalculating the Balance of Family Test, can commit your family to a queue that will never deliver a practical outcome. We give you a clear cost-and-time comparison across the options — permanent, temporary or a combination — based on your parents’ age, location and family circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are contributory and non-contributory parent visa pathways, each with different costs and processing times.

Yes, most parent visas require the balance of family test, meaning at least half of your children must be living permanently in Australia.

Due to high demand and limited visa places, processing times can be lengthy, particularly for non-contributory visas.

In some cases, bridging visas or other temporary arrangements may apply depending on eligibility.

Why Choose Yantra Legal?

Yantra Legal is a boutique Australian law practice focused on providing clear, practical, and compassionate legal support in migration and family law matters. We understand that legal issues are often closely tied to important life decisions, relationships, and future plans. Our approach is grounded in clarity, strategy, and genuine care for each client's situation.

Australian legal expertise

We provide advice grounded in Australian law, practice, and procedure.

Personal migration understanding

Our approach is informed by both professional experience and a lived understanding of migration journeys.

Practical and strategic advice

We focus on realistic pathways and clear next steps rather than unnecessary complexity.

Clear and honest communication

We explain legal processes in a straightforward way so you always understand where you stand.

Compassionate and client-focused approach

We recognise that every matter is personal and treat each case with care, respect, and attention to detail.

Yantra Legal is a boutique Australian law practice providing practical and compassionate legal support in migration and family law matters. We combine legal expertise with a clear, honest, and client-focused approach to help you make informed decisions at every stage.

Lived ExperienceAustralian SolicitorPractical AdviceClear CommunicationCompassionate Guidance

Reunite with Your Family in Australia

Family connections matter. We provide practical legal guidance to help you understand parent visa pathways and make informed decisions for the future.

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