Parent Visa Options Explained: Which One is Right for You?

Bringing your parents to Australia is a significant decision that requires careful planning and understanding of the available visa options. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the parent visa system and choose the right pathway for your family.

Overview of Parent Visa Options

Australia offers several parent visa options, each with different costs, processing times, and requirements. The main categories are:

1. Contributory Parent Visas (faster but more expensive)
2. Non-Contributory Parent Visas (slower but less expensive)
3. Temporary Sponsored Parent Visas (temporary option)

Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143)

Key Features

• Type: Permanent visa
• Processing Time: Typically 4-6 years
• Cost: Higher application fees (approximately AUD 47,000+ per applicant)
• Benefits: Permanent residency, Medicare access after waiting period

Who Should Consider This?

This visa is ideal for families who:

• Want their parents to migrate permanently
• Can afford the higher application costs
• Prefer faster processing times compared to non-contributory options
• Want their parents to have access to Australian healthcare and social services

Requirements

• Balance of family test
• Sponsorship by eligible child
• Assurance of Support
• Health and character requirements
• Age requirement (usually must be old enough to receive Age Pension)

Non-Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 103)

Key Features

• Type: Permanent visa
• Processing Time: 30+ years (extremely long wait)
• Cost: Lower application fees (approximately AUD 6,000+ per applicant)
• Benefits: Same as contributory visa once granted

Who Should Consider This?

This visa might be suitable for families who:

• Have very limited financial resources
• Are willing to wait many years
• Have parents who are young and healthy
• Can maintain visitor visas in the meantime

Important Considerations

Due to the extremely long processing times, most families opt for contributory visas or temporary options instead.

Temporary Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870)

Key Features

• Type: Temporary visa
• Duration: 3 or 5 years per visa
• Maximum Stay: 10 years total (with renewal)
• Cost: Moderate (AUD 5,000-10,000 depending on duration)
• Benefits: Multiple entry, faster processing

Who Should Consider This?

This visa is perfect for families who:

• Want parents to visit for extended periods
• Cannot afford contributory visa costs
• Don't need permanent residency for parents
• Want faster processing times

Limitations

• No work rights
• No access to Medicare or social services
• Must maintain private health insurance
• Cannot lead to permanent residency

Comparing Your Options

Processing Time Comparison

Visa Type	Processing Time
Contributory (143)	4-6 years
Non-Contributory (103)	30+ years
Temporary (870)	6-12 months

Cost Comparison

Visa Type	Approximate Cost
Contributory (143)	AUD 47,000+ per parent
Non-Contributory (103)	AUD 6,000+ per parent
Temporary (870)	AUD 5,000-10,000 per parent

The Balance of Family Test

All parent visas require meeting the balance of family test, which means:

• At least half of your children must be Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens
• These children must be living in Australia
• Step-children and adopted children may be counted

Example Scenarios

Scenario 1: You have 3 children

• 2 children in Australia (citizens/PR)
• 1 child overseas
• Result: Passes balance of family test ✓

Scenario 2: You have 4 children

• 1 child in Australia (citizen/PR)
• 3 children overseas
• Result: Fails balance of family test ✗

Assurance of Support

For contributory and non-contributory parent visas, an Assurance of Support (AoS) is required:

What is AoS?

• A legal commitment to provide financial support if needed
• Prevents parents from accessing certain social security payments
• Usually provided by the sponsoring child
• Requires a bond (refundable after 10 years)

AoS Requirements

• Income threshold must be met
• Bank guarantee or deposit required
• Duration: 10 years from visa grant

Strategic Planning for Parent Visas

Option 1: Temporary First, Then Permanent

Many families use this strategy:

1. Apply for Temporary Sponsored Parent Visa (870) immediately
2. Parents visit Australia while waiting
3. Apply for Contributory Parent Visa (143) simultaneously
4. Parents can stay in Australia on temporary visa while permanent visa processes

Option 2: Visitor Visas While Waiting

Another common approach:

1. Apply for Contributory Parent Visa (143)
2. Use visitor visas for short stays while waiting
3. Maintain strong ties to home country
4. Plan visits around visa conditions

Option 3: Staged Migration

For families with multiple parents:

1. Bring one set of parents first
2. Once settled, sponsor other parents
3. Spread financial burden over time
4. Ensure adequate support for each set of parents

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not Planning Financially

Parent visas are expensive. Consider:

• Application fees
• Health insurance costs
• Living expenses
• Assurance of Support bond
• Medical examinations

2. Failing Balance of Family Test

Ensure you meet this requirement before applying:

• Count all children correctly
• Understand step-children rules
• Consider timing if children are migrating

3. Incomplete Documentation

Provide comprehensive evidence:

• Birth certificates
• Marriage certificates
• Proof of relationship
• Financial documents
• Health examinations

4. Not Considering Health Issues

Parent visas have strict health requirements:

• Pre-existing conditions may affect eligibility
• Significant healthcare costs may lead to refusal
• Health insurance is essential

How We Can Help

At First Migration Service Centre, we provide expert guidance on parent visas:

Our Services Include

• Initial Assessment: Determine which visa option suits your family
• Financial Planning: Help you understand and plan for costs
• Documentation: Ensure all documents are complete and correct
• Application Lodgement: Submit your application properly
• Ongoing Support: Keep you updated throughout the process

Why Choose Us?

• Experienced with all parent visa types
• Bilingual support in English and Chinese
• High success rate
• Transparent pricing
• Personalized service

Next Steps

1. Book a Consultation: Discuss your family situation with our experts
2. Financial Assessment: Understand the costs involved
3. Choose Your Pathway: Select the best visa option
4. Prepare Documentation: Gather required documents
5. Lodge Application: Submit your application with confidence

Contact us today for a free assessment and start the journey to reunite with your parents in Australia.