Family migration
Parent Visas
Reunite with your family in Australia. The contributory subclasses are the practical route; the Sponsored Parent (temporary) visa bridges the wait.
Policy update Parent visa numbers are capped, so grant times are driven by queue length rather than processing speed. The contributory subclasses are the only practical route for most families.
Honest about the waitThe pathways
Contributory, interim, or non-contributory.
Nearly all parent visas need an eligible sponsor and the balance-of-family test; a narrow retiree pathway for former 405 and 410 visa holders is exempt. Contributory streams carry a higher Assurance of Support.
Contributory Parent
The main permanent pathway. Far faster than non-contributory, though the queue for new lodgements still spans many years, with a higher Assurance of Support over ten years.
Explore this visaContributory Parent (Temporary)
A two-year temporary visa that lets you pay the contribution in two parts, then move to the permanent 143. Often used to manage the cost of the contributory pathway.
Explore this visaContributory Aged Parent
The onshore equivalents of 143 and 173, for aged parents already in Australia who meet the age requirement for the aged pension.
Explore this visaSponsored Parent (Temporary)
Not permanent, but the practical bridge: stays of three or five years, up to ten years in total. The family sponsorship is approved first, and sponsors take on enforceable support obligations.
Explore this visaNon-Contributory Parent
Lower cost, but the queue for new lodgements spans decades. We will tell you honestly when this is not a realistic pathway for your family.
Explore this visaThe pathway
How the parent pathway works.
Check eligibility
Confirm the sponsor, the balance-of-family test and which stream fits.
Lodge and queue
Lodge the contributory application; your place in the queue is set from lodgement.
Bridge the wait
Many families use the 870 Sponsored Parent visa to spend time together while they wait.
Grant
When your queue date is reached, the application moves to final assessment; with the remaining requirements met and the second contribution paid, the visa can be granted.
General information only, not immigration advice. Your circumstances matter. Visa requirements, fees and processing times change regularly. Facts on this page last reviewed 15 July 2026. Check current details with the Department of Home Affairs , or speak with us for advice on your situation. Website terms.
Begin with a conversation.
Speak with a MARA-registered migration agent in Melbourne about your pathway. Book a time that suits you.