Parent Visas Australia (Subclass 870 / 143)
Parent visa pathways allow eligible Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens to sponsor their parents to live in Australia temporarily or permanently.
Bringing your parents to Australia is one of the most significant and rewarding migration steps for any family. Whether you are seeking a long-term visitor arrangement without the Balance of Family test or pursuing direct permanent residency, choosing the right visa pathway is crucial.
At Jurist Migration, we evaluate your family dynamics, the Balance of Family test, financial sponsorship capabilities, and health requirements to map out a clear, viable strategy for your parents.
Parent Visa Options at a Glance
Compare the main temporary and permanent parent visa pathways available under Australian migration law.
Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870)
A temporary visa allowing parents to stay in Australia for up to 3 or 5 years per visa, renewable for a cumulative maximum stay of 10 years.
- No Balance of Family Test required!
- Allows extended continuous stay without leaving every 3 months
- Requires an approved Parent Sponsor meeting household income criteria
Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143)
A permanent residency visa for parents whose children reside permanently in Australia. Provides direct Australian Permanent Residence and Medicare access upon grant.
- Permanent Residence (PR) status from day one
- Requires satisfying the Balance of Family Test
- Requires payment of the 2nd stage Contributory fee and Assurance of Support (AoS)
Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864 / 884)
For parents who have reached the Australian Age Pension qualifying age. Can be applied for while onshore in Australia with a Bridging Visa during processing.
Parent Visa (Subclass 103 / 804 Non-Contributory)
Lower government application charges, but subject to extensive Department queues with waiting times spanning several decades.
Understanding the Balance of Family Test
Mandatory for permanent parent visas (Subclass 143, 864, 103, 804), but NOT required for Subclass 870.
To satisfy the Balance of Family Test, you must demonstrate that:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Subclass 870 and Subclass 143?
Subclass 870 is a temporary visa (up to 5 years per grant, max 10 years total) that does not require passing the Balance of Family Test and does not provide permanent residency or work rights. Subclass 143 is a permanent residence visa that grants permanent residency, work rights, and Medicare access from day one, but requires passing the Balance of Family Test and higher Department fees.
Who can sponsor a parent for a Subclass 870 visa?
The sponsor must be a biological, adoptive, or stepchild who is an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, with a combined household taxable income meeting the specified threshold (currently $83,454.80) for the most recent taxable year.
Can my parents work on a Subclass 870 visa?
No. Subclass 870 has a mandatory "No Work" condition (Condition 8101). It is strictly intended for family reunion and extended visits.
What is an Assurance of Support (AoS)?
An Assurance of Support is a legal commitment assessed by Services Australia (Centrelink) where the assurer promises to repay the Australian Government for any recoverable social security payments made to the visa holder during their initial 10-year period in Australia on a permanent parent visa.
