Australia provides multiple visa pathways for parents wishing to reunite with their children who are Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. Whether you’re exploring permanent residency or extended temporary stays, this updated guide outlines all major Parent Visa options for 2025 — including Subclass 103, 804, 864, 884, 870, and 143.

At Migration Guru, we specialise in turning migration complexities into smooth, successful reunions.

Subclass 103 – Parent Visa (Permanent – Offshore)

A permanent visa for parents applying from outside Australia.

Key Features:

• Must pass the balance of family test.
• Requires an approved sponsor and an Assurance of Support (AoS).
• Cost-effective but faces long processing queues.
• Applicant must be outside Australia at time of application and grant.

Subclass 804 – Aged Parent Visa (Permanent – Onshore)

For older parents already in Australia who meet the pension age requirement.

Key Features:

• Must be of age pension age.
• Balance of family test and AoS required.
• Long processing delays due to limited quotas.
• Offers Medicare, work rights, and a path to citizenship.
• Allows 5 years of travel; RRV needed after.
• April 2025 update: Paper applications can be imported to ImmiAccount.
• Not eligible if holding or having applied for Subclass 870.

Subclass 864 – Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Permanent – Onshore)

A faster route to permanent residency for aged parents with higher fees.

Key Features:

• For applicants of pension age.
• Requires sponsorship, AoS, and balance of family test.
• Faster processing than Subclass 804.
• Must be in Australia at time of application and visa grant.

Subclass 884 – Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Temporary – Onshore)

The first stage in a two-step process leading to permanent residency.

Key Features:

• Temporary stay of 2 years.
• Must later apply for Subclass 864.
• Ideal for spreading out costs over time.
• Requires sponsorship, AoS, and balance of family test.
• Cannot be renewed or extended.

Subclass 870 – Sponsored Parent Visa (Temporary – Offshore)

A temporary visa for parents who wish to visit for extended periods without permanent migration.

Key Features:

• No balance of family test required.
• Must be offshore when applying.
• Valid for 3 or 5 years, with up to 10 years cumulative stay.
• Requires prior sponsorship approval.
• No dependents allowed and no pathway to PR.

Subclass 143 – Contributory Parent Visa (Permanent – Onshore or Offshore)

A direct permanent visa option with moderate wait times and higher fees.

Key Features:

• Accessible to applicants in or outside Australia.
• Requires sponsorship, AoS, and balance of family test.
• Visa fee approx AUD 48,495, payable in instalments.
• Grants PR, Medicare, work rights, and citizenship eligibility.

Retiree Pathway:

• Holders of Subclass 405 or 410 (as of 8 May 2018) may apply without sponsor, AoS, or balance of family test.

Sponsorship Requirements

• Must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
• Aged 18+ and settled in Australia for 2+ years.
• May be an individual or eligible community organisation.
• Must commit to 2 years of financial and accommodation support.

Assurance of Support (AoS)

• A mandatory financial bond ensuring the applicant won’t rely on social security.
• Applies to Subclass 103, 804, 864, 884, 143.
• Not applicable for Subclass 870.

Health & Character Requirements

• Health and police checks are compulsory.
• Non-migrating family members may also be required to complete checks.

Choosing the Right Path

• Subclass 103/804: Budget-friendly, but long waiting periods.
• Subclass 864/884/143: Faster results, higher cost.
• Subclass 870: Ideal for extended visits without PR.
• Retirees: Explore special concessions under Subclass 143.

Migration Guru Is Here to Help

With over 15+ years of experience, Migration Guru helps families navigate parent visa pathways with personalised, legally sound advice.

📞 Get in touch:

• Phone: +61-7-3036 3800
• Email: info@migrationguru.com.au
• Website: migrationguru.com.au
• Facebook: Migration Guru