Find a Parent Visa Migration Agent in Australia

Contributory vs Non-Contributory — The Fundamental Choice

The first decision in parent visa planning is whether to pursue the contributory or non-contributory pathway. The contributory parent visa (subclass 143, or 864 for parents at Australian age pension age) has government charges of $49,900 in total across both instalments; Home Affairs estimates about 15 years for new applications (as at 31 May 2026). The non-contributory parent visa (subclass 103 or 804) has much lower government charges of $8,665 in total, but Home Affairs estimates about 33 years for new applications. For most families, the contributory pathway is the realistic option if they want their parent in Australia sooner, though both are multi-year waits.

Why Parent Visas Need Careful Planning

Beyond the cost, parent visas involve specific requirements around the balance of family test — demonstrating that at least half of the parent's children live in Australia, or that more children live in Australia than in any other single country. They also require an assurance of support, which is a financial commitment to the Australian government that the parent will not access certain social security payments for a specified period. An agent helps you navigate these requirements and ensures the balance of family test is met before committing to the significant financial outlay.

Processing Times — The Uncomfortable Reality

Home Affairs estimates about 15 years for new contributory parent applications, and about 33 years for new non-contributory applications (as at 31 May 2026). Many families are shocked by these timelines. An experienced agent sets realistic expectations from the start and advises on interim options — such as visitor visas — that can allow the parent to spend time in Australia while the permanent application processes.

The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa

The subclass 870 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa is granted for up to 3 or 5 years, with further 870 visas available up to a cumulative maximum of 10 years in Australia. It requires sponsorship by an eligible child and adequate health insurance for the stay, but not an Assurance of Support bond. It does not lead to permanent residency, and once a parent has applied for or holds an 870 they cannot apply for another permanent or temporary parent visa — so it does not work as a bridge into a contributory application unless that application was already lodged first. The program cap is 15,000 places a year.

Costs and What They Cover

Migration agents have no fixed or standard fee for a parent visa case — the Code of Conduct requires only that the fee be fair and reasonable and set out in a written service agreement before it's payable, so ask each agent to quote in writing before committing. Across Migratio's own consult bookings (686 quotes from 57 agents, Sept 2026), the median initial consultation fee is $220, with the middle half between $150 and $275 — a starting-point figure only, not the cost of running the whole case. On top of any agent fee, government charges for the contributory pathway total $49,900 (a $6,300 first instalment plus a $43,600 second instalment). Ensure you understand the total financial commitment before proceeding.

Get Matched with Parent Visa Specialists

Parent visa decisions involve significant money and long timelines. Through Migratio, you can describe your family situation and get compare consultation fees from agents who regularly handle parent visas. Compare their advice on pathway choice, timing strategy, and fees before committing to what could be a $50,000+ decision.

How much does a parent visa cost in total?

Contributory pathway: $49,900 in government charges (as at 1 July 2026), plus whatever fee the agent quotes in writing under a service agreement — Migratio's own consult bookings show a median of $220 for an initial consultation. Non-contributory has lower government charges ($8,665) but Home Affairs estimates about 33 years for new applications, against about 15 years for the contributory pathway.

How long does a contributory parent visa take?

Home Affairs estimates about 15 years for new applications (as at 31 May 2026). Non-contributory processing is estimated at about 33 years.

What is the balance of family test?

You must show that at least half of the parent's children live in Australia, or that more children live in Australia than in any other single country.

Can my parent visit while the application is processing?

Yes, on a Visitor visa. The subclass 870 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa is a separate long-stay option, but once a parent has applied for or holds an 870 they cannot apply for another permanent or temporary parent visa, so it does not combine with a pending or future contributory application.

Is the non-contributory parent visa ever worth it?

Given a published processing estimate of about 33 years for new non-contributory applications, most families find the contributory pathway (about 15 years) more realistic. An agent can help you assess both options for your specific situation.