What an Australian parent visa really costs: $49,900, split in two
The full cost of the Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143) and the standard Parent visa (subclass 103): the two-instalment charges, the staged subclass 173 route, the Assurance of Support bond, and the waiting periods that apply once the parent arrives. Figures as at September 2026.
Read the full guide, with official sources →
Watch
Chapters
- 0:00 $49,900 in visa charges — for one parent
- 0:14 Subclass 143, split into two
- 0:27 Cheaper visa, much longer wait
- 0:44 The staged route: $53,350 total
- 1:11 Two parents together: $95,625
- 1:29 The Assurance of Support bond
- 1:45 Waiting periods after the visa is granted
- 2:01 No waivers. The first instalment isn't refunded if you can't pay the s
- 2:14 The two instalments fall due years apart
- 2:25 Every international transfer is reported — no $10,000 threshold
- 2:40 Where to read more
Transcript
Bringing one parent to Australia on the Contributory Parent visa costs $49,900 in government charges alone — split into two payments, years apart.
The first instalment is $6,300, paid when you lodge. The second is $43,600 per adult applicant, paid only once the department is ready to grant the visa.
There's a cheaper option. The standard Parent visa, subclass 103, costs $8,665 in total. But Home Affairs estimates about 33 years to a decision, against about 15 years for the Contributory Parent visa.
A two-stage route exists. Pay $4,245 then $29,130 for the temporary subclass 173. Then apply for the permanent 143 at a concessional rate — $555 plus a further $19,420. The total comes to $53,350, a few thousand more than paying the 143 directly, in exchange for spreading the payments.
For two parents applying together on the direct 143, the first instalment is $8,425 and the second is $87,200 — a total of $95,625. That's not simply double the single-applicant charge.
On top of the visa charges, the sponsor must lodge an Assurance of Support bond with Services Australia. If the parent claims certain Centrelink payments during the bond period, the government deducts that from the bond. The Age Pension and Medicare are not recoverable this way.
Once the parent arrives, the Newly Arrived Resident's Waiting Period limits access to most income support for four years. Parenting Payment has a shorter, two-year wait. Family Tax Benefit Part A has a one-year wait. Medicare has none.
There are no fee waivers for parent visa charges, for anyone. And the first instalment is not refunded if you can't pay the second when it's requested — the application can simply be refused.
The staging gives you planning time. The first instalment is due at lodgement. The second isn't requested until years later, once your application is near the front of the queue.
Once the visa is granted, moving the money is a separate step. Your bank reports every international transfer to AUSTRAC automatically, at any amount — there's no $10,000 threshold on wires, unlike cash.
The full guide, with the official sources, is on migratio.com.au. The link is in the description.
Talk it through with a registered agent
Every agent on Migratio is on the official OMARA register. Compare agents and their consultation fees.