Family & parent visas
Reuniting parents and children with the people they belong with, and straight answers about queues that are measured in years.
2 queues contributory vs non-contributory~8 years current contributory waitDecades non-contributory queues
Parent visas split into two queues and the difference is dramatic. The contributory pathway (143/173) costs far more, including a second instalment of roughly $50,000 per parent, but the queue is currently releasing applications lodged around late 2018, about an eight-year wait. Non-contributory queues (103) run for decades. Choosing the right queue for your family's ages, health and budget is the single biggest decision, and it deserves proper advice.
The honest comparison
| Pathway | Cost profile | Realistic wait |
|---|---|---|
| Contributory parent (143, 173) | High: large second instalment, roughly $50,000 per parent | Currently releasing late-2018 lodgements, about 8 years |
| Non-contributory parent (103) | Lower fees | Decades. Realistically an estate-planning decision |
| Aged parent onshore (804, 864) | Varies | Lets eligible older parents wait in Australia, depending on circumstances |
Children and dependants
Child visas cover the dependent children of Australian citizens, permanent residents and eligible New Zealand citizens, and dependants can usually be included in a parent's own application, with an additional applicant charge for each. Structure matters: which application carries which family member changes cost, timing and risk.
What we actually do for families
- Queue strategy: contributory vs non-contributory vs aged-parent, mapped to ages, health and budget.
- The balance-of-family test and eligibility, checked before a dollar is spent.
- Sequencing: health checks, police certificates and instalments timed so nothing expires or surprises.
Not sure this is your pathway?
Two questions, no personal details. Get pointed in the right direction in under a minute.
Common questions
How long is the parent visa queue?
The contributory (143) queue is currently releasing applications lodged around November 2018, roughly an eight-year wait. Non-contributory queues run for decades.
What does a contributory parent visa cost?
Substantially more than the base charge: budget for a second instalment of roughly $50,000 per parent before grant. We confirm exact current figures before you commit.
Can my parents wait in Australia?
Sometimes. The aged parent pathways (804, 864) can allow eligible older parents to apply onshore. Eligibility depends on age and circumstances.
What is the balance-of-family test?
A rule requiring that at least half the parent's children live permanently in Australia (or more than in any other single country). It decides parent-visa eligibility before anything else.
Speak with a registered migration agent
Open 8:30am to 5:00pm AEST, Monday to Friday. Level 10 & 11, 66 Clarence Street, Sydney.