Australia’s parent visa options split into one temporary visa – the Subclass 870, allowing stays of up to 5 years per grant and up to 10 years total – and several permanent options (Subclasses 103, 804, 143, 173, 864 and 884). The 870 has no Balance of Family Test and no work rights or path to permanent residency, while the permanent options require the Balance of Family Test and an Assurance of Support, but lead to lasting residency.
870 (Temporary) vs Permanent Parent Visas
Feature | Subclass 870 | Permanent Options |
Work rights | No | Yes |
Balance of Family Test | Not required | Required |
Leads to permanent residency | No | Yes (this is the visa itself) |
Private health insurance | Mandatory throughout stay | Not required after grant |
Maximum stay | 10 years total (across grants) | Indefinite |
3 Steps to Choosing the Right Pathway
- Check the Balance of Family Test: If your parent cannot satisfy it, the 870 may be the only realistic option.
- Weigh Cost Against Time: Non-contributory permanent visas cost less but currently take significantly longer than contributory ones.
- Plan for Health Insurance or an AoS: The 870 requires ongoing private health cover; permanent options require an Assurance of Support bond.
Overview
One of the most common questions families ask is which parent visa pathway is right for them. The answer depends on your budget, your timeline, what your parents need, and how long they intend to stay. This article provides a clear comparison of the temporary and permanent options so you can approach the decision with a clearer picture.
The Landscape at a Glance
Australia offers several parent visa subclasses. They fall into two broad categories:
Temporary – the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa, Subclass 870, which allows stays of up to three or five years at a time, extendable to a maximum of 10 years in total.
Permanent – the non-contributory options (Subclass 103 and Subclass 804) and the contributory options (Subclass 143 / 173 for parents under pension age, and Subclass 864 / 884 for aged parents).
Each has a very different cost profile, processing time, and set of rights and obligations.
The Temporary Option: Subclass 870
The 870 visa is designed for parents who want to spend extended time with their child in Australia without committing to permanent migration. It offers flexibility, relatively faster processing, and does not require the applicant to meet the Balance of Family Test.
However, the 870 has limitations that many families only discover after applying:
Applicant hasn’t applied for other parent visas.
It does not include work rights.
It does not lead to permanent residency – there is no Stage 2 permanent component.
Private health insurance is mandatory throughout the stay.
The sponsor must have been settled in Australia for at least four years.
The sponsor must demonstrate a minimum taxable income, which increases with each renewal.
The 870 suits families who want a long-term but flexible arrangement and whose parents do not need or want to work in Australia. It is also useful as a bridging arrangement while families plan for a permanent pathway.
The Permanent Options
For families seeking a lasting solution – particularly where parents are ageing and need the security of permanent residency, Medicare access, and the right to work – the permanent pathways are more appropriate.
Non-Contributory (Subclass 103 and 804)
These are the most affordable permanent options in terms of government fees. The 103 is for parents under pension age; the 804 is for parents at or above Australian pension age (currently 67). The 804 is notable because it can be applied for onshore, meaning parents can remain in Australia on a Bridging Visa while the application is processed.
The critical issue with the non-contributory options is processing time. New Subclass 103 applications lodged today face an estimated wait of approximately 30 years. The 804 is similarly long. These pathways are not viable for most families as a primary strategy.
Contributory (Subclass 143 / 173 and 864 / 884)
The contributory pathway involves a significantly higher financial contribution to the government – approximately AUD 48,000 or more per primary applicant in total across both instalments for the 143 – but in return, processing times are considerably shorter. Current estimates for the 143 range from approximately 4 to 15 years for applicants in the queue. The 864 (for aged parents) offers faster processing again.
The 173 and 884 are temporary stages that allow parents to spread the cost across two applications, rather than paying the full contributory amount upfront.
The Balance of Family Test
This is the single most important eligibility criterion for all permanent parent visas (but not the 870). To pass the test, more of the applicant’s children must be Australian permanent residents, Australian citizens, or eligible New Zealand citizens living in Australia than in any other single country.
The test catches many families by surprise – particularly where siblings are spread across multiple countries. If the parent has, say, one child in Australia, one in the UK and one in India, the test is passed. But if two children are in the UK and one in Australia, the test fails.
The 870 visa is exempt from this test, which is one of its significant advantages for families who cannot satisfy it.
Assurance of Support
All permanent parent visa applicants require an Assurance of Support (AoS). This is a legally binding commitment by the sponsor (or a nominated assurer) to financially support the parent and to repay any recoverable social security payments the parent may receive. The AoS period is generally 10 years and typically involves lodging a bond with the Department of Human Services.
Which Pathway Is Right for Your Family?
The honest answer is: it depends on the specific circumstances of the parent, the sponsor, and the family as a whole. Key factors include the parent’s age and health, the family’s financial capacity, how many children are in Australia versus overseas, and whether the parent wants or needs work rights.
These decisions benefit from professional guidance. The interactions between visa subclasses, the Balance of Family Test, health requirements and long processing queues make parent visa planning more complex than it first appears.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can my parents apply for a parent visa while already in Australia on a visitor visa?
A: For most permanent parent visa subclasses, applicants need to be offshore at the time of grant. The Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804 and 864) is a notable exception – aged parents can apply onshore and remain on a Bridging Visa while the application is assessed. Careful planning is needed to avoid your parents becoming unlawful.
Q: My parents cannot satisfy the Balance of Family Test. What are their options?
A: The Subclass 870 temporary visa does not require the Balance of Family Test and is typically the most accessible option. While it does not lead to permanent residency, it allows extended stays and can be renewed to a maximum of 10 years.
Q: Do my parents get Medicare on a parent visa?
A: Permanent visa holders are generally entitled to Medicare upon arrival. Temporary 870 visa holders are not – they must hold and maintain private health insurance throughout their stay. This is a significant and ongoing cost to factor into the decision.
Q: How long does the 870 visa take to process?
A: The 870 is generally processed much faster than permanent parent visas – often within a few months. The sponsorship application must be approved before the visa application can be lodged, so it is a two-step process. One can only apply for the 870 visa if they haven’t yet applied for the other parent visa application
Q: Can my parents work in Australia on a parent visa?
A: Permanent parent visa holders have full work rights. Temporary Subclass 870 holders do not have work rights. This distinction can be important for parents who are not yet at retirement age or who wish to remain economically active.