PARENT VISA AUSTRALIA: SUBCLASS 143, 173 & 870
Why More Parents Are Choosing to Migrate to Australia
For thousands of Australian families, having parents nearby isn’t just a nice-to-have-it’s a must. Be it’s helping raise grandkids, being there for family milestones, or simply enjoying everyday life together, the demand for parent visa Australia options has never been higher.
The catch? Some visas come with long queues and big price tags. That’s why smart families are getting expert advice before they apply. At Stepping Stones Career Solutions, we’ll help you understand the trade-offs, timelines, and steps to get your parents here faster.
Types of Parent Visa Australia
Here’s a quick look at the most popular visas available for parents of Australian citizens and permanent residents:
Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143)
Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 173)
Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870)
Parent Visas That Lead to Permanent Residency
Not every parent visa ends in a permanent stay – but several pathways can make it possible, depending on your timeline, budget, and family circumstances.
Who Can Apply for a Parent Visa in Australia?
Choosing the right parent visa starts with knowing if you meet the core requirements. Here’s a side-by-side breakdown of what’s needed for the most popular options:
| Criteria | Subclass 143 (Contributory PR) | Subclass 173 (Temp to PR) | Subclass 870 (Sponsored Temporary) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Balance of Family Test |
Required |
Required |
Not Required |
|
Parent Sponsor Visa |
Required eligible child |
Required eligible child |
Required approved sponsor (income test applies) |
|
Financial Requirements |
High fees + Assurance of Support |
Partial fees (143 to follow) |
Must meet income threshold ($83,454+) |
|
Health & Character |
Medical + police checks |
Medical + police checks |
Medical + police checks |
Parent Visa Documents Checklist
Before you apply, make sure you’ve got the right paperwork. Here’s what most applicants need across the major visa subclasses
| Document Type | Required For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Passport (certified copy) |
All subclasses |
Valid for all applicants and sponsors |
|
Birth Certificate |
All subclasses |
Proof of relationship to sponsoring child |
|
Proof of Sponsor’s Status |
143, 173, 870 |
Needed to assess Balance of Family Test |
|
Assurance of Support (AoS) |
143 (mandatory), 173 (later), not 870 |
Financial guarantee provided by sponsor |
|
Income Evidence of Sponsor |
870 only |
Minimum $83,454 taxable income (past financial year) |
|
Police Clearance |
All subclasses |
From every country lived in for 12+ months in last 10 years |
|
Medical Examination Results |
All subclasses |
Must be from approved panel doctors |
|
Form 40 Sponsorship |
143, 173 |
Declares sponsor’s commitment |
|
Form 47PA (Visa Application) |
143, 173 |
Primary visa application form |
|
Form 1501 (870 Visa Sponsor App) |
870 only |
Must be submitted and approved before applying for the 870 visa |
Tip: Missing or outdated documents are a common cause of delays and refusals. Submitting a complete and accurate application from the start makes a massive difference.
Need help getting your file ready? Speak to our team at Stepping Stones Career Solutions we’ll walk you through every step.
Parent Visa Australia Processing Times & Fees
Parent visas differ greatly in both price and processing time. Here’s what you can expect for each subclass so you can plan with clarity.
| Visa Type | Processing Time | Estimated Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Subclass 143 (Contributory Parent PR) |
4-6 years |
~$47,825 (in two installments) |
|
Subclass 173 (Temporary to 143) |
2 years (173) + 4-6 years (143) |
~$31,930 combined ($29,130 for 143 + ~$2,800 for 173) |
|
Subclass 870 (Sponsored Parent Visa) |
Up to 12 months (including sponsor approval) |
$5,735 (3 years) / $11,470 (5 years) |
Note: Fees listed are for the primary applicant only. Additional applicants and processing variations may affect final pricing.
Tip: Parent visas like Subclass 103 (non-contributory) are available at a lower cost (~$4,990 AUD), but processing can take 20+ years due to strict caps. Explore this only if you’re prepared for an ultra-long wait.
Stepping Stones Career Solutions - Immigration, Visa & Education Consultants
Out of 5 stars
Overall rating out of 147 Google reviews
Previously I have worked with many agencies for visa purposes and found lack of communication in terms of supplying right information and resources. Upon reaching out to so many agencies for right guidance, I finally put my trust with Stepping stone agency. The team who handled my visa application was very helpful and was able to do certain arrangements for me within the dedicated timeframe. I got my visa granted after 3 months. I would like to especially thank Mr Vineet Thakral for your service. It was amazing working with you and hope to work together in future.
I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your support and assistance throughout my immigration process. Your expertise, professionalism, and responsiveness are really great. Special thanks to Saniya.
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Visa Extension Approved in Just 20 Days! 🎉 I’m beyond happy to share that my student visa extension was approved within just 20 days after one day of my medical. I’m truly grateful for the smooth and fast process. A big thank you to Anchal mam from stepping stone immigration for the guidance and support throughout the application. Your professionalism and timely communication made all the difference. If anyone is planning to apply for a visa extension or has any doubts about the process, I highly recommend starting early and staying organized – it really helps!
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I recently applied for subclass 804 parent visa and Stepping Stones Career Solutions was very helpful in the process. They are very knowledgeable and professional, and I highly recommend taking their services. I'd like to thank Manveer with whom I had initial discussion, and I knew instantly that they are the perfect choice. A very special thanks to Arisha who guided at every step and is very hard working. I had so many queries but she always answered them patiently to ensure that I had a successful outcome. I'd like to wish her and Stepping Stones all the success. Thank you!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Parent Visas Austrlia
What is subclass 189 visa in Australia?
The subclass 189 visa is a points-tested permanent residency visa for skilled workers, allowing them to live and work anywhere in Australia without needing sponsorship from an employer, state, or family.
Which is better, subclass 189 or 190?
Subclass 189 is independent and offers more flexibility since it doesn’t require state or territory sponsorship. Subclass 190, however, provides additional points for state sponsorship but may require you to live in a specific state initially.
Is 75 points enough for a 189 visa?
While 75 points may qualify, higher points improve your chances due to the competitive nature of invitations. The required points vary depending on the occupation and invitation rounds.
How many points are required for subclass 189?
The minimum required is 65 points, but achieving higher points significantly increases your chances of receiving an invitation.
How much is the 189 fee?
The application fee for the subclass 189 visa starts at AUD 4,640 for the main applicant, with additional costs for dependents.
What is the IELTS score required for 189 visa?
A minimum IELTS score of 6 in each band (listening, reading, writing, and speaking) is required. However, higher scores can earn more points for English proficiency.
How long can I stay in Australia with a 189 visa?
The subclass 189 visa grants permanent residency, allowing you to live in Australia indefinitely. You can travel to and from Australia for five years from the visa grant date.
What is the difference between subclass 189 and 190?
Subclass 189: Independent visa; no sponsorship needed; live/work anywhere in Australia.
Subclass 190: Requires state sponsorship; may need to live in the sponsoring state initially; adds 5 points to eligibility.
