Parent visas compared
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Compared
| Visa | Type | Charge from 1 July 2026 | Estimated wait for a new application |
|---|---|---|---|
| 103 Parent, 804 Aged Parent | Non-contributory | A$6,600 + A$2,065 second instalment per person | 42 years |
| 143 Contributory Parent, 864 Contributory Aged Parent | Contributory | A$6,300 + A$43,600 second instalment for most applicants | 18 years |
| 173 and 884 (temporary contributory) | Temporary, leads to 143 or 864 | A$6,300 (first instalment) | Same queue as the 143 and 864 |
| 870 Sponsored Parent (temporary) | Temporary, up to 3 or 5 years | A$6,370 (3 years) or A$12,440 (5 years) | No queue |
Capping means a maximum number of visas can be granted each migration program year. Applications meeting the core criteria (health and character) are given a queue date and released in queue-date order.
Queue release dates (as at 31 August 2026)
| Visa | Released for final processing up to |
|---|---|
| Contributory Parent (143, 173) | Queue date November 2018 |
| Contributory Aged Parent (864, 884) | Queue date November 2020 |
| Parent (103) | Queue date March 2014 |
| Aged Parent (804) | Queue date October 2014 |
New applications are acknowledged in about 4 weeks. The Department was assessing 143 applications lodged in April 2024, 864 applications lodged in April 2023, 103 applications lodged in February 2023 and 804 applications lodged in January 2023 to assign a queue date. Temporary to permanent applications (173 to 143, 884 to 864) were at May 2026.
Other family visas
| Visa | Released up to | Estimated wait for a new application |
|---|---|---|
| Carer (116, 836) | Queue date 31 December 2023 | 16 years |
| Remaining Relative (115, 835) | Queue date 30 June 2013 | 26 years |
| Aged Dependent Relative (114, 838) | Queue date 30 June 2013 | 26 years |
The 870 Sponsored Parent (temporary) visa
- You need an approved Parent Sponsor before you lodge, and you must lodge within 6 months of the approval (60 days if you were given permission to apply in Australia).
- Stay is up to 3 or 5 years per visa, with a maximum of 10 years in total.
- You cannot work, and it does not lead to permanent residence.
- You cannot apply for a permanent or temporary parent visa while you hold or have applied for the 870.
Balance of Family test
At least half of the sponsor's children must live in Australia, or more must live in Australia than in any other single country. The 870 is an option for those who do not meet it.
FAQ
What is the second instalment for contributory visas?
A$43,600 per adult for most 143 and 864 applicants in 2026-27. Some applicants pay a lower amount. See the fees table.
Is the 870 permanent?
No, temporary.
Will the Department tell me when my case is released?
Yes. It contacts you in writing when your queued application is released for final processing, and it does not answer individual status enquiries.