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Partner Visa Australia: 2025 Comprehensive Guide to Partner and Spouse Visas

Meta Title: Partner Visa Australia 2025 – Requirements, Process & Timeline
Meta Description: A comprehensive 2025 guide to Australian Partner Visas. Learn about eligibility requirements, the application process (820/801 onshore & 309/100 offshore), processing times, costs, and expert tips for reuniting with your spouse or de facto partner in Australia.

What is an Australian Partner (Spouse) Visa?

A Partner visa lets the de facto partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen live in Australia. It’s the main pathway for Australians to reunite with overseas husbands, wives or long-term partners. Unlike skilled visas, there are no strict age limits or income thresholds for a partner visa (What are the Changes to the Australian Partner Visa? | LegalVision). The key is proving you are in a genuine and continuing spousal or de facto relationship.

Australia issues partner visas in a two-stage process. First, you receive a temporary partner visa (subclass 820 if applied in Australia, or subclass 309 if applied overseas). After about two years from your initial application, you can be granted the permanent partner visa (subclass 801 onshore, or subclass 100 offshore) – as long as the relationship is still genuine and ongoing. This two-step approach allows authorities to reassess your relationship after an initial period before granting permanent residency.

Eligibility and Relationship Requirements

To be eligible, you must be married to or in a de facto relationship with an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. For married applicants, the marriage must be valid under Australian law. For de facto couples (including same-sex couples), generally you need to have lived together in a spouse-like relationship for at least 12 months, unless you have registered your relationship in an Australian state/territory (which can waive the 12-month requirement) or you have compelling circumstances. Both the applicant and sponsor must usually be 18 or older (partner visas are not granted if either party is under 18). The relationship must be exclusive and genuine, and you’ll need to provide evidence of your life together – showing financial interdependence, cohabitation or shared household, social recognition of your relationship, and mutual commitment to a life as partners.

The Australian partner acts as the sponsor for the visa. Sponsors must be 18 or over and must also meet character requirements (police checks are required). If a sponsor has a serious criminal history (particularly for violence or sexual offenses), the Department can refuse the visa application to protect the applicant. Additionally, a person can generally sponsor a maximum of two partner visa applicants in their lifetime, with at least 5 years between sponsorships (Family Migration Visas - McKkr’s) (this includes cases where they themselves were sponsored on a partner visa – they usually can’t sponsor a new partner until 5 years have passed). These rules exist to prevent misuse of the partner program. The sponsor must agree to financially support the applicant for the initial settlement period (generally 2 years). There is no formal income test or bond required for partner visa sponsors, but this commitment is part of the sponsorship undertaking.

Application Process (Onshore vs Offshore)

Onshore (subclass 820/801): If the applicant is in Australia on a valid visa (that isn’t subject to a “no further stay” condition), you can apply for the partner visa onshore. Once the application is lodged, the applicant typically gets a Bridging Visa A to remain in Australia during processing (What are the Changes to the Australian Partner Visa? | LegalVision). This bridging visa usually has full work rights and access to Medicare. The applicant must be in Australia at the time of application and at the time of decision for the 820 visa. Key steps:

Lodge the combined application (temporary 820 + permanent 801) via ImmiAccount, including sponsor’s sponsorship form. Pay the visa fee (currently about AUD $9,095).
Receive Bridging Visa A (if the current visa expires while waiting, the BVA will kick in to maintain lawful status). The BVA allows work and study (What are the Changes to the Australian Partner Visa? | LegalVision). (Travel outside Australia requires applying for a Bridging Visa B, since a BVA does not allow travel.)
Submit documents to prove the relationship – form 888 witness statements, photos, joint bills/lease, financial evidence, etc. Front-load police clearances and health exams if possible to avoid later delays.
820 visa grant: If the case is approved, a temporary partner visa 820 is granted. The applicant can remain in Australia with full work rights.
801 visa (permanent) eligibility: About 2 years after the initial application (the Department will notify when it’s time), you provide updated evidence that the relationship is still ongoing and genuine. If all good, the permanent 801 visa is granted. (If the relationship has been long-term – 3+ years or 2+ years with a child – the 801 may be granted immediately after the 820, skipping the delay.)

Offshore (subclass 309/100): If the applicant is outside Australia, you can apply for the partner visa from overseas. The sponsor lodges their part too. The applicant must be outside Australia at time of application and at time of decision for the 309 provisional visa. Steps:

Lodge the combined 309/100 application online and pay the fee, just like above.
Submit relationship evidence similar to above. There is no bridging visa for offshore applicants, so the applicant remains outside Australia while waiting. (They can visit Australia on a visitor visa during the process, but must exit to receive the 309 grant.)
309 visa grant: This lets the applicant travel to Australia and live as a temporary partner visa holder. It has full work rights. They can then enter Australia and join their partner.
100 visa (permanent) eligibility: About 2 years after the initial application date, the applicant becomes eligible for the subclass 100 permanent visa. The Department may contact you to ask for updated evidence that you are still together. If your relationship was already long-term at the time of application (3+ years or 2+ years with a child), the 100 visa can be granted at the same time as the 309 (What are the Changes to the Australian Partner Visa? | LegalVision), allowing the applicant to enter Australia as a PR straight away.
100 visa grant: This is the permanent visa. The applicant can be in or outside Australia for the 100 decision (unlike the 309 stage).

Whether onshore or offshore, partner visa applications are paperless (online) these days. You don’t have to submit hard copies unless asked. Processing times can be long (more on that below), so planning interim arrangements is important (e.g., maintaining a valid visa to stay onshore, or the couple spending time together abroad or on visits during the wait).

Processing Times in 2025

Partner visas are in high demand, so wait times can be significant. The Department of Home Affairs reports a median processing time of around 14 months for the first-stage partner visa as of early 2025. However, individual cases vary. Straightforward applications can be processed in under a year, while complex ones can stretch beyond 18 months. According to recent data, about 75% of partner visa applications are finalized within roughly 21 months, and 90% by around 32 months (Australian Visa Application Processing Times).

The good news is that these timelines have improved somewhat compared to a few years ago. In 2022, the government directed more resources to clearing the partner visa backlog. Many older cases were finalized, and moving partner visas to a demand-driven model (no annual cap) has helped reduce queuing. The Department noted they have been focused on processing the oldest applications and complex cases, which can temporarily make the “average” seem long, but it ultimately means newer applications should be decided faster.

Factors that can affect your processing time include: the completeness of your application (missing documents will delay you if the case officer has to ask for them), your country of origin and security checks, and whether any inadmissibility issues arise (health or character concerns). Ensuring your application is decision-ready – all forms filled correctly and all required evidence uploaded – is the best way to avoid unnecessary delays. We cover tips to speed up your application in a dedicated article below.

How Much Does a Partner Visa Cost?

Applying for a partner visa is a significant financial investment. As of July 2024, the visa application charge for a combined temporary + permanent partner visa application is AUD $9,095 for the main applicant. This is payable in full at the time of application (there’s no refund if refused, and no discount if only the temporary stage is granted). The fee covers both the temporary and eventual permanent visa – you do not pay again for the 801/100 stage.

If you include dependent children in your application, additional fees are required for each child. For example, an additional applicant over 18 costs around $4,550, and a child under 18 costs around $2,280. Partners who are unmarried may sometimes each be applicants (e.g., if both are seeking PR); in such cases each pays a fee – but in a typical scenario, one is the applicant and the Australian partner is the sponsor (the sponsor does not pay a fee).

The partner visa fees increase periodically. (They rose slightly on 1 July 2024, from $8,850 to $9,095.) Keep an eye on the Department’s fee schedule for any changes if you’re planning an application around the end of a financial year.

Other costs to budget for include:

Medical examination: Approximately AUD $300–$500, varying by country and provider, for the required health checks.
Police clearances: These can range from ~$20 to $100+ each, depending on the country. Australia’s AFP check is about AUD $42. You may need multiple (for each country you lived in).
Translations: If any documents are not in English, you’ll need NAATI-certified translations. Costs depend on length – perhaps a few hundred dollars for a bundle of documents.
Migration agent or lawyer fees (if you use one): Professional assistance can range from a couple thousand to several thousand dollars depending on services and case complexity. This is optional, but many do choose to invest in expert help given the high stakes (more on this in the next section).

It’s clear that partner visa applications are expensive – often cited as one of the most expensive visa types worldwide. But for most, the ability to live with their loved one in Australia is worth the cost. Just make sure to plan financially. If you’re not ready to lodge, remember that the fee is one large sum at application (there is no installment plan).

One strategy for couples on a budget is to avoid the Prospective Marriage (fiancé) visa route if possible. The Prospective Marriage (subclass 300) visa has a fee similar to the partner visa (roughly $7,000–$8,000) and then, after marriage, the subsequent partner visa requires an additional fee of about AUD $1,515. So the total cost for that two-step process is higher than if you marry first and apply directly for a partner visa. Of course, the fiancé visa is invaluable if you aren’t yet married and can’t meet de facto requirements – it lets you be together and marry in Australia – but it does come at a premium.

Finally, note that payment of the visa fee is typically made by credit card or online transfer in ImmiAccount. Credit card payments incur a surcharge (about 1.4% for Visa/Mastercard), which on a $9,095 fee is around $127 extra.

The Benefits of Professional Legal Assistance in Partner Visa Applications

Applying for a partner visa can be complex and the stakes are high – a refusal means a huge emotional and financial setback. Many applicants choose to engage a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer to help navigate the process. Here’s why professional assistance can be beneficial:

Expert guidance on requirements: Migration professionals understand the partner visa criteria inside out. They can assess your situation and advise if you meet the requirements or if you need to take additional steps (such as registering your relationship or obtaining extra evidence) before applying. This upfront guidance can save you from lodging an application that isn’t eligible and losing your fee.
Proper documentation and evidence: One of the top reasons for partner visa refusals is insufficient evidence of a genuine relationship (Most common reasons why your Australian Partner Visa application is rejected). An experienced agent will provide a tailored checklist of documents covering the required four aspects of the relationship (financial, household, social, commitment). They’ll know what the Department is looking for. They can also spot weaknesses – for example, if you lack joint finances, they might suggest adding more social evidence or personal statements to compensate. This comprehensive approach reduces the chance of a refusal due to lack of evidence (which, as statistics showed, was a major factor in 39–42% of partner visa refusals in recent years (Most common reasons why your Australian Partner Visa application is rejected)).
Completing forms and avoiding errors: Agents help you fill out the lengthy application forms (and sponsorship form) correctly. Mistakes on forms or inconsistent information can lead to refusals or delays. They also ensure consistency between what you and your partner each state, and that all required fields are addressed. If English isn’t your first language, having a professional prepare the application can prevent misunderstandings that might occur in your personal statements or answers.
Knowledge of policy changes: Australian immigration law changes frequently. For instance, new sponsor requirements or updated income thresholds could be introduced. Professionals stay up-to-date on the latest laws and Department policy. In 2023–2024, a number of changes (like mandatory sponsorship approval before application and stricter character vetting of sponsors) have been or are being rolled out. A good migration agent or lawyer will ensure your application complies with the current rules so you’re not caught out by a new requirement.
Stronger presentation of your case: Agents often write a legal submission or cover letter highlighting how you meet each requirement, referencing your evidence. This can make the case officer’s job easier and paint your relationship in the best possible light. They know which points to emphasize (for example, a timeline of your relationship, or the cultural context of an arranged marriage, etc.). A clear, well-presented application can in some cases lead to faster decisions, since everything the officer needs is readily available.
Handling communication with the Department: After lodging, the Department might send Requests for Further Information (RFIs) or interview invitations. An agent will receive these on your behalf, inform you, and help you respond correctly and on time. They can also communicate with the Department if any issues arise (for example, if a mistake was made in your application, they can assist in correcting it proactively).
Reducing stress: The partner visa process can be stressful – gathering hundreds of documents, writing statements, uncertainty about the outcome. Having a professional guide you can greatly reduce the stress on you and your partner. You’ll have someone to answer your questions and reassure you on what’s normal. This emotional benefit is hard to quantify but very real for many couples.
Maximizing success and protecting your investment: Given the visa costs around $9,000, spending additional money on expert help can be seen as protecting that investment. A poorly prepared application could be refused and you lose the fee. Then you might have to spend thousands more on an appeal or reapplication. Seeking professional help from the start can improve your chances of approval on the first go, saving money in the long run.

When choosing help, ensure the migration agent is registered with the Office of the MARA (Migration Agents Registration Authority) or that the lawyer holds a legal practicing certificate. Many leading Australian immigration law firms have dedicated partner visa teams. While no one can guarantee success, having an expert in your corner often means a smoother journey and a well-founded visa application. Ultimately, it’s an investment in being able to start your life together in Australia with greater peace of mind.

(The next sections provide detailed insights into specific topics – from step-by-step application guides to handling bridging visas, proving your relationship, and more.)

Spouse Visa Australia: Applying for a Partner Visa as a Married Couple

Meta Title: Spouse Visa Australia – Partner Visa Guide for Married Couples
Meta Description: Learn how to bring your husband or wife to Australia with a spouse visa. Covers eligibility for married partners, the partner visa application steps, required documents, processing times, and benefits of professional guidance.

What is a Spouse Visa in Australia?

“Spouse visa” is the common term for an Australian partner visa when the applicant and sponsor are a married couple. Australia does not have a separate visa subclass officially called “spouse visa” – it falls under the Partner visa program (subclasses 820/801 for onshore applications, or 309/100 for offshore). This visa lets the husband or wife of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen live in Australia permanently. In other words, if you’re legally married to an Australian and in a genuine relationship, you can apply for a partner visa (on the basis of marriage) to join them in Australia.

Eligibility for Married Couples

To qualify as a spouse, you and your Australian partner must be legally married under Australian law. This means the marriage is recognized in Australia – generally:

Both of you were at least 18 years old at the time of marriage (Australia does not recognize marriages where one party was under 18, except in rare court-approved circumstances).
Neither of you was married to anyone else at the time (no polygamy).
The marriage is valid in the country it took place. If you married overseas, it should generally be legally recognized in that country and not fall foul of Australian laws (for example, some overseas marriages involving minors or close relatives wouldn’t be recognized here).

Aside from the legal validity, you must show the relationship is genuine and continuing. Simply having a marriage certificate isn’t enough – the Department will assess your relationship similar to how they assess de facto couples. You’ll provide evidence of living together (or if apart temporarily, that it’s only a short separation), sharing finances and household duties, social acknowledgment as a couple, and mutual commitment.

Importantly, there is no minimum duration of marriage required – you could apply shortly after your wedding, as long as you have evidence of a genuine relationship. It’s not uncommon for couples to marry and then immediately apply for the visa, especially if they need to get the application in before the foreign partner’s current visa expires.

One thing to note: if you married very quickly or have known each other only a short time, you should be prepared to provide extra evidence of how the relationship developed, to prove it’s not a marriage of convenience. It doesn’t mean you won’t get the visa – it just means the case officer will look carefully to ensure the marriage is bona fide. Affidavits from family, photos over the time you’ve known each other, and any other proof of your commitment will be important in such cases.

Partner Visa Application Process for Spouses

The application process for a married couple is the same partner visa process as for any couple, with just a few differences in evidence emphasis:

Decide on onshore or offshore: If you are both in Australia and the foreign spouse has a visa that allows onshore application (or can get one), you might apply onshore (820/801). If the foreign spouse is overseas, or cannot apply onshore due to a visa condition, you’ll apply offshore (309/100). Ensure the timing of your marriage fits – for a partner visa application, if applying as spouses, you must be married before you apply (unless you’re doing the Prospective Marriage route).
Prepare documents: As a married couple, your primary relationship evidence is your marriage certificate. Include that, plus evidence of joint life: e.g. joint bank accounts, joint leases or property ownership, utility bills in both names at the same address, insurance policies naming each other, beneficiary designations on superannuation or wills, etc. Also gather personal evidence: photos of your wedding, of you and your spouse with each other’s families and friends, travel itineraries of trips together, chat logs or call records (especially if you had periods of long-distance before marriage). Don’t forget identity documents and police checks as required.
Lodge the partner visa application: This is done online through ImmiAccount. The Australian spouse is the sponsor and will submit a sponsorship form as part of the process. Pay the visa fee (AUD $9,095 as of 2024).
Await processing and respond to any requests: Married couples might sometimes get slightly faster processing than de facto, simply because a marriage certificate is a clear legal document – but you should still expect many months of waiting. During this time, the Department could ask for more information or an interview if they have any doubts. Ensure you (and your spouse) check email regularly and respond promptly to any Department correspondence.
Temporary visa grant: If applied onshore, the foreign spouse gets the 820 temporary visa (allowing full work rights, Medicare, etc.). If offshore, they get the 309 provisional visa and can then travel to Australia to join their spouse.
Permanent visa stage: About two years after the initial application, you’ll be assessed for the permanent 801/100 visa. If by that time you’re still married and together (and you provide some updated evidence of that), the permanent visa will be granted. If, however, the relationship has ended before the permanent stage, it can jeopardize the permanent visa (unless certain exceptions like domestic violence or children apply – discussed later).

A few tips for married applicants:

Provide evidence that your marriage is known to and supported by family and friends (e.g., photographs from the wedding with attendees, congratulatory messages, etc.). The Department likes to see that the marriage is socially genuine, not just a paper formality.
If you had an arranged marriage or short courtship, explain the cultural context or how you came to marry. Many partner visa cases involve arranged marriages from various cultures; these are valid, but you need to communicate the legitimacy of your relationship – for instance, include evidence of post-marriage communication or visits if you had limited contact before marriage.
Ensure your marriage is registered with the appropriate authorities. Occasionally, people marry in informal or cultural ceremonies that don’t produce an official certificate. The Department will require a government-issued marriage certificate (or equivalent) to recognize the marriage. If you only have a church or temple certificate, you might need to register the marriage with civil authorities.

Proving a Genuine Marriage

Even though you’re married, you must prove the relationship is genuine and continuing. The Department will examine four key aspects of the spousal relationship (Most common reasons why your Australian Partner Visa application is rejected):

Financial aspect: How you handle finances as a couple. Evidence may include joint bank accounts, joint loans or mortgages, joint bills, sharing expenses, naming each other as beneficiaries in wills or insurance, etc.
Social aspect: How you present yourselves socially or publicly as a couple. This could be proof of taking trips together, social media posts as a couple, invitations addressed to both of you, statements from friends and family (Form 888 declarations) attesting that you are a genuine married couple.
Household aspect: How you share domestic life. For example, a lease or property deed with both names, correspondence to the same address, evidence of jointly managing housework or caring for any children, and any other household arrangements. If due to circumstances (work, study) you haven’t lived together continuously since marriage, explain those circumstances and show you stayed in close contact.
Commitment to each other: This includes the duration of your relationship, the degree of companionship and emotional support, and your plans for the future. Items like the history of your relationship (how you met, how it progressed), evidence of long-term plans (maybe a shared savings account for future goals, or discussions of having children, etc.) help here. Marriage by itself is a sign of commitment, but the Department also considers whether you have intertwined lives or if anything suggests a transient arrangement.

Failing to provide evidence for each of these four categories can result in doubts about the genuineness of the marriage (Most common reasons why your Australian Partner Visa application is rejected). In practice, many documents cover multiple aspects at once (for instance, a joint lease is both financial and household evidence). Provide a spread of evidence – don’t rely only on one type. And ensure consistency: information on your forms, your personal statements, and your evidence should all align. Inconsistencies (like giving different dates for when you met, or friends describing different stories of your relationship) can raise red flags.

Processing Times and Expectations for Spouse Visas

Applications from married couples fall under the same processing times mentioned earlier (often 12–18 months for the temporary stage in 2025). Being married does not automatically expedite the visa, but one advantage is you bypass the need to prove the 12-month de facto period, which can simplify evidence requirements a bit.

That said, the Department will scrutinize newly-married couples just as much as long-term de facto couples. Every case is different: some spouse visas get approved relatively fast (especially if the couple had a long relationship before marrying, or have children together, etc.), while others take longer if the Department has concerns or a heavy caseload at the processing office. As of 2025, roughly half of partner/spouse visa applications are decided within 14 months, and 75% within ~21 months (Australian Visa Application Processing Times). So, expect to wait about a year or more in most cases.

During the wait, if you applied onshore, you’ll remain on your Bridging Visa with the right to work. If offshore, unfortunately you’ll be apart unless you choose to obtain a tourist visa to spend time in Australia (just remember you must exit Australia for the actual grant of the 309 visa). It’s a challenging period, but many couples use the time to further solidify their evidence (saving more joint funds, perhaps meeting each other’s extended families, etc., which can all be documented for the permanent stage).

Costs for Spouse Visa Applicants

The costs for a spouse-based partner visa are the same as any partner visa: AUD $9,095 for the main applicant (as of 2024), plus additional applicant charges for any kids. There is no difference in fee whether you are married or de facto. If you came to Australia initially on a Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300) and then married, remember you’ll be paying the partner visa fee after marriage (currently $1,515) in addition to what you paid for the fiancé visa – that’s one reason many couples marry first and apply directly for the partner visa to save money.

Also factor in the other expenses (medical exams, police checks, etc.) as discussed earlier. Married applicants will typically have to obtain a foreign marriage certificate (if married abroad) – ensure you get the official copy, which might have a fee and processing time in the country where you married.

Tips for a Successful Spouse Visa Application

Include your marriage certificate and wedding evidence: This might sound obvious, but make sure you have the official marriage certificate from the registry (the decorative one from a ceremony isn’t enough). If it’s not in English, include a certified translation. Provide a few photos of the wedding ceremony or celebration, especially showing key family members or cultural rituals if any.
Don’t skimp on pre-marriage evidence: If you knew each other for a period before marrying, include evidence from that period too (travel together, correspondence, etc.). This shows the evolution of the relationship. If your marriage was very quick after meeting, be candid about why – sometimes visa timing or personal circumstances lead to a quick marriage, which is fine if explained.
Show integration of lives: Since marriage is a legal commitment, also demonstrate how you’ve intertwined your lives: for example, did you add each other to your bank accounts or rental agreement after marriage? Did you take on each other’s expenses? These things often naturally happen when people marry – document them.
Prepare for interviews: It’s less common now, but sometimes immigration may interview the sponsor or applicant. As a married couple, you should both be able to answer questions about your relationship – from details of daily life (Who cooks? What side of the bed do you sleep on?) to the story of how you met and future plans. Genuine couples may not remember every tiny detail the same, but you should have a solid and consistent knowledge of your life together. Before the interview (if one is scheduled), spend time together reviewing your timeline and maybe browsing through photos and messages – it helps recall memories so you can answer confidently.
Address any unusual circumstances: If there are any atypical aspects to your marriage (significant age gap, different cultural backgrounds, a short overlap between a past divorce and new marriage, etc.), consider providing a cover note or statement about it. Don’t assume the case officer will understand your situation without explanation. For instance, if you married while one of you was still finalizing a divorce, explain the situation and affirm the new relationship did not start until the previous one was over. Transparency helps build credibility.

Conclusion

For married couples, the partner visa (spouse visa) is the pathway to starting your life together in Australia. While you have the advantage of a legally recognized relationship, you still must convince immigration that it’s the real deal. By providing thorough evidence of your shared life and being upfront about your circumstances, you set your application up for success. Thousands of married couples are granted partner visas for Australia each year, allowing husbands and wives to reunite and build a future together. With preparation, patience, and perhaps some professional help, you and your spouse can join those ranks and soon put the stress of distance and paperwork behind you.

Parent Visa Australia: Options for Bringing Your Parents to Australia

Meta Title: Parent Visa Australia – Contributory vs Non-Contributory Parent Visas
Meta Description: Explore how to bring your parents to Australia. We explain contributory and non-contributory parent visas, eligibility (balance of family test), processing times, costs, and the pros/cons of each option for reuniting with your parents in Australia.

Overview of Parent Visas

Australia offers several parent visa options for citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents. Broadly, these fall into two categories:

Contributory Parent Visas – faster processing, but very high fees (government charges in the tens of thousands).
Non-Contributory Parent Visas – much lower fees, but extremely long waiting periods (often decades).

Bringing parents to Australia is a heartfelt goal for many migrant families. However, the parent visa program is highly regulated and capped. Each year, only a limited number of parent visas can be granted (for 2023–24 and again in 2024–25, the cap is 8,500 parent visas per year). Demand far exceeds supply, resulting in substantial queues. This means you need to carefully choose which parent visa to apply for, based on your parents’ ages, your financial ability, and how long you are prepared to wait.

All parent visas require the Australian sponsor (the child) to be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen who is settled in Australia (usually for at least 2 years). Also, the “Balance of Family Test” must be met: at least half of the parent’s children must be permanently in Australia, or more of their children are in Australia than in any other single country ([

Balance of family test

](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/contributory-aged-parent-864/balance-of-family-test#:~:text=A%20parent%20meets%20the%20balance,of%20family%20test%20if)). This essentially ensures the parent has close ties to Australia. If you have many siblings overseas and only one in Australia, your parent would not meet this test and would not be eligible for a parent visa.

Additionally, parent visa applicants must meet health and character requirements. Given their age, health can be a significant hurdle – serious health conditions can lead to refusals because of potential high costs, and there are generally no health waivers for parent visas.

Contributory Parent Visas (High Cost, Shorter Wait)

Contributory parent visas were introduced to allow a faster immigration pathway for parents in exchange for a large contribution to offset future costs. The main visas in this category:

Subclass 143 – Contributory Parent (Permanent) – for parents outside Australia (can be applied for after a temporary 173, or directly).
Subclass 864 – Contributory Aged Parent (Permanent) – for parents inside Australia who are old enough to be considered “aged” (basically eligible for an Australian age pension, e.g., 66+ years, which allows an onshore application).
Subclass 173 – Contributory Parent (Temporary) – an optional first step for offshore applicants who want to split the payments. It’s a 2-year temporary visa; you pay a smaller amount for this, then pay the remainder for the 143.
Subclass 884 – Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) – similar to 173 but for aged parents onshore.

Most applicants go directly for the permanent contributory visa (143 or 864) if they can, to avoid the hassle of an interim step. Some do the temporary route to stagger the big payments.

Cost: The contributory visas are very expensive. As of 2024, the total fees per parent are around AUD $47,000 or more. This consists of an initial application fee (about $4,225 for offshore 143, or $4,770 for onshore 864) and a Second Visa Application Charge (VAC) of $43,600 per parent (for the permanent visa) paid right before grant. If doing the two-step (173/143), you’d pay roughly $31,000 at temporary stage and another ~$19,400 at permanent stage (the combined total ends up a bit higher). These figures can change with fee increases. In addition, each dependent applicant (e.g., a dependent spouse of the parent) incurs additional charges. The cost for two parents (a couple) is roughly double (though one parent can be primary and the other pays a slightly lower secondary VAC).

On top of visa fees, the Assurance of Support (AoS) is mandatory for contributory parent visas. The AoS is a bond lodged by an assurer (often the sponsor child or another relative) with Services Australia. Currently, the AoS bond for contributory parent visas is $10,000 for the first parent and $4,000 for the second. This money is held for 10 years and can be used to recover any social security payments the parent might claim (most parent visa holders aren’t eligible for welfare for 10 years anyway). If not used, it’s refunded with interest after 10 years.

Processing time: Contributory parent visas, despite the high fee, still have a queue – but it’s much shorter than non-contributory. The government has allocated about 6,800 places out of 8,500 total to contributory parent visas each year. In recent times, processing for contributory parent visas has taken around 4 to 6 years from application to grant (this can fluctuate; during COVID it slowed down, but efforts are being made to not let it balloon). Essentially, you are paying for a priority in the queue, but it’s not immediate by any means.

Contributory parent visas can be applied for even if the parent is over the age cutoff for an “aged” parent – if they’re offshore, age doesn’t matter. Onshore, they must be “aged” (so that they can get a bridging visa; otherwise non-aged parents cannot apply onshore due to law restrictions).

Once granted, a contributory parent visa gives permanent residency: the right to live, work, and access Medicare in Australia. Parents usually aren’t eligible for full social security for 10 years (as noted), and they are expected to be supported by their family and/or their own means.

Contributory parent visas are often the only realistic option for parents who are already elderly, because the alternative (non-contributory) might take 30+ years which the parent may not have. The obvious downside is the cost – not every family can afford nearly $50k per parent. It truly is a trade-off of money for time.

Non-Contributory Parent Visas (Low Cost, Very Long Wait)

Non-contributory parent visas are the traditional parent visas that existed before the contributory scheme. They have much lower application fees (a few thousand dollars in total) and a smaller AoS bond, but they are subject to a very small cap each year (only about 1,700 places out of 8,500 are for non-contributory parent visas). There are two main subclasses:

Subclass 103 – Parent (Permanent) – applied offshore.
Subclass 804 – Aged Parent (Permanent) – applied onshore (if the parent is old enough and usually on a visitor visa that allows onshore application).

Cost: The first installment for these visas is around AUD $6,490 (for the main applicant) and a second installment of about $2,065 at grant (these are approximate; fees do change). So, roughly under $10,000 in government fees all up for one parent – much cheaper. The Assurance of Support bond for non-contributory parent visas is $5,000 for the first parent, and $2,000 for the second, held for 2 years. This bond is smaller and shorter because the idea is these parents will likely not get welfare in the first couple years, but after that, many might (and indeed, many non-contributory parent visa holders do eventually go on the Age Pension once eligible).

Processing time: This is where non-contributory visas are frankly impractical for most. The wait time is extremely long – often quoted as over 30 years. The Department does not even publish an official timeframe beyond saying the queue is very lengthy and no guarantee of timeframe. The cap of ~1,700 per year means if, say, 40,000 applications are in backlog (which was the case in the past), you can do the math – decades. In the 2022–23 program year, 8,500 parent visas were granted (hitting the cap), and the backlog of parent visa applications was about 140,000+ and growing (mostly in the non-contributory queue). Despite slight increases in the cap, the queue for non-contributory visas is so large that most applicants are unlikely to live long enough for the visa to be granted under current settings. This sounds harsh, but it’s the reality noted by experts and even the Department.

Practically, what families sometimes do: If they can’t afford a contributory visa, they might still apply for the non-contributory as a backup or placeholder, knowing it won’t come for decades, and in the meantime use temporary visas (like the 870 Sponsored Parent visa, discussed later) to at least get the parents visiting or staying short-term. Some hope that in the future, the government might forgive the backlog or introduce new options. However, banking on policy changes is speculative.

Non-contributory parent visas are more feasible if the parents are relatively younger (in their 50s or early 60s) and the family cannot afford contributory – they might apply and simply wait 20+ years, potentially moving to Australia when they’re quite elderly. But if the parent is already, say, 70, a 30-year wait is essentially not attainable.

Because of these waits, non-contributory parent visas have sometimes been dubbed “queue visas” – you apply to get into the queue, but you might never reach the front unless you convert to contributory by paying the higher fee later. In fact, some families apply for the 103, then a few years later, switch to the 143 contributory to speed things up (the Department allows a mechanism to transition, you won’t get priority date credit however unless you had applied before June 2014).

In summary, the non-contributory parent visa is the affordable option, but only viable if you accept a very long wait or are planning for future retirement in Australia far down the line.

Other Key Requirements and Considerations

All parent visas require the Balance of Family test as mentioned – this is critical. You’ll need birth certificates of all the parent’s children to prove how many are in Australia vs elsewhere. If the test isn’t met, the application will be refused and fees lost, so assess this carefully.

You can sponsor a step-parent if they were married to your parent before you turned 18 and not remarried to someone else. Adoptive parents can also be sponsored, as long as the adoption was legal and the balance of family test counts adoptive children as well.

Aged parent visas (804/864/884): The term “aged” means the parent is old enough to qualify for an Australian age pension (which varies but is around 66–67). This matters for onshore applications. An aged parent can apply onshore and get a Bridging Visa to remain in Australia during processing (which, for an 804, could be 30 years – effectively letting them live out their life in Australia on a bridging visa). Many aged 804 applicants do exactly that: they apply, then remain on a bridging visa for years (with Medicare access after a certain time). This is a strategy some use if the parent is already in Australia and cannot afford contributory – they can at least stay, even if the PR may never be finalized for a long time. Note that if a bridging visa holder in that situation were to leave Australia, they might have trouble re-entering since the application could be deemed dormant – careful management with Bridging Visa B’s is needed.

Settlement period for sponsor: The sponsoring child should be “settled” in Australia, typically meaning living in Australia legally for at least 2 years (for PR/citizens) or 4 years (for eligible NZ citizens) before sponsoring. This is to prevent new migrants immediately sponsoring parents without having established themselves.

Assurance of Support: For all parent visas (contributory and non), an AoS is required before visa grant. Aside from the bond amounts mentioned, the assurer (often the child or another relative) must show a sufficient income over the past years to qualify to give an AoS. If multiple children are in Australia, often one with the strongest financials provides the AoS. The AoS is basically a commitment to reimburse the government if the parent draws certain welfare payments in the bond period (2 years for 103/804, 10 years for 143/864). This is an additional responsibility on sponsors/assurers. If your family cannot meet the income for AoS, that can also derail the visa even after waiting years.

Contributory vs Non-Contributory: Which to Choose?

The choice between these categories comes down to time vs money:

Contributory: High cost (~$50k) but parent can move over in ~5 years. Good for older parents who you want in Australia as soon as possible and if you can afford it. Also better if the parent’s health is declining – waiting decades isn’t an option.
Non-contributory: Low cost (~$6k) but likely 20–30 year wait. Only consider if the parents are younger and healthy, and the family absolutely cannot pay the contributory fee. Or as a placeholder in hopes of future changes. Realistically, if parents are already in their 60s or 70s, this visa will likely not reunite the family in time.

Sometimes families apply for the 103 (non-contrib) for both parents and also a single 143 (contrib) for one parent to stagger costs and reunion – e.g., bring mom on a contributory visa, while dad remains in queue, then sponsor dad later. However, if both qualify, it’s often better to bring both on contributory if you truly want them in Australia (the second parent has a slightly reduced VAC which helps).

For many families, the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) 870 visa (discussed next) has become a solution – it’s not PR, but allows parents to live in Australia for up to 10 years in total on renewable visas, and it’s not capped like the PR visas. It requires a high income sponsor but far less upfront cost than contributory PR. Some use the 870 to have their parents with them for a decade, hoping that within that time, maybe a PR visa will become available or they will decide on contributory later.

In making the decision, consider:

Parents’ age and health (can they realistically wait? will they clear medical checks for PR?).
Your finances (do you have savings or can family pool money for contributory?).
The emotional cost of waiting vs the financial burden of paying.

Some families take loans or refinance mortgages to afford contributory visas because having mum and dad around sooner is priceless. Others simply can’t pay, and so join the long queue and try other temporary options.

Processing and Waiting Experience

Whichever path you choose, be prepared for a process:

Applying: Lodge the visa forms (including sponsorship) and pay initial fee. For onshore aged visas, your parent gets a Bridging Visa (with no work rights, but they can Medicare after obtaining the interim card).
Queue: The application will sit in a queue. The Department may do an initial assessment (checking eligibility like balance of family) and then put it in the queue until a place becomes available. They will eventually request police checks, medicals and AoS when your turn is relatively close.
Staying in touch: For long waits, ensure you update the Department if you or the parent changes address. For 103/804 especially, it could be many years – files sometimes get lost if you don’t update contact info. The Department has a parent visa queue webpage and email to request updates on your status in the queue.
Visa grant: When a spot opens, they’ll ask for final documents, AoS to be lodged, second VAC to be paid (if contributory). After those are done, the visa is granted. For offshore visas, parent must be offshore to have it granted; for onshore, they must be onshore.

Aged Parent (804) applicants often remain on the bridging visa so long that by the time of decision they may actually have died or can’t travel – it’s a strange situation. Some essentially treat the 804 as permission to stay in Australia for life on a bridging visa, without needing the PR grant. Note, however, on a bridging visa they can’t easily leave Australia (or they risk not being able to return). It’s a complicated strategy but one that exists.

Conclusion

Australia’s parent visas present a difficult choice: pay high fees or accept extreme waits. For those who can afford it, the Contributory Parent visa provides a much quicker reunion and the comfort of PR status for your parents (albeit at the cost of a significant chunk of savings). For those who cannot, the Parent (non-contributory) visa is a theoretical avenue but with a wait so long that most look to alternatives like the temporary 870 visa.

No matter the route, sponsoring a parent is a major commitment. Ensure you meet the eligibility rules (especially the balance of family test ([

Balance of family test

](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/contributory-aged-parent-864/balance-of-family-test#:~:text=A%20parent%20meets%20the%20balance,of%20family%20test%20if))) and be prepared to support your parents – financially and in adapting to life in Australia. Many Australian families gain immense peace of mind and happiness from having Mom and Dad close by in their later years. By understanding the process and planning accordingly, you can choose the best option to bring your parents home to Australia and reunite your family.