For many Australian families, few things matter more than the chance to be reunited with their parents. Yet behind every heartwarming reunion story lies a complex and often expensive migration process. Whether you are planning to bring your parents to Australia permanently or just for a few precious years, understanding the parents visa Australia cost is a crucial first step.

In 2025, applying for a Parent Visa in Australia means more than just filling out forms — it’s a long-term financial decision. Between government fees, second instalments, health checks, and the lesser-known hidden costs, the total expenses can surprise even well-prepared families. The price you pay also depends heavily on which visa subclass you choose.

It’s important to note that the processing times for these visas must be taken into account. While non-contributory visas remain the most affordable, they often come with a 30-year waiting period — a timeline that few families can realistically endure. On the other hand, contributory visas are far more expensive but offer a much faster path to permanent residence. Then there’s the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa, an increasingly popular middle-ground option that allows parents to spend meaningful time with their children without waiting decades.

This guide explores every cost you should know about — from government charges to the hidden expenses that aren’t always discussed — so you can plan wisely, avoid surprises, and make informed choices when navigating Australia’s parent visa system in 2025.

Overview of Australia’s Parent Visa Options

Australia offers several visa subclasses that allow parents to live temporarily or permanently with their children who are Australian citizens or permanent residents. These include:

• Parent Visa (Subclass 103) – Non-contributory, permanent.
  
• Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804) – Non-contributory, permanent, onshore.
  
• Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) – Contributory, permanent.
  
• Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864) – Contributory, permanent, onshore.
  
• Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870) – Temporary visa for short- to medium-term stays.
  

The parents visa Australia cost varies dramatically depending on whether the visa is contributory or non-contributory, a factor that directly affects both fees and processing times.

Government Fees for Parent Visas (2025)

Official government charges, known as the Visa Application Charge (VAC), are set by the Department of Home Affairs. These fees are typically paid in one or two two parts, called instalments.

Non-Contributory Parent Visas (Subclass 103 & 804)

You pay for Parent Visa Australia and Aged Parent Visa Australia in two instalments. Pay the first instalment when you apply, and the second when you are asked to. These visas cost from AUD 7,345 for a single applicant.

The first instalment:

• Base application charge: Approximately AUD 5,280 for the main applicant.
• Additional applicant (18+): Around AUD 2,640.
• Additional applicant (18-): Around AUD 1,325.
  

​​​​The second instalment:

 for each person included on the application is AUD 2,065

These are the lowest-cost options but have extremely long waiting times, around 30 years. While affordable, they are not realistic for many families seeking reunion within their lifetime.

Contributory Parent Visas (Subclass 143 & 864)

You pay for 143 Parent Visa and 864 visa in two instalments. Pay the first instalment when you apply, and the second when you are asked to. These visas cost from AUD 48,640 for a single applicant.

The first instalment:

• Base application charge : Around AUD 5,040 for the main applicant.

• Additional applicant (18+): Around AUD 1,700 for subclass 143 and AUD 2,515 for subclass 864.
• Additional applicant (18-): Around AUD 855 for subclass 143 and AUD 1,260 for subclass 864.
  

The Second instalment:

 Around AUD 43,600 per applicant, paid before visa grant.

Note: If the applicant meets certain predefined conditions (for example, has previously held a Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 173)), the instalments differ. For more information, you can book a free consultation.

The parents visa Australia cost for contributory visas is substantially higher, but they are processed faster (approximately 10 years). Many families choose this route despite the expense because of the more reasonable timeline.

Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870)

This visa costs from:

AUD 6,070 for a visa of up to 3 years; or

AUD 12,140 for a visa of up to 5 years.

The first instalment:

• Base application charge: Approximately AUD 1,215.

​​​​The second instalment:

Temporary up to 3 years: AUD 4,855.

Temporary up to 5 years: AUD 10,925.

Note: Additional applicants are not eligible for this visa.

The 10 Years Parent Visa Australia (subclass 870 visa) does not provide permanent residence but allows parents to stay in Australia for up to 10 years cumulatively. For many families, this is a cost-effective temporary solution while waiting for permanent visa options.

Hidden and Indirect Costs

Beyond government fees, several additional expenses should be considered when calculating the full parents visa Australia cost.

a. Medical Examinations

All applicants must undergo health checks, including radiological and / or medical examinations, as well as pathology tests. The cost of these examinations undertaken in Australia is approximately $350. Costs of examinations undertaken outside Australia can vary from country to country.

b. Police Clearance Certificates

approximately AUD 50–100 each.

c. Translation and Documentation

The cost of official translations of birth, marriage, or identity documents varies from country to country.

d. Assurance of Support (AOS)

For contributory visas, the sponsor must provide an Assurance of Support bond — typically AUD 10,000 for a single applicant and AUD 14,000 for two applicants. This money is held for 10 years to cover any potential government welfare claims.

e. Travel and Relocation

Flights, shipping personal belongings, and temporary accommodation in Australia can easily reach several thousand dollars, depending on family size and location.

f. Migration Agent or Legal Fees

Professional migration assistance can cost several thousand dollars or more, depending on the complexity. While optional, many applicants find professional guidance valuable due to the complexity of parent visa applications.

Contributory vs Non-Contributory: Balancing Cost and Time

The contrast between these two streams defines the parents visa Australia cost in practical terms:

Type	Example	Approx. Cost (AUD)	Processing Time (2025)
Non-Contributory	103 / 804	~7,300	~30 years
Contributory	143 / 864	~48,600	~10 years
Temporary	870	6,000–12,000	~7 months

Key takeaway:

• Non-contributory visas are more affordable but take decades.
  
• Contributory visas are expensive but faster.
  
• The temporary 870 visa offers a middle ground for families seeking short-term reunions.
  

Financial Planning Tips for 2025

1. Plan early and budget realistically.
   Factor in both the Visa Application Charge and hidden costs like medicals and AOS.
   
2. Consider exchange rate fluctuations.
   As fees are payable in Australian dollars, currency changes can significantly impact total cost.
   
3. Use the 870 visa strategically.
   Instead of waiting decades for permanent approval, older parents can apply for the 870 visa to spend time with family now.
   
4. Keep an emergency fund.
   Unexpected costs such as document updates or re-assessments can arise during the waiting period.
   
5. Seek professional advice.
   A registered migration agent can help prevent costly mistakes in the application process.
   

Conclusion

The parents visa Australia cost in 2025 reflects a balance between affordability and processing time.

• Non-contributory visas remain the cheapest option but with wait times exceeding 30 years.
  
• Contributory visas require a major financial investment — roughly AUD 48,600 per person, but offer faster outcomes.
  
• Temporary visas (Subclass 870) provide flexibility for up to 10 years of stay without permanent residency.
  

When planning a parent visa application, understanding both government fees and hidden expenses is essential.
With careful budgeting, realistic expectations, and professional guidance, families can make informed decisions and bring their parents closer — emotionally and geographically — in 2025 and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions