The Golden Rule: The Balance of Family Test

Before exploring permanent parent visas, you must understand the Balance of Family Test. To be eligible for most permanent parent visas, at least half (50%) of the parent's children must live permanently in Australia, OR more children must live permanently in Australia than in any other single country.

• Example: If your parents have three children—one lives in Australia (you), one lives in Nepal, and one lives in the UK—they DO NOT pass the test (only 1 out of 3 lives in Australia).

Option 1: Non-Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 103)

This is the standard permanent visa for parents.

• The Pros: The visa application charge is relatively low.

• The Cons: Because the government caps the number of these visas granted each year, the current estimated processing time is up to 30 years. For most families, this is not a realistic option for reunification.

Option 2: Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143)

To bypass the 30-year wait, the government introduced the "Contributory" pathway.

• The Pros: Processing times are significantly faster (historically around 5 to 7 years, though wait times are increasing). It grants immediate permanent residency upon approval.

• The Cons: The financial contribution required is massive. The Department of Home Affairs requires a contribution of nearly AUD $48,000 per parent before the visa is granted, on top of standard application fees and Assurance of Support (AoS) bonds.

Option 3: Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870)

Recognizing that many families cannot pass the Balance of Family Test or afford the massive contributory fees, the government introduced the Subclass 870 Temporary Visa.

• The Pros: No Balance of Family Test is required! This visa allows parents to live in Australia for up to 3 or 5 years at a time, and can be renewed up to a maximum of 10 years. Processing times are relatively fast (a few months).

• The Cons: It is strictly temporary. It does not lead to Permanent Residency, parents cannot work in Australia, and they must hold private health insurance (OSHC equivalent) for their entire stay.

Choosing the Right Pathway

Planning a Parent Visa requires a deep assessment of your family structure, finances, and long-term goals.

With dedicated migration experts in Sydney and Perth, and extensive offshore support teams in Nepal (Kathmandu, Pokhara, Beni, Dhangadhi) and India, Everest Global Education helps families navigate the complexities of parent migration. Contact us today to assess your eligibility and reunite your family in Australia.

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