The Parent Visa Subclass 103 is often the starting point for individuals who wish to bring their parents to Australia permanently. However, the choice is not that simple if you compare it with the contributory parent visa pathways. Each option sits within the family migration program but operates under different processing queues, government charges and application procedures.
In this context, the blog makes a clear comparison between the 103 non-contributory parent visa and the contributory parent visa options.
A Look at Parent Visas
Parent migration is made to support the family reunion of Australian citizens and permanent residents with their parents living outside Australia. Parent visa Australia is usually grouped into the following two categories:
- Non-contributory parent visas
- Contributory parent visas
The Non-contributory parent visas require lower application charges but often include a longer queue for visa processing. On the other hand, the contributory visas charge a high payment, but they have a faster application processing time.
Also Read: Student Visa 500 Processing Time 2026
What Is Parent Visa Subclass 103?
The Parent Visa Subclass 103 is a permanent visa, which lets a parent of a settled Australian citizen/permanent resident or an eligible New Zealand citizen move to Australia. Some of the main features of the 103 non-contributory parent visa include:
- Indefinite stay in Australia.
- Work and study in Australia.
- enrol in Australia’s public healthcare scheme.
- Sponsor your family members to come to Australia.
- Travel to and from Australia for 5 years.
- Attend free English language classes provided by the Adult Migrant English Program for eligible applicants.
- Pathway to apply for Australian citizenship for eligible applicants.
However, the demand for parent visas is significantly higher than the number of places available each year. As a result, the processing time for this visa application is lengthy.
Contributory Parent Visa Options
There are mainly four types of contributory parent visa pathways available for Australian migration. These are as follows:
Parent Visa (Subclass 143)
The parent visa subclass 143 is a permanent contributory parent visa for applicants applying outside the country. The visa allows parents of permanent Australian residents to permanently reside with them, they can travel without restrictions and they can apply for citizenship after fulfilling the residence requirements. The visa application process requires Assurance of Support and higher charges for applications.
Parent Visa (Subclass 173)
The parent visa 173 is a temporary contributory visa that allows parents to stay for up to two years. This visa functions as the initial step in a two-part immigration process. The permanent subclass 143 visa becomes available to applicants who entered through this visa after they complete their second instalment payment of the contributory visa fees.
Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 884)
The Contributory Aged Parent Visa 884 is a temporary visa for aged parents who apply inside the country. The visa permits parents to reside in the country for two years, which they can use to apply for permanent residency through the subclass 864. The visa requires applicants to fulfil sponsorship requirements, the balance of family test and Assurance of Support conditions.
Parent Visa (Subclass 864)
The parent visa 864 is a permanent contributory visa designed for aged parents who apply while already in the country. At the time of application, applicants need to fulfil the Age Pension age requirement.
Also Read: Partner Visa Subclass 820: Eligibility, Cost, and Processing Time
Parent Visa Subclass 103 vs Contributory Parent Visa
The parent visa 103 and contributory parent visas differ in multiple areas. The table below compares their charges, processing time and visa pathways:
| Feature | Parent Visa Subclass 103 | Contributory Parent Visa |
| Visa type | Permanent visa | Temporary or permanent, depending on the subclass |
| Application charges | Lower application charges (About $7,345) | Higher application charges (Often exceed $30,000 or $40,000) |
| Processing time | The 103 visa processing time may extend to 30 – 33 years | About 3 to 6 Years |
| Visa pathways | Single visa stream | Multiple subclasses |
Eligibility Requirements for Parent Visas
Most parent visa subclasses share similar eligibility conditions. In order to get approval for a parent visa, applicants usually must meet the following requirements:
- Be sponsored by an eligible child
- Pass the balance of the family test
- Meet health and character requirements
- Provide an Assurance of Support
The balance of family test measures the parents’ family links to the country. Parent-focused family visa Australia is met when at least half of the applicant’s children live permanently in the country, or when more children live there than in any other country.
Bridging Visas During the Application Process
If the parent visa application is lodged within Australia, the applicant may be granted a Bridging Visa A (Subclass 010). This bridging visa allows the applicant to stay lawfully in the nation while the Department of Home Affairs processes the parent visa application.
However, if the applicant needs to travel outside the country during the 103 parent visa processing period, they may need to apply for a Bridging Visa B (Subclass 020) before leaving. This particular Bridging Visa allows applicants to temporarily travel and re-enter while the main parent visa application remains under assessment.
Also Read: Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190: Eligibility & Application Process
How Skilled Migration Leads to Parent Sponsorship?
Migrants who get permanent Australian residence through the subclass 190 skilled visa may later sponsor their parents. In most cases, the sponsoring child must be living in Australia for a minimum of two years before lodging a parent visa application, such as a non-contributory parent visa or a contributory parent visa.
The Role of Migration Professionals
Parent visa applications may include complex documentation and eligibility requirements. Migration experts, like immigration agent Perth, often assist families in preparing their applications. In these situations, immigration professionals can help you in the following scenarios:
- Assessing eligibility for different parent visa subclasses
- Preparing application documents
- Understanding Assurance of Support requirements
- Explaining visa queues and processing timelines
Final Thoughts
The choice between the 103 non-contributory parent visa and the contributory visa options requires careful consideration of both cost and waiting periods. While the 103 non-contributory visa has lower government charges, its processing time may extend to decades. In contrast, a contributory visa demands a higher payment but gives a faster pathway to settle with parents in Australia. To select the most feasible option, you may consider consulting a migration consultant Perth. They assess all possibilities and guide you with the parent visa application.
Also Read: How Long Does Australian Skilled Migration Visa Processing Take?
