Parent Visa Options
Bringing parents to Australia permanently is one of the most expensive and time-consuming visa processes. There are two main pathways: contributory (faster, expensive) and non-contributory (cheap, extremely slow). Understanding the options helps you plan years in advance.
Contributory Parent Visa (143)
Cost: ~$50,000-65,000 per parent (application fees + Assurance of Support bond). Processing: 5-8 years currently. The faster option, but still years of waiting. Includes a second VAC (Visa Application Charge) of ~$47,000 paid when the visa is ready to be granted. AoS bond of ~$10,000-15,000 held by Centrelink for 10 years.
Non-Contributory Parent Visa (103)
Cost: ~$6,500 per parent. Processing: 30+ years queue (yes, decades). Realistically, most applicants will not receive this visa in their lifetime. Generally only worth applying as a backup while pursuing other options.
Balance of Family Test
At least half of your parents' children must live in Australia, OR more children live in Australia than in any other single country. This is assessed at application time. Step-children and adopted children count. This test excludes many Chinese families where only one child migrated to Australia.
While Waiting: Visitor Visa Options
Parents can visit on a Visitor Visa (600) for up to 12 months per visit. The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (870) allows 3-5 year stays ($5,000-10,000) but has limited places. Many Chinese families cycle parents on visitor visas while waiting for the permanent visa. Budget for return flights and travel insurance for each visit.