Parent visas: bringing your parents to Australia
Bringing your parents home to you. Honest advice on parent visas for Australian citizens and permanent residents: contributory and non-contributory options, realistic waiting times, and what it will cost.
- Advice direct from a Registered Migration Agent
- Honest assessment, even when the answer is no
- Phone, video or in-person in Brisbane
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The hardest part is usually the waiting
Many of the families I work with built their lives here and now face a quiet worry: their parents are getting older on the other side of the world. They want them close, for the grandchildren and for each other.
Parent visas are possible, but they are not quick and they are not cheap. Some options carry very long queues. Others are faster but cost substantially more. The right choice depends on your parents' age, health, finances and how many of their children live in Australia.
I would rather you hear the honest picture at the start than spend years on the wrong pathway.
The main choices
Contributory parent visas
Higher cost, significantly shorter wait than non-contributory options. Can be temporary first, then permanent.
Non-contributory parent visas
Much lower cost but a very long queue, measured in many years.
Balance of family test
At least half of your parents' children, or more children than in any other country, must live in Australia.
Visiting in the meantime
Longer-stay visitor options may let parents spend extended time with you while you plan.
Figures are general information current at 14 October 2026 and change regularly. They are not advice about your circumstances.
How it works
Family review
We look at your parents' circumstances, the balance of family test and your role as sponsor.
Pathway comparison
Costs, timeframes and risks laid side by side so your family can decide together.
Application and long-term support
Parent visas take time. We stay with you through the queue and the requests that come with it.
Who you'll be speaking with
I'm Nathan Joo, founder and principal director of Cornerstone Migration and a Registered Migration Agent (MARN 1173091). For nearly two decades I have worked in Australian and New Zealand migration, employer sponsorship, skilled visa pathways and workforce strategy.
I started this practice because I believe migrants deserve advice that puts their future first. You will get an honest assessment, including when the answer is that a visa is unlikely, and you will deal with me, not a call centre.
You can verify my registration on the official register of migration agents.
What our clients say
Genuine reviews from Cornerstone Migration clients on Google.
64 Google reviews
“Nathan was highly professional and promptly responded to our requests and inquiries. Thank you, Nathan and your team, for fulfilling our dearest brother's wish.”
“The whole process has been incredibly fast, smooth, and professional. Communication has always been clear, polite, and very responsive… They genuinely care about their clients and explain everything clearly.”
“Everything was prepared so carefully and professionally, and I always felt that I was in good hands. The attention to detail and clear guidance made the whole process much less stressful.”
Common questions
How long does a parent visa take?
It varies widely by visa type and changes with each program year. Contributory options are considerably faster than non-contributory ones.
Can my parents stay in Australia while waiting?
It depends on the visa and their current status. Some onshore options exist for aged parents; others require them to be outside Australia.
What does the sponsor need to do?
The sponsor is usually a settled Australian citizen or permanent resident child, and an assurance of support may also be required.
Is there an age limit?
Some parent visas are only for parents who have reached Australian pension age. Others have no age requirement.
Let's look at your situation
Call now or send an enquiry and we'll come back to you within one business day.