Processing times / Parent visas
Parent visa processing time
Parent visas are capped and queued. As at 31 August 2026, Home Affairs had released Contributory Parent (143) applications queued up to November 2018, and estimates new contributory applications could take around 18 years.
Contributory, new applications
18 years
Non-contributory, new
42 years
Key facts
- Home Affairs estimates that new Contributory Parent visa applications (143, 173, 864, 884) could take around 18 years, and new Parent and Aged Parent applications (103, 804) around 42 years.
- As at 31 August 2026, Contributory Parent (143) applications queued up to November 2018 had been released for final processing.
- Parent (103) applications queued up to March 2014 had been released; Aged Parent (804) up to October 2014.
- The department says it will not release any more parent visa applications in the current program year.
Checked against Home Affairs every day. Last checked 11 November 2026.
Cite this page
AusVisaClock. “Parent visa processing time.” Updated 31 August 2026. https://ausvisaclock.com/parent-visa-processing-time/
The figures come from the Department of Home Affairs. You may quote them with a link to this page.
Queue release dates by visa
Released for final processing as at 31 August 2026. No further releases are planned in the current program year.
| Visa | Acknowledgement | Queue assessment up to | Released for final processing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary to Permanent (173 to 143 and 884 to 864) | Approx. 4 weeks | N/A | May 2026 |
| Contributory Parent (143) | Approx. 4 weeks | Lodged April 2024 | Lodged/queued up to November 2018 |
| Contributory Parent (Temp) (173) | Approx. 4 weeks | Lodged April 2024 | Lodged/queued up to November 2018 |
| Contributory Aged Parent (864) | Approx. 4 weeks | Lodged April 2023 | Lodged/queued up to November 2020 |
| Contributory Aged Parent (Temp) (884) | Approx. 4 weeks | Lodged April 2023 | Lodged/queued up to November 2020 |
| Parent (103) | Approx. 4 weeks | Lodged February 2023 | Queued up to March 2014 |
| Aged Parent (804) | Approx. 4 weeks | Lodged January 2023 | Queued up to October 2014 |
Estimated wait for new applications
Contributory Parent visas: about 18 years.
Parent & Aged Parent visas: about 42 years.
These are the department’s estimates for applications lodged now. They depend on the number of places set each year. For other family visas see partner (820/801), 309/100 and every visa.
Parent visa questions
How long does a parent visa take in Australia?
Home Affairs estimates that new Contributory Parent applications (143, 173, 864, 884) could take around 18 years, and new Parent and Aged Parent applications (103, 804) around 42 years, because places each year are capped and applications are queued in order.
What does “released for final processing” mean?
Parent visas are processed in queue date order. As at 31 August 2026, the department had released applications for final processing up to: 143 and 173, lodged/queued up to november 2018; 864 and 884, lodged/queued up to november 2020; 103, queued up to march 2014; 804, queued up to october 2014. If your queue date is later, your application is still waiting.
Are parent visa releases paused?
Yes, for now. The department says it will not release any more applications in the current program year. Applications already lodged keep their place in the queue.
Is there a faster option?
The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 870) lets parents visit for up to 3 or 5 years at a time but does not lead to permanent residence. See the 870 processing time.