Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
The three parent visas compared
Fees and terms as shown on each Home Affairs visa page.
| Visa | Type | Base fee (single applicant) | English test |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent 103 | Permanent | AUD8,665 (2 instalments) | None listed |
| Contributory Parent 143 | Permanent | AUD49,900 (2 instalments) | None listed |
| Sponsored Parent 870 | Temporary, up to 3 or 5 years at a time, 10 years total | See the 870 page | None listed |
What the permanent parent visas ask for
The 103 and 143 eligibility lists include: have a sponsor, meet the balance of family test (or apply as a retiree), have an assurance of support, meet the health and character requirements, have no debt to the Australian Government, sign the Australian Values Statement and have health insurance. Home Affairs notes the 143 may be processed faster but costs more than the 103.
Both pages say that once in Australia you may, if eligible, attend free English classes through the Adult Migrant English Program.
Need an English test for an Australian visa?
Home Affairs accepts PTE Academic and IELTS, among other tests. Take a free mock and see where you would land.
Free PTE Academic mock →Practise before you book: free IELTS mock test, IELTS reading practice, IELTS listening practice and IELTS speaking predictions.
When English is tested later
Australian citizenship has its own test in English. See Do you need IELTS for Australian citizenship?.
Rules change, sometimes at short notice. Confirm the current requirement on the Home Affairs parent visa pages before you book a test or apply. This guide restates the official page; it is not legal or immigration advice.
Frequently asked questions
Does the sponsoring child need IELTS?+
No English test appears in the sponsor requirements on these Home Affairs pages.
Does the 870 lead to permanent residence?+
No. Home Affairs says it is temporary and you cannot apply for a permanent or temporary parent visa while you have applied for or hold it.
Is there a Functional English charge for parent visas?+
None of the three parent visa pages lists an English requirement or an English-related charge. The 103 and 143 fees are paid in 2 instalments.
Can my parents learn English for free?+
Home Affairs says eligible 103 and 143 holders can attend free AMEP classes.
Keep reading
Related
- Do you need IELTS for an Australian Partner visa?
- Australian citizenship and English
- Canada super visa and English
- NZ Parent Resident visa English
- All 3112 guides
Guide updated on 30 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy