UPDATE: Parent Visa Australia Processing Time and Queue
The processing time for Contributory Parent and Permanent Parent Visa Australia is subject to queues and caps under the Government’s annual Migration Program. The Australian Government updates the queues and caps regularly to ensure the applicants are aware of their visa application process.
ONE derland Consulting has summarised the latest processing time and queues for Parent Visa applications below.
What are the updated queue release dates for Parent Visa?
The updated Parent Visa queue release, as of 12 June 2026, shows:
| Visa Type | Acknowledge New Application | Queue Assessment | Visa Assessment (Queue Release Date) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary to Permanent (173 to 143 and 884 to 864) | Approx. 4 weeks | N/A | January 2026 |
| Contributory Parent (143) | Approx. 4 weeks | Lodged October 2023 | Lodged/queued up to November 2018 |
| Contributory Parent (Temp) (173) | Approx. 4 weeks | Lodged November 2023 | Lodged/queued up to November 2018 |
| Contributory Aged Parent (864) | Approx. 4 weeks | Lodged April 2023 | Lodged/queued up to November 2018 |
| Contributory Aged Parent (Temp) (884) | Approx. 4 weeks | Lodged April 2023 | Lodged/queued up to November 2018 |
| Parent (103) | Approx. 4 weeks | Lodged February 2023 | Queued up to Feb 2014 |
| Aged Parent (804) | Approx. 4 weeks | Lodged January 2023 | Queued up to Feb 2014 |
| Visa Type | Acknowledge New Application | Queue Assessment | Visa Assessment (Queue Release Date) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary to Permanent (173 to 143 and 884 to 864) | Approx. 4 weeks | N/A | January 2026 |
| Contributory Parent (143) | Approx. 4 weeks | Lodged October 2023 | Lodged/queued up to November 2018 |
| Contributory Parent (Temp) (173) | Approx. 4 weeks | Lodged November 2023 | Lodged/queued up to November 2018 |
| Contributory Aged Parent (864) | Approx. 4 weeks | Lodged April 2023 | Lodged/queued up to November 2018 |
| Contributory Aged Parent (Temp) (884) | Approx. 4 weeks | Lodged April 2023 | Lodged/queued up to November 2018 |
| Parent (103) | Approx. 4 weeks | Lodged February 2023 | Queued up to Feb 2014 |
| Aged Parent (804) | Approx. 4 weeks | Lodged January 2023 | Queued up to Feb 2014 |
Read more: Lodge Onshore Parent Visa Australia Application in the Best and Easiest Way

What about the Parent Visa Processing Time?
There is a yearly shortage of parent visas compared to the demand. Therefore, the processing time for these applications can be long.
If you lodged a new application, the processing time frame is different. The kind of visa you apply for will determine this. Below is the expected processing time for new Parent Visa applications:
| Type of Parent Visa | Processing Time Frame (estimate) |
|---|---|
| Contributory Parent Visas | 14 years |
| Parent and Aged Parent Visas | 31 years |
| Type of Parent Visa | Processing Time Frame (estimate) |
|---|---|
| Contributory Parent Visas | 15 years |
| Parent and Aged Parent Visas | 33 years |
The estimated Parent Visa processing time may not indicate the time it may take to process your specific visa application. The time it takes to process your application may differ depending on your unique situation. These could consist of:
- If your application is thorough and includes all the supporting documentation, and how quickly you reply to requests for additional information,
- The amount of time needed to verify the supporting documentation,
- The time it takes to obtain further information from outside sources,
- The requirements related to national security, character and health,
- How many spots are still open in the migration program.
Understanding the Cap and Queue System on Parent Visa Australia
Here are some important details regarding the Parent and Contributory Parent Visa queue that will help you understand why parent visa applications take so long to process.
- The Minister may decide, by Section 85 of the Migration Act 1958 (the Act), the maximum number of visas that will be issued in a program year for specific visa classes. This means no more grants will be available until the following program year after the cap has been reached. Parent Visa applications are still in process will be “queued” for further processing in a subsequent program year.
- Capping ensures that no planning level is exceeded for each Migration Program Year, as determined by the Australian Government. Queueing guarantees that unmeritorious applications are rejected early in the visa application process and help with the practical and organized administration of visas subject to a cap.
- All applications for Contributory Parent Visas submitted on or after 1 June 2018 are evaluated (in order of submission date) against the pertinent visa requirements. A queue date is allocated if the application satisfies those requirements (including fulfilling the health standards). The Department tells the applicant when they are issued a queue date. The application will only be accepted if it complies with the conditions.
- Applications are finalised in strict order based on the queue date that has been assigned. In order of queue date, applications are removed from the queue for final evaluation. However, it is subject to:
-
- Changes to the planning levels,
- Shifts in the demand for a specific visa,
- Shifts due to visa approvals, denials, and withdrawals,
- Shifts due to priority-awarded successful review cases
Learn more: Best Parent Visa Options in 2024: Good Decisions to Your Family
What does it mean to you?
As we know, the processing time for parent visa applications can take many years. This could be good news for you who have been waiting for information about your applications. Indeed, you must know that parent visas are most likely always in high demand in Australia.
With this news update, we’re conveying this brief queue for the updated release date for family visas, especially parent visas in Australia.
Our websites provide more general visa information so you can choose the best options for your parents when settling with them in Australia.
Also, suppose you’re still wondering about the best visa option for your parents. In that case, it’s better to discuss it more with us.
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