Parent visas – queue release dates and processing times
- Leading Edge
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
In 2026, the demand for Australian Parent Visas continues to far outweigh the supply. For families at Leading Edge Migration Perth, the most common questions involve "Queue Release Dates" and "Wait Times."
Understanding how the Department of Home Affairs manages the 8,500 annual places is crucial for your family’s planning. Here is the latest update on parent visa queues and processing as of January 2026.
1. What is a "Queue Release Date"?
The Department uses a two-stage process for parent visas. First, they perform an initial assessment to ensure you meet the Balance of Family Test and basic criteria. If successful, you are given a "Queue Date."
The Queue Release Date is the date up to which the Department has pulled applications from the "waiting room" for final processing (health, character, and Assurance of Support).
Current Queue Release Dates (Estimated January 2026)
Visa Type | Applications Released for Final Processing |
Contributory Parent (143 & 173) | Applications queued up to August 2018 |
Parent (103) | Applications queued up to June 2013 |
Aged Parent (804) | Applications queued up to January 2014 |
2. Estimated Total Wait Times for 2026 Parent Visa
While the Department is actively processing applications, the sheer volume of the backlog (over 100,000 pending cases) means wait times are extensive.
Contributory Parent (143/864): New applications lodged today are estimated to take 12 to 15 years.
Non-Contributory Parent (103/804): These low-cost options are subject to much smaller annual quotas. New applications face a staggering wait of 30+ years.
Note for 2026: If your parents are already in Australia on a valid visa without a "No Further Stay" condition, applying for the Aged Parent (804) or Contributory Aged Parent (864) allows them to stay in Australia on a Bridging Visa during this wait.
3. The Assurance of Support (AoS) Step
When your application is finally released from the queue, the Department will ask your sponsor (usually the child in Australia) to provide an Assurance of Support.
The Income Test: For 2026, the sponsor’s income must meet the latest indexed thresholds (currently approximately $83,454 for a single sponsor of two parents).
The Bond: A financial bond must be lodged with the Commonwealth Bank for 10 years (for permanent visas).
4. Faster Alternatives to Permanent Visas
Given the 15-year wait for the Subclass 143, many families are now opting for the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) (Subclass 870) visa.
Processing Time: Usually 4 to 8 months.
Stay Period: Up to 10 years (3 or 5 years at a time).
Benefit: No Balance of Family Test is required, and parents can stay in Australia while their permanent application remains in the queue.
Why Lead with Leading Edge Migration?
Managing a parent visa application over a 15-year period requires a long-term partner. At Leading Edge Migration Perth, we don't just lodge your application; we monitor the queue release dates for you and ensure your Assurance of Support is ready the moment the Department calls.
Is your family ready for the next step?
Disclaimer: This blog provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. It's crucial to consult with a registered migration agent for personalised guidance based on your specific circumstances
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