Bringing Mum and Dad Down Under: How to Move Your Ageing Parents from Canada to Australia
Moving from Canada to Australia is one of life's great adventures. But there's a particular ache that settles in when you realise your parents are still 15,000 kilometres away, getting a little older, and a little more in need of the family they raised.
The good news: Australia has a well-established family migration program, and there are genuine pathways to bring your parents here permanently or at least for extended stays. The process is not quick, and it's not cheap, but it is possible. This guide walks you through the main options, what they cost, how long they take, and what you need to qualify.
First: do your parents pass the balance of family test?
The main visa pathways
| Visa | Name | Type | Cost | Processing | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 143 | Contributory Parent | permanent | ~AUD $48k per parent (2nd instalment) | Several years | Offshore application |
| 173 | Contributory Parent (Temporary) | temporary | Lower upfront - stepping stone to 143 | Several years | 2-yr stay; no full Medicare |
| 103 | Parent | long | ~AUD $500-600 | 30+ years | Not practical for ageing parents |
| 864 | Contributory Aged Parent | permanent | Similar to 143 | Several years | Must be onshore, aged 67+ |
| 884 | Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) | temporary | Lower upfront - stepping stone to 864 | Varies | Onshore + aged 67+ |
| 600 | Visitor | temporary | ~AUD $150-370 | Weeks | Up to 12 months; no work rights |
Understanding the real costs
Between government fees, the Assurance of Support bond, health examinations, police checks, migration agent fees, and health insurance, bringing two parents to Australia can realistically cost AUD $120,000-$150,000 or more for the contributory permanent pathways.
Govt fees (143, 2 parents)
~$96k
2nd instalment only
Assurance of Support bond
Refundable
Returned after 10 years if unused
Total realistic cost
$120-150k
Inc. agents, health checks, insurance
The Assurance of Support bond is refundable after the assurance period ends (typically 10 years), provided your parents haven't drawn on certain social security payments. Think of it less as a cost and more as a security deposit held by the government.
Healthcare: what Canadians need to know
Australia and Canada have a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA), which means Canadian citizens visiting Australia can access medically necessary treatment through Medicare. This covers GP visits and emergency hospital treatment, but not elective procedures, pharmaceuticals, or specialist care beyond the basics.
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Where to start
The parent visa system is one of the more complex areas of Australian immigration law, and the stakes are high. Here's how to approach it:
- 1
Check the balance of family test
If your parents don't pass, none of the pathways above are available. Map out your siblings' residency situation before doing anything else.
- 2
Consult a registered migration agent
The Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) maintains a public register. An experienced agent will help you select the right visa, manage the paperwork, and avoid costly mistakes.
- 3
Consider a visit first
Before committing to a permanent move, have your parents spend an extended period in Australia on a subclass 600 visitor visa. A few months will tell you a lot about whether this is the right decision for everyone.
- 4
Plan your finances early
The contributory pathways are expensive but predictable. Starting a dedicated savings plan well in advance of lodging makes the process far less stressful.
Bringing your parents to Australia is one of the most meaningful things you can do as a migrant, keeping family close across one of the world's largest distances. The path is long, but it's well-worn. Thousands of Canadian families have walked it before you, and with the right preparation, yours can too.