More than 1,500 parent visa applicants have died while waiting for an Australian visa decision, putting renewed attention on one of the longest queues in the migration system.

According to Department of Home Affairs data reported by The Guardian, 1,536 parent visa applicants died between 1 July 2024 and 31 March 2026 before their visa was granted.

For Australian citizens and permanent residents hoping to bring their parents to Australia permanently, the figures highlight just how important early planning has become.

How Long Are Parent Visas Taking

Home Affairs currently estimates that new Contributory Parent visa applications may face a wait of around 15 years.

For Parent and Aged Parent visas, the estimated wait is around 33 years.

These are estimates for new applications rather than guaranteed processing times. Existing applications are affected by their queue date, annual migration places and individual circumstances.

The pressure on the system is also unlikely to disappear quickly. More than 157,000 applicants were reported to be in the Parent visa backlog at the end of the 2024 to 25 financial year.

For 2026 to 27, the Parent visa planning level has also fallen from 8,500 to 7,060 places.

Processing Priorities Have Also Changed

Another major change took effect on 25 July 2026.

Under Ministerial Direction 117, eligible Family visa applications lodged by applicants in Australia can receive higher processing priority than applications lodged offshore or applications that require the applicant to be outside Australia when the visa is granted.

Parent visas are still subject to their own capping and queueing arrangements, so this does not mean every onshore Parent visa will suddenly be processed quickly.

However, where and how an application is lodged may now be even more important when considering a broader family migration strategy.

More Parent Visa Changes Could Be Coming

The Federal Government is also considering broader changes to family migration.

One proposal reportedly being considered could restrict some parents, partners and children from entering Australia as visitors and then lodging certain family visa applications while onshore.

These changes have not yet been implemented, but they could significantly affect families who were planning to use a visitor visa while preparing a longer term migration pathway.

What Can Families Do Now

If your parents are already in a Parent visa queue, it is worth reviewing your queue date, current visa arrangements and whether your strategy still makes sense under the latest rules.

Some parents may also have temporary options such as the Sponsored Parent Temporary visa subclass 870, which can allow eligible parents to stay in Australia for up to five years at a time and up to ten years in total.

This is not a permanent residence visa and it does not replace a Parent visa application, but for some families it can form part of a longer term strategy.

Parent migration is becoming a much longer term planning exercise. Waiting until circumstances change can significantly reduce the options available.

If your parents are currently offshore, already waiting in a Parent visa queue, or considering coming to Australia first, it may be worth reviewing the pathway before making the next move.

Not sure which Parent visa strategy fits your family? Speak with our migration team to understand your options before the rules change again.

The content of this article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and subject to change. The information provided may not reflect the most current legal developments. For advice specific to your circumstances, please consult a registered Australian migration lawyer. For full terms governing use of this website and its content, please refer to our Website Terms and Conditions.

Speak with a Riverwood Migration Lawyer

As a regulated Australian migration law practice, Riverwood Migration provides precise, personalised advice on visa strategy, compliance, and application preparation. Speak with our expert legal team. Book a consultation to discuss your circumstances.

Stay Informed on Australian Immigration Law

• YouTube: Johnny Kong | Migration Lawyer
• Instagram: @johnny_migrationlawyer
• Facebook: Riverwood Migration
• TikTok: @johnny_migrationlawyer
• Linktree: linktr.ee/johnny_lawyer