Australia Family Migration: How Nigerians Can Bring Their Parents and Siblings to Australia

By Jefferson Ellams · Updated June 2026 · 7 min read

Australia is not just a destination for skilled workers and students—it is also a place where families can reunite and build a future together. For many Nigerian professionals who have successfully settled in Australia, the next logical step is bringing their parents and siblings to join them. The Australian family migration program offers specific pathways to make this happen, though the process requires patience, careful planning, and a clear understanding of the requirements. As part of my ongoing Japa blueprint Nigeria series, and as your trusted immigration guide for Nigeria, I have created this comprehensive guide to help you navigate the Australian family reunion process.

In this guide, I'll walk you through the key visa options for parents and siblings, the eligibility criteria, the application process, and what you need to prepare. Whether you are already an Australian permanent resident or citizen, or you are planning your pathway and want to understand your future options, this resource will help you plan your next steps to reunite your family and relocate from Nigeria permanently.

1. Understanding Australia's Family Migration Program

Australia's family migration program allows Australian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens to sponsor their close relatives to live in Australia permanently. The program is divided into several categories, with the most relevant ones for parents and siblings being the Parent Visa and the Remaining Relative Visa.

Parent Visa: Allows parents of Australian residents to migrate to Australia.
Remaining Relative Visa (Subclass 835/115): Allows siblings who have no other close family members outside Australia to join their settled relative.
Carer Visa (Subclass 836/116): Allows a relative to care for a permanent resident with a long‑term medical condition.

    ✅ Pro tip: The Australian government imposes strict quotas and long wait times for family visas, particularly Parent visas. Start your preparation early and be prepared for a multi‑year journey. It is essential to understand the difference between the "contributory" and "non‑contributory" parent visa streams, as they have vastly different processing times and costs.
  

2. Parent Visa Options – Choosing the Right Stream

The Parent Visa category is the most common pathway for bringing parents to Australia. There are two main streams: the Contributory Parent Visa (Subclasses 143 and 173) and the Non‑Contributory Parent Visa (Subclasses 103 and 804). The key difference lies in processing time and cost.

Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143 & 173)

Processing time: Approximately 12 to 18 months (much faster).
Cost: Higher application fees (around AUD $48,000–$50,000 per applicant).
Advantage: You get the visa much faster and your parents can settle in Australia sooner.

Non‑Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 103)

Processing time: Up to 12 to 15 years (extremely long wait).
Cost: Lower application fees (around AUD $6,000–$7,000 per applicant).
Advantage: Less financial burden upfront, but the long wait time makes it less practical for many families.

💡 Remember: The Contributory Parent Visa requires a significant financial commitment, but it is often the only realistic option for families who do not want to wait over a decade. You must also provide an Assurance of Support (AoS) bond, which is typically AUD $10,000 for one adult and $4,000 for an additional adult. Ensure you understand your financial obligations before applying.

3. Bringing Siblings – The Remaining Relative Visa

If you want to bring your siblings to Australia, the most common pathway is the Remaining Relative Visa (Subclass 115 for offshore applicants). This visa is designed for siblings who have no other close family members living outside of Australia.

Eligibility: Your sibling must be single (unmarried, divorced, or widowed) and have no other close relatives (parents, children, or other siblings) living outside Australia. Essentially, you must be their only close family member in the world.
Cost: Approximately AUD $9,000–$10,000.
Processing time: Typically 12 to 24 months.

    ✅ Pro tip: The "no other close family" requirement is very strict. If your sibling has parents or other siblings outside Australia, they will not qualify for this visa. However, if your parents are already in Australia (or deceased), your sibling may meet the criteria. Be sure to gather certified copies of birth certificates and family tree documents to prove your relationship.
  

4. The Balance of Family Test (For Parent Visas)

To sponsor your parents, you must satisfy the Balance of Family Test. This test requires that at least half of your parent's children (including you) are lawfully and permanently resident in Australia. If you have siblings who remain in Nigeria or other countries, they will count against you.

How it works: If your parents have 4 children, you must prove that at least 2 of them are permanent residents in Australia. If one of your siblings is also in Australia on a temporary visa, they do not count toward the "permanent" requirement.

💡 Remember: This is a major hurdle for many Nigerian families, especially those with multiple siblings living outside of Australia. If you do not meet the Balance of Family Test, you may need to consider alternative visa pathways, such as the Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870) which is a temporary visa valid for up to 5 years.

5. Key Documents You Will Need

Whether you are applying for a Parent Visa or a Remaining Relative Visa, you and your family members will need to prepare a comprehensive set of documents:

Valid passports (for both the sponsor and the applicant).
Birth certificates (to prove the relationship between sponsor and applicant).
Marriage certificates (if applicable).
Police clearance certificates from Nigeria and any other country of residence.
Medical examination results from an approved panel physician.
Assurance of Support (AoS) – you must prove you have the financial capacity to support your family for 10 years.
Evidence of your permanent residency/citizenship in Australia.
Family tree or statutory declarations to prove the Balance of Family Test (for Parent visas).

6. Costs and Timelines – What to Expect

The cost of bringing your parents and siblings to Australia can be significant. Here's a summary of expected expenses:

Contributory Parent Visa: Approx AUD $48,000–$50,000 per applicant (receive visa in 12–18 months).
Non‑Contributory Parent Visa: Approx AUD $6,000–$7,000 per applicant (receive visa in 12+ years).
Remaining Relative Visa (Sibling): Approx AUD $9,000–$10,000 (receive visa in 12–24 months).
Medical and police checks: Approx AUD $1,000–$2,000 per applicant.
Assurance of Support bond: AUD $10,000 (refundable after 10 years).

    ✅ Pro tip: The Contributory Parent Visa fee is paid in two instalments. The first payment is made when you lodge the application, and the second is due when the visa is granted. Plan your finances accordingly.
  

You Can Do This!

Reuniting your family in Australia is a significant goal, and the Australian government has provided clear pathways to make it happen. The process requires patience, thorough documentation, and a solid financial plan, but with the right preparation and the information in this guide, you can successfully bring your parents and siblings to join you in Australia.

Whether your ultimate goal is a work visa UK Canada USA Australia for yourself or reuniting your extended family under the Australian migration program, there is a pathway that matches your needs. Millions of Nigerians have successfully relocated using reliable blueprints—and you can be next.

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Disclaimer: This is a general guide. Always check the official Australian Department of Home Affairs website for the latest regulations. I am not an immigration lawyer – this content is for informational purposes only.