Contributory Parent Visas | Subclasses 173 and 143
Contributory Parent Visas
The Contributory Parent visas are the primary pathways for parents to join their children in Australia permanently. You can choose to apply directly for the permanent subclass 143 or take the two-stage approach with the temporary subclass 173, which allows you to spread the significant contribution costs over several years.
Subclasses 143 and 173 Contributory Parent Visas – At a Glance
| FEATURE | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Visa Type | Permanent (143) or Temporary (173) |
| Stay | Indefinite (143) or 2 Years (173) |
| Cost | From $4,245 (Initial) + ~$48,550 (Contribution)1 |
| Processing Time | Approx. 12+ years for new applications2 |
| Key Requirement | Must meet the Balance of Family Test |
Fees are subject to change by the Department and other concession fees may apply.
To view our professional services fees click here.
Key Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for either the 173 or 143 visa, you must meet stringent criteria set by the Department of Home Affairs to ensure your primary family ties are in Australia.
1. The Balance of Family Test
This is the most critical hurdle. You must demonstrate that at least half of your children are eligible Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens usually resident in Australia, or that more of your children live permanently in Australia than in any other single country.
2. Eligible Child Sponsorship
You must be sponsored by an eligible child who is at least 18 years of age and is “settled” in Australia. In 2026, “settled” generally requires the sponsor to have been a lawful resident in Australia for at least the two years prior to lodgement.
3. Assurance of Support (AoS)
For the permanent 143 visa, a legal “Assurance of Support” is mandatory. This is a commitment from an assurer (usually your child) to repay the Australian Government for any social security payments you might receive during your first 10 years in Australia. A financial bond is held by the government during this period.
4. Health and Character
All applicants must meet Australia’s health and character requirements. Given the long wait times, these assessments are usually performed twice: once at the start and once before the final grant.
How to Apply for the Subclasses 143 and 173 Contributory Parent Visas
A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Initial Eligibility & Pathway Strategy
We conduct a full audit of your family structure and financial goals. We help you decide if the direct subclass 143 is better, or if the temporary subclass 173 suits your cash flow by splitting the contribution costs.
Step 2: Lodge the Application & Secure a Queue Date
Once lodged, the Department performs a “pre-check.” If you meet core criteria, you are given a Queue Date. This date is vital, as applications are processed in strict chronological order.
Step 3: The Waiting Period (The “Queue”)
During this time, we manage your status. If you are in Australia on a different visa, we advise on travel rights and bridging visa limitations.
Step 4: Final Assessment & AoS Request
When your queue date is reached, the Department requests updated health checks, police clearances, and the formal Assurance of Support bond.
Step 5: Second Instalment & Visa Grant
Once the second instalment (the major contribution fee) is paid, the visa is granted. For 173 holders, this is the time to apply for the transition to the permanent 143.
Being on a Subclass 143 Contributory Parent Visa means…
What You Can Do on the Subclass 143 Contributory Parent visa
Upon grant, the subclass 143 provides full permanent residency rights:
- Live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.
- Enrol in Medicare, Australia’s public health insurance scheme.
- Sponsor eligible relatives for other Australian visas.
- Apply for Australian citizenship once eligible.
Your Visa Obligations
For the permanent 143 visa, your sponsor (or assurer) is responsible for the 10-year Assurance of Support. You must also comply with all Australian laws.
The Pathway to Australian Citizenship
After living in Australia for 4 years (with at least the last 12 months as a permanent resident), you may be eligible to apply for citizenship, allowing you to vote and hold an Australian passport. See our Citizenship page here for further details about attaininig Australian citizenship.
Your Best Chance of Success with Visa Advisory Australia
The Contributory Parent visa is a major financial and life investment. A single error in the Balance of Family calculation or a missed deadline during the AoS phase can result in a refusal of an application that has been in the queue for a decade.
Our Subclass 173 & 143 Services include:
Comprehensive Eligibility Assessment by Registered Migration Agents (RMAs) to verify your Balance of Family status.
Strategic Financial Planning to determine whether the 173 or 143 pathway is more cost-effective for your family.
Assurance of Support (AoS) Management, guiding your assurer through the complex income requirements set by Services Australia in the Social Secutiy Act 1991 (Cth) and in accordance with the Migration Act 1958 legislative provisions.
Decision-Ready Application lodgement to ensure you secure the earliest possible queue date.
Long-term Queue Monitoring to keep your application active and compliant over the 12+ year processing period.
And much, much more.
Don’t leave your family’s future to chance. Talk to an expert today.
Related Visas
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the
Subclass 103 Parent Visa
Q: Can I apply for the 143 visa while in Australia?
A: Yes, you can lodge the application while in Australia, but the 143 visa generally does not grant a Bridging Visa with travel rights unless you meet specific “Aged” criteria. Most applicants lodge from offshore.
Q: What is the benefit of the 173 visa over the 143?
A: The 173 visa allows you to pay approximately 60% of the contribution fee upfront. You then have 2 years to live in Australia before paying the remaining 40% to transition to the permanent 143 visa.
Q: Does the 143 visa allow me to access the Age Pension?
A: No. Most permanent residents must wait 10 years before they can access the Australian Age Pension. This is why the 10-year Assurance of Support bond is required.
Q: What happens if my sponsor moves house?
A: You must notify the Department of any change in contact details. Our firm provides long-term “maintenance” for queued applications to ensure you never miss an official request.
- Base application charge only. Prices are subject to change. Source for Subclass 143: Department of Home Affairs Subclass 143. Source for Subclass 143: Department of Home Affairs Subclass 143. ↩︎
- Visa processing time current as of 16 April 2026. For the latest processing time click here. ↩︎
