Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) in Australia
Discover the Subclass 143 visa pathway to permanent residency in Australia. Learn about eligibility, Medicare rights, updated processing times, costs, and alternatives for bringing your parents home.
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Did you know that the Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) offers Permanent Residency (PR) for parents in Australia and provides faster processing times than non-contributory pathways? This visa allows Australian citizens and permanent residents to bring their parents to live with them permanently.
Key benefits include access to Medicare (upon visa grant), full work and study rights, and the ability to sponsor other eligible family members for residency. Based on the latest updates from the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), this guide breaks down everything you need to know about Subclass 143:
- Eligibility requirements & the Balance-of-Family test
- Medicare rights and activation timing
- Current processing timelines & queue estimates
- Total costs, instalments, and Assurance of Support (AoS) fees
- Alternative visa pathways for Australian parent reunification
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Benefits of Holding the 143 Visa in Australia
The 143 Visa offers extensive advantages for parents who wish to join their children in Australia. This visa not only grants Permanent Residency for Parents in Australia but also provides access to numerous rights and services. Here are the key benefits of holding a 143 Visa:
- Permanent Residency for Parents in Australia: Move to or stay in Australia permanently.
- Access to Medicare: Eligibility for Australia's public healthcare system.
- Employment Rights: Full work rights in any occupation and sector.
- Sponsorship of Relatives: Ability to sponsor eligible family members to come to Australia.
- Travel Facility: Five-year travel facility to and from Australia.
- Pathway to Citizenship: Eligibility to apply for Australian citizenship if meeting residency requirements.
Note: Full Medicare rights commence upon visa grant (PR status) or when holding an eligible bridging visa if applying onshore on qualifying grounds, rather than immediately upon offshore paper lodgement.
Eligibility Criteria for the 143 Visa Australia
To meet the eligibility requirements for the 143 Visa Australia, applicants must fulfil several important requirements that ensure they are eligible for this visa:
- Must have an Eligible Sponsor: Must have a child who is a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Balance-of-Family Test: At least half of your children must live permanently in Australia, or more of your children must live in Australia than in any other country.
- Assurance of Support: You must be able to obtain an assurance of support, ensuring you will not rely on government assistance.
- Health and Character Requirements: Meet specific health and character requirements for you and any family members applying with you.
- Financial Obligations: Ensure any debts to the Australian government are paid, or arrangements are made.
- Visa History: Your immigration history is considered; previous visa cancellations or refusals may affect eligibility.
Exceptions for Retirement Pathway
If you held an Investor Retirement (subclass 405) or Retirement (subclass 410) visa on 8 May 2018, you are exempt from the balance-of-family test, assurance of support, and sponsorship requirements. Additionally, you must not have held any other substantive visa between 8 May 2018 and the date you applied for the Parent visa.
Costs Associated with the 143 Visa for Australia
The base Visa Application Charge (VAC) for a single primary applicant (split between 1st and 2nd instalments) for a Subclass 143 Visa for Australia costs AU $49,900. This visa requires payment in two parts, known as instalments:
- First Instalment: Payable at the time of application.
- Second Instalment: Payable when requested by the immigration authorities.
You might also have to pay other costs for health checks, police certificates, and biometrics. To work out what your visa will cost, use the Visa Pricing Estimator.
Note: The estimator does not include other costs such as health checks, police certificates, and biometrics. Total costs increase significantly when adding dependent applicants, health examinations, police clearances, biometrics, and the mandatory Assurance of Support (AoS) bank bond (AU $10,000 for a primary applicant, held for 10 years).
Processing Times for the 143 Visa in Australia
The 143 Visa Application Process involves two main stages: initial assessment and queue placement, followed by final assessment as visa slots become available. The Visa Processing Time Guide Tool provides an estimated timeframe for these stages. Several factors, such as the number of applications, planning level changes, and individual circumstances, can affect the processing duration.
- Lodgement and Initial Assessment: Applications are assessed for core criteria.
- Queue Placement: Eligible applications are queued based on the lodgement date.
- Queue Assessment: Current assessments include applications lodged up to August 2020.
- Final Processing: Released in queue order; as of September 2026, applications queued up to late 2018 are being processed.
| Key Observations Due to the high demand and limited visa slots, the processing times for the 143 Visa are lengthy. The current estimate for the Contributory Parent Visa is approximately 15 years from application lodgement to final processing. For Parent and Aged Parent visas, the processing time is even longer, estimated at 31 years. |
How to Apply for the 143 Visa in Australia?
Applying for the 143 Visa in Australia involves several key steps, including checking your eligibility, gathering necessary documentation, and submitting the application. It is crucial to follow the detailed process to ensure all requirements are met and to avoid delays.
- Check Eligibility
- Ensure you meet the Parent Visa Australia requirements.
- Verify your 143 Visa application process eligibility and balance-of-family test.
- Gather Documentation
- Collect all necessary documents, including identity, relationship proof, and financial evidence.
- Obtain Assurance of Support for the 143 Visa.
- Apply for the Visa
- Complete and submit the online application via ImmiAccount, either from inside (not during immigration clearance) or outside Australia.
- Pay the first instalment of the visa fee.
- After Application Submission
- Await confirmation of receipt and further instructions.
- Prepare for possible additional requirements such as health and character checks.
- Visa Outcome
- You will be notified in writing of the decision.
- If granted, you will receive your visa grant number, start date, and conditions.
- If refused, you will be informed of the reasons and whether you can review the decision.
Important Considerations Before Applying for the 143 Visa
Before applying for the 143 Visa in Australia, it is crucial to understand the key factors that can influence your application. These include the visa cap and queue, the importance of obtaining an Assurance of Support, and strategic timing for your application.
- Visa Cap and Queue
- The 143 Visa is subject to annual capping, meaning there is a maximum number of visas granted each year.
- Applications are placed in a queue based on the lodgement date, and processing currently takes approximately 15 years due to high demand and strict annual caps.
- Assurance of Support
- An Assurance of Support (AoS) is required, ensuring that the applicant will not rely on government assistance.
- The AoS must be obtained before the final visa decision.
- Strategic Considerations for Timing the Application
- Apply as early as possible to secure a place in the queue.
- Be prepared for a lengthy waiting period and plan accordingly for any life changes or requirements during this time.
Alternatives to the Subclass 143 Visa
When considering the 143 Visa for Permanent Residency for Parents in Australia, it is important to explore all available options to find the best pathway based on your circumstances.
Given below is an overview of alternative parent and family visa options, highlighting key features and differences to help you make an informed decision. Each visa has its own benefits and considerations, including financial and temporal aspects, ensuring you meet the Parent Visa Australia requirements effectively.
| Visa Type | Key Features | Differences |
|---|---|---|
| Subclass 173 – Contributory Parent Temporary | Temporary visa, lower initial cost, with the option to apply for Subclass 143 later | Valid for 2 years; requires a subsequent Subclass 143 visa for permanence |
| Subclass 864 – Contributory Aged Parent | Permanent visa; applicant must be in Australia at the time of application | For aged parents, quicker processing if eligible |
| Subclass 103 – Parent Visa | Permanent visa with significantly lower cost | Long processing times; fewer financial requirements |
| Subclass 870 – Sponsored Parent Temporary | Temporary visa allowing up to 10 years of stay; no balance-of-family test | Temporary and renewable, but no pathway to permanent residency |
Reuniting with your family in Australia is a transformative milestone, but navigating the Subclass 143 pathway requires careful long-term planning. Given the multi-year queue timelines, strict Assurance of Support (AoS) criteria, and multi-stage payment structures, getting your initial application right from day one is critical to securing your place in the processing queue.
Ready to bring your parents home to Australia? Whether you need help assessing the Balance-of-Family test, choosing between temporary and permanent parent options, or managing complex documentation, professional guidance ensures a seamless process.
Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) in Australia FAQs
For an applicant applying for the Parent Visa (Subclass 143) directly, if they are 18 years or older at the time of application, the second instalment charge is AU $43,600 per applicant. For an applicant who is under 18 years at the time of application, the second instalment charge is AU $2,065.
Note: The AU $29,130 second instalment fee applies primarily to applicants seeking the temporary Subclass 173 visa, rather than dependent children under 18 applying directly for the Subclass 143 visa.
Currently, the Department of Home Affairs estimates that new Subclass 143 Contributory Parent Visa applications take approximately 15 years to process from lodgement to final decision. Processing timelines are subject to annual migration planning levels (caps) and queue position.
You can track your application status online using your ImmiAccount. Once your application passes initial assessment and meets core criteria, Home Affairs assigns an official Queue Date. Home Affairs regularly publishes updated Queue Release Dates, allowing applicants to estimate where their file sits in the queue.
The key difference between Visa 143 and Visa 103 is given below:
- Subclass 143 (Contributory Parent): Higher total cost (from AU $49,900 base fee per primary applicant), but significantly faster processing (approximately 15 years).
- Subclass 103 (Parent Visa): Lower initial cost (approximately AU $5,000 – $7,000), but an extended processing queue estimated at 30 to 33+ years due to severe annual grant limits.
Here’s the basic difference between Subclass 143 and Subclass 173:
- Subclass 143 (Permanent): Grants immediate Permanent Residency (PR) upon approval with a single 2-stage payment structure.
- Subclass 173 (Temporary): Grants a 2-year temporary visa with lower initial upfront costs, allowing families to spread the total financial commitment before transitioning to Subclass 143 for full permanent residency.
The AU $5,000 Parent Visa or a 10-Year Parent Visa in Australia refers to the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870). It allows parents to stay in Australia temporarily for up to 3 years (AU $6,370) or 5 years (AU $12,440) per application, renewable for up to 10 years in total cumulative stay.
Note: Unlike Subclass 143, Subclass 870 does not require the Balance-of-Family test and does not lead to permanent residency.
The key operational updates on the Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) include:
- Mandatory Online Lodgement: All new applications must be lodged digitally via ImmiAccount.
- Cap Adjustments: Annual programme places remain capped, prioritising queue order release dates (currently releasing files lodged up to late 2018).
- Bridging Visa Rules: Onshore applicants transitioning from eligible temporary pathways can obtain bridging visas with full work and Medicare access while waiting in Australia.
Trusted Expertise
About the Author
Published and reviewed by AECC counsellors who guide students through every step of their study-abroad journey.
Published by Femi Ferreras
Australia and New Zealand Study and Career Pathways Expert | 8 Years in International Education
Femi Ferreras is a Senior Education Counsellor at AECC Melbourne with 8 years of experience in international education across Australia and New Zealand. Originally from the Philippines, she began her career in Australia as a receptionist at AECC Melbourne. She then progressed into senior counselling, completing her Qualified Education Agent Counsellor (QEAC) certification along the way.
Femi is a primary point of contact for students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. She takes a client-first approach, tailoring her advice to each student's needs and keeping her guidance clear, especially when students are uncertain or under stress. When cases are urgent or complex, she assesses them carefully, consults the right channels and works towards a smooth resolution.
Her expertise covers student visas, PhD and research pathways, the higher education and vocational sectors, and school-age applications. She consistently meets her placement targets, and her tailored, culturally responsive support has helped increase student engagement and referrals. She has completed familiarisation visits to Bond University, Flinders University, Study Adelaide and the University of Newcastle.
Femi is deeply motivated to support onshore international students in achieving their career goals and realising their Australian dream.
Reviewed by Samip Pokharel
Australia Course and Institution Selection Expert | 13 Years in International Education
Samip Pokharel is a QEAC-certified Education Counsellor at AECC Melbourne with 13 years of experience in international education, working in the field since 2013. He holds an MBA and has worked with students from diverse academic backgrounds across every study level.
Samip's approach is built on honest guidance, open communication and a genuine understanding of each student's goals, strengths and academic profile. He has worked on a wide range of applications, including profiles that needed careful positioning, realistic university selection and a well-planned strategy. He particularly enjoys helping students who feel unsure of their options. He helps them identify their strengths and present their profile authentically, while keeping expectations realistic.
Through university and college visits and several familiarisation tours, Samip has gained first-hand knowledge of institutions, campuses, programs and student life. That lets him give students practical insights beyond what brochures and websites can offer.
After 13 years in the field, his commitment remains the same: transparent, personalised and responsible guidance that helps students make decisions they can feel confident about.
