A Faster Pathway to Reunite with Your Family in Australia
The Subclass 143 Contributory Parent Visa provides a priority pathway for parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to obtain permanent residency in Australia. Unlike the non-contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 103), this option has shorter estimated processing (Home Affairs estimates about 15 years for new contributory parent applications, versus about 33 years for subclass 103) in exchange for higher visa fees – from AUD 49,900 in two instalments (from 1 July 2026).
Key Benefits of the Subclass 143 Visa
✅ Permanent residency with full living, working, and study rights
✅ Access to Medicare and social services
✅ Pathway to Australian citizenship (after residency requirements)
✅ Include your partner in the application
Eligibility Requirements
For Parents (Applicants)
✔ Must have a child who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ citizen
✔ Must meet the Balance of Family Test (at least half your children must be Australian residents)
✔ Must meet health and character requirements
✔ Must have an Assurance of Support (AoS) from your sponsor
For the Sponsor (Child in Australia)
✔ Must be settled in Australia
✔ Must provide an Assurance of Support (AoS) (financial guarantee for 10 years)
✔ Must cover the Visa Application Charge (VAC) and AoS bond
Application Process & Timeline
- Lodge Application – Submit via post or online (if eligible)
- Processing Begins
- Pay 2nd Installment & AoS Bond – Required before visa grant
- Visa Grant – Receive permanent residency
Why Choose the Subclass 143 Visa?
🔹 Shorter estimated wait than Subclass 103 (about 15 years versus about 33 years for new applications, per Home Affairs)
🔹 No age restrictions (unlike some retirement visas)
🔹 Full Medicare access immediately
🔹 Work and study without limitations
Alternative Options
✔ Subclass 103 (Non-Contributory Parent Visa) – Cheaper, but Home Affairs estimates about 33 years for new applications
✔ Subclass 870 (Temporary Parent Visa) – Allows stays of 3-5 years, up to 10 years (not permanent)
How Immigrad Can Help
✅ Eligibility Assessment – Check if you meet the Balance of Family Test
✅ Application Preparation – Avoid delays or rejections
✅ Assurance of Support (AoS) Guidance – Navigate financial requirements
✅ End-to-End Support – From application to visa grant
Start Your Parent Visa Journey Today
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Official Resources
Home Affairs – Contributory Parent Visa (143)
Assurance of Support Details
Note: Immigration regulations change frequently. While we maintain current knowledge, we recommend verifying information with the Department of Home Affairs or consulting a registered migration agent.
FAQs
Q: Can I include my dependent children in the application?
A: Dependent family members may be included in eligible circumstances – ask us about your family situation.
Q: Is there an age limit for parents applying?
A: No, but health requirements apply.
Q: Can I work while waiting for the visa?
A: No, unless you hold another visa with work rights.
Key questions answered
Short, self-contained answers to the questions we are asked most often about the subclass 143 Contributory Parent visa. All charges below were checked against the Department of Home Affairs on 14 September 2026.
How much does the subclass 143 Contributory Parent visa cost?
The Department of Home Affairs lists the cost as from AUD 49,900 over two instalments for a single applicant. The base application charge on the standard pathway is AUD 6,300, with AUD 2,125 for each additional applicant aged 18 or over and AUD 1,065 for each under 18. The balance is the second instalment, payable before the visa is granted. Costs may be lower for subclass 173 and substituted subclass 600 visa holders.
Why is the subclass 143 so much more expensive than other parent visas?
The second instalment is the contributory element. It reflects the cost to Australia of providing health and welfare services to a permanent resident parent, which is why the total sits at from AUD 49,900 for a single applicant against from AUD 8,665 for the non-contributory subclass 804. An Assurance of Support bond may also be required on top of the visa charges.
Who is eligible to apply for a subclass 143 visa?
You must have an eligible child who is a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. You cannot apply if you have already applied for, or hold, a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) subclass 870 visa. Applications must be lodged online through ImmiAccount. Health and character requirements apply to every applicant included in the application.
How long does a subclass 143 Contributory Parent visa take?
The Department of Home Affairs publishes an estimated processing time frame of 15 years for new Contributory Parent visa applications, against 33 years for non-contributory Parent and Aged Parent visas. These visas are capped and queued. As at 31 May 2026 the Department had released Contributory Parent applications queued up to November 2018 for final processing. Paying the contributory charge does not guarantee a faster decision or any particular outcome.
Is there a cheaper option while waiting for a subclass 143 visa?
The subclass 870 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa, at an application charge of AUD 1,515, lets a sponsored parent stay temporarily. It is a separate visa with its own sponsorship requirements, and importantly you cannot apply for a subclass 143, 804, 103 or 864 visa if you have already applied for or hold a subclass 870. The sequencing matters and is worth advice before you lodge anything.
Related Immigrad pages
Compare the alternatives on our Parent visas overview, read about the much cheaper but longer-queued subclass 804 Aged Parent visa and the temporary subclass 870 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa, or contact Immigrad for advice on your own circumstances.
General information only, current as at 14 September 2026. It is not personal migration advice and does not take your circumstances into account. Charges and requirements change; always confirm current figures with the Department of Home Affairs. Complex cases should be discussed with a registered migration agent. Immigrad is operated by Oceans Consultancy Pty Ltd. Gaurav Duggal, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1805710.