Subclass 143 & 173: Contributory Parent Visa
The faster permanent parent visa: a higher charge paid in two instalments, with a queue measured in years rather than decades.
Reviewed by Muskaan Ahuja, Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2418455) · Last reviewed
In short: The Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143) is a permanent visa for parents of settled Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens. It costs AUD 45,000–50,000* per person in two instalments. The temporary 173 lets you split the cost: a 2-year visa first, then the 143.
Who this visa suits
- Families who want permanent residence for parents
- Families who can afford the contributory charge
- Parents who want to work and access Medicare once granted
| Type | Permanent (143) or 2-year temporary (173) |
|---|---|
| Typical wait | About 12–15 years for new applications |
| Charge | Two instalments; the second is requested near the decision |
| Assurance of Support | An assurer and a bond are required |
| Balance of Family | At least half of your children live permanently in Australia (or more than in any other country) |
Official information: Contributory Parent visa (143). Part of our Parent visa services.
Requirements
The main requirements. We check each one against your situation before you apply.
Settled child sponsor
Usually lived lawfully in Australia for two years.
Balance of Family
Most of your children live permanently in Australia.
Assurance of Support
An assurer, with a bond, for a set period.
Two instalments
The large second instalment comes near the decision.
Health
Health examinations close to the decision.
Character
Police certificates.
Document checklist
Most applications need the following. Your exact list depends on your circumstances; we give you a personalised checklist.
- Passports and birth certificates showing the parent–child relationship
- Evidence of every child’s residence (for Balance of Family)
- Your sponsor’s citizenship or residence evidence and Australian residence history
- Assurer’s income evidence (when asked)
- Police certificates and health examinations (when asked)
Costs
| Visa | Main applicant | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Contributory Parent (143) | AUD 45,000–50,000* | Per single applicant, in two instalments. |
| Contributory Parent temporary (173) | AUD 30,000–35,000* | Two instalments; the balance is paid later when moving to the 143. |
*Indicative range only. Government visa charges change often (usually each 1 July) and depend on your circumstances and family members. Your total cost may also include our professional service fee and other costs such as health checks, police certificates, skills assessments and translations. Terms and conditions apply. Confirm the current amount for your family in the official Visa Pricing Estimator, or ask us for a fixed written quote before any work starts.
Step by step
- Check Balance of FamilyList all children and where they live.
- Choose 143 or 173Pay all at once later, or split the cost.
- Lodge and pay the first instalmentYour place in the queue starts.
- Wait in the queueKeep contact details current.
- Assurance of Support and checksWhen invited, near the decision.
- Second instalment and grantPay when asked; then the visa is granted.
Common mistakes and refusal reasons
- Miscounting children for the Balance of Family test (including step-children)
- Being in the wrong place (in or outside Australia) for the type of application
- Not planning for the second instalment
- Assurer income not meeting the requirement
Compare with the 103 (cheaper, much longer) or the temporary 870.
Recent changes
1 July 2026: Parent visa charges increased; check the current instalments.
Questions
Can’t see your question? Ask a registered migration agent in a free 15-minute consultation.
Book a free consultationWhat is the difference between 143 and 173?+
When is the second instalment paid?+
Can parents work on a 143?+
What if a child moves overseas while we wait?+
Talk to us about your visa.
Book a free 15-minute consultation with a registered migration agent (MARN 2418455).
- Registered migration agentMuskaan Ahuja, MARN 2418455
- Free 15-minute consultationBy phone, online or at our Hawthorn office
- Reply within 1 business dayCall, WhatsApp or the Free Profile Assessment
- Fixed-fee quote in writingBefore any work starts, no hidden charges