Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143)
A permanent parent visa for families weighing higher government charges against a different queue from non-contributory options.
- Status
- Permanent
- Age
- No aged-parent threshold
- Balance of family
- Generally required; exemptions may apply
- Where to apply
- In or outside Australia to apply, subject to visa conditions and pathway-specific rules.
What this visa allows
- Live permanently in Australia after grant.
- Work and study in Australia after grant.
- Enrol in Medicare as an eligible permanent resident; citizenship requires a separate application and eligibility.
Eligibility at a glance
- An eligible settled child who is an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, and an eligible sponsor, subject to applicable exemptions.
- Meet the Balance of Family Test, unless a specific exemption applies.
- Be able to obtain an Assurance of Support where required; sponsorship and Assurance of Support are separate requirements.
- Meet health, character and other applicable visa requirements.
- Meet the requirements for a direct application or the transition from subclass 173, as applicable.
Important limitations
- Places are capped and applications are queued. Substantial waits can apply; a contributory visa is not a fast-track or guaranteed outcome.
- You cannot apply for this visa if you have already applied for or hold a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 870). Seek advice before choosing the order of applications.
- The temporary 173 → permanent 143 route spreads charges across applications but generally costs more overall than applying directly for 143.
- Being in Australia does not itself make an application valid. Current visa conditions, including any No Further Stay condition, and immigration history need assessment.
Costs and waiting times
Higher government charges than subclass 103. Capped and queued; substantial waits still apply.
Government charges are separate from professional fees; other costs may apply. Check current amounts on the official subclass page rather than relying on a fixed quote here.
Check the Department’s current parent visa queue information. It is not a promised decision date.
Related pathway
Compare a direct subclass 143 application with the two-stage 173 → 143 pathway. A temporary visa does not automatically become permanent; the timing of the permanent application matters.
This is general information, not an individual eligibility assessment. Requirements, charges and processing change. Check the current position on the Department of Home Affairs page for subclass 143 (opens in a new tab).
About the 143
No. Eligible parents may apply directly for subclass 143. A two-stage pathway may help spread charges, but involves separate applications and generally higher total charges.
No. Contributory parent visas remain subject to capping and queueing. Current Department queue information is a guide, not a promised decision date.
Home Affairs currently requires new subclass 143 applications online through ImmiAccount. Check the current official instructions and any pathway-specific requirements before applying.
Your matter:
Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143).
Selected service · Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143)
A consultation assesses your circumstances, discusses realistic options and outlines possible next steps. It is not a visa or review application and not a representation agreement. Any further work, its scope and fees are agreed separately.
- 01Book your appointment
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Book appointment (opens booking page in a new tab) - 02Complete the visitor registration form
After booking, add your details and circumstances for your contributory parent visa (subclass 143) consultation.
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