Parent Visa

Contributory Parent Visa – Subclass 143

The Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143) is a permanent visa for the parent, step-parent or parent-in-law of an Australian citizen or permanent resident, offering a significantly faster route to permanent residence than the standard subclass 103 — at a considerably higher price.

Who Can Apply

You'll generally need to:

  • be the parent, step-parent or parent-in-law of an Australian citizen or permanent resident;
  • be at least 18 years of age;
  • have an approved sponsor, usually your child or another eligible relative;
  • satisfy the Balance of Family test; and
  • have no relevant unresolved visa refusals or cancellations.

What the Visa Allows

As a permanent visa, the subclass 143 generally lets you:

  • live in Australia permanently;
  • work and study;
  • enrol in Medicare;
  • include eligible family unit members in your application; and
  • sponsor other eligible family members for their own visas.

Why It Costs More Than the 103

The subclass 143 carries a substantially higher visa application charge than the standard subclass 103 — this is what "contributory" refers to. In exchange, applications are generally processed considerably faster and aren't subject to the same lengthy queuing arrangements. For families who can afford the higher charge and want their parent settled sooner rather than later, this is usually the more practical option.

Financial Requirements

You'll need to demonstrate you can support yourself financially without relying on Australian government assistance. The Department may also require evidence relating to your sponsor's circumstances. Applications are lodged on paper and can be made from inside or outside Australia, with non-English documents needing translation and supporting documents generally needing to be certified.

An Alternative Route: The Subclass 173

If you'd rather not pay the full 143 charge upfront, the temporary Contributory Parent visa (subclass 173) offers a two-year interim stay that can later convert into a 143 application — worth considering if you want to spread the cost or aren't yet certain about committing long-term.

How I Can Help

I can assist with:

  • assessing your eligibility, including the Balance of Family test;
  • weighing up the 143 against the 103 and 173 pathways for your circumstances;
  • preparing sponsorship and financial evidence; and
  • preparing and lodging your paper application.
Important Information

The information on this page is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute migration advice for your individual circumstances.

Visa requirements and application charges can change. Meeting the general requirements described above does not guarantee that a visa application will be approved.

Professional advice should be obtained based on your individual circumstances before lodging an application.