Contributory Parent visa subclass 143 and 173
The faster permanent route for parents, and the more expensive one. You are paying a substantially higher contribution to move ahead of the subclass 103 queue — which for older parents is usually the trade worth making.
At a glance
- Subclass 143
- Permanent residencePaid in stages
- Subclass 173
- Temporary, two yearsA staged way into the 143
- The gate
- Balance of family testSettle this before anything else
- Still capped
- YesFaster than 103, not immediate
- Consultation
- AUD 150 for 60 minutesCredited towards your professional fee
Subclass 143 and 173
One visa, two ways to pay for it
The 143 is permanent residence with the contribution payable in stages. The 173 is a two-year temporary visa that lets a family spread the cost, then apply for the 143 later. The total paid is generally higher via the 173 route, so the choice is about cash flow, not outcome.
Families who can fund it
The contribution is significant and payable in stages. If the money is available, this is the pathway that gets parents here in a realistic timeframe.
Older parents
Where a decades-long queue is not a plan. Time, rather than cost, is usually the binding constraint.
Families needing to spread the cost
The 173 route allows a smaller initial outlay for a two-year temporary visa, with the balance later when applying for the 143.
Parents who intend to work
The 143 confers permanent residence and its work rights, unlike the temporary sponsored parent visa.
Eligibility
What is required
The contribution buys speed, not an exemption from the criteria. Everything below still has to be satisfied.
- 01
A sponsor in Australia
A settled Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen child, who meets the settled requirement.
- 02
The balance of family test
At least half your children living in Australia, or more in Australia than in any other single country.
- 03
An Assurance of Support
A financial commitment by an assurer, which may include a bond.
- 04
The contribution
Substantially higher than the subclass 103 charge and payable in stages. The Department publishes the current amounts, which are indexed.
- 05
Health and character
Examinations and police certificates. Worth assessing early for older applicants.
- 06
For the 143 after a 173
You apply within the validity of the 173 and pay the balance of the contribution.
How we work
What we actually do for you
You should know whether an application is viable before you spend money on it. If it is not yet, we say so and set out what would change that.
- 01
Balance of family test
Confirmed before any money is committed.
- 02
Decide 143 direct, or 173 then 143
We model both against your cash flow and your parents' ages.
- 03
Assurance of Support
Identify the assurer and confirm they can meet the requirement, including any bond.
- 04
Lodge, then pay the contribution when requested
The staged charges fall due at particular points, and missing one causes real problems.
- 05
Through to the decision
Keeping the file current while it sits in the queue.
Where it goes wrong
Why these applications fail
Refusals are rarely a surprise in hindsight. These are the patterns we see most, and all four are avoidable with advice before lodgement rather than after a decision.
Committing money before testing balance of family
The order matters. Everything else is wasted if this fails.
Choosing 173 without modelling the total
The staged route usually costs more overall. That can still be the right call — but make it knowingly.
No assurer identified
The Assurance of Support is a real financial commitment by a real person. Establish who that is early.
Health assessed too late
For older applicants this is a genuine risk, not a formality, and it is better understood at the start.
Fees
What we charge
General information, not personal advice. This page explains how the visa works in general terms. It is not immigration assistance for your circumstances, and reading it does not create a client relationship.
Requirements, thresholds, charges and processing priorities change. The Department of Home Affairs is the authority on current settings, and we confirm them against your case in a consultation. Reviewed August 2026.
Advice on this page is provided by a MARA-registered migration agent, MARN 1793706. In Australia only registered agents may lawfully give immigration assistance for a fee.
Migration agent consultation
60 minutes, in person or online
Full assessment of your options with customised advice. Credited towards your visa professional fee if you proceed.
AUD 150Free for Scholar Hub students
Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143 and 173)
Our professional fee
Document preparation, drafting and lodgement, and responses to the Department through to a decision.
On quoteAfter a consultation, fixed in writing
Our professional fees only. They exclude Department of Home Affairs visa application charges, skills assessment fees, English test fees and medical examinations.
See the full pricing page for other services.
Related pathways
Other visas we advise on
Most people are choosing between two or three of these. The immigration services page compares them side by side.
Parent visas
FamilyAll the parent pathways compared, including the queues nobody warns you about.
Parent visa
103The cheaper permanent parent visa, with a far longer queue.
Sponsored Parent
870Up to five years for a parent, no balance of family test, and no work rights.
Visitor visa
600Tourism, business or family visits for 3, 6 or 12 months. No work permitted.
Questions
What people ask
General guidance only, and policy changes. Your own circumstances are assessed in a consultation.