Contributory Parent Visa Subclass 143: Permanent Residency for Parents
The contributory parent visa exists for families who prioritise reunion over cost savings. It’s the fastest pathway to PR for parents in Australia—permanent residency that lets your parents build their remaining years beside you, not on the other side of the world.
Key Facts
Visa Type
Permanent Residency
Balance of Family Test:
Mandatory - at least half your children must live in Australia
Sponsor Requirement:
Must be sponsored by an eligible child (Australian citizen/PR/eligible NZ citizen settled in Australia)
Processing Time:
Significantly faster process time as compared to non-contributory Parent Visa (subclass 103).
What Makes the Parent Visa 143 Different?
The subclass 143 is Australia’s permanent parent visa for those willing to invest more for faster outcomes. Where the non-contributory Parent Visa (subclass 103) costs approximately $7,345 with 30+ year processing, the contributory parent visa subclass 143 costs around $48,640—but moves through the queue significantly faster.
This isn’t just about money. It’s about mathematics. At 70 years old, a 30-year queue isn’t a pathway—it’s a closed door. The Australia parent permanent visa through subclass 143 offers a realistic timeline for families who need permanence within their parents’ lifetime.
Two ways to reach 143:
- Direct application — Apply for subclass 143 outright, pay the full cost, wait in the contributory queue
- Two-step pathway — Apply first for the temporary Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 173), live in Australia for 2 years, then convert to 143
The two-step costs more in total but spreads payments across years—and your parents get to Australia sooner while waiting for permanent status.
Who Qualifies for the Contributory Parent Visa?
You need a child who is:
- An Australian citizen, OR
- An Australian permanent resident, OR
- An eligible New Zealand citizen
They must be settled in Australia—genuinely living here, not just holding status.
If your eligible child is under 18, a relative or community organisation can sponsor you. The Department must approve any sponsorship.
Retiree exception: If you held a subclass 405 or 410 visa on 8 May 2018 (and haven't held any other substantive visa since), you can apply as a retiree without needing a sponsor.
You must prove that:
- At least half your children live permanently in Australia, OR
- More of your children live in Australia than in any other single country
This test counts ALL your children worldwide—not just those in Australia.
Already hold a subclass 173? You've already met this test. No need to prove it again.
Applying as a retiree? You don't need to meet this test.
You must be able to obtain an assurance of support—a financial guarantee that you won't rely on government assistance. The Department will request this when your application reaches final assessment, not at lodgement.
Retiree exception: Retirees don't need an assurance of support.
You and any family members applying must meet Australia's health standards. The Department will notify you when medical examinations are required.
Police certificates and character checks apply. Don't arrange these until the Department requests them.
You cannot apply for the parent visa 143 if you hold or have applied for the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 870).
Previous visa cancellations or application refusals affect eligibility. The Department considers your complete immigration history.
If you're 18 or older, you must read the Life in Australia booklet and sign the Australian Values Statement.
If applying as a retiree, you must maintain adequate health insurance covering medically necessary treatment and transport until your visa is granted. You're personally liable for all healthcare costs during processing.
Your Parent Visa Journey Starts Here
How to Apply Contributory Parent Visa Subclass 143
Step 1: Before You Start
Everyone included in the application needs a valid passport before the visa can be granted.
Decide whether you're:
- Applying directly for 143 (new applicants)
- Converting from 173 (current or recent 173 holders)
- Applying as a retiree (specific eligibility)
If you've applied for a different parent visa without a decision (such as subclass 103 or 804), you must withdraw it when applying for 143. Use Part B of Form 47PA.
Only registered migration agents (MARA), legal practitioners, or exempt persons can provide immigration assistance.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
You've already provided most documentation. You only need to supply:
- Notification that you're getting help with your application (if applicable)
- Evidence of any changes since your 173 was granted (family composition, relationship status, new passport, contact details, sponsor changes)
Full documentation required:
- Current passport (photo page, personal details, issue/expiry dates)
- National identity card (if applicable)
- Current passport (photo page, personal details, issue/expiry dates)
- National identity card (if applicable)
Proof of any name changes Proof
Warning: Identity fraud or inability to prove identity results in visa refusal and potential 10-year ban for you and listed family members.
- Form 40 – Sponsorship for migration to Australia (sponsor completes)
- Not required if applying as a retiree
- Birth certificates for ALL children worldwide
- Citizenship or permanent residence evidence for each child
- Death certificates for deceased children
- Not required if you hold 173 or apply as a retiree
Under 18:
- Identity documents
- Relationship evidence
- Consent from any parent not migrating (Form 1229 or statutory declaration)
18-22 (dependent):
- Identity documents
- Form 47A
- documents about their other relationships, if applicable
- character documents
- proof of dependency
- 12+ months financial dependency evidence
- proof they live with you
- their tax records
- proof they are currently studying
Over 23 (disability):
- Evidence they cannot earn a living due to physical or cognitive limitations
Retirees: Cannot include children in application.
Photographs: 4 recent photos per person: 45mm x 35mm, less than 6 months old, colour, head and shoulders, plain light background.
- Translate all non-English documents (NAATI-accredited in Australia)
- Certify all copies as true copies
- Send original police certificates only
- Keep copies of everything
Step 3: Lodge Your Application
Paper submission required. No online lodgement available.
- Current or recent 173 holders: Form 47PT – Application for migration to Australia by a Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa holder
Everyone else: Form 47PA – Application for a parent to migrate to Australia
- Form 40 – Sponsorship (unless retiree)
- Form 47A – For each family member 18+ (migrating or not)
- In or outside Australia (general applicants)
- Must be in Australia (retirees)
- All family members must be in same location as you
Pay the first installment with your application.
Send by post or courier to the Parent Visa Centre (address on forms). Include all forms, documents, and payment evidence.
Incomplete applications are invalid and returned without processing.
Step 4: After Lodgement
From April 2025, import your paper application into ImmiAccount after receiving acknowledgement. This allows you to:
- Upload additional documents
- View Department messages
- Update details
- Check application status
If you applied in Australia while holding a 173 visa (or certain other visas), you received a bridging visa at lodgement. It activates if your current visa expires before the 143 decision.
The Department cannot provide updates within normal processing times. They'll contact you if needed.
Check queue positions at Parent visa queue release dates.
You'll be notified when medical checks are required.
Before grant, you must pay the second installment. The Department invoices you when it's due. Non-payment means refusal.
Tell the Department about:
- Contact detail changes
- Passport updates
- Relationship status changes
- Family composition changes (including births)
- Decision to withdraw
Step 5: Visa Decision
- 173 holders or retirees: In or outside Australia
- Everyone else: Outside Australia
You receive written notification with:
- Visa grant number
- Start date
- Conditions
- First entry date (you must arrive before this date)
Keep your grant letter—you'll need it.
You're told why and whether review rights exist. Application fees are not refunded.
Australian Parent Visa Cost: What You'll Pay
143 Visa Cost
- First instalment (at application)
- Portion of $48,640
- Second instalment (before grant)
- Remainder
- Total for main applicant
- $48,640
- Additional family members
- Extra charges apply
Two-step cost comparison:
| Pathway | Total Cost | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
|
Direct 143 |
~$48,640 |
Single application, lower total |
|
173 → 143 |
Higher total |
Parents in Australia sooner, costs spread over years |
What is the Difference Between 143 and 103 Parent Visa?
| Factor | Subclass 143 | Subclass 103 |
|---|---|---|
|
Type |
Permanent |
Permanent |
|
Cost |
~$48,640 |
~$7,345 |
|
Processing |
Faster (contributory queue) |
30+ years |
|
Best for |
Families prioritizing speed |
Families prioritizing speed |
|
Two-step option |
Yes (via 173) |
No |
|
Retiree pathway |
Yes |
Yes |
Both visas grant identical permanent residency rights. The difference is cost versus time. The contributory parent visa costs significantly more but delivers permanent residency within realistic timeframes.
🎯 High Success Rate
Our clients get their visas approved
⚡ Faster Processing
Complete applications reduce delays
🛡️ MARA Protection
Fully licensed MARA agents
Why Families Trust The Migration for Subclass 143
The parents permanent visa australia pathway through 143 involves significant investment—nearly $50,000 for a single applicant. Mistakes are costly. Delays are painful. Getting it right the first time matters.
1. Protecting Your Investment
With fees nearing $50,000, we eliminate the risk of costly mistakes or painful delays. We ensure your application is perfect the first time to protect your family's financial future.
2. Navigating Complex Scenarios
From shifting sponsors mid-process to securing health waivers, we specialize in solving the "too hard" cases that standard applications often stumble on.
3. Specialist Pathway Transitions
We provide expert guidance for 173 to 143 conversions and Retiree pathways, managing changing circumstances and specific documentation with ease.
4. Precision Eligibility & Evidence
We verify your eligibility before you pay any fees, meticulously mapping the Balance of Family Test to ensure every Department standard is met.
5. End-to-End Application Support
Our team handles everything from document packaging to monitoring queue positions and managing the final Assurance of Support process.
6. Proven Industry Credentials
Backed by MARA registration and 7+ years of experience, we have delivered over 6,247 successful outcomes for families just like yours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a 143 contributory parent visa?
Processing times are subject to capping and queuing, but the contributory queue moves significantly faster than non-contributory alternatives. Don’t make permanent arrangements until you receive written grant confirmation.
What is the difference between 143 and 103 parent visas?
Both grant permanent residency with identical rights. The difference: subclass 143 costs ~$48,640 with faster processing; subclass 103 costs ~$7,345 with 30+ year processing. Choose 143 if time matters more than cost. Choose 103 if cost matters more than time.
Can you stay in Australia while waiting for a 143 visa?
If you hold a subclass 173 visa and apply for 143, you receive a bridging visa allowing you to stay in Australia during processing. If you apply directly from overseas, you must generally be outside Australia at decision. Retirees can be in or outside Australia at decision.
Can a 143 visa lead to permanent residency?
The 143 IS permanent residency. Once granted, you can stay in Australia indefinitely. You can also apply for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
What are the new rules from 1 July 2025 in Australia?
Immigration rules change periodically. From April 2025, parent visa applicants can import paper applications into ImmiAccount for easier management. For current policy updates, contact us—we monitor all changes affecting parents pr visa australia pathways.
Do I need to apply for 173 first, or can I apply directly for 143?
Either pathway works. Direct 143 is simpler (one application) and costs less overall. The 173-then-143 pathway costs more total but gets your parents to Australia sooner, spreads payments over years, and lets them live with you while waiting for permanent status.
What if my sponsor dies during processing?
If you hold a 173 visa and your sponsor dies, you may still be eligible for the 143. Contact us immediately if your situation changes. We can advise on your options.
Can I include my spouse in the application?
Yes, your spouse or de facto partner can apply with you. They must meet health and character requirements. Provide marriage certificate or 12+ months de facto relationship evidence. Retirees can include partners only if the partner is also a retiree.
What Does Sponsoring for the Contributory Parent Visa Actually Mean?
When you sponsor your parent for the parent visa 143, you’re making a legally binding promise to the Australian Government.
You’re guaranteeing that for their first 2 years as a permanent resident, your parent won’t need government assistance. You will provide everything they need to establish themselves in Australia—housing, financial support, and help navigating their new life.
The Government doesn’t grant parents permanent visa australia pathways lightly. Your sponsorship is their assurance that your parent have a support system in place.
Your sponsorship covers:
- Your parent (the main applicant)
- Any family members who apply with them (your other parent, dependent siblings)
You can sponsor more than one parent. If both your mother and father are applying for the contributory parent visa subclass 143, you can sponsor both. Each lodges their own application with your sponsorship attached.
Are You Eligible to Sponsor?
Before your parent can access the parents pr visa australia pathway through subclass 143, you must qualify as their sponsor.
You (or your cohabiting spouse/de facto partner) must be:
- An Australian citizen, OR
- An Australian permanent resident, OR
- An eligible New Zealand citizen
On a temporary visa yourself? You cannot sponsor. Your own permanent status must be secured first.
"Settled" means more than holding citizenship. It means Australia is genuinely your home. You live here, work here, pay taxes here, have established your life here.
If you're an Australian citizen living overseas, you don't qualify. The Department wants evidence that you're actually here to support your parent when they arrive.
Age Requirement
You must be 18 years or older.
Alternative Sponsorship Arrangements
Not every family situation follows the standard pattern.
If your parent's qualifying child (the one making them eligible under the balance of family test) is under 18, an adult can sponsor on their behalf.
That adult must be:
- An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Settled in Australia
- 18 years or older
- Related to the child as their spouse, relative, guardian, or relative/guardian of the child's spouse
A community organisation can sponsor when:
- There's a genuine relationship between the organisation and the applicant's child
- A senior representative agrees to sponsor
- The organisation is lawfully established in Australia
- It has operated actively for at least one year
- It can demonstrate financial capacity
This pathway exists for specific circumstances but is uncommon.
Your Financial Obligations
Submitting Form 40 costs nothing. There's no government fee to sponsor.
But don't confuse "no fee" with "no cost." Your real investment is the commitment you're making.
For your parent's first 2 years as a permanent resident in Australia, you must provide:
Accommodation Whether your parent live with you or you help them secure independent housing, ensuring they have a roof over their head is your responsibility.
Financial Assistance If your parent cannot cover their own expenses, you cover them. Food, utilities, transport, medical costs beyond Medicare—whatever they need to live.
General Support Helping them establish their Australian life. Bank accounts, Medicare enrollment, understanding local systems, being there when they need guidance.
Beyond your 2-year sponsorship commitment, you may be asked to provide an assurance of support.
This is a separate, formal guarantee lodged with Services Australia. It's a legal commitment to repay the Government if your parent claim certain welfare payments.
Key distinction: Sponsorship obligations and assurance of support are separate commitments. Even if you're released from sponsorship, you remain bound by any assurance of support you've provided.
The Department will notify your parent when an assurance of support is needed—this happens at final assessment, not at lodgement.
Not Sure Which Parent Visa You Qualify For?
How to Sponsor: The Process
Step 1: Verify Eligibility
Before preparing any documents, confirm:
- You meet sponsor requirements (citizen/PR/eligible NZ citizen, settled, 18+)
- Your parent meets applicant requirements for the subclass 143
If either side doesn’t qualify, the application fails. Don’t waste time or money on documentation until eligibility is certain.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
You need to prove two things: your status and your relationship.
Citizenship or permanent residency evidence:
- Australian citizenship certificate
- Australian passport
- Valid visa (for eligible New Zealand citizens)
Evidence you're settled in Australia:
- Lease agreement or mortgage documents
- Utility bills at your Australian address
- Employment letter from an Australian employer
- Bank statements showing Australian transactions
- Tax returns lodged with the ATO
Evidence that you're related to your parent:
- Your birth certificate (showing your parent's name)
- Marriage certificates (if name changes are involved)
- Adoption certificates (if applicable)
- Death certificates (if needed to establish family connections)
- Official family status certificates or family books
Additional requirements:
- Certificate of registration
- Board/committee authorisation for the representative
- Evidence of financial capacity
- Proof of at least one year's active operation
- Documentation of relationship with the applicant's child
All non-English documents must be translated:
- In Australia: NAATI-accredited translators
- Overseas: Include translator's full name, address, phone number, and qualifications on each translation
Step 3: Complete Form 40
Form 40 – Sponsorship for migration to Australia is your formal commitment.
Complete it accurately. Your signature is a legal undertaking to support your parent for 2 years after they become a permanent resident.
You don’t lodge Form 40 separately. Give your completed form and supporting documents to your parent. They include your sponsorship package in their visa application and submit everything together to the Parent Visa Centre.
Step 4: After Lodgement
The Department notifies your parent when the application is received. You won't receive separate confirmation as sponsor.
Visa 143 processing time involves capping and queuing. The contributory queue moves faster than non-contributory visas, but "faster" is relative. Expect years, not months.
Don't contact the Department for status updates within normal processing times. They'll reach out if they need anything.
You must notify the Department if:
- You can no longer meet your sponsorship obligations
- Your contact details change
- Your citizenship or residency status changes
- Any information from the original application becomes inaccurate
Changes during the waiting period can affect the application. If you're concerned about your future ability to meet obligations, seek advice early.
Step 5: Visa Decision
Your parent receive written notification with their visa details. Your 2-year sponsorship obligation begins when they enter Australia as a permanent resident (or immediately, if they're already here).
Your parent is told why and whether review rights exist. Application fees are not refunded. Your sponsorship ends with the refusal—you have no ongoing obligations.
Withdrawing Your Sponsorship
Circumstances change. What seemed possible years ago may no longer be.
Before Visa Grant
You can withdraw sponsorship any time before the Department decides the application.
Submit your withdrawal in writing to the Parent Visa Centre in Perth. Include:
- Your full name
- Date of birth
- File reference number or Client ID
Consequences of withdrawing
- Your parent’s visa may be refused
- The Department may ask them to find another sponsor
- If no alternative sponsor exists, the application likely fails
- Your parent loses the ~$48,640 they’ve invested
Think very carefully. This is the contributory parent visa—your parent has made a massive financial commitment based on your sponsorship.
After Visa Grant
You cannot withdraw once the visa is granted.
If you fail to meet your obligations after grant, the Department may cancel your parent’s visa. Even if they release you from sponsorship, visa cancellation typically follows.
Assurance of support remains: Being released from sponsorship does NOT release you from any assurance of support you’ve provided. These are separate legal commitments.
How Long Do Your Obligations Last?
Sponsorship: 2 Years
Your commitment to provide accommodation, financial support, and assistance lasts 2 years from when your parent becomes a permanent resident in Australia.
After 2 years, your formal sponsorship obligations end. Your parent is established as permanent resident who can fully support themselves.
Assurance of Support: Longer
If you provide an assurance of support, that commitment typically continues for 10 years. During this period, if your parent claims certain welfare payments, Services Australia may recover those costs from you or your bond.
🎯 99% Success Rate
Our clients get their 190 visas approved
⚡ Faster Processing
Complete applications reduce delays
🛡️ MARA Protection
Fully licensed MARA agents
Your Parents Deserve More Than a 30-Year Queue
The contributory parent visa subclass 143 costs more. There’s no denying that. Nearly $50,000 is a significant investment.
But what’s the alternative? Your parents in their 60s or 70s joining a queue that won’t deliver permanent residency until they’re over 100—if ever?
The 143 offers what the non-contributory pathway cannot: realistic permanence within your parents’ lifetime. Time with grandchildren. Holidays together. Medical emergencies handled as a family, not across oceans.
Money can be earned again. Time cannot.