Migration to another country is never straightforward—especially when family members must be left behind. For most Australian citizen or resident parents, parent visa 143 or contributory parent visa 143 is an incredibly realistic path to permanent settlement in Australia while remaining close to relatives.
This subclass of visa is for parents who are prepared and able to make a notable financial contribution towards their coming to Australia. Many rights and privileges, as well as permanent residency, are offered in exchange. Let us go over the contributory parent visa 143 in more detail, including who is eligible, how to apply, and what kind of timelines to anticipate.
What is exactly the Contributory Parent Visa 143?
Australian family migration programs include the Contributory Parent Visa (Visa No. 143). Parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible citizens of New Zealand are permitted to reside in Australia permanently. In contrast to visitor or temporary visas, this one offers permanent security and the possibility of obtaining Australian citizenship in the future.
As the name “contributory” suggests, this visa requires applicants to contribute significantly to pay for the potential public costs, including healthcare. But the reward is well worth it for many families who want to reunite in the same home—and under the same citizenship.
Key Benefits of the Visa Subclass 143
Once granted, this visa offers access to a range of possibilities:
- Permanent Residency: You’re not a guest—you’re resident.
- Work and Study Rights: No restrictions on work or study.
- Access to Medicare: Once the visa is issued, you will be eligible for Australia’s public healthcare.
- Path to Citizenship: Once you meet the residency and other requirements, you can apply to be an Australian citizen.
- Multiple Entry: Enter and exit Australia freely for five years from the issue date.
Who Can Apply for the Parent Visa 143?
Before you can explore forms, you will first need to ascertain whether you are eligible in fact. Here are the main requirements:
1. You Must Be Sponsored
Your sponsor must be your child (stepchild, adopted, or biological), and he/she must be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen living in Australia for two years.
2. Pass the Balance of Family Test
To pass this requirement:
At least half your children must be living in Australia permanently, or
You must have more children living permanently in Australia than in any other single country.
3. Health and Character Requirements
Like most Australian visas, you’ll need to undergo health exams and provide police clearances. These checks apply to all family members included in the application.
4. Financial Readiness
You will be required to sign an Assurance of Support, which is essentially a bond paid by your sponsor (or for them) to ensure that you will not become reliant on government welfare.
How Much Does the 143 Contributory Parent Visa Cost?
Let’s be real: this is one of the more expensive visa paths to Australia.
As of 2025:
- The first payment is around AUD 4,425 (main applicant).
- The second fee, which must be paid before the visa is granted, is approximately AUD 43,600.
When you’re sponsoring spouse or other dependent family members, it is more expensive. Even though it’s a lot of money, families consider it an investment in their future and in the joy of being with each other.
What’s the Parent Visa 143 Processing Time?
This is a place where patience is the watchword. The parent visa 143 processing time is currently 6 to 8 years, and that is if all is well.
Why wait? The Australian government has a tight cap on how many parent visas it grants per annum. That creates a queue of applicants, particularly for more sought-after visas like the contributory parent visa 143. Future applicants are encouraged to line up in advance, sometimes years in advance.
How to Apply for the Visa Subclass 143
Should you be prepared to apply, this is a rough guide:
Step 1: Be Sponsored
Your child (or their spouse, in certain cases) must consent to sponsoring your application.
Step 2: Prepare Documents
You will need to furnish:
- Birth and ID documents
- Evidence of your relationship to your sponsor
- Character and health certificates
- Assurance of Support (if asked for)
Step 3: Lodge Your Application
Applications are lodged by mail with the Parent Visa Centre in Perth. Online applications are not accepted at this time for this subclass.
Step 4: Wait for Processing
You’ll receive updates from the Department of Home Affairs throughout the process, including any requests for additional documents.
Step 5: Pay the Second Installment
Once everything checks out, you’ll be asked to pay the second (and larger) visa charge.
Step 6: Receive Your Visa
Congratulations—you’re now a permanent resident of Australia!
Temporary Alternative: Subclass 173 Visa
If waiting seems too long, some start off on the Subclass 173, a temporary visa that lets parents live in Australia for two years. This is an option with more freedom and a faster path to get going, but it’s more expensive in the end if you later transition to the parent visa 143.
Common Challenges with the 143 Contributory Parent Visa
While the outcome is rewarding, the journey isn’t always easy. Here are a few things applicants often struggle with:
- The Cost: For a couple, fees can exceed AUD 90,000.
- Processing Time: The waiting period can be emotionally difficult, especially for elderly parents.
- Healthcare Before Medicare: Until the visa is approved, you’ll need to rely on private health insurance.
- Complex Documentation: Missing or incorrect documents can cause significant delays.
Because of these concerns, most parents use a migration agent so that all will be done the right way the very first time.
Most Frequently Asked Questions About Parent Visa 143
Can the two parents make applications together at the same time?
Yes, couples may share an application, but the second person applying will pay fees too.
May I travel during my consideration of an application?
Yes, but you must possess a current visitor visa or another travel document. The 143 contributory parent visa itself will not allow interim travel unless you receive a bridging visa (something only attainable when applying onshore).
Do I have to be in Australia when the visa is approved?
In the case of applying offshore, you must be offshore when the visa is approved. The opposite applies when applying onshore.
Final Thoughts
It is a once-in-a-lifetime decision to head back to your family members in Australia, and parent visa 143 is the legal and orderly way of turning the dream into reality. True, the cost is high and the parent visa 143 is processed for quite some time, but the return—permanent residence, entitlement to Medicare, and uniting your family members—makes all that money worthwhile to obtain one of the most valuable visas within Australia’s family immigration stream.
If you’re considering the contributory parent visa 143, it’s a good idea to start gathering documents, speak with a qualified migration agent, and plan ahead financially. The process takes time—but for many families, it’s absolutely worth the wait.
