Parent Visa 103 vs 143: Which Is Right for You in 2026?

Bringing your parents to live permanently in Australia is one of the most meaningful goals a family can have — but navigating Australia’s parent visa system can feel overwhelming. Long queues, significant costs, and two very different visa pathways all compete for your attention at once.

If you’re comparing the Parent Visa 103 (non-contributory) with the Contributory Parent Visa 143, you’re already asking the right question. These are two of the most sought-after family visas in Australia, and the right choice depends entirely on your family’s budget, timeline, and personal circumstances.

In this guide, we explain the key differences between the 103 and 143 parent visas — including costs, processing times, bridging options, and eligibility requirements — so you can make a confident, informed decision for your family.

What Is the Parent Visa 103 (Non-Contributory)?

The Parent Visa (subclass 103) is a permanent visa that allows the parent of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia indefinitely. It is non-contributory, meaning the government application fees are significantly lower than other parent visa streams.

The trade-off, however, is severe: as of 2026, processing times for the subclass 103 can exceed 30 years. The Australian government allocates only a limited number of places in the non-contributory parent visa program each year, and demand far outstrips supply. Many families who apply for a 103 are effectively joining a decades-long waitlist.

For families where the upfront cost of a contributory visa is not feasible, the 103 may be the only realistic option — but it’s important to understand the implications. Many parents will be in their 80s or beyond by the time a 103 visa is decided, if it is granted at all. While waiting offshore, your parent may be able to visit Australia on a Visitor Visa (subclass 600) in the meantime.

What Is the Contributory Parent Visa 143?

The Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143) is also a permanent visa, but it sits in a faster-processed, higher-cost stream. The term “contributory” refers to a significant government-set contribution toward the future cost of healthcare your parent may use through Medicare during their lifetime in Australia.

The total government fees for a subclass 143 are currently in the range of AUD $47,000 or more per applicant (subject to regular indexation increases). In exchange, processing times are considerably faster — typically running between 5 to 8 years under current conditions. While still a long wait by any measure, this is far shorter than the non-contributory stream.

Importantly, there is also a temporary bridging option: the Temporary Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 173). This visa can be granted while the 143 application is being processed, allowing your parent to live in Australia for up to two years while awaiting the permanent outcome. The 173 later transitions directly to the permanent 143 upon approval.

103 vs 143: Key Differences Side by Side

Here is a direct comparison of the factors that matter most to most families:

• Government fees: The 103 has much lower fees (approximately AUD $4,000–$6,000); the 143 costs approximately AUD $47,000 or more per applicant.
• Processing time: The 103 currently takes 30+ years; the 143 typically takes 5–8 years.
• Temporary bridging visa: The 143 stream has the subclass 173, allowing your parent to live in Australia during the wait; the 103 has no equivalent bridging option.
• Permanency: Both visas grant permanent residency upon approval.
• Work rights: Both visas include full work rights in Australia once granted.
• Medicare access: Both visas grant full Medicare access once the permanent visa is in hand.
• Pathway to citizenship: Both visas allow your parent to apply for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements.

The decision for most families comes down to a single tension: cost versus time. If your family cannot afford the 143 fees, the 103 may be the only option — but you should go in with realistic expectations about what a 30-year queue means in practice. If your family can fund the 143, the faster processing and bridging visa option represent a significantly better outcome for most parents.

Eligibility and the Balance of Family Test

Both the 103 and 143 require the visa applicant to be a parent of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. Step-parents and legally adoptive parents may also be eligible depending on the circumstances of the family relationship.

One of the most critical — and frequently misunderstood — requirements for both visas is the Balance of Family Test. To satisfy this test, at least half of your parent’s children must be living permanently in Australia, OR more of your parent’s children must live in Australia than in any other single country. If your siblings are spread across multiple countries, this test can be genuinely complex to satisfy and is one of the first things a migration agent will assess when you enquire about a parent visa.

Both visa subclasses also require health examinations and police clearances for the applicant and any secondary applicants included in the application. Depending on your parent’s age and health history, health-related requirements — including whether Assurance of Support is required — should be factored into your planning early. Learn more about the parent visa pathway or speak with one of our agents for a personalised assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my parent work in Australia while on a parent visa?

Yes. Once your parent holds the permanent subclass 103 or 143 visa — or the temporary bridging subclass 173 — they have full work rights in Australia. There are no restrictions on employment or self-employment under these visa subclasses.

Is there an age limit for the Parent Visa 103 or 143?

There is no upper age limit for parent visa applications. However, all applicants must satisfy health requirements, and older applicants should be aware that health-related issues can complicate processing. An Assurance of Support — a financial bond lodged with the government — may also be required depending on your parent’s circumstances.

What if my parent is already living in Australia?

The subclass 103 and 143 are typically lodged and processed offshore — your parent applies from outside Australia. However, if your parent is already in Australia on a valid visa, there are onshore parent visa options available: the Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 864) and the Temporary Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 884). A migration agent can assess which pathway is appropriate for your situation.

Can I lodge a 103 and a 143 application at the same time?

In most cases, you cannot hold two concurrent parent visa applications simultaneously. If you have already lodged a 103 and are considering switching to the 143, it may be possible to withdraw the 103 — but this decision has financial and queue implications that should be discussed with a registered migration agent before taking any action.

How much does the 143 visa cost in total?

The government application charge for the subclass 143 is currently over AUD $47,000 per primary applicant, with additional charges for secondary applicants. These fees are indexed periodically and can increase over the course of a long processing queue. Additional costs include health examinations, police checks, and professional migration agent fees. Always check the current Department of Home Affairs fee schedule when planning your application budget.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Choosing between the Parent Visa 103 and 143 is rarely a simple decision. The right pathway depends on your family’s financial position, how urgently your parent needs to be in Australia, and whether the Balance of Family Test can be satisfied. For many families, the contributory 143 — despite its significant cost — represents the only realistic option for reuniting with parents within a meaningful timeframe.

At Ultimate Migration, our OMARA-registered migration agents (MARN 1790054 and 2418658) have guided many families through the parent visa process from our East Perth office. We speak Hindi and Punjabi as well as English, and we’re here to make this process as straightforward as possible for your family. Book a consultation online or call us on 0478 904 001 to discuss your options.

This article is general information only and does not constitute migration advice. For advice specific to your situation, please contact one of our OMARA-registered migration agents at Ultimate Migration.

Featured image by Raygar He on Unsplash.