Bringing your parents to Australia to live permanently is one of the most meaningful goals many migrant families share — and if you have been researching how to make it happen, you have likely come across two options: the Parent Visa 143 and the Parent Visa 173. Both visas allow parents to join their children in Australia, but they work in different ways and suit different circumstances.
We understand how overwhelming it can feel to navigate the Australian visa system when so much is at stake. You want to make the right decision for your family, and you need accurate information to do that. This guide breaks down the key differences between the Contributory Parent Visa 143 and 173, covering costs, processing timelines, and what each visa actually gives your parent when it is granted.
By the end of this article, you will have a clear picture of both options so you can have an informed conversation with a registered migration agent about your family’s next steps.
What Is a Contributory Parent Visa?
Before diving into the differences, it helps to understand where the 143 and 173 fit in the broader parent visa landscape. There are several parent visa options in Australia. The non-contributory Parent Visa (subclass 103) is available at a lower cost, but the queue is extraordinarily long — wait times can stretch to several decades due to the high volume of applications globally.
The subclass 143 and 173 are both contributory parent visas, which means they cost significantly more upfront. In exchange, they are processed much faster — typically within a few years rather than decades. For most families who want to be reunited within a realistic timeframe, the contributory pathway is the practical choice.
Both visas also require your parent to meet the balance of family test. This means that at least half of your parent’s children must be Australian permanent residents or citizens living in Australia — or more of their children must reside in Australia than in any other single country. A registered migration agent can help you determine whether your family structure satisfies this test.
Parent Visa 143 — Permanent Residence from Day One
The Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143) grants your parent permanent residence in Australia from the moment the visa is granted. Once approved, your parent can:
- Live, work, and study in Australia permanently
- Access Medicare, Australia’s public health system
- Sponsor certain other eligible relatives to come to Australia in the future
- Travel to and from Australia for five years (a Resident Return Visa may be needed after that)
The subclass 143 must be applied for while your parent is outside Australia (it is an offshore visa). They must also be offshore when the visa is granted before they travel to Australia to begin their new life.
The main financial consideration is that the visa application charges — including a substantial “second instalment” payment — must be paid as part of the application process. This can be a significant lump sum, which is one of the reasons some families look at the 173 instead.
Parent Visa 173 — The Temporary Stepping Stone
The Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 173) is a temporary visa that allows your parent to live in Australia for up to two years. It is designed as a pathway to the permanent 143 — after being granted the 173 and living in Australia, your parent can then apply for the subclass 143 without going back to the start of the main queue.
The main advantage of the 173 is financial flexibility. The visa application charges are structured differently from the 143, meaning you pay a lower amount for the temporary visa first, then pay the balance when applying for the permanent 143. For families who find the full contributory cost difficult to manage in one go, this split-payment approach can make the contributory pathway more accessible.
Like the 143, the 173 must be applied for and granted while your parent is outside Australia. While living in Australia on the 173, your parent can generally work and study, though the specific conditions on the visa will determine exactly what is permitted. A migration agent can clarify the visa conditions in your parent’s case.
143 vs 173 — Key Differences at a Glance
Here is a straightforward breakdown of where the two visas differ:
Visa Status
- 143: Permanent residence granted immediately upon visa approval
- 173: Temporary visa (up to 2 years), followed by a separate 143 application for permanent residence
Cost Structure
- 143: Higher upfront cost — full visa application charges (including the second instalment) are paid during the application
- 173: Costs are spread across two applications, which can ease the financial burden for some families
Application Location
- Both: Offshore applications — your parent must be outside Australia when applying and when the visa is granted
Path to Permanent Residency
- 143: Permanent residency is granted directly — no further visa application required
- 173: Requires a subsequent subclass 143 application to convert to permanent residency
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Parent Visa 143 or 173?
To be eligible, your parent must meet the balance of family test, be sponsored by you as their child (you must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen), and meet health and character requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs. Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for one or both pathways — a migration agent can assess your specific family situation.
How much does the Parent Visa 143 cost?
Visa application charges are set by the Australian Government and can change each financial year. The contributory parent visas involve a significant “second instalment” payment in addition to the base application charge. We recommend checking the current fee schedule on the Department of Home Affairs website or asking a migration agent for the latest figures before you make any financial plans.
Can my parent work in Australia on a subclass 173 visa?
Generally, the subclass 173 visa allows your parent to work in Australia during the temporary period. However, the specific conditions on each visa grant can vary, and you should confirm work rights with a registered migration agent once the visa is issued. Do not assume — always check the visa grant notice for the conditions that apply.
How long does it take to process a Parent Visa 143 or 173?
Processing times for both visas can vary significantly depending on application volumes and individual circumstances. The Department of Home Affairs publishes indicative processing times on its website, but these are estimates only — actual outcomes can differ. We strongly recommend speaking to a migration agent who can provide up-to-date guidance based on your specific case.
Should I apply for the 143 directly or go via the 173 first?
The right choice depends on your family’s financial situation and how quickly your parent wants to gain permanent residency. If managing costs over time is a priority, the 173 pathway may suit you better. If your parent wants to secure permanent residency as soon as possible without an intermediate step, applying for the 143 directly may be more appropriate. Both paths are valid — the key is choosing the one that fits your circumstances.
Taking the Next Step for Your Family
The Parent Visa 143 and 173 are both meaningful ways to bring your parents closer and build your family’s future together in Australia. The right choice comes down to your financial situation, your parent’s circumstances, and how quickly you want to achieve permanent residency. Both pathways require careful planning, accurate documentation, and attention to detail — errors or incomplete applications can lead to unnecessary delays.
At Ultimate Migration, our OMARA-registered migration agents specialise in parent visa applications and guide families through every step of the process. If you would like to discuss your options, book a consultation with our team or call us on 0478 904 001. We are here to help you bring your family together.
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 Photoholgic on Unsplash.
