If you’re hoping to bring your parents to live with you permanently in Australia, you’ve probably come across two confusing options: the Parent Visa 143 and the Parent Visa 173. Both lead to the same destination, but they get there very differently — and choosing the wrong one can mean years of difference in waiting time, or a very different upfront cost.

We know how stressful it can feel watching the years tick by while you wait to be reunited with family. This article breaks down exactly how the 143 and 173 visas differ, what each one costs, and how to work out which pathway may suit your family’s circumstances.

What Is the Difference Between the 143 and 173 Visa?

The Subclass 143 (Contributory Parent) visa and the Subclass 173 (Contributory Parent Temporary) visa both allow parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens to join their children in Australia. The key difference is permanency.

  • The 143 visa is a permanent visa. Once granted, you can live in Australia indefinitely, work, study, and access Medicare from day one.
  • The 173 visa is a temporary, provisional visa valid for two years. It’s designed as a “waiting room” that lets parents live in Australia while their application for permanent residence (often a 143) is processed.

Many families use the 173 visa as a stepping stone, applying for it first , then transitioning to the 143 visa once their place in the permanent queue comes up.

How Do Processing Times Compare?

This is usually the deciding factor for most families. The 143 visa sits in a capped, queue-based system, and current processing times can stretch well beyond a decade depending on when you apply. There’s no way to guarantee or speed up exactly how long your application will take, as it depends on the size of the queue and the annual allocation of places.

The 173 visa, by contrast, is processed within similar timeframe as 143 visa although it has own separate (though still capped) allocation. Many families apply for the 173 first, get to spend time with their parents in Australia while the application is in progress, and then lodge a 143 application before the 173 expires.

Processing times change regularly and depend on individual circumstances, so it’s worth checking current estimates before you decide which pathway to pursue.

What Does Each Visa Cost?

Both visas fall under the “contributory” parent category, which means a significant Assurance of Support bond and visa application charge apply — this is the trade-off for shorter (though still lengthy) processing times compared to the non-contributory Parent Visa 103.

  • 143 visa: Has the higher overall cost, but it’s a one-off payment for a permanent outcome — no need to apply again afterwards.
  • 173 visa: Has its own application charge, and most applicants will also need to budget for a second application charge later when they apply for the 143 to convert to permanent residence.

Because the combined cost of doing 173 then 143 can end up higher than going straight for the 143, the right choice often comes down to how much you value being together sooner versus the total amount you’re prepared to pay over time.

Which Pathway Might Suit Your Family?

There’s no single right answer — it depends on your family’s priorities and financial position. Some things worth thinking through:

  • If you’d rather pay once and avoid managing two separate applications, the 143 visa alone might be the simpler path.
  • If your parents are older or have health considerations, earlier access to Medicare and stability may make the 173-then-143 route more appealing.
  • Your eligibility for either visa depends on meeting the balance of family test and other requirements, so it’s worth getting this checked before you commit to an application.

This is similar to the kind of decision skilled migrants face when comparing pathways like the 189 visa and 190 visa — both lead to permanent residence, but the route you take can affect timing and cost along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if my 173 visa expires before my 143 visa is granted?

This is exactly why timing your 143 application correctly matters. Bridging arrangements may be available in some circumstances, but the details are complex and depend on when each application was lodged. It’s important to get tailored advice well before your 173 visa is due to expire.

Do I need to meet the balance of family test?

Yes, both the 143 and 173 visas require applicants to meet the balance of family test, which generally looks at where most of your children live. There are other eligibility requirements too, including health and character checks, so it’s worth having your situation assessed before applying.

Is there a cheaper alternative to the contributory parent visas?

Yes, the non-contributory Parent Visa 103 has a much lower cost, but its processing times are typically far longer than the contributory pathways. The right option for your family will depend on how you weigh up cost against waiting time.

Can my parents work in Australia while on a 173 visa?

Generally yes, the 173 visa allows work rights, though specific conditions can vary, so it’s worth confirming this applies to your parents’ situation before they make any commitments.

Getting the Right Advice for Your Family

Choosing between the Parent Visa 143 and 173 is rarely a simple decision — it touches on timing, finances, and your family’s individual needs. Because eligibility requirements and processing times can change, and because every family’s situation is different, it’s worth speaking with a registered migration agent before deciding which pathway to pursue.

Our team at Ultimate Migration can help you understand which parent visa pathway may suit your circumstances and guide you through the application process from start to finish. Book a consultation with one of our OMARA-registered migration agents, 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 Photoholgic on Unsplash.