Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143)

Permanent Residency for Parents of Australian Residents

If you’re a parent and your child is living permanently in Australia, the Subclass 143 Contributory Parent Visa could allow you to join them on a permanent basis.

Who Can Sponsor You?

To apply, you must be sponsored by one of the following:

  • Your child, or your child’s spouse

  • A sponsor who is an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen

  • Someone who has been living in Australia for at least 2 years

In some cases, community organisations can also act as sponsors.

Sponsors must meet other requirements too, including good character.

What Is the Balance of Family Test?

This is one of the key hurdles for parent visas.

To meet the balance of family test, at least half of your children must live in Australia as citizens or permanent residents. If not, then more of your children must live in Australia than in any other single country.

Note: This includes biological, adopted and step-children—even your partner’s kids from previous relationships are considered.

This part can be tricky. We can help you work out if you meet the balance of family test as part of your free assessment.

Visa Costs – What Does "Contributory" Mean?

This visa comes with a significant government fee:
$43,600 AUD per person, payable just before visa grant (after health and police checks).

Want to spread the cost?

You can apply for the temporary 173 visa first, then transition to the 143 later. This spreads the payments, but the total cost is higher:

  • $29,130 AUD before 173 visa grant

  • $19,420 AUD before 143 visa grant later on

What Is an Assurance of Support?

An assurance of support is a formal agreement from someone (usually your child or their partner) to financially support you, if needed, once your visa is granted. This applies for several years after arrival.

Special Rules for Retirees

If you previously held a Subclass 405 (Investor Retirement) or Subclass 410 (Retirement) visa before 8 May 2018, you may still qualify for the 143 visa—without needing a sponsor, an assurance of support, or balance of family test.

What You Get With a 143 Visa

Once granted, the 143 visa gives you full permanent residency in Australia, along with:

  1. The right to live, work and study

  2. Access to Medicare

  3. The ability to apply for citizenship once eligible

  4. Inclusion of your partner in the same application

  5. The option to apply onshore or offshore (but note: no bridging visa is granted if you apply onshore)

Do You Qualify?

We’ll walk you through everything, eligibility, fees, timelines, and key requirements, so you know where you stand.

Take our free visa assessment today.
Let ThinkOZ Migration MARA-registered migration agent guide you every step of the way.

Am I Eligible for a Subclass 143 Contributory Parent Visa?

You may be eligible to apply for the 143 visa if you meet the following requirements:

  • You pass the balance of family test
    (At least half of your children live permanently in Australia, or more of your children live in Australia than in any other country)

  • You meet health and character requirements
    This applies to you and any family members included in your application.

  • You don’t owe money to the Australian Government
    If you do, you must have a formal payment plan in place. This also applies to any dependents on your application.

  • You have an eligible sponsor
    Your sponsor must be your child (or their spouse), an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen who has lived in Australia for at least 2 years.