Reuniting with your parents in Australia is one of the biggest dreams for many migrants. The contributory parent visa offers a clear and permanent pathway for parents who wish to live with their children in Australia. Among all parent visa options, the parent visa 143 stands out because it provides permanent residency, access to Medicare, and a long-term family settlement plan. This detailed guide explores everything you need to know about the Australia Contributory Parent Visa (Permanent) Subclass 143, including eligibility, processing time, step-by-step application process, costs, bridging options, Assurance of Support, and expert tips to maximise your approval chances.
The contributory parent visa (Subclass 143) is a permanent visa that allows eligible parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia permanently.
It gives parents the right to stay in the country indefinitely and eventually become Australian citizens, provided they meet the residency criteria.
Unlike the non-contributory parent visa, this visa has a significantly shorter queue because applicants pay a higher visa fee, which contributes to Australia’s public health and social services.
The parent visa 143 offers several long-term advantages, making it one of the most preferred visas for parents worldwide. Here’s what you get:
As a permanent parent visa Australia, Subclass 143 provides immediate PR once granted.
You gain access to Australia’s national healthcare system, reducing medical expenses significantly.
Applicants must be sponsored by an eligible child who is already a settled Australian resident or citizen.
You can work full-time or part-time job and pursue education without restrictions.
Subclass 143 holders can apply for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
The 143 visa application is open to parents who meet all eligibility criteria, including:
Your sponsor must be:
An Australian citizen
An Australian permanent resident
Or an eligible New Zealand citizen
The sponsor must be “settled,” meaning they have lived in Australia for at least two years.
This test ensures that at least half of your children live permanently in Australia, or more of your children live in Australia than in any other single country.
Applicants must meet all character and immigration history requirements.
Australia has strict health standards to ensure applicants do not impose undue burden on the public health system.
An AoS is a financial bond that ensures parents will not rely on government support once they arrive.
Many families are confused between the 143 subclass and the temporary 173 parent visa.
Here’s the simple difference:
If you want a direct pathway to long-term settlement, Subclass 143 is the best choice.
The 143 contributory parent visa processing time varies every year due to changes in government policies and the number of applications.
As of 2025, the average processing time is:
The Parent Visa category has a fixed annual allocation, so applicants must wait in the queue.
Once your queue date is reached, the Department sends instructions to proceed with health checks, AoS, and final payments.
While the wait time can be long, Subclass 143 remains the fastest permanent parent visa option compared to non-contributory visas.
To ensure smooth processing, prepare the following documents:
Passports
Birth certificates
Marriage certificate (if applicable)
Proof of relationship with your sponsoring child
Evidence of Australian residency of the sponsor
Police clearance certificates from all countries lived in for over 12 months
Statutory declarations if required
Assurance of Support documents
Bank statements
Income proof
Results of medical examinations
Health insurance documentation (optional but recommended)
Applying for the Australian visa subclass 143 requires careful attention, as the process includes multiple stages. Here's a simplified breakdown:
Ensure you meet the balance of family test and other eligibility criteria.
Collect identity, relationship, health, and character documents. Start early, as some documents may take time to obtain.
Parent visa applications must be lodged online via the Department of Home Affairs portal. Once the application is submitted, you will receive a bridging reference number.
Although the government does not usually grant a bridging visa for subclass 143 applicants lodged from outside Australia, those inside Australia on eligible visas may receive temporary bridging support.
This is paid at the time of lodging your application.
Once your application is assessed as valid, you’ll be assigned a queue date.
This is the longest waiting period of the Australian parent visa 143 process.
Once your queue date is reached, you must undergo updated medical checks and provide police certificates.
The AoS is processed through Services Australia and ensures financial stability during the applicant’s stay in Australia.
The second Visa Application Charge (VAC) is paid before the visa is granted.
Once all requirements are met, you receive your parent visa australia permanent residency.
The Subclass 143 visa is one of the highest-cost visas due to its fast processing and permanent benefits. Costs typically include:
Paid in two instalments:
First instalment at lodgement
Second instalment before grant
This amount is refunded after 10 years if no government benefits are used.
Additional costs based on country.
Optional but recommended if you want professional support from a trusted migration agent.
Parents applying from outside Australia generally do not get a bridging visa.
However, if you apply onshore with an eligible visa, you might be granted a bridging visa that allows you to stay until a decision is made. But bridging visas for parent categories are rare and depend on individual circumstances.
Once your 143 contributory parent visa is granted, you enjoy:
Live in Australia indefinitely
Work and study freely
Sponsor eligible relatives
Access Medicare
Apply for citizenship after fulfilling residency
Obey Australian laws
Meet character requirements
Update address details
Repay any government debts
Maintain valid travel rights
Many applications get delayed or refused due to avoidable errors. Here’s what you must avoid:
Missing documents can delay your queue date registration.
Applications automatically fail if this condition is not met.
Sponsors must meet residency and financial requirements.
Once your queue date opens, ensure all documents are fresh.
AoS is a critical approval step; mistakes can add months of delays.
A strong application increases your chances of faster processing and reduces the risk of refusal.
Include all documents right from the beginning.
Respond quickly to information requests.
This helps during the AoS stage.
Experts can guide you, especially when you need help choosing the right path such as a parent visa Australia.
Living in Australia after receiving the parent visa australia 143 opens the door to better healthcare, financial stability, and family support. Parents can join their children, enjoy stable weather, high-quality medical care, and a peaceful lifestyle.
Benefits include:
Access to world-class healthcare
Family reunification
Strong social security system
Opportunity to build a long-term life with your children
Australia also offers excellent social integration, community activities for seniors, and multicultural acceptance—making it one of the best countries for parent migration.
The australian parent visa 143 is ideal for you if:
You want permanent residency
You can afford higher visa charges
You wish to avoid extremely long queues
You want healthcare access
You plan to live with your children long-term
If you plan to migrate temporarily or want to test life in Australia first, consider the temporary Subclass 173 visa.
The processing time varies but typically averages 6–12 years, depending on queue availability and yearly visa allocations.
Yes, it provides full work rights as it is a permanent residency visa.
Yes, all Subclass 143 visa holders get access to Medicare once the visa is granted.
Yes, dependent children can be included if they meet the eligibility criteria.
Yes, your visa includes a 5-year travel facility, which can be renewed by applying for a Resident Return Visa (RRV).
Bridging visas are rare and generally only apply when an applicant lodges the visa onshore with an eligible visa.
Yes, you can apply for Australian citizenship once you meet the residency and eligibility criteria.
The contributory parent visa (Subclass 143) is one of the most reliable and permanent pathways for parents looking to join their children in Australia. Although the costs are high and the waiting period can be long, the benefits—including permanent residency, Medicare access, full work rights, and family reunification—make this visa an appealing choice for families worldwide.
If you’re planning to apply for the parent visa 143, ensure you meet all requirements, prepare a strong application, and keep your documents updated throughout the process. With proper planning and guidance, you can secure a smooth and successful path to reuniting with your family in Australia.
