Family · Subclass 143 / 173
Contributory Parent visas
Higher-cost parent visas applied for outside Australia, with a queue estimated at about 18 years.
New from 26 October 2026: biometrics for applications made in India. What it means for you →
Who it is for
Parents who meet the balance of family test, applying from outside Australia. The 173 is a 2-year temporary visa that can lead to the permanent 143; or you can apply for the 143 directly.
Key eligibility
- Balance of family test and a sponsor.
- Assurance of Support.
- Outside Australia when applying and at grant.
- Health and character.
Where to apply, and bridging visas
Outside Australia.
Your journey, step by step
First enquiry
You tell us your current visa, where you are, your family and any past refusals or cancellations.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent identifies your current visa, its conditions and expiry, and any early risk.
Honest options
Compare the 173 then 143 route with a direct 143.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent compares total costs and timing.
Service agreement
Before any personal advice or preparation, you receive a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent sets out the work, the fee and the refund policy in writing. No money is taken for visa work before the agreement is signed.
Evidence and lodgement
Balance of family evidence; lodge online. If you apply in India, the Department may ask you to give biometrics at a VFS Global centre after you lodge; book an appointment quickly using the instructions in the request letter.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent lodges a complete application.
Queue
Wait for release; the queue estimate for new applications is about 18 years.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent keeps the case decision-ready.
Final processing
Health, police, Assurance of Support and second instalment.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent times the second instalment.
Grant
Temporary 173 (then apply for the 143) or permanent 143.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent plans the move to the 143.
The Department of Home Affairs makes every decision. No one can promise a grant, an invitation or a faster decision.
Government charges from 1 July 2026
| Applicant or item | Charge |
|---|---|
| 173: first instalment, main applicant | A$4,245 |
| 173: second instalment | A$29,130 |
| 143 for a 173 holder: first instalment | A$555 |
| 143 for a 173 holder: second instalment | A$19,420 |
| Direct 143: total for the main applicant | From A$49,900 |
Health checks, police certificates, translations, skills assessments and English tests are extra and paid to the provider. Our professional fee is separate and quoted in writing. Estimate total charges for your family.
Source: Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026, read 22 October 2026. Confirm in the Visa Pricing Estimator before you pay.
Processing times
Source: Home Affairs parent visa queue release dates, as at 31 August 2026. Read 22 October 2026. Check the current Home Affairs guide. A guide only; times change monthly and are not a promise.
Common refusal risks
- Balance of family test not met.
- Health or character.
- Assurance of Support or second instalment not provided.
Drawn from the published criteria and general practice experience, not Department statistics.
Document checklist
Tick items as you collect them. Ticks are saved in this browser only and are not sent to us. This is a general list; the Department may ask for more.
0 of 0 collected
The Immigration Worldwide. Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130. General information, checked 22 October 2026.
Recent changes
From 26 October 2026, if you apply for this visa in India, the Department may ask you to give biometrics (fingerprints and a facial image). This applies to new applications lodged from that date. The Department sends a request letter with instructions. Most people then book an appointment at a VFS Global Australian Biometrics Collection Centre; some eligible people can use the Australian Immi App instead.
Sources and checks
- Home Affairs: Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143)
- Home Affairs: Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 173)
- Home Affairs: Biometrics
- Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026
Related
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice about your situation. Australian advice is given by Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130.