Family · Subclass 143 / 173
Contributory Parent visas
Higher-cost parent visas applied for outside Australia, with a queue estimated at about 18 years.
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: 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: 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: 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.
How a registered migration agent helps: lodges a complete application.
Queue
Wait for release; the queue estimate for new applications is about 18 years.
How a registered migration agent helps: keeps the case decision-ready.
Final processing
Health, police, Assurance of Support and second instalment.
How a registered migration agent helps: times the second instalment.
Grant
Temporary 173 (then apply for the 143) or permanent 143.
How a registered migration agent helps: 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. Check the current 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.
Sources and checks
- Home Affairs: Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143)
- Home Affairs: Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 173)
- 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.
Talk it through. The first 15 minutes are free and general. Personal advice starts only after a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.