Can you bring your parents to Australia permanently? Discover subclass 143 eligibility, government fees, processing times, sponsorship requirements, Medicare, bridging visa rules and available alternatives.
By Sunil Choudhary | Founder & Principal Registered Migration Agent MARN 2418425 | A2MS – Aussie Academics and Migration Services®
Updated: 25 October 2026
Your Parents Want to Join You in Australia. Is Subclass 143 the Right Pathway?
For many Australian families, living apart from parents is one of the most difficult aspects of migration.
You may have settled permanently in Australia, established your career and started raising your own family. But your parents remain overseas, and opportunities to spend time together are limited.
You want them to be part of your everyday life—not simply occasional visitors.
The Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143) is one of Australia’s permanent migration pathways for eligible parents of settled Australian citizens, permanent residents and eligible New Zealand citizens.
However, the decision to apply requires careful planning.
The visa currently costs approximately AUD $49,900 in standard government charges for one primary applicant, and the Department of Home Affairs estimates an approximately 18-year processing period for new contributory Parent visa applications.
There is another important issue.
A standard subclass 143 application does not ordinarily provide a Bridging Visa A, even when the parent lodges the application while visiting Australia.
This can substantially affect where your parents can live during the waiting period.
In this guide, A2MS explains how the subclass 143 visa works, what it costs, who qualifies and what families should understand before applying.
1. What Is the Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143)?
Subclass 143 is a permanent Australian Parent visa.
It allows eligible parents of settled Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens to migrate permanently to Australia.
Once granted, eligible visa holders can generally:
- Live permanently in Australia.
- Work and study without temporary visitor restrictions.
- Enrol in Medicare.
- Travel to and from Australia under the visa’s travel facility.
- Apply for Australian citizenship when the relevant requirements are met.
- Access benefits for which they qualify, subject to applicable residence and waiting-period rules.
Unlike the Aged Parent visa subclasses 804 and 864, subclass 143 does not ordinarily require parents to have reached age 67.
This means younger parents may qualify, subject to the remaining requirements.
However, obtaining the permanent visa is only part of the planning process. Families must also consider the substantial waiting period and where parents will reside before the application is decided.
2. Who Is Eligible for Subclass 143?
The principal requirements include sponsorship, the Balance of Family Test, health and character criteria, and applicable financial obligations.
Eligible sponsorship
Usually, a parent must be sponsored by an eligible child who is:
- An Australian citizen;
- An Australian permanent resident; or
- An eligible New Zealand citizen.
The sponsor must meet the applicable requirements, including the relevant settled residence criteria.
Where an eligible child is under 18, alternative sponsorship arrangements may be available under the applicable rules.
The Department must approve the sponsorship.
Balance of Family Test
Most ordinary subclass 143 applicants must satisfy the Balance of Family Test.
Broadly, a parent passes if:
- At least half their children and relevant stepchildren are eligible children; or
- More children are eligible children than the number of children in any other single country.
For example, a parent with three children, two of whom are eligible Australian citizens or permanent residents in Australia and one residing overseas, would generally pass.
However, a parent with one eligible child in Australia and two children living in the same overseas country would generally fail.
The detailed rules account for relevant stepchildren, adopted children and specific statutory exclusions.
The Balance of Family Test is generally required at the time of application.
Health and character
Applicants and relevant accompanying family members must satisfy the applicable health and character criteria.
In some circumstances, non-migrating family members may also need to undergo assessments.
Assurance of Support
An Assurance of Support is generally required before permanent subclass 143 grant.
There are limited exceptions, including qualifying applicants under the Retirement visa pathway.
3. How Much Does the Subclass 143 Visa Cost in 2026?
Government visa charges are a major consideration for families planning contributory Parent migration.
For a standard single primary applicant, the current government charge is AUD $49,900.
Importantly, this charge is generally paid in two instalments.
| Payment | Standard amount | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| First instalment | $6,300 | At application lodgement |
| Second instalment | $43,600 | When requested, before visa grant |
| Total | $49,900 |
Do you have to pay $49,900 upfront?
Generally, no.
The first government instalment of $6,300 is ordinarily payable when the application is lodged.
The second instalment of $43,600 is generally requested by Home Affairs towards final processing, before the permanent visa can be granted.
Given the exceptionally long processing queue, this payment may be requested many years after lodgement.
However, families should plan for the eventual obligation and recognise that government charges and the rules affecting particular payments may change.
What if both parents are applying?
Additional applicant charges apply.
The combined visa cost will depend on the number of applicants, their ages, relationships, prior visa history and any applicable concessions.
A personalised fee calculation is recommended rather than simply doubling the single-applicant amount.
Additional expenses
Apart from government visa application charges, families may need to budget for medical examinations, police certificates, biometrics, translations, private health insurance, Assurance of Support and professional migration assistance.
Reduced visa charges introduced from 1 July 2026 may also be available to certain eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens.
4. Subclass 143 Processing Times: Why Is the Wait So Long?
Australian permanent Parent visas operate under capping and queueing arrangements.
The government allocates a limited number of places to Parent visas each migration program year.
Demand substantially exceeds the number of available places.
Accordingly, applicants usually experience a two-stage assessment process.
Stage 1: Initial assessment and queue allocation
After receiving a valid application, Home Affairs assesses it against relevant core requirements.
Where the application qualifies for queueing, the Department allocates a queue date.
The applicant is notified in writing.
An application acknowledgement confirming that an application is valid should not be confused with a queue-date notification.
Stage 2: Release for final processing
As migration places become available, applications are released from the queue for final assessment.
Home Affairs may then request updated evidence, health examinations, Assurance of Support arrangements and the applicable second government instalment.
Current queue position
As at 31 August 2026, Home Affairs reported:
| Processing milestone | Subclass 143 |
|---|---|
| Queue assessments being undertaken | Applications lodged around April 2024 |
| Applications released for final processing | Queue dates up to November 2018 |
| Estimate for new contributory Parent applications | Approximately 18 years |
These dates are not guaranteed waiting times for an individual application.
The Department’s estimates can change based on migration planning levels, application volumes and other factors.
An application being acknowledged as valid does not mean that permanent residency is close to being granted.
5. Can Parents Apply for Subclass 143 While in Australia?
Generally, yes—provided they satisfy the applicable visa validity requirements.
A standard subclass 143 applicant may be physically inside or outside Australia when applying, but not in immigration clearance.
However, current visa conditions and immigration history can restrict the ability to make a valid application.
For example, a Visitor visa containing condition 8503, commonly known as No Further Stay, may prevent a valid onshore substantive visa application unless the restriction has been waived or an exception applies.
A section 48 application bar may also affect some individuals with previous visa refusals or cancellations.
Does applying in Australia make subclass 143 an onshore visa pathway?
Not in the ordinary bridging visa sense.
This is an important distinction.
An applicant may be permitted to submit the subclass 143 application while physically in Australia.
However, that does not ordinarily give the person permission to remain in Australia until the permanent visa is decided.
The parent must maintain a separate lawful visa status if remaining in Australia during processing.
6. Does Subclass 143 Provide a Bridging Visa A?
A standard subclass 143 application does not ordinarily provide a Bridging Visa A.
This is one of the most significant differences between subclass 143 and the onshore aged-parent subclasses 804 and 864.
Consider a parent who visits Australia on a six-month Visitor visa and submits a standard subclass 143 application during that visit.
Even where the application is validly lodged, the parent should not assume that a Bridging Visa A will be granted.
When the Visitor visa’s permitted stay ends, the parent must have another lawful basis for remaining in Australia or depart.
Are there exceptions?
Yes.
Specific arrangements can apply to certain applicants, including:
- Qualifying Retirement visa pathway applicants.
- Certain applicants who held a subclass 173 Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa.
- Certain family members covered by the relevant temporary contributory Parent visa arrangements.
The applicable legal provisions must be assessed individually.
These exceptions do not establish a general bridging visa entitlement for ordinary subclass 143 applicants.
A valid permanent Parent visa application and lawful permission to remain in Australia are two separate matters.
7. Where Must Subclass 143 Applicants Be When the Visa Is Granted?
Ordinary subclass 143 applicants generally must be outside Australia at the time of the visa decision.
Specific exceptions may apply to qualifying applicants, including some people under the Retirement Pathway, certain former subclass 173 holders and relevant ministerially substituted Visitor visa arrangements.
This is important for parents who are temporarily visiting Australia while their subclass 143 application is pending.
Even if their current Visitor visa allows them to remain temporarily, the Department may require them to be offshore at the relevant decision stage unless an applicable exception exists.
Families should not make irreversible travel or relocation arrangements before Home Affairs confirms the appropriate next steps.
8. What About the Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa – Subclass 173?
Some families prefer a two-stage contributory Parent visa pathway.
Under this arrangement, eligible parents first apply for a Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 173).
Once granted, the visa generally allows temporary residence for up to two years.
An eligible holder may then apply for the permanent subclass 143 visa under the relevant transitional arrangements.
Why consider the two-stage pathway?
The principal advantage is that government contributions are spread across separate visa applications.
A qualifying subclass 173 holder may also have different Medicare and permanent-stage application arrangements from an ordinary direct subclass 143 applicant.
Is the two-stage pathway cheaper?
Generally, no.
The combined government costs are ordinarily higher than applying directly for the permanent subclass 143 visa.
The advantage is spreading costs across the two stages, rather than reducing the overall contribution.
Must the permanent application be lodged before subclass 173 expires?
Home Affairs encourages holders to apply for the permanent stage promptly.
Specific transitional provisions permit certain applications by former holders within 28 days of cessation, while more exceptional arrangements may apply where compelling and compassionate circumstances are established.
Because these rules are strict, applicants should not assume they can apply whenever convenient after the temporary visa expires.
9. Medicare Eligibility While Waiting for Subclass 143
Healthcare is an important consideration, particularly because subclass 143 processing can take many years.
Most standard subclass 143 applicants do not automatically qualify for Medicare merely because they have submitted a permanent residence application.
When can Medicare be available?
Medicare may become available where a parent qualifies under a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement or certain previous temporary contributory Parent visa arrangements.
For example, a qualifying former subclass 173 holder progressing to subclass 143 may be able to enrol in Medicare under the applicable rules.
Ordinary subclass 143 applicants who do not qualify for an exception should plan on maintaining appropriate healthcare arrangements during temporary visits.
Once the permanent subclass 143 visa is granted, the parent generally becomes eligible to enrol in Medicare.
The appropriate health insurance arrangements should be reviewed separately for each parent.
10. Can Parents Work While Waiting for Subclass 143?
Work rights depend on the visa currently held.
For example, a parent visiting Australia on a subclass 600 Visitor visa with condition 8101 cannot work.
The pending subclass 143 application does not remove that restriction.
A parent may only undertake employment where their current effective visa permits it.
Once subclass 143 is granted, the parent ordinarily receives unrestricted work rights as a permanent resident.
Applying for permanent residence does not itself give the applicant permission to work.
11. Assurance of Support: What Financial Commitment Is Required?
Permanent subclass 143 applications generally require an Assurance of Support (AoS).
An Assurance of Support is a formal financial arrangement under which an approved assurer undertakes obligations relating to certain recoverable Australian Government income-support payments made to the visa holder.
The assurer must satisfy the applicable income and other eligibility requirements.
Standard arrangements
| Requirement | Standard contributory Parent AoS |
|---|---|
| Assurance period | 10 years |
| Individual assurer – one adult | $10,000 security |
| Individual assurer – two adults | $14,000 security |
The security is separate from the government visa application charge.
Services Australia assesses the assurer and ordinarily requests a bank guarantee and associated term deposit when the relevant application reaches that stage.
The security may be released at the end of the assurance period, subject to any outstanding recoverable liabilities.
The sponsoring child and the person providing the Assurance of Support need not necessarily be the same person.
12. Can Parents Visit Australia While Subclass 143 Is Pending?
Potentially, yes.
Parents who have submitted a subclass 143 application may apply separately for a Visitor visa to spend time with their family in Australia.
However, the Visitor visa application must independently satisfy the relevant requirements.
The Department assesses whether the parent intends to comply with the temporary nature of the visa, including any permitted-stay limitations.
Check the Visitor visa conditions
Common conditions include:
- 8101 – No Work: Employment is prohibited.
- 8503 – No Further Stay: Restricts further substantive visa applications in Australia.
- 8558 – Maximum 12 Months in 18 Months: Limits cumulative physical presence under the applicable condition.
- 8501 – Maintain Adequate Health Insurance: Requires suitable health insurance while the condition applies.
A pending subclass 143 application does not automatically remove these conditions.
The last date permitted for arrival should also not be confused with the authorised stay period following an entry.
Families should review the grant notice and current VEVO status.
13. Can a Parent With a Pending Subclass 143 Application Apply for Subclass 870?
Potentially, subject to the specific rules.
The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 870) allows eligible parents to visit Australia for up to three or five years per visa, with a cumulative maximum of ten years.
However, it is a temporary visa and does not provide permanent residency.
It requires separately approved Parent sponsorship and has its own financial, healthcare and immigration requirements.
The subclass 870 also restricts making new permanent or temporary Parent visa applications after applying for or while holding subclass 870.
An existing subclass 143 application does not necessarily have to be withdrawn merely because the parent considers a subsequent subclass 870 application.
However, the interaction between the applications should be reviewed carefully, particularly the requirement for ordinary subclass 143 applicants to be outside Australia at visa decision.
The subclass 870 should not be mistaken for a bridging visa or automatic permanent-residence pathway.
14. Subclass 143 vs Subclass 804 and 864: Is an Onshore Alternative Available?
For parents who have reached Australian Age Pension age, currently 67, the onshore aged-parent pathways may be worth examining.
| Feature | Subclass 143 | Subclass 804 | Subclass 864 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent visa | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ordinary minimum age 67 | No | Yes | Yes |
| Standard government charge | $49,900 | $8,665 | $49,900 |
| Ordinary application location | Onshore or offshore | Onshore | Onshore |
| BVA from ordinary valid application | Generally no | Generally available if eligible | Generally available if eligible |
| Processing category | Contributory | Non-contributory | Contributory |
Subclass 804 and subclass 864 may allow eligible applicants to receive bridging visas while their permanent applications are being processed.
For ordinary associated BVAs covered by legislative instrument LIN 23/029, these bridging visas are generally granted without work restrictions.
However, Medicare is not automatically available during the waiting period.
What if the parent already has a pending subclass 143 application?
This requires particular care.
An applicant generally cannot maintain another unfinalised Parent visa application while making a new Parent visa application.
The consequences of withdrawing the existing subclass 143 application need to be assessed before seeking a different subclass.
Importantly, the queue-preservation arrangements applying to certain switches from non-contributory to contributory Parent visas do not automatically apply when moving in the opposite direction.
An existing contributory Parent visa application should not be withdrawn merely to seek a bridging visa without a comprehensive assessment.
For further detail, see our subclass 804 vs 864 comparison.
15. How to Apply for Subclass 143 in 2026
From 22 April 2026, new subclass 143 applications must generally be lodged online using ImmiAccount.
Limited alternative procedures may be available if technical difficulties prevent online lodgement and Home Affairs authorises another method.
Before applying, families should ordinarily prepare:
- Passport and identity documents.
- Evidence of the parent-child relationship.
- The proposed sponsor’s status and sponsorship documents.
- Details of all relevant children and stepchildren.
- Balance of Family Test evidence.
- Marriage and family relationship documents, where applicable.
- Documents for additional applicants.
- Information about current and previous Australian visas.
- Relevant supporting evidence required by Home Affairs.
The application must be accurate and satisfy the applicable validity requirements.
During processing, applicants should keep their passports, addresses, contact information and family details updated.
Health examinations, Assurance of Support and the second government instalment may be requested at later stages.
16. Common Subclass 143 Mistakes Families Should Avoid
Common misunderstandings include:
- Assuming a pending subclass 143 application provides a Bridging Visa A.
- Confusing a valid application acknowledgement with a queue-date notification.
- Assuming a Visitor visa permits indefinite residence while a Parent visa is pending.
- Failing to review condition 8503 before making another onshore application.
- Underestimating the exceptionally long contributory processing queue.
- Assuming Medicare is available immediately after lodging.
- Believing the full $49,900 government contribution must ordinarily be paid upfront.
- Failing to plan for Assurance of Support and healthcare expenses.
- Withdrawing an existing application without understanding its legal and financial consequences.
- Assuming a standard subclass 143 applicant can remain in Australia when the visa is decided.
Early professional assessment can help families understand these issues before committing to a migration pathway.
17. How A2MS Can Assist With Your Subclass 143 Application
At A2MS – Aussie Academics and Migration Services, we understand that Parent visa applications involve important family, financial and legal decisions.
Our migration assistance may include assessing eligibility, reviewing the Balance of Family Test, evaluating sponsorship arrangements, explaining fees and processing queues, preparing applications, and examining lawful temporary-stay options while a permanent application is pending.
We can also review existing Parent visa applications, assess changes in family circumstances and explain the implications of proposed alternative pathways.
Book a Parent Visa Eligibility Assessment
If you are considering a subclass 143 application—or your parents already have an application pending—A2MS can help you understand the requirements and the practical next steps.
Sunil Choudhary Founder & Principal Registered Migration Agent MARN 2418425
A2MS – Aussie Academics and Migration Services®
GO1, 450 Pulteney Street Adelaide SA 5000, Australia
Phone: 08 7094 8094 Email: info@a2ms.com.au Website: www.a2ms.com.au Book an appointment: A2MS Consultation Booking
For a comprehensive comparison of all pathways, read our Australian Parent Visa Options guide, or visit our Australian Parent Visa service page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is subclass 143 a permanent visa?
Yes. It provides permanent residency once granted.
Can parents apply for subclass 143 while in Australia?
Generally, yes, provided the applicable validity requirements are met and their current visa conditions do not prevent a valid application.
Does subclass 143 provide a bridging visa?
Not ordinarily for standard applicants. Specific exceptions exist for certain qualifying applicants.
How much does subclass 143 cost?
The current standard government charge for one primary applicant starts from AUD $49,900, payable in two instalments.
How long does subclass 143 take?
Home Affairs currently estimates approximately 18 years for new contributory Parent visa applications. Individual outcomes and processing periods cannot be guaranteed.
Can parents work while subclass 143 is pending?
Only where their separate current visa permits employment. The pending subclass 143 application does not itself provide work rights.
Can parents receive Medicare while waiting?
Not automatically. Certain Reciprocal Health Care Agreement and previous temporary contributory Parent visa arrangements may provide eligibility.
Can I include both parents in one application?
Eligible family members may be included, subject to the applicable relationship, health, character and additional applicant requirements.
Can parents apply for a subclass 870 while their subclass 143 is pending?
Potentially, subject to the applicable visa and sponsorship requirements. The interaction with the existing application should be assessed individually.
Is subclass 143 better than subclass 804?
They serve different circumstances. Subclass 143 has no ordinary aged-parent minimum age but does not generally provide an associated bridging visa. Subclass 804 requires aged-parent eligibility and may provide onshore bridging arrangements, but has a much longer processing queue.
Final Thoughts: Plan for the Waiting Period, Not Just the Permanent Visa
Subclass 143 can provide a pathway for eligible parents to settle permanently in Australia.
However, the high financial commitment and exceptionally long processing period mean it is not a decision to make based on the eventual permanent residence benefits alone.
Families must also consider where their parents will live during processing, whether they can obtain temporary visas to visit Australia, their healthcare arrangements and their ability to satisfy sponsorship and financial requirements.
The right migration strategy accounts for the years before permanent residency as carefully as it accounts for the eventual visa grant.
If your family is considering subclass 143, A2MS can assist with understanding the legal requirements, practical risks and available alternatives.
A2MS – Your Immigration Law Partner
Disclaimer
This article provides general Australian immigration information current as at 25 October 2026 and does not constitute advice tailored to an individual’s circumstances.
It has been prepared with reference to the Department of Home Affairs’ Parent visa procedural guidance, applicable migration legislation and current published government information.
Visa fees, processing estimates, queue release dates and immigration requirements may change. Every application must satisfy the applicable requirements, and no visa grant or processing timeframe is guaranteed.
More Parent visa guidance from A2MS
Learn how subclass 173 allows a two-stage contributory pathway to permanent subclass 143, explore bridging visa eligibility and travel restrictions, or compare the temporary Sponsored Parent visa 870.
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