Bringing your parents to Australia is a life-changing decision. The Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) is the primary pathway for families who want to bypass the decades-long wait of non-contributory visas.
Below is a deep dive into the costs, requirements, and strategic steps for a successful application.
What is the Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143)?
The Subclass 143 is a permanent residency visa that allows parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents to move to Australia.
Why it is the “Fast-Track” Option
While “6 years” sounds long, it is a “fast-track” compared to the Parent Visa (Subclass 103), which currently has a queue of over 30 years. By paying a “contribution” to the Australian government, you prioritize your parents’ future in the country.
The Financial Commitment (The “Contribution”)
The current cost is approximately $47,955 AUD per person (paid in the second installment). This contribution helps offset potential healthcare and social security costs for the Australian community.

Eligibility Criteria for Parents (The Applicants)
Not every parent is eligible. There are two “deal-breaker” requirements that must be checked before applying.
The Balance-of-Family Test: A Deep Dive
This test measures your parents’ ties to Australia. To pass:
- At least half of their children must be eligible children (Australian citizens or PRs).
- OR more of their children must live in Australia than in any other single country.
- Note: All children, including step-children and adopted children, are usually counted.
The “Assurance of Support” (AoS) Requirement
Before the visa is granted, an “Assurer” (usually the child) must provide a legal bond:
- The Bond: Approximately $10,000 AUD (for one parent) or $15,000 AUD (for two parents).
- The Term: Held by the government for 10 years.
- Purpose: To repay any social security payments claimed by the parents during their first decade in Australia.
Eligibility Criteria for Children (The Sponsors)
The sponsor is the backbone of the application. The Department of Home Affairs looks for stability.
“Settled” Status in Australia
A sponsor must be “settled,” which generally means living in Australia lawfully for at least two years before the application is lodged.
Legal and Financial Obligations
By sponsoring your parents, you are legally committed to:
- Providing support and accommodation for their first 2 years in Australia.
- Covering any costs related to their relocation.
Understanding the Cost Breakdown
Applying for the 143 Visa involves several stages of payment:
First Installment (At Lodgement)
This covers the base application charge (approximately $4,765 AUD for the main applicant). This fee gets your parents into the queue.
Second Installment (Before Grant)
This is the heavy “contribution” fee ($43,600 AUD per person). You only pay this once the visa is ready to be granted—usually 5–6 years after the initial application.
Processing Times and Strategy
The current processing time is estimated at 5–6 years.
Why You Should Apply Sooner Rather Than Later
The government sets a “cap” on how many parent visas are granted each year. As demand increases, the queue only gets longer. Locking in your “lodgement date” now is the best gift you can give your parents.
Transitioning from Visa 173 to 143
If the $50k cost is too high to pay at once, parents can apply for the Subclass 173 (Temporary) visa first, which allows you to split the costs over two stages.
How LEVISA Makes the Dream Possible
The Subclass 143 application is document-heavy and requires precise timing. At LEVISA, we provide end-to-end support:
- Pre-Assessment: Detailed check of the Balance-of-Family test.
- AoS Guidance: Navigating the Centrelink process for the Assurance of Support.
- Health and Character: Managing medical referrals and police checks.
Family is where life begins and love never ends. Let LEVISA bring your parents home to Australia.
LEVISA – Tư vấn Hồ sơ du học – định cư
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