Subclass 143 / Permanent residence
Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143)
A longer future. Closer to family.
Explore a permanent parent pathway with a realistic view of the requirements, costs and wait. We help you connect the family evidence and financial commitments to a practical plan.
- Visa type
- Permanent
- Age-pension-age requirement
- Does not apply
- Processing
- Capped and queued
What this pathway offers
Your family plans. A permanent pathway.
The 143 can be applied for directly or as the permanent stage after the 173. The appropriate application and charges depend on your visa history.
Permanent residence
If granted, live, work and study in Australia as a permanent resident, with travel arrangements governed by the grant.
Keep family at the centre
Build your plans around a settled child in Australia and the family circumstances that support the application.
Consider the application route
Compare a direct application with the separate 173-to-143 pathway before deciding how to structure the costs and steps.
The requirements in context
What needs to line up.
For a standard application, the main checks connect your family, sponsor and ability to meet the visa requirements:
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An eligible settled child and sponsor
Usually, an adult child who is a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen sponsors you. Other permitted sponsorship arrangements need individual checking.
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The balance-of-family test
Check all relevant children and stepchildren against the formal test. Qualifying retirement-pathway applicants and some existing temporary-stage holders have different requirements.
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Assurance of Support and charges
A standard 143 application requires an Assurance of Support. Plan the visa charges, including any later instalment, separately from the assurance and its bond.
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Location, visa history and personal checks
You may apply in or outside Australia, outside immigration clearance, subject to your circumstances. Check health, character, visa conditions and any 870 application or visa before lodging.
Contributory does not mean a short wait.
New contributory parent applications are capped and queued. The higher visa charge does not guarantee quick processing or a particular decision date.
A direct 143 applicant usually needs to be outside Australia at decision. Different decision-location rules can apply to qualifying retirees and relevant former or current 173 holders. A separate plan for any current stay is essential.
A plan you can follow
From your family plans to the next step.
We help you understand which route applies and what to prepare now, while keeping future requests and costs in view.
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Confirm the application route
Review the family structure, sponsor, existing visas and whether this is a direct or temporary-to-permanent application.
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Prepare the family evidence
Build the identity, relationship and family-residence records needed to explain eligibility. Identify gaps before lodging.
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Lodge online
Use the current ImmiAccount process and pay the required initial charge. Check the instructions relevant to a direct or second-stage application.
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Manage assessment and later requirements
Keep details current while waiting. Respond to requests for the Assurance of Support, checks and later instalment at the appropriate stage.
Preparation that makes sense
The right records. A clearer application.
Your checklist should reflect the pathway and your circumstances. Depending on the application, it may include:
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Identity records and relevant visa or previous-application details.
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Family relationship documents and details of children and stepchildren.
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Evidence of eligible children's status and residence, where required.
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Sponsor identity, status and settlement evidence.
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Assurance of Support material and health or character documents when required.
A little more clarity
Your 143 questions, made clearer.
Start with the essentials, then look at how the requirements apply to your family and circumstances.
Must I hold the 173 first?
No. You can apply directly for the 143 if you meet its requirements. The alternative two-stage route involves a 173 application followed by a separate 143 application. Compare the eligibility, total charges and practical steps before choosing a route.
What if I already hold the 173?
Plan the second-stage 143 application before your 173 expires. Current and certain former 173 holders have specific application rules and charges. Check your visa history, lodgement timing and any bridging or travel arrangements. Follow the current Home Affairs instructions.
Is the Assurance of Support the same as sponsorship?
No. Sponsorship and the Assurance of Support are separate requirements. Services Australia assesses the assurance, including the financial requirements and bond. A standard contributory parent assurance lasts ten years and can create liability for specified income support payments. Qualifying retirement-pathway applicants have different requirements.
Does every retiree qualify for an exemption?
No. The retirement pathway has specific requirements involving qualifying subclass 405 or 410 visa history, restrictions on later substantive visas and applying in Australia. Being retired or reaching a particular age does not itself create an exemption. Review the retirement-pathway criteria against your full visa history.
How long will it take and what will it cost?
New contributory parent applications are capped and queued, with substantial waits. The higher visa charge does not guarantee a decision date. Check the current queue guidance and fee information. Plan the initial charge, any later instalment and any Assurance of Support bond separately. We explain our professional fees and scope before you proceed.
Your next step starts with you
Plan the pathway. Understand the commitments.
Tell us about your family, current location and longer-term plans. We will help you assess the 143 pathway and the preparation involved.