Visa file / Partner and family visas
Contributory Parent visas 143 / 173
Higher-cost parent visas applied for outside Australia, with a queue estimated at about 18 years.
In force
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.
Published eligibility
- Balance of family test and a sponsor.
- Assurance of Support.
- Outside Australia when applying and at grant.
- Health and character.
Where you apply from
Outside Australia.
Related
From first enquiry to grant and after.
The usual steps, and where a registered migration agent can help at each one. Immi Worldwide gives general information and settlement support, never advice about your visa.
- 01
First enquiry
You tell the registered migration agent your current visa, where you are, your family and any past refusals or cancellations.
Where a registered migration agent can helpIdentifies your current visa, its conditions and expiry, and any early risk.
- 02
Honest options
Compare the 173 then 143 route with a direct 143.
Where a registered migration agent can helpCompares total costs and timing.
- 03
Service agreement
Before any personal advice or preparation, you receive a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.
Where a registered migration agent can helpSets out the work, the fee and the refund policy in writing. No money is taken for visa work before the agreement is signed.
- 04
Evidence and lodgement
Balance of family evidence; lodge online.
Where a registered migration agent can helpLodges a complete application.
- 05
Queue
Wait for release; the queue estimate for new applications is about 18 years.
Where a registered migration agent can helpKeeps the case decision-ready.
- 06
Final processing
Health, police, Assurance of Support and second instalment.
Where a registered migration agent can helpTimes the second instalment.
- 07
Grant
Temporary 173 (then apply for the 143) or permanent 143.
Where a registered migration agent can helpPlans the move to the 143.
Charges and processing times.
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Source: Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026. Check the Visa Pricing Estimator before you rely on a figure.
| Stream | 50% decided within | 90% decided within |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated time for new applications | about 18 years | Not published |
Home Affairs parent visa queue release dates, as at 31 August 2026. Read 22 October 2026. Times change monthly and are not a promise. Global visa processing times.
Common refusal reasons
- 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. They are not Departmental statistics.
Document checklist
Parent
Children
A general list. The Department's own document checklist for your application is the one that counts. Ticks stay on this page only.
What changed, and what people ask.
No recent changes are listed for this visa. Check the Home Affairs page for the latest information.
Sources
- Home Affairs: Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143)
- Home Affairs: Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 173)
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice about your circumstances.
How any of these rules applies to a particular person, which visa to choose, and any application are immigration assistance, given only by a registered migration agent.
Immi Worldwide does not give immigration assistance. For advice about your own situation, Immi Worldwide can refer you to Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130, of The Immigration Worldwide Pty Ltd, or you can choose any registered migration agent.
The referral form opens with the box to pass your enquiry to the registered agent already ticked. Immi Worldwide does not charge for a referral.