Contributory Parent Visas 143 & 173

The Contributory Parent Visa program includes two key subclasses: Subclass 173 (Temporary) and Subclass 143 (Permanent). These visas allow parents to join their children in Australia either temporarily or permanently, depending on the pathway they choose.

Subclass 173 is a temporary visa valid for 2 years and cannot be extended or renewed. Holders of the 173 visa may apply for the permanent Subclass 143 visa within this period without needing to meet the Balance of Family Test again.

Subclass 143 is a permanent visa that allows the parent to live in Australia indefinitely, with access to Medicare, work and study rights, and a pathway to Australian citizenship.

Applicants for both visas must meet the Balance of Family Test, which requires that at least half of their children live in Australia as permanent residents or citizens, or that more of their children live in Australia than in any other single country.

An Assurance of Support (AoS) is required for the permanent Subclass 143 visa to ensure the parent will not rely on public funds. This is a legal commitment from a sponsor (usually the child) to financially support the applicant for 10 years.

Applicants must meet health and character requirements, and the process can take several years due to high demand.