Parent Visas
Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 173/143)
Reunite with your children in Australia through the faster contributory pathway
Updated December 2024 · 12 min read min read
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Table of Contents
Why Choose Us for Your Contributory Parent Visa
Fixed, Transparent Fees
Clear pricing structure for both visa stages with no hidden costs
Expert Guidance Through Complexity
Navigate the two-stage process and Balance of Family Test with confidence from experienced migration professionals
Long-Term Partnership
Support throughout your 12-14 year journey from application to permanent residency
About the Contributory Parent Visa
The Contributory Parent Visa program offers two pathways to permanent residency for parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.
Understanding Your Options
Contributory Parent (Temporary)
- Valid for 2 years
- First stage of two-stage pathway
- Allows you to spread costs over time
- Cannot be extended or renewed
Contributory Parent (Permanent)
- Grants permanent residency
- Can be applied for directly OR as second stage after 173
- Provides full permanent resident benefits
The Fundamental Choice: Time vs. Cost
The contributory pathway requires a substantial financial investment but offers processing within 12-14 years. In contrast, non-contributory parent visas (Subclass 103/804) have much lower fees but processing times of 25-30 years or more.
This trade-off between cost and time is the most important strategic decision your family will make.
Eligibility Requirements
Both you (the applicant) and your sponsor (your child) must meet specific requirements
Requirements for Sponsors
Age
Must be 18 years or older
Status
Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
Settlement
Usually resident in Australia (generally 2+ years residency)
Financial Commitment
Willing to provide Assurance of Support
Sponsorship
Can sponsor more than one parent
Benefits & Rights
With Subclass 173 (Temporary) You Can:
- ✓Live in Australia for 2 years
- ✓Work without restrictions with guaranteed minimum wage
- ✓Study without restrictions
- ✓Travel in and out of Australia for 2 years
- ✓Enroll in Medicare
With Subclass 143 (Permanent) You Can:
All temporary visa benefits PLUS:
- Stay indefinitely in Australia
- Access 5-year travel facility
- Apply for citizenship once eligible
- Sponsor family members to come to Australia
- Access social security (after waiting periods)
Two-Stage Process Explained
Choose between applying directly for permanent residency or taking the two-stage pathway
Option 2: Two-Stage Pathway (173 → 143)
Stage 1: Subclass 173 (Temporary)
- • Apply and pay first installment
- • Processing time: ~12-14 years
- • Granted 2-year temporary visa
- • Can work, study, access Medicare
Stage 2: Subclass 143 (Permanent)
- • Apply before 173 expires
- • Pay second installment
- • Receive permanent residency
- • No need to leave Australia
Advantages
- Spread costs over time (up to 2 years apart)
- Assurance of Support only required for permanent stage
- Flexibility to add dependents more easily
- In Australia during processing on temporary visa
Disadvantages
- Two separate application processes
- Potential fee increases between stages
- 173 visa cannot be extended
- Limited visa options while on 173
Document Checklist
Comprehensive list of documents required for your contributory parent visa application
Documents for Sponsors
Identity Documents
- ☐Passport (biographical page + photo)
- ☐Citizenship certificate or birth certificate
- ☐Proof of settlement in Australia (utility bills, lease, etc.)
Relationship Evidence
- ☐Evidence of relationship to applicant (birth certificate showing parent-child relationship)
- ☐Proof of all children for Balance of Family Test
- ☐Evidence why certain children should not be counted (e.g., death certificates)
Need help preparing your documents?
We can review your documents, identify gaps, and ensure everything is properly certified and translated.
Get Document ReviewCosts & Fees
Understanding all costs involved in your contributory parent visa application
Government Visa Application Fees (as at December 2024)
| Applicant Type | Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Main applicant (173 first installment) | $3,395 |
| Main applicant (173 second installment) | $29,130 |
| Main applicant (143 first installment) | $445 |
| Main applicant (143 second installment) | $19,420 |
| Total for two-stage pathway | $52,390 |
Government fees are subject to change annually (usually July 1). Second installments are only requested after provisional approval and are non-refundable.
Additional Costs
Our Professional Fees
Two-Stage Pathway (173 → 143)
- Stage 1 (173) professional fees:From $4,500 + GST
- Stage 2 (143) professional fees:From $2,500 + GST
- Total professional fees:From $7,000 + GST
Direct 143 (One-Stage)
- Professional fees:From $5,500 + GST
One application process, same total government fees as two-stage
Payment plans available: We offer flexible payment plans to help spread the cost of professional fees over time.
Want a detailed cost estimate for your situation?
Book a free consultation for a personalized quote based on your specific circumstances.
Get Your QuoteProcessing Times
Understanding realistic timeframes for your contributory parent visa application
Current Processing Time Estimates
Due to annual visa caps and queuing, applications may take a minimum of 12-14 years to process.
Two-Stage Assessment Process
- Stage 1: Department checks eligibility and adds application to queue or refuses it
- Stage 2: When a place becomes available, Department continues assessment and makes decision
Factors Affecting Processing Times
What Affects Processing?
- • Application completeness
- • Queue position (capping and queuing applies)
- • Annual visa caps (6,800 contributory parent visas for 2024-25)
- • Health and character clearances
- • Response time to Department requests
How We Help
- • Complete applications from the start
- • Organized evidence with explanations
- • Prompt responses to requests
- • Regular updates throughout processing
- • Strategic timing of lodgement
Important Note
Processing times are estimates only. The Department processes applications in queue order as places become available under the annual program. These timeframes are significantly faster than non-contributory parent visas (25-30+ years).
Balance of Family Test
A critical eligibility requirement that determines if you can apply for a parent visa
What Is the Balance of Family Test?
The Balance of Family Test is a mandatory requirement stating that at least half of your children must live permanently in Australia, OR more of your children must live in Australia than in any other single country.
You PASS if:
- At least half of your children live in Australia, OR
- More children live in Australia than in any other single country
You FAIL if:
- Less than half of your children live in Australia, AND
- More children live in another country than in Australia
Who Counts as "Children"?
Children Who Count:
- Biological children
- Adopted children
- Step-children
- Children of both parents
All children are counted, regardless of age or dependency status.
Important Notes:
- • Children who have passed away are not counted
- • Children whose whereabouts are unknown may not be counted (with evidence)
- • Step-children only count if the relationship still exists
- • Children must be counted even if estranged
What If You Don't Meet the Balance of Family Test?
You will not be eligible for contributory parent visas (or any parent visa). This is often the first assessment point and a common reason for ineligibility.
Alternative Options:
- • Consider other visa pathways
- • Visitor visas for extended stays
- • We can advise on your specific situation
How We Help
Supporting you through the 12-14+ year journey from application to permanent residency
Our Services Include:
- Comprehensive eligibility assessment including Balance of Family Test analysis
- Strategic pathway advice (one-stage vs. two-stage)
- Document preparation and review to ensure completeness
- Application lodgement for both stages
- Liaison with Department of Home Affairs
- Assurance of Support guidance and support
- Response to RFIs (Requests for Information)
- Regular updates throughout the 12-14 year process
Why Choose Us:
Experienced Specialists
Extensive experience with parent visa applications and Balance of Family Test
Fixed-Fee Pricing
Know your costs upfront with no surprises
Direct Access
Work directly with migration lawyers
Long-Term Support
We're here for you throughout the entire journey
Client Satisfaction Guarantee
Your success is our priority
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers to your contributory parent visa questions
The two-stage pathway (173→143) allows you to spread costs over time and provides temporary residence while waiting for permanent residency. The one-stage (direct 143) requires full payment upfront but has the same total cost. The best choice depends on your financial circumstances and whether you want to be in Australia during processing. We can help you decide based on your specific situation.
Yes, Subclass 173 visa holders can enroll in Medicare.
You must apply for the 143 before your 173 expires. The 173 cannot be extended. If it expires without applying for 143, you'll need to leave Australia or apply for another visa.
Yes, you can include your partner and dependent children in your application. They must also meet health and character requirements.
The AoS is a legal commitment where an assurer (usually your sponsor) agrees to repay the government for any social security payments you receive in your first years in Australia. A bond of approximately $14,000 (for 2 applicants) is held for 10 years. Meeting the AoS requirement is mandatory for the visa to be granted.
Current estimates are 12-14+ years due to annual visa caps and high demand. This is significantly faster than non-contributory parent visas (25-30+ years).
If you're in Australia on a bridging visa or Subclass 173, you can generally work (check your specific visa conditions). If you're offshore waiting for a Subclass 143, you cannot work in Australia until the visa is granted.
Unfortunately, you will not be eligible for these parent visas. However, other options may be available depending on your circumstances. Contact us to discuss alternatives.
Ready to Reunite with Your Family in Australia?
The Contributory Parent visa process is complex and takes many years. Having experienced migration lawyers guide you from the start ensures your application is complete, compliant, and gives you the best chance of success.
Or email us at info@m2migration.com.au
Related Parent Visa Resources
Non-Contributory Parent Visa (103/804)
Lower cost but longer wait alternative
Learn more →Sponsored Parent Visa (870)
Temporary visa option for parents
Learn more →Parent Visa Comparison
Compare all parent visa options
Learn more →Balance of Family Test Guide
Understand this critical requirement
Learn more →Why Choose M2 Migration for Your Contributory Parent Visa?
Supporting you through the 12-14+ year journey from application to permanent residency
Long-Term Partnership
We're here for you throughout the entire 12-14+ year journey, not just at lodgement. Regular updates, ongoing support, and a dedicated team that knows your case.
Two-Stage Expertise
Specific experience managing both 173 and 143 applications. We understand the strategic decisions at each stage and guide you through both processes.
Cost Transparency
Clear breakdown of all costs across both stages with no hidden fees. Fixed-fee pricing and payment plans available to spread the cost over time.
Balance of Family Test Specialists
Dedicated expertise in this critical requirement. We help you understand if you meet the test and prepare compelling evidence to support your case.
Fixed Fees
Predictable costs unlike hourly billing. You'll know exactly what you're paying from the start, with no surprises along the way.
Regular Updates
Commitment to keeping you informed throughout the long process. We proactively communicate with you, even when there's no news from the Department.
We Know Your Journey—We've Been There
At M2 Migration, we're not just immigration lawyers—we're former migrants, partners of migrants, and children of migrants. We've helped our own family members navigate parent visa applications and understand the emotional and financial commitment involved. That's why we built M2 Migration—to provide the support and expertise we wished our families had.