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.
Main requirements
- 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.
Your journey, step by step
From the first enquiry to the decision and after, with how a registered migration agent helps at each step. No step promises an outcome.
- First enquiry
You tell us your current visa, where you are, your family and any past refusals or cancellations.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent identifies your current visa, its conditions and expiry, and any early risk. - Honest options
Compare the 173 then 143 route with a direct 143.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent compares total costs and timing. - Service agreement
Before any personal advice or preparation, you receive a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent sets out the work, the fee and the refund policy in writing. No money is taken for visa work before the agreement is signed. - Evidence and lodgement
Balance of family evidence; lodge online.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent lodges a complete application. - Queue
Wait for release; the queue estimate for new applications is about 18 years.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent keeps the case decision-ready. - Final processing
Health, police, Assurance of Support and second instalment.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent times the second instalment. - Grant
Temporary 173 (then apply for the 143) or permanent 143.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent plans the move to the 143.
Government charges from 1 July 2026
Paid to the Department of Home Affairs, not to us.
| Applicant or item | Charge (A$) |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Check every charge in the Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator.
Processing times
Home Affairs parent visa queue release dates, as at 31 August 2026. Read 22 October 2026. A guide only, not a promise.
| Estimated time for new applications | 50% in about 18 years, 90% in not published |
|---|
Common refusal reasons
- Balance of family test not met.
- Health or character.
- Assurance of Support or second instalment not provided.
Document checklist
Tick items as you gather them. Your ticks stay on this device only.
- Parent
- Children
Recent and upcoming changes
No recent changes are listed for this visa. Check the Home Affairs page for the latest information.
Talk it through before you apply.
The first 15 minutes are free and general. Personal advice starts after a written service agreement.
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice for your situation. Rules and charges change; check the official sources before you act.