Overview of the Subclass 143 Visa
The Contributory Parent visa (Subclass 143) is a permanent residence visa that allows parents of settled Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia indefinitely. Unlike the non-contributory Parent visa (Subclass 103), this subclass requires a significant financial contribution toward the applicant’s future health and welfare costs, resulting in significantly faster processing times.
As of April 2026, this visa remains the primary pathway for families seeking to reunite permanently in Australia, offering full work and study rights, access to Medicare, and a direct path toward Australian Citizenship.
Key Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Subclass 143 visa in 2026, applicants must meet the following statutory criteria:
- Sponsorship: You must be sponsored by an eligible child who is a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Balance of Family Test: At least half of your children must live permanently in Australia, or more of your children must live permanently in Australia than in any other single country.
- Assurance of Support (AoS): A legal commitment from a sponsor (or another person) to provide financial support so the applicant does not rely on Australian social security. This includes a financial bond held for 10 years.
- Health and Character: All applicants must meet the Department of Home Affairs’ strict health and character requirements.
2026 Cost and Financial Requirements
Following the April 2026 fee adjustments, the Base Application Charge has been updated to reflect current indexation. The costs are divided into two instalments to manage the financial commitment.
| Fee Component | 2026 Rate (AUD) |
| Base Application Charge (1st Instalment) | $5,040 |
| Additional Applicant (over 18) | $2,535 |
| Additional Applicant (under 18) | $1,270 |
| Second Instalment (Per Applicant) | $43,600 |
Note: The second instalment is only requested by the Department shortly before the visa is granted.
Current Processing Times
Under the March 25, 2026 Visa Processing Overhaul, the Department of Home Affairs has implemented automated digital screening to address the historical backlog. While Parent visas remain subject to annual "capping and queueing" levels, the latest percentile benchmarks for April 2026 are as follows:
- 50% of applications: Processed within 9 Months
- 90% of applications: Processed within 24 Months
These benchmarks represent a significant improvement over previous years and are applicable to "decision-ready" applications that include all required documentation (medical, police clearances, and AoS) at the time of lodgement.
Application Process and Online Lodgement
As of April 17, 2026, under legislative instrument LIN 26/005, all new applications for the Subclass 143 visa must be lodged online via ImmiAccount. Paper-based applications are no longer accepted except in verified cases of technical system failure.
- Prepare Documentation: Organise digital colour scans of identity documents, family relationship evidence, and balance of family proof.
- Lodge Online: Submit the application through the ImmiAccount portal and pay the first instalment.
- Provide Biometrics: If requested, attend a collection centre to provide digital fingerprints and a photograph.
- AoS and Second Instalment: Once the initial assessment is complete, you will be invited to provide your Assurance of Support and pay the final contribution fee.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I apply for this visa while I am in Australia?
Yes, you can apply for the Subclass 143 visa while in Australia, provided your current visa does not have a "No Further Stay" condition. However, the 143 is technically an offshore visa, and you may need to be outside Australia for the visa to be granted unless specific 2026 concessions apply.
What is the "Balance of Family" test?
This test determines the strength of your ties to Australia. You meet the test if at least half of your children are "settled" in Australia or if more of your children live in Australia than in any other country.
Do I need a mobile phone or Australian address to apply?
While you do not need to be in Australia to apply, you must provide a valid Mobile number and email address for all digital correspondence from the Department.
Can I work on a Subclass 143 visa?
Yes. As a permanent resident, you will have unrestricted rights to work and study anywhere in Australia.
Is Medicare available immediately?
Yes, holders of a Subclass 143 visa are eligible to enrol in Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system, immediately upon the grant of the visa.
