Contributory Parent Visa Australia: Subclass 143, 173, 864 and 884 Explained
Contributory parent visas are the faster route to Australia for parents who want to live here with their children. They cost far more than the non contributory parent visa, and the government charges the extra amount because it recognises that the wait would otherwise be measured in decades. Even so, the wait is still long, and the total cost is large enough that families need to understand every step before they commit.
There are four contributory parent visas. The subclass 143 and subclass 173 are for parents who usually apply from outside Australia. The subclass 864 and subclass 884 are the aged parent versions for parents who are already in Australia. Within each pair, one visa is permanent and the other is temporary, and the temporary visa can lead to the permanent one. This page explains how the four fit together, who is eligible, what the balance of family test involves, how the costs are structured, how long the process takes and what to prepare.
It is written for Australian citizens and permanent residents who want to bring their parents here, and for parents in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Europe and Australia. If you would like your family situation reviewed by a person, Migration Factor offers a free consultation. You can request a free consultation through our contact form. Nothing on this page guarantees a visa outcome or a timeframe. Fees, queue positions and rules change, so please treat this as a planning guide.
On this page
What Contributory Parent Visas Are
A contributory parent visa lets a parent live in Australia, either temporarily for two years or permanently, in return for a much higher government charge than the standard parent visa. The charge is paid in two instalments. A smaller first instalment is paid when you lodge. A much larger second instalment is paid later, when the Department releases the application for final processing.
The idea is that families who can afford the larger contribution should be able to reach a decision sooner than families who wait in the non contributory queue. The Home Affairs description of the subclass 143 is that it is a permanent visa for parents of eligible Australian citizens, permanent residents and New Zealand citizens, and the other three follow the same logic with differences in location and duration.
The visas are capped, so applications are placed in a queue and processed in the order they were lodged. The queue is long, and there is no formal priority lane. Applying earlier, with a complete application, is the best way to secure a place.
The Four Visas Compared
A quick comparison helps before the detail.
| Visa subclass | Overview |
|---|---|
| Subclass 143 Contributory Parent | A permanent visa. It is generally applied for from outside Australia, and the parent receives permanent residence when it is granted. |
| Subclass 173 Contributory Parent (Temporary) | A temporary visa lasting two years, generally applied for from outside Australia. It is a stepping stone, because the holder can later apply for the subclass 143 with a reduced second instalment. |
| Subclass 864 Contributory Aged Parent | A permanent visa for parents who are already in Australia and who have reached the Australian pension age, which is 67. |
| Subclass 884 Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) | A temporary visa lasting two years for aged parents who are in Australia. It is a stepping stone to the subclass 864. |
The temporary visas allow parents to live in Australia sooner, and the second instalment is split between the temporary and permanent stages. Families choose between the direct permanent route and the temporary stepping stone depending on how fast they want the parent to arrive and how they want to manage the cost.
Who These Visas Are For
Contributory parent visas suit families who:
- Have an adult child who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, willing to sponsor
- Pass the balance of family test, meaning the parent's children are mainly settled in Australia
- Can afford the combined government charges, the assurance of support and the other costs
- Want a faster option than the non contributory parent visa and accept that a long wait remains
- Have a parent who can meet the health and character requirements
The aged parent versions, subclass 864 and 884, are for parents who are already in Australia and who meet the age requirement. Practitioner sources do not report a minimum age requirement for the subclass 143 and 173, but please check the current Department guidance for your parent's circumstances.
Eligibility Requirements at a Glance
The main requirements reported across the four visas are:
- The parent has an eligible sponsor, usually an adult child who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen settled in Australia
- The parent passes the balance of family test
- An assurance of support is provided when the Department asks for it
- The parent meets health and character requirements, and so do any family members included in the application
- For the subclass 864 and 884, the parent is in Australia when they apply and is at least 67 years old
- For the subclass 143 and 173, the parent applies according to the location rules set by the Department, and the sponsor meets the sponsorship criteria
- The second instalment of the visa application charge is paid when the Department requests it
Check the current requirements on the Home Affairs website before you lodge, because the Department can change the details and a missed requirement can cost a family years in the queue.
The Balance of Family Test
The balance of family test is a central requirement. A parent generally passes if at least half of their eligible children live in Australia as citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens, or if more of their eligible children live in Australia than in any other single country.
Examples show how it works. If a parent has four children and two live in Australia while the other two live together in another country, the parent is unlikely to pass. If the two overseas children live in different countries, the result can be different. Children who are temporary visa holders in Australia are generally counted as living overseas for this purpose. Practitioner sources report that the test cannot be waived for compassionate reasons, so the family details matter a great deal.
Work through the test carefully before you pay any charge. Gather evidence of each child's citizenship or residence status and where each child lives. If a child should not be counted, such as because they have died, collect the documents that explain this.
The Sponsor
The sponsor is usually the parent's adult child, or the child's spouse or partner. The sponsor must be at least 18 years old and an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen who usually lives in Australia. Some sources report a requirement of a period of lawful residence, such as two years, so check the Department's current rules.
Sponsorship is a serious commitment. The sponsor supports the application, may need to meet financial thresholds for the assurance of support, and takes on obligations after the visa is granted. Make sure the sponsor understands what they are agreeing to and has an honest view of their own finances.
Assurance of Support
An assurance of support is a legal commitment, given to the government, that the parent will not need to rely on certain social security payments for a set period. For contributory parent visas, practitioner sources report a bond of about AUD 10,000 for the main applicant and about AUD 4,000 for each additional adult, so about AUD 14,000 for a couple. They also report a period of about ten years, with the bond refunded if no recoverable payments are claimed. These figures come from migration practitioners, and the details have changed over time, so please confirm the current amounts, period and assurer requirements with the Department and Services Australia.
The assurer must usually meet minimum income requirements, and the assurance is generally requested later in the process rather than at lodgement. Families should plan for it from the beginning, because a sponsor who cannot meet the requirements may need to look for another assurer.
Application Charges and the Cost Structure
The cost of a contributory parent visa is the main reason families think carefully before applying. The charge has two instalments.
First instalment. This is paid when you lodge. Practitioner sources report different amounts, from about AUD 4,000 to about AUD 6,300 for the main applicant, with lower amounts for additional adults and children. The figure differs by source and by whether the applicant is applying directly for the permanent visa or has held a temporary visa first. Please check the exact amount in the Department's Visa Pricing Estimator.
Second instalment. This is paid later, when the Department releases the application for final processing and invites payment. Several practitioner sources report about AUD 43,600 per adult for a parent applying directly for the subclass 143 or 864. That means a couple can expect a total of roughly AUD 95,000 when both instalments are added up. For the temporary visas, the second instalment is reported at about AUD 29,130 at the temporary stage, with a reduced amount when the holder later moves to the permanent visa. Reported amounts for a parent who moves from the temporary to the permanent visa are much lower than the full second instalment, but sources differ, so confirm the figure that applies to your situation.
The second instalment is not required if the application is refused or withdrawn before it is requested. Even so, the first instalment is not refunded.
Beyond the government charges, budget for:
- The assurance of support bond, which is a refundable deposit held for the obligation period
- Medical examinations for the parent and any included family members, which sources estimate at several hundred dollars per person
- Police certificates and character documents from each country where the parent has lived
- Certified translations and document copies
- Health insurance for the parent, particularly while on a temporary visa
- Professional assistance, if you choose to use it
A family should add all of these costs together before deciding, because the total outlay can be very large.
Processing Time and the Queue
Contributory parent applications are capped and queued. Home Affairs publishes current queue dates and estimated processing timeframes. These can change and do not predict an individual decision date; check the official queue guidance when planning.
A few practical points follow.
- Applications are processed in queue date order, and there is no formal priority queue for contributory parent visas
- The Department generally does not respond to individual status enquiries
- A complete application and a quick response to requests help once the application is released, but they do not change your place in the queue
- The second instalment is requested only when the application is released for final processing, so cost planning needs to stretch over many years
Because the wait is so long, a parent who is 60 today may be well into their seventies when the visa is decided. Families should think about health, living arrangements and finances during that time.
The Temporary Stepping Stone: Subclass 173 and 884
The temporary visas are a way to bring a parent to Australia sooner, with less cost at that stage. The subclass 173 and 884 each allow a stay of two years. After that, the parent can apply for the permanent visa, with a reduced second instalment to reflect the amount already paid.
The temporary route has advantages. The parent can arrive earlier and the second instalment is spread across two stages. It also has risks. Temporary visa holders may have limited access to public services, so health insurance is important. The parent still needs to apply for the permanent visa and meet its requirements, and the total cost across both stages may be similar to or slightly higher than the direct route. Families should compare both routes with current figures before they decide.
Health and Character Requirements
The parent and any family members included in the application must meet health and character requirements. Health examinations are usually requested at a later stage, not at lodgement, and police certificates are required from countries where the parent has lived for a certain period.
A significant health condition can affect a contributory parent visa. The Department assesses whether a condition is likely to create significant costs for the Australian community or limit access to services. A health waiver may be possible in some cases, but the family has to present medical evidence and may need to show how costs will be managed. If you have concerns about a parent's health, take advice early.
Documents Checklist
Document requirements depend on the family, but a solid starting checklist includes:
- The parent's passport and identity documents
- Evidence of the parent's age and, for the aged parent visas, their current visa and lawful status in Australia
- The sponsor's identity documents and evidence of citizenship, permanent residence or eligible New Zealand status
- Evidence of the relationship between the sponsor and the parent, such as birth certificates
- Details and evidence for every child of the parent, including their status and where they live, for the balance of family test
- Evidence for any child who should not be counted, such as a death certificate
- The sponsor's financial documents, where needed for the assurance of support
- Police certificates and military records from relevant countries
- Health examination results when requested
- Certified English translations of any document that is not in English
Names, dates and relationships must match across documents. A mismatch in a child's date of birth or a missing document can cause delays that are hard to recover from in a long queue.
How to Apply Step by Step
The usual sequence is below. The details differ slightly between the offshore and onshore visas.
Decide which visa fits your parent, based on their age, their location and whether you prefer the temporary stepping stone.
Work through the balance of family test carefully, with evidence for every child.
Confirm that the sponsor is eligible and understands the obligations.
Check the current charges and total cost, including both instalments.
Gather the documents, including certified translations.
Lodge the application and pay the first instalment.
Keep the Department updated about changes in your circumstances, such as a new address, a change in a child's status or a change in the parent's visa.
When the application is released for final processing, pay the second instalment, provide the assurance of support and complete health examinations when requested.
Wait for the decision, and for a temporary visa, plan for the permanent application when the time comes.
A complete application at lodgement helps once the application is released, because fewer requests for more information are needed.
Contributory Parent Visas Compared With Other Parent Options
Families often compare contributory visas with other pathways.
- Aged Parent visa subclass 804. The non contributory onshore visa for parents aged 67 or older. It costs much less, but the wait is measured in decades.
- Parent visa subclass 103. The non contributory offshore visa, with a similarly long wait.
- Sponsored Parent temporary visa subclass 870. A temporary visa that allows a parent to stay for extended periods without permanent residence. It has its own sponsor requirements and health insurance conditions, and it is not a pathway to permanent residence.
- Visitor visas. Short stays that do not give permanent residence.
The right choice depends on the parent's age and health, the family's finances and the family's long term plans. A consultation can help you compare these before you commit to one path.
Common Reasons Applications Fail
Problems with contributory parent applications come from a limited number of causes.
- The parent does not pass the balance of family test
- The sponsor does not meet the eligibility criteria or cannot meet the financial obligations for the assurance of support
- The parent does not meet the age or location requirements for the visa they applied for
- Health or character concerns that are not resolved
- Incomplete or inconsistent documents, including mismatched names and dates
- The second instalment or assurance of support is not provided when requested
- Changes in family circumstances that are not reported to the Department
- False or misleading information, which can have serious long term consequences
Many of these can be addressed before you lodge. The most important step is a careful and honest assessment of the family's circumstances before any charge is paid.
Considerations for Families From Pakistan, India and Other Countries
Families from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka commonly ask about documenting the status and location of every child, because many families have children in several countries. The balance of family test depends on these details, so records of each child's citizenship or residence and where they live should be complete and consistent. Certified translations are required for documents not in English, and police certificates from the parent's home country can take time to obtain.
The requirements do not differ by nationality. What matters is the parent's age, location, the balance of family test, the sponsor's eligibility, the family's finances and the family's patience for the queue. Families from Europe face the same rules, although they may have different documents to supply.
Australian sponsors should think about the practical side as well. The assurance of support is a formal financial commitment, and the combined costs are large. It is worth making sure the whole family is comfortable with the plan before the first payment is made.
How Professional Help Can Assist
A migration professional cannot shorten the queue, guarantee a visa or change the cap on places. What a good adviser can do is help you work through the balance of family test, confirm that the sponsor and parent meet the requirements, compare the four visas and the alternatives with current figures, check documents for consistency, explain the cost structure and advise on what to do if the family's circumstances change.
This review is most useful before you pay the first instalment, because it is not refunded. Make sure anyone you pay for immigration advice in Australia is appropriately authorised, and ask to see their registration details.
Why Consider Migration Factor
Migration Factor provides information and assistance on Australian visa pathways, including family and parent visas. We offer a free consultation where you can talk through your parent's situation, your family's circumstances and your options before deciding on your next step. To arrange one, request a free consultation through our contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a contributory parent visa?
It is a parent visa that charges a much higher second instalment in return for a shorter wait than the non contributory parent visa. There are four versions, the subclass 143, 173, 864 and 884.
What is the difference between the subclass 143 and the subclass 173?
The subclass 143 is a permanent visa and the subclass 173 is a temporary visa for two years. The holder of a 173 can later apply for the 143 with a reduced second instalment.
What is the difference between the subclass 864 and the subclass 884?
They are the onshore aged parent versions. The subclass 864 is permanent and the 884 is a temporary two year visa that can lead to the 864. The parent must be in Australia and aged 67 or older.
What is the contributory parent visa balance of family test?
At least half of the parent's eligible children must be Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens living in Australia, or more of their children must live in Australia than in any other single country.
Who can sponsor a parent for a contributory visa?
Usually an adult child who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen who usually lives in Australia, or that child's spouse or partner. The sponsor must meet the Department's criteria.
How much does a contributory parent visa cost?
The charge has two instalments. Practitioner sources report a first instalment of roughly AUD 4,000 to AUD 6,300 and a second instalment of about AUD 43,600 per adult for the permanent visa, or roughly AUD 95,000 for a couple in total. Confirm current figures in the Visa Pricing Estimator.
How long does a contributory parent visa take to process?
Contributory parent applications are capped and queued. Home Affairs publishes current queue dates and estimated processing timeframes. These can change and do not predict an individual decision date; check the official queue guidance when planning.
What is the assurance of support for contributory parent visas?
It is a financial commitment, given to the government, that the parent will not need certain social security payments for a set period. Practitioners report a bond of about AUD 10,000 for the main applicant and AUD 4,000 per additional adult for about ten years. Confirm the current requirements.
Do the temporary contributory visas lead to permanent residence?
They can. The subclass 173 leads to the 143 and the subclass 884 leads to the 864, with a reduced second instalment, but the holder must apply and meet the requirements for the permanent visa.
Can my parent apply from overseas?
Yes, through the subclass 143 or 173. Parents who are already in Australia and aged 67 or older can apply for the subclass 864 or 884.
What documents do I need for a contributory parent visa?
Typically the parent's passport and identity documents, the sponsor's documents, evidence of the relationship, evidence for every child for the balance of family test, police certificates and health examination results. More may be requested.
Can Pakistani and Indian parents apply for a contributory parent visa?
Yes. The same criteria apply to all nationalities. What matters is the balance of family test, the sponsor, the parent's age and location, and the family's ability to meet the costs.
Why do contributory parent visa applications fail?
Common causes include failing the balance of family test, an ineligible sponsor, not meeting the age or location requirement, unresolved health or character concerns, missing documents and false information.
Next Step
If you are working out the balance of family test, comparing the four contributory visas or deciding between the temporary and permanent routes, request a free consultation with Migration Factor through our contact form. Please bring your parent's passport and visa details and a list of all of their children with their citizenship and location, so the conversation can be specific.
Explore your next step
Discuss your contributory parent visas options
Request a free consultation with Migration Factor to discuss your circumstances and the information you need to prepare.
Request a consultationGeneral planning information from Migration Factor. Requirements, fees and processing settings can change. Confirm current official requirements before applying; no outcome or timeframe is guaranteed. Read the official Home Affairs guidance.
