Visa 173 vs 143 Australia

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What is Visa 173

The visa 173 which is also known as the contributory parent visa (temporary). its allows parents to stay in Australia for up to 2 years. During this time they can live, work and study in Australia while preparing for permanent residency. This temporary visa serves as a first step for families who want to spread out the substantial costs involved. The Australian visa 173 is often seen as the first step for many parents before transitioning to permanent residency.

What is Visa 143

The visa 143 which is also known as contributory parent visa Australia (permanent) grants parents full permanent residency. With this visa, parents can access public facilities like Medicare, and they can work and study without restrictions and eventually apply for Australian citizenship. This is the ultimate goal for most applicants who start with visa 173.

Together, these visas are part of the contributory parent visa Australia program which is designed for parents willing to make a financial contribution to offset their potential healthcare and social security costs in Australia.

Key Features of Visa 173/143:

While many applicants directly apply for the parent visa subclass 143, others choose the 173 visa to 143 route to better manage the upfront costs involved.

parent visa au
  • Priority processing compared to non-contributory parent visas.
  • Pathway to permanent residency.
  • Access to healthcare and social benefits.
  • Option to include spouse or partner in the application.
  • Work and study rights while in Australia.
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Why Choose Visa 173/143?

“Why not just apply for a different parent visa?” you might ask. Well, Visa 173/143 offers some very specific perks:

  • Priority processing compared to non-contributory parent visas.

  • Permanent residency through Visa 143.

  • Work and study rights.

  • Access to Medicare.

  • Pathway to citizenship.

Eligibility Criteria: Do You Make the Cut?

Before you get too excited, let’s see if you tick all the right boxes:

  • Parent of an eligible child: Your child must be a settled Australian citizen.
  • Balance of Family Test: Half of your children must live permanently in Australia or more of your children must live in Australia than in any other single country.
  • Health and character requirements: You will need to clear a full medical checkup and police clearance.
  • Sponsor requirement: Your child (or eligible relative) needs to sponsor you.

The Application Process:

Applying for visa 173 or visa 143 Australia isn’t rocket science but it sure isn’t a walk in the park either. Here’s a simple breakdown:

Step 1: Gather Documentation

  • Birth certificates
  • Proof of relationship
  • Sponsor documents
  • Health checks
  • Police certificates

Step 2: Submit Application

You can submit the application online or by post. Double-check everything before hitting that “Submit” button!

Step 3: Pay Fees

Brace yourself—the fees for these visas can be eye-watering. We’ll talk money in just a bit.

Step 4: Wait for Processing

Processing time might take longer; you need to be patient here.

Step 5: Grant and Move!

Once approved, pack your bags and say hello to kangaroos and barbecues!

Costs: How Much Does Visa 173/143 Really Cost?

Visa 173 (Temporary):

  • First installment: ~AUD 2,800*

  • Second installment (when requested): ~AUD 29,130*

Visa 143 (Permanent):

  • First installment: ~AUD 4,355*

  • Second installment: ~AUD 43,600*

Additional Costs:

  • Medical exams

  • Police clearances

  • Translation of documents (if necessary)

  • Travel expenses

Yeah, it’s not exactly pocket change. But for many families, the priceless reward of living together makes it all worth it.

 

Timeline: How Long Will You Wait?

Let’s be real—waiting is the hardest part. Here’s a rough idea of the 143 visa processing time:

  • Visa 173: 12-24 months

  • Visa 143 (if applying directly): 3-5 years

  • Transition from 173 visa to 143: Another 2 years

Currently, the australia visa 143 processing time and 143 contributory parent visa processing time may change depending on individual circumstances and policy updates.

Bridging Visa for Subclass 143

Wondering about a bridging visa for subclass 143? Unfortunately, bridging visas aren’t typically granted when you apply for 143 parent visa processing time offshore. Bridging visas are generally only applicable if you’re applying from within Australia under certain conditions. However, under certain conditions, you may be eligible for a bridging visa if:

  • You apply for visa 143 while you are already in Australia on a valid substantive visa (for example, visitor visa, student visa, etc.).

  • Your substantive visa expires while your 143 parent visa is still being processed.

  • You meet all health, character, and legal stay requirements at the time of lodging your application.

Difference Btw 143 and 173 visa

Subclass 143 (Permanent)

Type of Visa: Permanent Contributory Parent Visa

Validity: Indefinite (Permanent Residency)

Cost: Higher upfront cost if applying directly

Work & Study Rights: Full rights

Medicare Access: Full access

Pathway to Citizenship: Eligible after meeting residency requirements

Assurance of Support: Required

Visa 173 to 143 Transition: Not applicable (already permanent)

Sponsor Requirement: Yes

Main Purpose: Direct pathway to permanent residency

Subclass 173 (Temporary)

Type of Visa: Temporary Contributory Parent Visa

Validity: Up to 2 years

Cost: Lower initial cost, total cost split into two stages

Work & Study Rights: Full rights

Medicare Access: Limited (may need private health insurance)

Pathway to Citizenship: Not eligible directly

Assurance of Support: Required for transition to Visa 143

Visa 173 to 143 Transition: Can apply for 143 within 2 years

Sponsor Requirement: Yes

Main Purpose: Short-term option to spread costs before permanent residency

Contact Us


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frequently asked questions

You can learn more from our asked questions

Processing timelines have been extended significantly due to annual visa caps. Applicants should expect waits of around 12–14 years for both subclass 143 and 173, though older applications may still progress faster depending on their queue position

An Assurance of Support (AoS) is a legally binding financial commitment made by your sponsor to repay any welfare you might claim. It’s required for subclass 143, not for 173. You typically pay the AoS amount after health and character checks, when a provisional visa decision is made

Yes—but only under specific circumstances. If you’re onshore on a valid substantive visa without a “No Further Stay” condition, you can lodge a 143 application and may receive a Bridging Visa A. Offshore applicants won’t get a bridging visa

Yes. Applicants aged 18+ must meet the functional English standard or undergo testing. Some may be exempt due to age or health, or may commit to learning through free programs like the Adult Migrant English Program

A bridging visa (usually BVA) only applies to onshore 143 applicants. It lets you stay lawfully and maintain prior work rights while your application is processed, but doesn’t allow international travel unless upgraded to Bridging Visa B

Yes! Both subclass 173 and 143 allow inclusion of dependent children. For instance, children under 18, full-time students (18–23), or those with disabilities may be eligible

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Note:  Contact the nearest GIEC Global branch by searching “Australia immigration agent near me” for the most recent and updated information.