Balance of Family test
At least half of your children must be in Australia, or more children must be in Australia than in any other single country. You cannot apply for the 143 if you fail this test.
Contributory Stream · Higher Cost, Faster Grant
The 143 turns a 30-year wait into something measured in years, not decades.
The Subclass 143 is the faster, more expensive version of the Australian parent visa. For families who can afford it, the trade is straightforward: higher fees and a larger Assurance of Support bond in exchange for priority processing. Compare with the Subclass 103 and the temporary Subclass 870.
Eligibility — same core tests as the 103
Four requirements before you can apply.
The 143 and the 103 share the same eligibility framework. The difference is the fee and the wait, not the tests.
Sponsor
An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen child, usually settled in Australia for at least 2 years.
Health & character
Health examinations and police clearances for the applicant. Character checks also apply to the sponsor. Health issues may need a waiver.
Assurance of Support
A significant financial commitment from the sponsor or another approved guarantor, backed by a bond held by the Department of Human Services. Larger than for the 103.
The cost reality
The 143 is the most expensive visa pathway in Australia's system.
Exact figures change each year, but the structure is consistent. We walk through the full cost at the consultation so families can plan financially.
First instalment at lodgementPaid when you lodge the application. Covers the Department's initial processing work.
Second instalment at grantA significantly larger payment made after the application is approved and before the visa is granted. Families often plan for this years before it is required.
Separate charges per applicantBoth parents of a couple pay separately. Each is a full applicant, not a dependant.
Assurance of Support bondHeld for 10 years, returned if not called upon. Plus medical exams, police clearances, document certifications, and translations.
Timeline — what to expect
Six stages from preparation to grant.
The 143 processing window has changed several times over recent years. Current estimates are on the Department website.
1
Preparation
4-12 weeks. Gathering family documents, medical summaries, financial evidence for the AoS, sponsor documentation.
2
Lodgement
Application submitted. First instalment paid.
3
Initial processing
Department conducts initial checks. Most of the waiting happens here.
4
Request for more info
Medical examinations, updated police clearances, and any further evidence.
5
Second instalment invoice
Department issues invoice. Application is close to being granted.
6
Grant
Second instalment paid. Visa granted. Parents can travel to Australia.
The parent visa system was designed with two parallel streams by intent.
The lower-cost 103 with very long waits, and the higher-cost 143 with faster processing. The premium paid for the 143 contributes to the Australian healthcare system's expected cost of providing services to newly arrived parents, who statistically use more healthcare than younger migrants.
Common 143 questions
The questions we hear most.
For an honest assessment of whether the 143 fits your family, book with Neha Sharma.
Can we lodge the 143 for both parents at the same time?
Yes. Many couples apply together. Each parent is a separate applicant and pays the full fees. They are usually processed together.
Can the parents work in Australia once the 143 is granted?
Yes. The 143 is a permanent visa with full work rights from day one. Access to Medicare and most government services is also included.
What happens to the Assurance of Support bond?
The bond is held for 10 years. It is refundable at the end of that period if no claims have been made against it. Claims are made when the sponsored parent uses certain types of social security payments.
What if one parent fails the health test?
A health waiver application may be possible. We have a strong record on health waiver submissions. The case is argued on compelling and compassionate grounds plus the significance of the cost relative to the family's circumstances.
Some information on this page has been sourced from the Department of Home Affairs and has been interpreted and approved by Principal Migration Agent Sourabh Aggarwal (MARN 1462159). Last reviewed: May 2026.