Australian Migration Lawyers for Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 173 & 143)

Daniel Moya

Founder of Moya Migration Law

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Our Services for Your Contributory Parent Visa (173/143)

Contributory Visa Eligibility & Strategy

We assess eligibility for Subclass 173 (temporary) and 143 (permanent) visas, advising on the best strategic pathway for your family.

Sponsor & Applicant Document Preparation

Our lawyers assist in preparing applications for both parent (applicant) and child (sponsor), ensuring all criteria are meticulously addressed.

Navigating Financial Contributions & AoS

We provide clear guidance on managing the significant financial contributions and the Assurance of Support (AoS) requirements for these visas.

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We encourage a free 15-minute call to discuss your situation &  map out a path to securing your Subclass 173 & 143 Contributory Parent Visa.

What Our Happy Clients Say

Hear directly from our successful learners.

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What is the Contributory Parent Visa?

Contributory Parent Visas (Subclasses 173 and 143) allow parents of settled Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia permanently. The Subclass 173 is temporary, leading to the permanent 143.

These visas require a significant financial contribution from the applicant or sponsor, which results in faster processing compared to other parent visa options. They grant permanent residency with rights to work, study, and access Medicare.

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Visa application form with passport and pen. Section 116 visa cancellations.

Contributory Parent Visas: Cost & Timelines

Contributory Parent Visas (Subclass 173 leading to 143, or direct 143) offer a faster route to permanent residency for parents but involve a significant financial contribution. The visa application charge is substantial, often paid in instalments.

While processing is quicker than non-contributory options, ensuring your application is complete and meets all criteria from the outset is vital to leverage this pathway effectively. Expert guidance can help navigate these financial commitments and application complexities for a smoother process.

Why Choose Moya Migration Law for Your Contributory Parent Visa?

The Contributory Parent Visa pathway (Subclasses 173 & 143) offers faster permanent residency but involves significant financial contributions and complex criteria. Moya Migration Law provides expert guidance, a client-focused approach, and meticulous preparation to navigate this investment in your family’s future.

Experienced in Contributory Parent Visas

Our lawyers have deep expertise with Subclasses 173/143, including Balance of Family, sponsorship, and Assurance of Support requirements.

Client-Focused Pathway & Financial Guidance

We provide personalised service, clearly explaining the two-stage vs. direct permanent options and the substantial financial commitments involved.

Meticulous Application for Faster Processing

We assist in preparing high-quality, complete applications to leverage the faster processing times associated with Contributory Parent Visas.

In-Depth Migration & Financial Knowledge

Our understanding of relevant migration law and the financial assurance aspects ensures your Subclass 173/143 application is expertly managed.

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Our 5-Step Contributory Parent Visa (173/143) Process

The Contributory Parent Visa offers a faster path to permanent residency. Moya Migration Law provides expert guidance through each stage, from choosing the right pathway (173 or direct 143) to managing financial contributions and finalising your visa.

1

Initial Consultation & Pathway Strategy

We assess your family’s eligibility, explain the 173/143 options, discuss financial contributions, and advise on the most suitable visa strategy.

2

Sponsorship & Initial Application Preparation

Our team assists the sponsor with their requirements and meticulously prepares the parent’s initial visa application (173 or 143) with all evidence.

3

Managing Financial Contributions & AoS

We guide you through the significant Visa Application Charge instalments and assist the sponsor with the Assurance of Support (AoS) process.

4

Application Lodgement & Department Liaison

We lodge your complete application(s) and manage all communications with the Department, responding to any requests for further information promptly.

5

Navigating to Visa Grant & Permanent Residency

We provide ongoing support during processing, manage final health/character checks and VAC payments, and guide you to your permanent visa grant.

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Principal Lawyer Daniel Moya

Meet Daniel Moya, Your Contributory Parent Visa Lawyer

Moya Migration Law is led by Principal Lawyer Daniel Moya, who personally guides families through the Contributory Parent Visa (Subclasses 173 & 143) pathway. With over two decades in Australian migration law since 2002, Daniel offers expert advice for these significant family reunion visas.

Daniel is committed to providing clear strategic options, meticulous application support, and guidance on the financial aspects of these visas. He understands the importance of reuniting families efficiently. Daniel also provides legal services in Spanish.

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Key Requirements for Contributory Parent Visas

Both the parent applicant and their sponsoring child must meet strict eligibility criteria. Parents typically need to satisfy the “Balance of Family Test” and meet health and character requirements. Crucially, an “Assurance of Support” (AoS) must be provided.

Sponsors must be settled Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens, and often need to demonstrate financial capacity. Understanding and fulfilling all these interlocking obligations for both parties correctly is essential for a successful application.

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Person filling out a visa application form with a passport and pen.

The Right Pathway: Subclass 173 or Subclass 143?

The Contributory Parent visa can be a two-step process: first, the temporary Subclass 173 visa, then the permanent Subclass 143. This allows costs to be spread over time. Alternatively, you can apply directly for the permanent Subclass 143 visa.

Choosing the right pathway depends on your circumstances. The Subclass 173 allows parents to live in Australia temporarily while awaiting the permanent visa, but both stages have specific requirements. Professional advice can clarify the best approach for your family.

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15-Min Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions about the Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 173 & 143)

These visas allow parents of settled Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible NZ citizens to live in Australia permanently. The Subclass 173 is temporary, leading to the permanent 143, or you can apply directly for the 143. They involve a significant financial contribution for faster processing.

Subclass 173 is a temporary two-year visa that allows you to spread the costs before applying for the permanent Subclass 143 visa. Subclass 143 is a direct application for permanent residency, with all costs paid upfront.

Usually, an eligible child who is an adult, settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen sponsors their parent. The sponsor also needs to arrange an Assurance of Support.

The Balance of Family Test generally requires that at least half of the parent’s children live permanently in Australia, or that more of their children live permanently in Australia than in any other single country.

An AoS is a commitment by an assurer (often the sponsor) to financially support the visa applicants for a set period (e.g., 10 years for SC143) to ensure they don’t rely on social security payments. It often involves a financial bond.

These visas have significant government charges. As of June 2025, the temporary Subclass 173 visa costs from AUD $32,430 (paid in instalments). To then obtain the permanent Subclass 143 visa, or if applying directly for the Subclass 143, the total charges are substantially higher, typically around AUD $48,365 for a single applicant. Additional costs include the Assurance of Support, health checks, and police certificates.

While “contributory” means faster processing than non-contributory options, most new applications can still take at least 12 years to be finalised due to high demand and limited places.

Yes, once the permanent Subclass 143 visa is granted, parents can live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. The temporary Subclass 173 visa also generally allows work and study.

Yes, holders of the permanent Subclass 143 visa, and often the temporary Subclass 173 visa, can enrol in Australia’s public healthcare scheme, Medicare.