Contributory vs Non-Contributory Parent Visa: Cost vs Time
The fundamental choice in Australian parent migration is between the Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) at $48,640 with a 4-6 year wait, and the Non-Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 103) at $4,990 with a 30+ year wait. The decision comes down to whether your family can afford the contributory fee and whether a 30-year timeline is realistic for your parent's age and health. For most families, the contributory visa is the only practical path to permanent residence.
Quick Facts
| Feature | Contributory (143) | Non-Contributory (103) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $48,640 | $4,990 |
| Processing time | 4-6 years | 30+ years |
| Visa type | Permanent | Permanent |
| Balance of family test | Required | Required |
| Assurance of support | Required | Required |
| Apply from | Outside Australia | Outside Australia |
| Annual places | ~7,000+ | ~500 |
The Numbers
Cost Difference
The contributory visa costs approximately $43,650 more than the non-contributory visa. For a couple, the difference is approximately $73,000.
| Applicant | 143 Cost | 103 Cost | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single parent | $48,640 | $4,990 | $43,650 |
| Couple (both parents) | ~$78,145 | ~$7,485 | ~$70,660 |
Time Difference
The 143 processes in 4-6 years. The 103 processes in 30+ years. That's a difference of approximately 25 years.
For a parent who is 65 years old today:
- 143: They'd be 69-71 when the visa is granted. Realistic.
- 103: They'd be 95+ when the visa is granted. Unrealistic for most people.
When to Choose the Contributory (143)
The 143 is the right choice when:
- Your parent is over 50. A 30-year wait means they'd be 80+ before receiving the visa. The 143's 4-6 year timeline is achievable.
- Your family can manage the cost. $48,640 is significant but can be planned for over the 4-6 year processing period. The second instalment ($43,600) isn't due until the visa is about to be granted.
- You want your parent to access Medicare and pension. Permanent residents receive Medicare immediately and age pension after 10 years.
- You want certainty. The 143 is actually processed — the 103 queue barely moves.
When to Consider the Non-Contributory (103)
The 103 makes sense when:
- Cost is the primary barrier and your parent is relatively young (under 40 — rare for parent visa applicants, but possible for parents of older Australian children).
- You're lodging as a placeholder while saving for the 143. You can switch from 103 to 143 later.
- Your parent's circumstances are exceptional — some families lodge the 103 knowing it won't process in time, primarily to have something on file.
The Switching Strategy
A common approach is to lodge the 103 first (lower upfront cost) and switch to the 143 later when finances allow.
How it works:
- Lodge the 103 application ($4,990)
- Save money over the next 2-4 years
- When ready, lodge a 143 application
- The 143 is processed independently (and much faster)
- Once the 143 is granted, withdraw the 103
Some of the 103 fee may be credited toward the 143, depending on the specific circumstances.
Financial Planning
Paying for the 143
- Family savings: Start saving 5+ years before you plan to apply
- Multiple family members contributing: Siblings can share the cost of bringing a parent
- Home equity: Some families use Australian property equity to fund the visa
- Payment timing: Only the first instalment ($4,990) is due upfront. The second instalment ($43,600) is requested 4-6 years later — giving you time to save
Long-Term Value
The 143 provides access to Medicare and age pension. Consider the financial value:
| Benefit | Approximate Annual Value |
|---|---|
| Medicare (healthcare) | $5,000-$20,000+ (depending on health needs) |
| Age pension (after 10 years) | $28,000-$32,000/year |
| Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme | $1,000-$5,000/year |
Over 10-20 years, the value of these benefits far exceeds the $48,640 visa cost. From a pure financial perspective, the contributory visa is an investment.
Alternative: The 870 Temporary Option
While deciding between 103 and 143, the Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent Visa offers a temporary middle ground: 3-5 years of living in Australia at a lower cost ($5,735-$11,470). No Medicare and no PR, but your parent can be with the family while you plan for a permanent solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for both 103 and 143 simultaneously?
Yes. You can have both applications lodged at the same time. The 143 will process much faster, and once granted, you'd withdraw the 103.
Is the 103 queue ever going to speed up?
Very unlikely. The government has consistently allocated the vast majority of parent visa places to the contributory stream. Without a major policy shift, the 103 queue will remain at 30+ years.
What if my parent passes away during the wait?
The application is withdrawn, and the visa fee is not refunded (for the 103). For the 143, if the parent passes before the second instalment is requested, only the first instalment is lost.
Can my parent work in Australia on either visa?
Both the 103 and 143 are permanent visas — once granted, your parent can work without restrictions. During the wait (before the visa is granted), your parent has no work rights in Australia.
Which visa gives Medicare?
Both — once granted. The 103 and 143 are both permanent visas that provide Medicare access. The difference is when that access begins: 4-6 years (143) versus 30+ years (103).
