What is the difference between a Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) and a Non-Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 103)?
- May 20
- 6 min read
For many Nepali families living in Australia, one of the biggest dreams is bringing parents closer to them permanently. After years of study, hard work, and settlement in Australia, many migrants want their parents to enjoy family life, support with grandchildren, and spend meaningful time together.
However, choosing the right Australian Parent Visa can be confusing. One of the most common questions we receive at Emigrate Lawyers Australia is:
"What is the difference between a Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) and a Non-Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 103)?"
Both visas allow parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live permanently in Australia. But the processing time, government charges, and overall migration strategy are very different.
Understanding Parent Visas in Australia
Australia offers several pathways for parents to migrate permanently, but the two most commonly discussed are:
Both visas provide permanent residency and allow parents to:
Live in Australia permanently
Access Medicare
Sponsor eligible family members
Apply for Australian citizenship later if eligible
The main difference comes down to cost versus waiting time.
What is a Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143)?
The Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) is designed for families who want a faster pathway to bring parents to Australia permanently.
Applicants pay a significantly higher visa charge, which contributes to Australia’s public services and healthcare costs. In return, the processing time is considerably shorter compared to the Subclass 103 visa.
Key Features of the 143 Visa
For many Nepali-Australian families, this visa is preferred because parents can reunite with family within a more practical timeframe.
Approximate Costs
The government fees for the 143 visa are substantial and usually exceed AUD $48,000 (as of April 2026) per parent, excluding:
Medical examinations
Police clearances
Assurance of Support bond
Legal and professional fees
Despite the high cost, many families see it as an investment in family unity and emotional well-being.
What is a Non-Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 103)?
The Parent Visa (Subclass 103) is a lower-cost permanent parent visa option.
While the visa application charge is much cheaper (exceeding around AUD $7345 as of April 2026), the waiting period is extremely long due to annual migration caps and very high demand.
Key Features of the 103 Visa
Processing Time for Parent Visa: The Biggest Challenge
Currently, the processing time for the 103 visa can stretch into decades. For many ageing parents, this becomes the biggest concern.
Families often start with a 103 visa because of affordability, but later consider switching to a contributory pathway due to the long wait.
143 vs 103 Parent Visa: Which One is Better?
This depends entirely on your family’s priorities, financial situation, and long-term goals.
Choose the 143 Visa If:
You want your parents in Australia sooner
Your parents are ageing and need family support
You can manage the higher financial commitment
You want certainty and a practical migration timeline
Choose the 103 Visa If:
Budget is your primary concern
You are prepared for a very long waiting period
Your parents are relatively younger and independent
You want to secure a place in the queue first
Many Nepali families initially lodge a 103 visa and later upgrade to a contributory visa strategy after understanding the wait times more clearly.
Important Eligibility Requirements for Both Visas
Whether applying for the 143 or 103 visa, applicants generally must meet several important requirements.
1. Balance of Family Test
This is one of the most important criteria.
At least half of the parents’ children must live permanently in Australia, or more children must live in Australia than in any other single country.
This requirement is particularly relevant for Nepali families where siblings may be spread across countries such as Nepal, Australia, the UK, Canada, or the US.
2. Eligible Sponsor
The parent must be sponsored by their child, who is:
An Australian citizen
An Australian permanent resident
Or an eligible New Zealand citizen
3. Health and Character Requirements
Parents must undergo medical examinations and provide police clearance certificates.
Older applicants may also need additional health assessments depending on their medical history.
Why Nepali Families Often Struggle with Parent Visas?
For the Nepali diaspora in Australia, parent visas are often emotionally sensitive and financially challenging.
Many migrants arrived in Australia as students and spent years building stable careers. By the time they become eligible to sponsor parents, they are balancing:
Mortgage repayments
Raising children
Career pressures
Financial responsibilities in Nepal
Emotional separation from ageing parents
Additionally, many Nepali parents rely heavily on family support structures, cultural connections, and intergenerational living. Long-term separation can become emotionally difficult for both parents and children.
This is why strategic migration advice is so important before lodging any parent visa application.
Real Example of Parent Visa: Emigrate Lawyers
At Emigrate Lawyers Australia, we recently assisted a Nepali couple in Melbourne who wanted to bring the husband’s widowed mother to Australia permanently.
Initially, the family considered the Subclass 103 visa because the government fees were lower. However, after understanding the likely waiting period, they became concerned that the mother may spend many more years separated from her grandchildren.
After detailed consultation and financial planning discussions, the family decided to proceed with the Subclass 143 Contributory Parent Visa pathway instead.
Today, the mother is living with the family in Australia, helping care for the grandchildren, participating in community events, and enjoying the emotional security of being close to family again.
For many families, parent migration is not just about visas; it is about preserving family connections, culture, and support systems.
Why Professional Advice Matters in Parent Visa Applications?
Australian Parent Visas are among the most complex visa categories due to:
Long processing queues
Changing migration policies
High financial commitments
Sponsorship obligations
Strict documentary requirements
Even small mistakes can lead to delays or complications.
At Emigrate Lawyers, we regularly assist Nepali families across Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, and regional Australia with:
Parent visa strategy planning
Balance of Family Test assessments
Contributory and non-contributory parent visas
Visitor visa planning for parents
Assurance of Support guidance
Complex family migration matters
Our team understands both the Australian migration system and the cultural realities faced by Nepali families abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Parent Visas in Australia
Q1. What is the main difference between the 143 and 103 Parent Visa?
The 143 visa has a much faster processing time but higher government charges, while the 103 visa is cheaper but can take decades to process.
Q2. Is the Subclass 143 visa permanent?
Yes, the Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) provides permanent residency in Australia.
Q3. Is the Subclass 103 visa permanent?
Yes, the Parent Visa (Subclass 103) also grants permanent residency.
Q4. Which Parent Visa is faster?
The Subclass 143 Contributory Parent Visa is significantly faster than the Subclass 103 visa.
Q5. Why is the 143 visa more expensive?
Applicants pay a larger contribution towards Australia’s healthcare and public services costs.
Q6. Can Nepali parents get Medicare in Australia?
Yes, parents granted permanent parent visas can generally access Medicare.
Q7. What is the Balance of Family Test?
It is a requirement showing that at least half of the parents’ children live permanently in Australia.
Q8. Can parents work in Australia on these visas?
Yes, both the 143 and 103 visas provide work rights in Australia.
Q9. Can I sponsor my parents if I am a permanent resident?
Yes, Australian permanent residents can sponsor eligible parents.
Need Legal Help Regarding Parent Visa
Choosing between the Subclass 143 and Subclass 103 Parent Visa is ultimately a decision between time and cost.
The 143 visa offers a faster reunion but requires a significant financial investment. The 103 visa is more affordable upfront, but involves very lengthy waiting periods.
For Nepali families in Australia, the right strategy depends on your parents’ age, health, financial capacity, and long-term family goals.
If you are considering bringing your parents to Australia, obtaining proper legal guidance early can help you avoid costly mistakes and make informed decisions for your family’s future.
To discuss your parent visa options, visit Emigrate Lawyers Australia and speak with our migration team today.
Need Legal Help Regarding Parent Visa?
Choosing between the Subclass 143 and Subclass 103 Parent Visa is ultimately a decision between time and cost.
The 143 visa offers a faster reunion but requires a significant financial investment. The 103 visa is more affordable upfront, but involves very lengthy waiting periods.
For Nepali families in Australia, the right strategy depends on your parents’ age, health, financial capacity, and long-term family goals.
If you are considering bringing your parents to Australia, obtaining proper legal guidance early can help you avoid costly mistakes and make informed decisions for your family’s future.
To discuss your parent visa options, contact Emigrate Lawyers Australia and speak with our migration team
today.
Emigrate Lawyers
Email: info@emigratelawyers.com
WhatsApp: 0458 745 646
Phone: 1300 807 134
Text Us: 0483 959 572
Disclaimer: This content is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal consultation or to be relied upon for making specific decisions. Laws, regulations, and policies may change over time, and their application can vary depending on individual circumstances.
Writer: Bibishika Khanal
Position: Legal Officer at Emigrate Lawyers
Licensed Advocate of Nepal
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