We get this question a lot, and it's an easy pair to mix up — both let a parent join their child in Australia, both involve the child sponsoring their parent, and people often assume they're two versions of the same thing. They're not. They serve genuinely different purposes, and mixing them up can affect a family's options. Here's how they actually compare.
The core difference: permanent vs temporary
The Contributory Parent visa (Subclass 143) is a permanent visa. Once granted, the parent can live in Australia indefinitely, with a pathway to citizenship down the track.
The Subclass 870 is a temporary visa only. It was created specifically because permanent Parent visa places are limited and the resulting queue is long — it gives a parent a way to be physically in Australia in the meantime, but it doesn't lead to permanent residence on its own, no matter how many times it's renewed.
Side-by-side comparison
Outcome
- 143: Permanent residence
- 870: Temporary stay only — no pathway to permanent residence
Duration
- 143: Indefinite once granted
- 870: Up to 5 years per grant; 10 years maximum across a lifetime
Work rights
- 143: Full work rights anywhere in Australia
- 870: No work rights under current policy
Healthcare
- 143: Medicare access
- 870: No Medicare access — must hold adequate private health insurance for the whole stay
Balance of family test
- 143: Applies
- 870: Does not apply
Assurance of Support
- 143: Mandatory
- 870: Not required
Family members included
- 143: Secondary applicants can be included in the same application
- 870: No secondary or dependent applicants — each parent applies separately
Processing
- 143: Capped and queued; demand far exceeds places available each year
- 870: Not part of the capped permanent Parent Migration Program places
Sponsor requirements
- 143: Sponsor must be a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
- 870: Sponsor must additionally meet an income test ($83,454.80)
Cost
- 143: Visa application charge from AUD $49,900 (two instalments), plus Assurance of Support bond and other costs (Assurance of Support of $10,000 for the primary visa applicant and $4,000 for a secondary adult visa applicant)
- 870: Visa application charge in two instalments, amount depends on visa length (total charge is $6,370 for a 3-year visa and $12,440 for a 5-year visa)
Why families use both
These two visas aren't necessarily an either-or choice. A common approach is to lodge the permanent Contributory Parent application first, then use a Subclass 870 visa to let the parent actually be in Australia while that permanent application works through the queue — rather than waiting offshore for years with no visa at all.
The order matters here. If a parent currently holds an 870 visa, or has held one and hasn't left Australia, they generally can't make a fresh onshore application for the Contributory Parent visa. But if the permanent application has already been lodged, they can still apply for and be granted an 870 visa afterwards, purely to visit while that application is pending. Getting this sequencing wrong can close off options a family didn't realise they were closing off.
Which one is right for your family?
That really depends on what the family needs: a parent who wants to settle in Australia long-term, access Medicare, and eventually become a citizen is looking at the Contributory Parent visa as the end goal. A parent who wants to be present for a grandchild's early years, help out temporarily, or simply be with family while a permanent application is pending is better served by understanding how the 870 fits alongside it — not instead of it.
Where to from here
If you're trying to work out which pathway (or combination of pathways) makes sense for your family, our Contributory Parent Visa service page has more detail on the permanent option, or you can contact our team and we'll talk through your specific circumstances.
This article is general information only and isn't a substitute for individual advice. Visa requirements, costs and processing arrangements are set by the Australian Government and can change — please contact us to confirm current requirements for your situation.
About Rocket & Ash Immigration Law
At Rocket & Ash Immigration Law, we specialise in helping families, couples, and businesses navigate the complexities of Australian immigration law. Our expertise in visa applications ensures that you receive tailored advice and support throughout your immigration journey.
If you require assistance with your Subclass 870 or Subclass 143 Parent Visa Application or have any other immigration-related queries, our experienced team can help.
Please book a free 15-minute discussion with our team if you have further questions.
Written for Ivy Khine Su San, Solicitor LPN: 5514120
This article does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. For up-to-date information, please consult an immigration professional.