The Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143)
The Contributory Parent visa (Subclass 143) is a permanent visa that lets a parent of a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen live in Australia.
Why apply for the Contributory Parent Visa?
The Subclass 143 allows holders to reside in Australia indefinitely.
They can live, study, and work in Australia, and may sponsor family members to join them.
They can also take advantage of Medicare, Australia’s public health care system, and apply for Australian citizenship once eligible.
143 visa holders do not face travel restrictions; however, they must obtain a Resident Return Visa (RRV) if they wish to travel beyond the initial 5-year period.
The Contributory Parent Visa Requirements
To apply for the 143 visa, the applicant must:
- Have an eligible sponsor
- Meet the balance of family test
- Have an assurance of support
- Not be a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) (Subclass 870) Visa holder
- Meet the health requirements
- Meet the character requirements
- Not have any debts to the Australian Government
- Not have had a visa cancelled or refused, and
- Have health insurance.
The balance of family test means at least half of the applicants’ children and step-children must live in Australia.
The Contributory Parent Visa Sponsorship
Often, Subclass 143 sponsors are eligible children of the applicants.
If the applicant’s child is under 18, they may be sponsored by an eligible relative or community organisation.
143 visa sponsors must also satisfy the following requirements:
- Have been an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen for more than 2 years (and living in Australia)
- Pass the income test in one of the last two years, and
- Pay an assurance of support for the applicant’s parent(s).
Contributory Parent Visa Age Requirements
There is no age limit for 143 visa applicants.
Unlike other Australian visas, mature-aged applicants are not looked upon unfavourably.
Where can I submit my application for Contributory Parent Visa?
Applicants may apply for the 143 visa onshore or offshore.
If applying onshore, any included family members must also be in Australia when applying.
If applying offshore, any included family members must also be outside Australia when applying.
143 Visa Processing Time
As of July 2023, a new 143 visa application may take 12 years or more to process.
143 visa applications finalised in the 2022/23 migration program are subject to processing times of roughly 6 years.
However, processing times are subject to change for several reasons, such as:
- the volume of applications submitted
- changes in planned levels
- Administrative Appeals Tribunal outcomes, and
- Ministerial Intervention
143 visas are also subject to capping, meaning there is a maximum number of visas that can be granted in a migration program year.
Applications may take longer if:
- the applicant fills in information incorrectly
- the applicant does not include all required documents, or
- the applicant’s information takes a long time to verify.
Although the 143 visa can also be applied for over one or two stages, it is usually cheaper to apply for it in one stage.
However, applicants can take advantage of earlier access to Medicare if they apply for the visa over two stages.
The Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) for Retirees
Eligible applicants may apply for the Subclass 143 as a retiree without meeting the balance of family test, without assurance of support, and without a sponsor.
To be eligible for the Subclass 143 as a retiree, the applicant must fulfil the following criteria:
- On 8 May 2018, the applicant must have held or previously held an Investor Retirement (subclass 405) visa or Retirement (subclass 410).
- The applicant should not have held any other substantive visa since 8 May 2018.
Contributory Parent (Temporary) (subclass 173) Visa Holders
Contributory Parent (Temporary) (subclass 173) visa holders may also apply for the Subclass 143.
This allows the visa applicant to spread the cost of their visa over several years.
Given that Contributory Parent (Temporary) (subclass 173) visa holders have already fulfiled the balance of family test, their visa applications will probably be processed at a faster pace.
Contact Us
We can assess whether this visa is suitable for you, thoroughly explore your visa options and pathway, and verify your eligibility.
Alternative visas may be a better option for potential visa applicants, such as the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (Subclass 870) or Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 173).
- Schedule a professional consultation with our specialists here
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Please note: Our migration and citizenship consultations are provided on a fee basis.
Related Blog – Permanent Parent Visa (Subclass 103)