Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143)

Main criteria

The Australian Department of Home Affairs operates a Parent Visa system. Sponsors for this visa must demonstrate that they are “settled” which generally means lawfully resident in Australia for a period of two or more years. This residency period can consist of time spent on temporary visas.

In order to qualify for this visa the applicant must meet what is referred to as the balance of family test. This test states that the applicant must have at least half of their children living in Australia as an Australian citizen or permanent resident or that more of your children live in Australia than any other country. All children, including step children and adopted children of both parents are included in the balance of family test.

In addition to the balance of family test you must be sponsored by an eligible person, usually your child and you must meet the health and character requirements.

Visa types

Subclass 143 – This is a permanent visa referred to as a “Contributory” visa. This is because the initial application fee is $4,895 for the first applicant and $1,650 for spouse. However the second instalment for each applicant is $43,600. This visa takes approximately 12 years to process and is a permanent visa from approval. DHA have released for final processing for Contributory Parent visa applications with a queue date up to July ​2016. 

The large “Contribution” of money that is called for upon the second instalment is in order to offset the rights that are awarded to the visa holder under permanent residency such as health care that they have not contributed towards throughout their lives as ordinary Australians have throughout their life by way of tax.

Subclass 173 – This is a temporary visa with an initial Australian government fee of $3,140 and $1,570 for spouse. Before the visa is granted the second instalment of $29,130 is required to be paid. This visa takes approximately 12 years to process. The applicants are granted a 2 year temporary visa. Before this visa expires they must pay an additional $19,420 and apply for the permanent visa subclass 143.

In all cases the second instalment of monies paid is only called for after each applicant has passed health and character tests and the AoS (Assurance of Support, see below for AoS details) has been lodged with the Australian government. In no case will a second instalment be paid and a visa not granted.  Second instalments are non-refundable in all cases.

Fees

 The fees for Permanent Parent Visas are as follows; note all fees are in AUD and that that VisaEnvoy fees are payable in full prior to lodgement of your visa application.

*1.4% Credit card surcharge applies.

As noted above if you wish to stagger the process, you can apply for the Temporary Parent Visa (subclass 173) which is granted for 2 years and then apply for the Permanent Visa. The advantage is a lower 2^nd VAC fee of $29,130. At the permanent stage 2 years later a second payment of $19,420 is payable. Once the first stage (sc143) is approved the visa holder can live in Australia as the holder of the subclass 173 visa.

Fees for the subclass 173 > subclass 143 pathway are as follows;

*1.4% Credit card surcharge applies.

Assurance of Support (AoS)

Additionally there is an AoS which is payable toward time of decision. For two applicants this is currently $14,000. The bond is refunded ten years after you enter Australia as the holder of the contributory parent visa, less any debts owed to the Australian government.

Processing times for the 143 visa

If you are over 65 years old the Contributory Aged parent visa (subclass 864) may be more beneficial for you as you can stay in Australia while your application is being processed.

Medicare

If you’ve applied for a contributory parent visa (143 visa) and already have a temporary 173 or 884 visa you can enrol for medicare.

Visa Caps for 2023-24 Financial Year

The maximum number of family visas that may be granted for the 2023-2024 financial year for Contributory Parent visas are:

6,800 visas may be granted for the following subclasses:

• Contributory Parent (Migrant) Subclass 143, including 112 x Subclass 143 Contributory Parent visas under the Pathway to Permanent Residence for Retirees (Retiree Pathway)
• Contributory Aged Parent (Residence) Subclass 864
• Contributory Parent (Temporary) Subclass 173 Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) Subclass 884.