Contributory Parent visa
(subclass 143)
The Subclass 143 – Contributory Parent Visa is a permanent visa designed for parents who wish to move to Australia and live permanently with their children who are Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. This visa provides a pathway for parents to join their children in Australia and enjoy the benefits of permanent residency, including access to the Medicare system, the ability to work, and the option to eventually apply for Australian citizenship.
Key Benefits of the Subclass 143 Visa
There are several advantages to holding a Subclass 143 visa:
- Permanent Residency: Once granted, this visa allows you to stay in Australia permanently, making it possible for you to live, work, and study without restrictions.
- Access to Public Healthcare: As a permanent resident, you will be eligible for Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system, which provides access to medical services at a reduced cost.
- Sponsorship Opportunities: With a Subclass 143 visa, you can sponsor your eligible family members to come to Australia.
- Travel: You can travel in and out of Australia for 5 years from the date the visa is granted. After this period, you can apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV) or, if eligible, apply for Australian citizenship.
- Pathway to Citizenship: If you meet the residency requirements, you can apply for Australian citizenship, which can offer additional rights and benefits.
Eligibility Requirements
Before applying for the Subclass 143 visa, you must meet several important criteria. These requirements ensure that applicants are genuinely eligible and maintain family connections within Australia.
Eligible Child: You must have an eligible child who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. The child must be settled in Australia and living there at the time of your application. If you are applying under the Retirement Pathway, this condition may not apply, allowing some flexibility for older applicants.
Balance of Family Test: Another key eligibility requirement is that you must meet the Balance of Family Test, unless you are applying under the Retirement Pathway or hold a Subclass 173 (Temporary Contributory Parent) visa. This test ensures that more of your children are living in Australia than in any other country, demonstrating strong family ties to Australia.
Assurance of Support: You must have an Assurance of Support, which is a financial guarantee provided by a sponsor (often your child) to ensure that you will not rely on Australian government support. However, if you are applying under the Retirement Pathway, this requirement is waived.
No Prior Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa: You cannot apply for the Subclass 143 visa if you have already applied for or hold a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) (subclass 870) visa.
Costs and Payments
The application fee for the 143 visa is significant, and it is divided into two instalments. The total cost for most applicants is $48,495, which is split as follows:
First Instalment (payable at the time of application):
- Base application charge: $4,895
- Additional applicant charges: These charges depend on the age of the applicants. For applicants 18 years or older, the charge is $1,650, and for applicants under 18, the charge is $830.
Second Instalment (payable before visa grant):
- The second instalment is $43,600 for most applicants. However, this amount may vary depending on your specific situation. For example, applicants who have held a Subclass 173 (Temporary Contributory Parent) visa may be eligible for a reduced fee.
It is important to note that some applicants may also qualify for exemptions or reductions in the fee based on special circumstances, such as holding a Subclass 173 visa or applying under the Retirement Pathway.
Application Process
You have the option to pursue the subclass 143 visa through a two-step process. Initially, you can apply for the Contributory Parent (Temporary) (subclass 173) visa. This sequential approach enables you to distribute the expenses associated with the visas across several years.
But generally, the process to apply for the 143 visa involves the following steps:
- Prepare Your Documents: Ensure that you have all necessary documentation, including proof of your child’s eligibility, evidence of your family ties to Australia, and the required financial support documents.
- Submit Your Application: You can only apply for this visa through a paper application. You will need to pay the first instalment application fee at the time of submission.
- Wait for Processing: After submitting your application, it will be processed. Keep in mind that the processing times for this visa can be very lengthy, as there is significant demand. You will be placed in a queue, and your application will be processed as places become available.
- Pay the Second Instalment: Before your visa is granted, you will be required to pay the second instalment fee. This is the larger payment, and the visa will not be granted until it is paid.
- Receive Visa Grant: Once your visa is granted, you will receive permanent residency status, and you can travel to and from Australia as needed during the 5-year travel period.
Including Family Members
When you apply for the Subclass 143 visa, you can include your family members in your application. This includes your spouse or de facto partner and dependent children. However, if you are applying under the Retirement Pathway, you can only include your partner if they are also a retiree.
It’s important to ensure that your family members meet all health and character requirements, and that they submit the necessary documents as part of the application.
Travel to and from Australia for 5 years
With the Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143), you have the freedom to travel to and from Australia as frequently as you wish within a period of 5 years from the date of visa grant. This travel facility remains valid as long as the visa is active.
However, if you wish to travel beyond the initial 5-year period, you will need to apply for and obtain a Resident Return Visa (RRV). This allows you to re-enter Australia as a permanent resident after traveling abroad.
Alternatively, you may also consider applying for Australian citizenship. As an Australian citizen, you are not required to obtain a visa to enter Australia. Instead, you will need to apply for an Australian passport, which serves as your travel document for entry into and exit from Australia.
For information on the expiration date of your travel facility, you can check your visa details using the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) service.
If you hold a Contributory Parent (Temporary) (subclass 173) visa
You have the option to pursue the subclass 143 visa through a two-step process. Initially, you can apply for the Contributory Parent (Temporary) (subclass 173) visa. This sequential approach enables you to distribute the expenses associated with the visas across several years.
Notably, you have already satisfied the balance of family test requirement, ensuring eligibility for the visa pathway.
Apply for a Parent visa (subclass 143) as a retiree
Processing Times and Considerations
Processing times for the Subclass 143 visa can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of your application and the volume of applications being processed. On average, applications can take several years to process due to high demand. However, the exact processing time can only be determined once your application is in the system.
To avoid delays, it is essential to provide accurate and complete documentation. If any information is missing or unclear, this could cause your application to be delayed.
Alternatives to the Subclass 143 Visa
If the Subclass 143 visa doesn’t suit your situation, there are alternative visa options for parents:
- Subclass 173 (Temporary Contributory Parent) Visa: This temporary visa allows parents to stay in Australia while they wait for the opportunity to apply for permanent residency under the Parent visa (subclass 143). This visa pathway involves a two-step process and incurs higher costs compared to the subclass 103 visa. However, the expenses are spread across the two visas over an extended period.
Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 870):Â This temporary visa allows parents to visit their children in Australia for durations of up to three or five years at a time, with a cumulative maximum stay of 10 years.
Apply from
You must apply for this through a paper application. If you apply for the visa while in Australia, your family members who are included in the application must also be in Australia at the time of application, but not in immigration clearance. Conversely, if you apply for the visa from outside Australia, your family members must also be outside Australia at the time of application.
However, if you are applying as a retiree, you must be in Australia (but not in immigration clearance) at the time of application. Yet, you can be either inside or outside Australia when the Department of Home Affairs makes a decision on your application.
You cannot apply for this visa if you have already applied for or hold a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) (subclass 870) visa.
Eligibility
Not have this visa
If you have already applied for or currently hold a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) (subclass 870) visa, you are not eligible to apply for the Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143). This restriction applies to avoid overlapping or duplicating visa applications for similar purposes. Therefore, if you are seeking to apply for a different parent visa, you would need to explore other options available based on your circumstances.
Apply as a retiree
If you meet the specified criteria as a retiree, you can apply for the Parent visa (subclass 143) without needing to fulfill the balance of family test, have an assurance of support, or require a sponsor. This pathway is available for individuals who held or had previously held an Investor Retirement (subclass 405) visa or Retirement (subclass 410) as of May 8, 2018, and have not held any other substantive visa between May 8, 2018, and the date of application for the Parent visa.
Have a sponsor
If you’re applying for the Parent visa (subclass 143) as a retiree, you won’t need a sponsor. However, under usual circumstances, sponsorship by an eligible child is required for this visa. In the unfortunate event of your sponsor’s death, special considerations may apply, especially if you hold a Temporary Contributory Parent (subclass 173) visa. In such cases, you may still be eligible for the Parent visa (subclass 143), but it’s advisable to review your specific circumstances and seek guidance on what steps to take if your situation changes.
Meet the balance-of-family test
If you’re applying for the Parent visa (subclass 143) as a retiree, you won’t need to meet the balance of family test. However, under normal circumstances, meeting the balance of family test is a requirement for this visa. The balance of family test is considered met if at least half of your children and step-children are eligible children, or if there are more eligible children living in Australia than in any other single country. It’s worth noting that if you hold a Contributory Parent (subclass 173) (Temporary) visa, you’ve already met the balance of family test.
Have assurance of support
If you’re applying for the Parent visa (subclass 143) as a retiree, you won’t need to obtain an assurance of support. However, under normal circumstances, being able to obtain an assurance of support is a requirement for this visa. An assurance of support ensures that you will not need to rely on government assistance after entering Australia on this visa. It covers you and any family members who accompany you to Australia on this visa. You’ll be notified when you need to provide the assurance of support.
Meet the balance-of-family test
You must meet the balance-of-family test. You meet the balance of family test if:
at least half of your children and step-children are eligible children, or
there are more eligible children living in Australia than in any other single country
See examples of how the balance-of-family test is applied.
Have assurance of support
To be eligible for the Parent visa (subclass 804), you must be able to obtain an assurance of support. This assurance acts as a commitment from a sponsor or sponsor group to provide financial support to you and any family members accompanying you on the visa.
The assurance of support assures the Australian government that you will not need to rely on government assistance once you enter Australia on this visa. It covers both you and any family members who immigrate with you.
We will provide you with specific instructions on when and how to provide the assurance of support during the visa application process.
For more detailed information about assurances of support and their requirements, you can refer to additional resources provided by the Australian immigration authorities.
Meet the health requirement
All applicants, including family members who are applying for the Parent visa (subclass 143) with you, must meet the health requirement set by the Australian immigration authorities. Additionally, non-migrating family members might also be asked to meet this requirement. It’s essential for all applicants to undergo health assessments to ensure they meet the health standards specified by the Australian government for migration purposes.
Meet the character requirement
All applicants, including family members applying for the Parent visa (subclass 143) alongside you, must meet the character requirement set by the Australian immigration authorities. This entails providing evidence of good character, which typically involves disclosing any criminal history, previous immigration violations, or other relevant background information. Non-migrating family members might also be subject to this requirement at the discretion of the immigration authorities.
Have paid back your debt to the Australian Government
If you or any family members included in the visa application owe money to the Australian Government, it’s imperative that the debt is either fully repaid or an official arrangement to repay it is in place. This requirement applies to ensure compliance with Australian immigration regulations and financial responsibilities.
Not have had a visa cancelled or a previous application refused
Your immigration history, including any previous visa cancellations or refusals, will be taken into account during the assessment of your visa application. While such circumstances may affect your eligibility for certain visas, there are still avenues available, particularly for permanent visa applications, even if you have faced visa cancellations or refusals in the past. It’s essential to review the specific limitations and requirements outlined by the Australian immigration authorities, as well as consider seeking assistance from qualified professionals if needed.
Sign the Australian values statement
If you’re 18 years of age or older and applying for an Australian visa, you must fulfill certain requirements regarding Australian values and way of life. Specifically, you need to have familiarized yourself with the contents of the “Life in Australia” book, which provides essential information about the country’s culture, society, and laws. Additionally, you’ll be required to sign an Australian Values Statement, confirming your commitment to respecting the Australian way of life and obeying its laws. These measures are integral to the visa application process and demonstrate your readiness to integrate into Australian society.
Have health insurance
If you apply for the Parent visa as a retiree, it’s essential to maintain adequate health insurance coverage until your visa is granted. This insurance should cover medically necessary treatments, including transportation costs.
To ensure that your health insurance meets the requirements, refer to the guidelines provided by the Australian government. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the concept of reciprocal healthcare agreements, as some countries have arrangements with Australia that may affect your healthcare coverage.
For detailed information and guidance on health insurance for overseas visitors and reciprocal healthcare agreements, you can consult the relevant resources provided by Services Australia.
Best interests of the child
We will not grant this visa if it is not in the best interests of an applicant under 18.
Conditions
8502 - Not arrive before person specified in visa
It’s crucial to adhere to the visa conditions regarding entry into Australia. Typically, you must not enter Australia before the primary visa holder or another relevant person specified in the visa has entered Australia. This is particularly important for visas like Partner visas, where the sponsor’s entry into Australia may be a prerequisite for the visa holder’s entry.
Ensure that you understand and comply with this condition to avoid any complications or issues with your visa application or entry into Australia.
8515 - Must not marry or enter into a de facto relationship before entry
It’s essential to adhere to the conditions of your visa, which may include refraining from marrying or entering into a de facto relationship before entering Australia. Failure to comply with this condition could result in the cancellation of your visa if it’s discovered that you were engaged, married, or in a de facto relationship before the visa was granted, but you did not inform the authorities.
If your contact details change, it’s important to update them promptly to ensure that you receive important communications regarding your visa status or any changes in visa conditions.
Be sure to familiarize yourself with all the conditions attached to your visa to avoid any inadvertent breaches.
If you choose to apply for the subclass 143 visa under the retiree pathway, you are exempted from: