Video Block
Double-click here to add a video by URL or embed code. Learn more

Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143)

The Subclass 143 Contributory Parent Visa is a permanent visa allowing a parent of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens live in Australia permanently. This visa is ideal for parents who want to join their family sooner than the standard Parent Visa (Subclass 103) allows, as it has a shorter processing time. However, it requires a significant financial contribution.

Benefits of the Subclass 143 Visa

Permanent Residency

Successful applicants can live in Australia permanently.

Sponsor Relatives

Sponsor eligible family members to come to Australia

Work and Study Rights

This visa will allow you to work and study in Australia without restrictions.

Travel Rights

Travel in and out of Australia for the first 5 years upon visa approval

Citizenship Pathway

After meeting residency requirements, visa holders can apply for Australian citizenship

Healthcare Scheme

Gain access to Australia’s public health care Scheme - Medicare

Social Security

After meeting certain waiting periods, visa holders are eligible for social security benefits

Subclass 143 Visa

MAIN REQUIREMENTS

To be eligible for the Subclass 143 Contributory Parent Visa, applicants must meet several essential criteria:

Visa Application History in Australia
You are not eligible to apply if you applied or already hold a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa - subclass 870 visa

Sponsorship
Applicants must be sponsored by their child, who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. The sponsor must be at least 18 years old and must be able to financially support the parent.

Balance-of-Family Test
You are required to meet the balance of family test

  • At least half of the parent’s children must live in Australia, or;

  • more of their children must live in Australia than in any other country.

Assurance of Support
An assurance of support (a financial bond) is required to ensure that the applicant will not become reliant on government welfare services.

Health and Character Requirements
Applicants must pass health checks and provide police certificates to meet the health and character requirements.

Supplementary Information

  • Applying as a retiree - You can apply as a retiree if;

    • If you previously held or had an

      • Investor Retirement visa - Subclass 405 visa or;

      • Retirement visa - Subclass 410

  • If you apply for this visa as a retiree, you are not required to meet the following criteria:

    • Balance of family test

    • Assurance of support

    • A sponsor

Steps to apply for the Subclass 143 Visa

Ensure Eligibility

Verify that you meet the basic requirements, such as having an eligible sponsor, passing the balance-of-family test, and fulfilling health and character requirements.

  1  

Gather Documents

Collect the necessary documents, including proof of identity, your sponsor’s details, health and police clearances, and evidence of meeting the balance-of-family test.

  2  

Submit the Application

Submit the visa application online or by paper through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure that all required documents are attached to avoid delays.

  3  

Assurance of Support

Your sponsor or an assurer must lodge an assurance of support, which involves a financial bond to ensure you will not rely on government assistance.

  4  

Health and Character Checks

Undergo medical examinations and submit police clearances from all countries you’ve lived in for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.

  5  

Wait for Processing

After submitting the application, you may be granted a bridging visa to remain in Australia while waiting for the decision.

  6  

Current Processing Time: Subclass 143 Visa

When it comes to the processing timeline, several factors can impact your application. These include the quality of submitted documents and the volume of applications received by the Department.

Stream Processing time frame (estimate)
Contributory Aged Parent Visa (SC 143) 14 years

Frequently

Asked       

Questions

  • The balance-of-family test requires that at least half of your children live in Australia, or more of your children live in Australia than in any other country.

  • Yes, you can include your partner and dependent family members in your visa application.

  • Yes, the Subclass 143 visa grants permanent residency in Australia, allowing you to live and work in Australia indefinitely.

  • The assurance of support is a financial commitment made by your sponsor (or another assurer) to cover your living costs in Australia, ensuring that you do not rely on government welfare services for your first few years in Australia.

  • No, the Subclass 143 visa requires that you apply from outside Australia. However, if you hold a valid temporary visa, you may be eligible to stay in Australia on a bridging visa while your application is processed.