143 Visa: Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143)
The subclass 143 contributory parent visa is a permanent residency visa for parents whose children are permanently settled in Australia.
Who can sponsor on the subclass 143 visa?
Parents must be sponsored by their child or a spouse of their child. Eligible sponsors include Australian citizens, permanent residents and eligible New Zealand citizens who have been settled in Australia for at least two years.
Meeting the balance of family test is one of the biggest hurdles faced by contributory parent visa applicants.
In certain circumstances, the Government allows community organisations to sponsor applicants too.
Sponsors must meet other eligibility criteria, which includes character requirements.
Do you qualify for a visa?
Free AssessmentWhat is the balance of family test?
To meet the test, at least half of the applicant’s children must be living in Australia as a citizen or permanent resident. Put simply, more of your children need to live here than anywhere else. This includes adopted children and step-children, so if a parent is migrating with a partner who is not the biological parent of their sponsoring child, the partner’s children from any previous relationships will be taken into account too.
Lots of applicants trip up here. A Registered Migration Agent can let you know if you meet the balance of family test.
What is the contributory parent visa fee?
This visa is known as a contributory visa because it involves making a substantial contribution to the Government in the form of a $43,600 visa fee. This is payable just before grant of the 143 visa, after the health and police checks are passed. Some people choose to spread the cost of this out over several years by first applying for the subclass 173 contributory parent (temporary) visa. When the contributory fee is spread out in this way, the total payable is more, as $29,130 is payable just before grant of the 173 visa, with a second fee of $19,420 payable prior to the 143 being granted in the future.
What is an assurance of support?
An assurance of support is a guarantee from an eligible person that they will assist you financially if necessary for a number of years after your visa has been granted. Often, your child or their spouse will provide this assurance.
Retiree applicants
People who held or previously held the subclass 405 investor retirement visa or the subclass 410 retirement visa before 8 May 2018 may be eligible to apply for the 143 visa. Special provisions are in place for retiree applicants; they do not need a sponsor, assurance of support, or need to pass the balance of family test.
Can contributory parent visa holders work?
Yes. Once your visa has been approved, you can work and study in Australia.
Can contributory parent visa holders obtain Australian citizenship?
Yes. The subclass 143 is a PR visa, which means you can apply for citizenship as soon as you have lived in Australia long enough to meet citizenship residency requirements.
Do 143 visa holders get Medicare?
Yes. Once approved, you can enrol in the Medicare system.
Can I apply for a 143 visa in Australia?
You can apply onshore or offshore. There is no bridging visa if you are onshore when the application is lodged.
Free visa assessment
For more information on the subclass 143 contributory parent visa, contact True Blue Migration Services for a free visa assessment.
Am I eligible for a 143 contributory parent visa?
You may be eligible if you meet the following criteria:
- Meet balance of family test
- Meet health and character requirements
- Have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government or have a payment plan in place. This applies to your family members too
- Have an eligible sponsor