Contributory Parent Visa (143)
Allows parents to migrate permanently to Australia with faster processing times through financial contribution.
Overview
The Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143) provides permanent residency to parents of a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. This visa allows parents to live in Australia permanently, with access to Medicare, work and study rights, and the ability to sponsor eligible family members to come to Australia.
It is a faster alternative to the standard Parent visa pathway, as applicants pay a higher visa application charge, split into two instalments — one at the time of application and another before visa grant.
From 2 April 2025, applicants will be able to import paper applications for subclasses 143, 173, 804, 864, and 884 into ImmiAccount for online management, making it easier to track progress, upload documents, and receive updates electronically.
This visa is ideal for parents who wish to settle permanently in Australia with their children and contribute to the community while enjoying long-term stability and access to essential services.
Do You Have What It Takes?
- ✔ You have an eligible child who is a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen (usually settled for at least 2 years)
- ✔ Meet the Balance of Family Test (at least half of your children live permanently in Australia, or more of your children live permanently in Australia than in any other single country)
- ✔ Have an eligible sponsor (usually your settled child) who provides an Assurance of Support (AoS) and bond when requested
- ✔ Meet health and character requirements
- ✔ Meet all applicable visa conditions and Australian laws
- ✔ Must not have applied for or hold a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 870) at time of application
- ✔ If applying onshore, you must hold a visa that permits application; most apply offshore
Why Choose This Path?
- Live in Australia indefinitely as a permanent resident
- Work and study in Australia
- Enrol in Medicare (Australia’s public healthcare scheme)
- Sponsor eligible family for permanent residence
- Travel to and from Australia for 5 years from grant (then apply for an RRV to maintain travel rights)
- Attend free AMEP English classes if eligible
- Apply for Australian citizenship when eligible
Your Roadmap to Success
- Confirm eligibility: settled child, Balance of Family Test, and sponsoring arrangements.
- Gather identity, relationship, and evidence of child’s status/residency in Australia.
- Lodge subclass 143 application (or consider temporary subclass 173 first, then 143).
- Pay first instalment and receive acknowledgement/queue placement.
- Complete health examinations and provide police certificates when requested.
- Sponsor prepares Assurance of Support; Centrelink assesses AoS and bond when the Department requests it.
- Upload any additional documents (e.g., dependency evidence for secondary applicants).
- Respond promptly to Department requests, including biometrics or further information.
- Pay second instalment (contribution) when invoiced before decision.
- Receive grant; arrange travel and plan initial settlement in Australia.
Visa Duration
Initial Duration
Permanent
Visa Pathways
Pathway to Australian Citizenship
Subclass 143 provides immediate permanent residence. After meeting residence requirements (generally 4 years lawful residence including at least 12 months as a permanent resident) and other criteria, you may apply for Australian citizenship.
Processing times
Costs
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Main applicant | AUD 43,600.00 | Payable over 2 instalments (additional applicants pay extra |
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