TL;DR:
- Permanent Residency: The Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) lets parents live permanently in Australia with access to Medicare, work, and study rights.
- Eligibility: Applicants must be sponsored by an eligible child, pass the Balance of Family Test, and meet health and character requirements.
- Application Process: Gather required documents, submit the application, and pay fees in two instalments.
- Costs: The visa application fee starts at AUD 48,640 for a single applicant, with additional charges for family members.
- Processing Time: The visa can take up to 14 years due to high demand and capping of Parent visa applications.
Are you hoping to bring your parents to Australia? The Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) is one of the best options available for permanent residency, but we know the process can seem overwhelming. You may be feeling a bit unsure about the eligibility requirements, the documents needed, or how long the process will take. Don’t worry; you’re not alone. Many families have been in your shoes and successfully brought their loved ones to Australia.
This blog will guide you through some of the important queries on the Contributory Parent Visa, focusing on the most important aspects, including the eligibility criteria, application process, required documents, and costs involved. With the right guidance, you’ll be one step closer to bringing your parents home to Australia.
Please Note: This article serves as a general guide to help you understand the topic, with information accurate as of the publication date. We recommend consulting a registered migration agent or check The Department of Home Affairs for precise, up-to-date guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.
Why Choose the 143 Visa Over Other Parent Visas?
The Contributory Parent Visa offers multiple advantages over other parent visa options, which makes it an attractive choice for families. Let’s explore why it stands out:
- Permanent Residency: This visa gives your parents permanent residency in Australia, allowing them to live, work, and study here indefinitely.
- Work and Study Rights: Your parents can freely work and study in Australia, opening up opportunities for them to be active participants in Australian society.
- Medicare Access: They’ll have access to Australia’s public healthcare system, Medicare, ensuring they receive essential medical services.
- Sponsor Other Family Members: With this visa, your parents can sponsor other family members to come to Australia.
- Travel Flexibility: The visa allows your parents to travel in and out of Australia for up to 5 years.
- Free English Classes: If eligible, your parents can attend free English language classes to better integrate into the Australian community.
- Pathway to Citizenship: After holding the Contributory Parent Visa for some time, your parents may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship.
Now that you understand why the Contributory Parent Visa is a great choice, let’s look at the eligibility criteria to see if your parents can qualify for this pathway.
What is the Eligibility Criteria for the Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143)?
Before your parents can apply for the Contributory Parent Visa, they must meet certain eligibility requirements. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Not holding a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870):
If your parents currently hold or have already applied for a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) (subclass 870) visa, they cannot apply for the Contributory Parent Visa.
2. Sponsor Requirement:
Your parents must be sponsored by an eligible sponsor, typically their child who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. In rare cases, they can be sponsored by an eligible relative or community organisation.
3. Balance of Family Test:
The Balance of Family Test ensures that at least half of your parents’ children are Australian citizens or permanent residents.
4. Health and Character Requirements:
Your parents are required to meet health and character requirements, including police clearances and health checks.
5. Assurance of Support:
You, as the sponsor, must provide an assurance of support to ensure your parents will not rely on Australian welfare.
6. Australian Values Statement:
Your parents must sign the Australian Values Statement to acknowledge their commitment to Australian values.
Meeting the eligibility requirements is the first step towards securing a Contributory Parent Visa. With this in mind, let’s move on to the application process.
Contributory Parent Visa Application Process
Applying for the Contributory Parent Visa involves several important steps. Let’s break down each step for you:
Step 1: Before You Apply
Ensure that your passport is in order and that you have all the necessary documents ready.
If you need assistance with your application, you can designate someone to act on your behalf.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
Collect all your documents, including for any dependants or your partner who might be applying with you.
For Contributory Parent (subclass 173) visa holders, some documents may be waived, but others will still need to be provided. If there have been any changes since your 173 visa was granted, make sure to include the necessary evidence.
Step 3: Apply for the Visa
Submit your application online or through paper submission. You must be either in or outside of Australia when submitting the application.
Step 4: After You Apply
Once we receive your application, we’ll confirm receipt and let you know if anything else is required.
Step 5: Visa Outcome
After the application is processed, you’ll receive a decision in writing. If your application is granted, you’ll be issued your visa and a visa grant number.
Following each step carefully will help prevent delays and make the process smoother.
With the application process outlined, let’s now take a closer look at the documents and evidence required to support your application.
What Documents and Evidence Do I Need for the Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143)?
Gathering the correct documents is an important step in the application process. Here’s a list of documents your parents will need to submit:
1. Identity Documents:
Include passports, birth certificates, and photographs for the applicant and any dependants.
2. Sponsor Documents:
Provide evidence that you, as the sponsor, meet the requirements. This could include proof of Australian citizenship or permanent residency.
3. Balance of Family Documents:
Documents showing that at least half of your parents’ children are living in Australia as citizens or permanent residents.
4. Health and Character Documents:
Police clearances and medical examination reports for your parents to prove they meet health and character requirements.
5. Assurance of Support Documents:
Evidence of the assurance of support you are providing as the sponsor.
6. Partner and Dependant Documents:
If applicable, include documents for your partner or any children applying with your parents.
Make sure all documents are certified, and non-English documents should be translated into English by an accredited translator.
Now, let’s talk about the costs involved and how to prepare financially for the application.
Costs Involved in the Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143)
The Contributory Parent Visa comes with certain costs, and it’s important to plan ahead. Here’s what you can expect:
1. Visa Application Fee:
The application fee for the Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) starts at AUD 48,640 for a single applicant. Additional charges apply for family members.
2. Two Instalments:
The visa fee is split into two parts: the first instalment is paid when you apply, and the second is paid when requested by the Department.
3. Other Costs:
Additional costs may include medical checks, police certificates, and biometrics. Applicants should carefully budget for these additional costs during their visa application process.
The costs of applying for a Contributory Parent Visa can add up, so it’s important to budget for both the application fees and any additional costs like health checks and police certificates.
How Long Is the Wait for a Contributory Parent Visa?
The processing time for the Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) can vary, and it’s important to know what to expect. Unfortunately, the demand for Parent visas exceeds the number of available spots each year, which means that processing times can be lengthy.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Capping and Queueing:
Parent visa applications, including Contributory Parent visas, are subject to capping and queueing. This means that once the annual cap is reached, further applications are placed in a queue.
2. Queue Dates:
Applications are assessed based on their queue date, which is assigned once the application meets the core visa criteria. For example, Contributory Parent visa applications with a queue date up to April 2018 are already in the final stages of processing.
3. Processing Timeframe:
The estimated processing time for a Contributory Parent Visa is approximately 14 years due to the limited number of visas granted each year. However, this timeframe may vary depending on the applicant’s specific circumstances and the number of applications received.
If you’re considering applying for a Contributory Parent Visa, it’s important to be aware that you may be in for a lengthy wait.
Final Thoughts
Bringing your parents to Australia through the Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) is a rewarding, yet complex process. By understanding the eligibility criteria, gathering the right documents, and being aware of the costs involved, you can make the application process smoother and more efficient. Remember to focus on the important aspects like the balance of family test, sponsorship, and the health and character requirements.
If you need expert assistance or have questions about the Contributory Parent Visa application, Knowbal Migration and Education is here to help. We guide you through every step, from gathering documents to understanding the processing times and ensuring your application meets all the necessary criteria. Contact us today and take the first step towards bringing your loved ones to Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I get a bridging visa for a Contributory Parent Visa?
Yes, a Bridging Visa is usually issued while you await the outcome of your Contributory Parent Visa application.
2. What is the fastest Parent Visa?
The Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) is the fastest option compared to other Parent visa categories, though it still has a lengthy processing time.
3. What is the second instalment of the Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143)?
The second instalment is a follow-up payment made once the visa application is processed and approved. The amount will be specified at that time.
4. What is the latest news about Parent Visas in Australia?
Processing times and cap numbers for Parent Visas are continually updated. Stay informed by visiting the Department of Home Affairs for the latest updates.
5. Can I apply for a Contributory Parent Visa if I’m over 65?
Yes, as long as you meet all other eligibility criteria, including health and character requirements, you can apply for the Contributory Parent Visa at any age.
Have more questions? Contact Knowbal!
