TL;DR
- Subclass 864: For aged parents eligible for the age pension in Australia. Provides permanent residency, work rights, Medicare, and family sponsorship. Processing time can take up to 14 years.
- Subclass 143: For parents of any age, requiring a sponsor. Offers permanent residency, work rights, Medicare, and family sponsorship. Also has a processing time of up to 14 years.
- Eligibility: Both require sponsorship, meeting the balance of family test, health, and character checks.
- Processing Time: Both visas have long processing times due to high demand, up to 14 years.
- Benefits: Both visas offer permanent residency, work rights, Medicare, and family sponsorship.
Are you a parent looking to reunite with your children in Australia? If so, you might be considering applying for a parent visa, but with various options available, it can get confusing.
The two most popular options are the Contributory Aged Parent Visa (subclass 864) and the Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143). While both allow parents of settled Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live permanently in Australia, they differ significantly in eligibility and benefits.
In this blog, we’ll break down the key differences between the Subclass 864 and Subclass 143 visas, helping you decide which one is best suited to your needs and circumstances.
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.
Understanding the Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864)
The Subclass 864 Contributory Aged Parent Visa is specifically for aged parents of settled Australian citizens and permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. If you are over the required age to receive the age pension in Australia and meet the eligibility criteria, this visa allows you to live permanently in Australia.
Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 864:
To qualify for this visa, you must meet several key requirements:
- Sponsorship: You need to be sponsored by an eligible sponsor, typically an adult child living in Australia. If your child is under 18, an eligible relative or community organisation can sponsor you.
- Age Requirement: You must be old enough to receive the age pension in Australia, which is currently 67 years or older (depending on the age pension age).
- Balance of Family Test: At least half of your children must be living in Australia. If the majority of your children live overseas, you may not be eligible.
- Health and Character Requirements: Your family members and you must meet health and character standards.
- Financial Responsibility: You must show that you or your sponsor can financially support you without the need for government assistance.
Benefits of the Subclass 864 Visa:
Once granted, the Subclass 864 visa offers several benefits:
- Permanent Residency: You’ll be able to live in Australia permanently.
- Work and Study Rights: You can work and study in Australia without restrictions.
- Medicare: Eligibility for Australia’s public health care system.
- Family Sponsorship: You can sponsor other family members to join you in Australia.
- Travel Flexibility: You can travel in and out of Australia for 5 years.
- Australian Citizenship: If eligible, you can apply for Australian citizenship after meeting the residency requirements.
This visa is an excellent choice if you’re looking to reunite with your children in Australia, and you meet the age and family requirements.
Understanding the Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143)
The Subclass 143 Contributory Parent Visa allows the parent of a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia permanently. Unlike the Subclass 864 visa, this visa allows you to apply for permanent residency without needing to meet the age requirement, but it does come with different conditions.
Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 143:
Similar to the Subclass 864 visa, the eligibility criteria for the Subclass 143 visa include:
- Sponsorship: You must be sponsored by an eligible child or relative.
- Balance of Family Test: You must have at least half of your children living in Australia.
- Health and Character Requirements: You must meet the health and character criteria.
- Financial Responsibility: You must have an assurance of support to ensure you won’t need public funds.
- Retiree Eligibility: If you are a retiree who previously held an Investor Retirement visa (subclass 405) or Retirement visa (subclass 410), you may be able to apply for the visa without meeting the balance of family test or the assurance of support requirement.
Benefits of the Subclass 143 Visa:
The Subclass 143 visa provides several similar benefits to the Subclass 864 visa:
- Permanent Residency: You can live in Australia permanently.
- Work and Study Rights: You are free to work and study in Australia.
- Medicare: Access to the public healthcare system.
- Family Sponsorship: You can sponsor your relatives to join you in Australia.
- Travel Flexibility: You can travel to and from Australia for five years.
- Australian Citizenship: If eligible, you can apply for Australian citizenship.
The Subclass 143 visa is generally chosen by parents looking for long-term residency in Australia, with some added flexibility regarding sponsorship.
Now, let’s explore some key differences between the two parent visas.
Key Differences Between the Subclass 864 and Subclass 143 Visas
Now, let’s highlight the key differences between these two parent visas, making it easier to choose the right one for your needs.
| Feature | Subclass 864 | Subclass 143 |
| Visa Type | Permanent Residency (Aged Parent) | Permanent Residency (Parent) |
| Eligibility Age | Must be old enough to receive age pension | No age requirement |
| Sponsorship | Must be sponsored by an eligible child or relative | Requires sponsorship from an eligible child, but retirees applying for this visa do not need a sponsor
|
| Balance of Family Test | Requires meeting the balance of family test | Requires meeting the balance of family test unless applying as a retiree
|
| Apply from | You must be in Australia, but not in immigration clearance, when applying. | You can apply from either inside or outside Australia. |
| Temporary Visa Option | Can be applied for as a temporary visa (Subclass 8) before transitioning to permanent residency (Subclass 864) | Can be applied for as a temporary visa (Subclass 173) before transitioning to permanent residency (Subclass 143) |
As you can see, the Subclass 864 is designed for aged parents and has some restrictions around age and financial responsibility, while the Subclass 143 provides more flexibility regarding age but still requires a sponsor and the balance of family test.
Processing Times and Queueing for Parent Visas
Both the Subclass 864 and Subclass 143 visas are subject to a queueing system. This means that once you’ve submitted your application and it meets the basic criteria, it will be placed in a queue, and the processing time will depend on when a spot becomes available.
- Subclass 864: This visa can take up to 14 years due to high demand and limited annual places.
- Subclass 143: Similar to the Subclass 864, this visa can take up to 14 years, with processing times impacted by the number of applications submitted in a given year.
Given the long waiting times, it’s important to manage your expectations and understand that while the visa may take a long time to process, it offers an excellent pathway to permanent residency in Australia.
Which Visa Should You Choose?
When deciding between the Subclass 864 and Subclass 143 visas, consider the following factors:
1. Age
If you’re eligible for the aged parent category and meet the age requirements, the Subclass 143 visa is suitable. However, if you’re older or a retiree, you may prefer the Subclass 864.
2. Sponsorship
You must have an eligible sponsor for both visas. If you don’t have an eligible child, or if your child is under 18, you might need a relative or community organisation.
3. Processing Time
Keep in mind that the processing times are lengthy, and patience is key. However, the Subclass 143 has slightly more flexibility regarding the sponsorship.
4. Financial Ability
The Subclass 143 visa might be a better fit for those who are financially independent or retirees.
Ultimately, what you choose depends on your individual circumstances, including your age, family situation, and long-term goals in Australia.
Final Thoughts
Both the Subclass 864 and Subclass 143 visas offer a fantastic opportunity for parents to reunite with their children in Australia. Whether you are looking for flexibility in age requirements or have a unique situation that qualifies for retirement options, these visas offer valuable pathways to permanent residency. Remember, both visas have long processing times due to demand, so it’s important to plan ahead.
If you’re considering applying for one of these visas, it’s a good idea to consult with a migration agent to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and to get help with the application process. At Knowbal, we’re here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring your Australian dream becomes a reality!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I apply for the Subclass 864 visa if I have already applied for a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 870)?
No, you cannot apply for the Subclass 864 visa if you have already applied for or have a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 870).
2. What happens if my sponsor dies while my application is being processed?
If you are holding a Temporary Contributory Parent visa (subclass 884) or a Contributory Parent visa (subclass 173), you may still be eligible to apply if your sponsor dies. However, you should seek advice on your specific situation.
3. How long does it take to process the Subclass 864 or 143 visa?
Processing times for both visas can take up to 14 years due to the capped number of visas available each migration year.
4. Can I work in Australia on the Subclass 864 or Subclass 143 visa?
Yes, both visas allow you to work and study in Australia without restrictions once granted.
5. Can I apply for Australian citizenship with a Subclass 864 or Subclass 143 visa?
Yes, if eligible, you can apply for Australian citizenship after meeting the residency requirements associated with these visas.
Have more questions? Contact Knowbal Today!
