Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 173 & 143)
Unlike other parent visas, the Contributory Parent visa requires a higher financial commitment as part of the application process. In return, applicants benefit from significantly faster processing times, enabling you to reunite with your family in Australia sooner.
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If you are a parent of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, you may qualify for a Contributory Parent visa. This visa pathway is designed to help parents reunite with their families in Australia and provides two subclass options to suit different circumstances. The Subclass 173 is a temporary visa, enabling you to live in Australia for up to two years while you prepare for the next stage. The Subclass 143 is a permanent visa, granting long-term residency and access to the full range of benefits available to permanent residents. The process involves two stages: starting with the Subclass 173 temporary visa and progressing to the Subclass 143 permanent visa. This structured approach allows families to plan their settlement in Australia with greater flexibility and peace of mind.
With this visa, you can
As a subclass 173 visa holder, you can:
- Work in Australia with no restrictions and receive minimum wage protections
- Study without limitations
- Travel to and from Australia for up to 2 years
As a subclass 143 visa holder, you can:
- Work and study in Australia without restrictions
- Travel to and from Australia for up to 5 years
- Apply for Australian citizenship when eligible
- Access Medicare for healthcare services
- Sponsor eligible family members to join you in Australia
You Must
- have an eligible child who is a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen
- meet all applicable visa conditions and follow Australian law
- not have already applied for or hold a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) (subclass 870) visa when applying for this visa.
Eligibility
To qualify for subclass 173 or 143 visas, both the sponsor and the applicant must meet specific criteria:
Sponsor requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen settled in Australia
- Agree to provide accommodation and financial support for the applicant during their first two years in Australia
- Additional criteria may apply
Applicant requirements:
- Must be sponsored by an eligible sponsor
- Cannot have applied for or currently hold a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) (subclass 870) visa
- Must meet the balance of family test
- Additional criteria may apply
Application process for subclass 173/143 Contributory Parent Visa
The Contributory Parent Visa process involves two key stages: the temporary subclass 173 visa, followed by the permanent subclass 143 visa.
Stage 1: Temporary Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 173)
Applicants must first obtain the Temporary Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 173) before progressing to the permanent stage. As of now, the Department of Home Affairs is not requiring Family visa applicants to travel offshore for lodgement. A temporary in-country concession, effective from March 24, 2021, permits eligible Parent visa applicants to have their visas granted while remaining in Australia.
Stage 2: Permanent Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143)
Once granted the subclass 173 visa, parents may become eligible to apply for the Permanent Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143). Applications can be lodged from within or outside Australia, and this visa confers the right to reside permanently in Australia.
Professional Visa and Education Services is committed to supporting you at every stage of your Contributory Parent Visa journey (subclass 173/143). To maximise your chances of a successful outcome, we invite you to arrange a consultation with our experienced team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I include my spouse in my Contributory Parent visa (subclass 173/143) application?
Yes, you can include secondary applicants in your visa application. To be eligible, they must meet health and character requirements. You may also be required to disclose information about all family members who are not accompanying you to Australia. Your Australian Migration Lawyer will guide you based on your individual circumstances.
Can I access Medicare if I hold subclass 173?
As a holder of the Subclass 173 visa, you are not eligible for Medicare coverage, as this is a temporary visa category. Medicare access generally becomes available once you are granted a Subclass 143 (permanent) visa. If you are uncertain about your eligibility, we recommend contacting Medicare directly for confirmation. Should you require further guidance or support, our legal team is available to assist with comprehensive advice tailored to your circumstances.
What is the difference between visa subclass 143 and subclass 864?
Both the subclass 143 and subclass 864 are permanent Parent visas; however, the subclass 864 is exclusively available to parents who have reached the Australian pension age (currently at least 67 years old) and requires applicants to be in Australia at the time the application is lodged.
Once my subclass 173 visa expires, is there any way to stay longer?
The Department does not permit extensions or further applications for the Subclass 173 visa. If you are seeking alternative temporary options, you may wish to consider the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (Subclass 870) or the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600). For those interested in remaining in Australia on a more permanent basis, the Contributory Aged Parent (Permanent) visa (Subclass 864), Parent visa (Subclass 103), and Aged Parent visa (Subclass 804) may be suitable, each with distinct eligibility criteria. We recommend seeking tailored professional advice to determine the most appropriate pathway for your individual circumstances.
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