CONTRIBUTORY PARENT VISA
(SUBCLASS 143)
The Contributory Parent (subclass 143) visa is a permanent visa that allows the parent of a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia permanently. It requires an eligible sponsor (usually your child), an assurance of support, and evidence that you meet the balance of family test.
At Ramsden Lawyers, our migration team helps parents throughout Australia and overseas navigate the Contributory Parent visa process, from sponsor eligibility through to final submission.
WHAT IS THE CONTRIBUTORY PARENT (SUBCLASS 143) VISA?
The Contributory Parent (subclass 143) visa is a permanent visa pathway for the parent of a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. If your application is successful, you are granted permanent residency in Australia.
You can be inside or outside Australia when you lodge your application. However, a decision cannot generally be made on your visa while you are in Australia. Except in very limited circumstances, you will need to be offshore at the time your visa is decided.
DO I NEED A SPONSOR FOR THE SUBCLASS 143 VISA?
Yes. This visa requires a suitable sponsor, most commonly your child. Your sponsor must be assessed as eligible, taking into account factors such as their age, their Australian immigration status, how long they have lived in Australia, and their capacity to provide you with support, accommodation, and financial help for the first two years after your visa is granted.
WHAT IS THE BALANCE OF FAMILY TEST?
The balance of family test looks at how many of your children live in Australia compared to overseas. To satisfy this test, you will need to provide evidence of your relationship to each of your children, along with evidence of where each child currently lives. This is one of the core eligibility requirements for the subclass 143 visa, and it needs to be addressed carefully and accurately.
WHAT EVIDENCE DO I NEED TO PROVIDE?
A Contributory Parent visa application typically requires evidence of:
- your identity, and the identity of your partner and any dependants included in the application
- your sponsor’s identity and their ability to satisfy the sponsorship eligibility requirements
- your relationship to each of your children, and where each child lives, to support the balance of family test
- your arrangements for health insurance in Australia
- your health, through the relevant medical assessments
- your character, including police certificates from countries where you have lived
Both you and your sponsor will need to satisfy these additional health and character requirements before your visa can be granted.
HOW RAMSDEN LAWYERS CAN HELP
Our migration team has extensive experience with all aspects of the Contributory Parent (subclass 143) visa, including:
- guiding you through the application process from start to finish
- advising you on the specific requirements you and your sponsor need to meet
- helping you gather the supporting evidence required, and making sure it is of the right quality and standard
As part of our service, we prepare detailed written submissions to the Department of Home Affairs, addressing your and your sponsor’s eligibility against each requirement of the visa, supported by the evidence you provide.
If you are considering sponsoring your parents to live in Australia permanently, our team can help you understand your options and put together a strong application. With offices in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney and Melbourne contact Ramsden Lawyers today for a consultation.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What Is the Contributory Parent Visa Subclass 143?
It is a permanent visa for the parent of a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, granting permanent residency in Australia once approved.
Can I Apply for the Subclass 143 Visa While I'm In Australia?
You can lodge your application from inside or outside Australia. However, except in very limited circumstances, you must be outside Australia for a decision to be made on your visa.
Who Can Sponsor a Contributory Parent Visa Application?
Your sponsor is usually your child, and they must meet eligibility requirements relating to their age, Australian immigration status, length of residence in Australia, and ability to support you with housing and finances for your first two years in Australia.
What Is the Balance of Family Test for the Parent Visa?
The balance of family test assesses how many of your children live in Australia compared to overseas and requires evidence of your relationship to each child and their current place of residence.
Do I Need Health Insurance to Apply for the Contributory Parent Visa?
Yes. You need to show you have made arrangements for health insurance in Australia as part of your application, alongside meeting health and character requirements.
How Much Does the Contributory Parent Visa Cost, And How Long Does It Take?
Visa application charges and processing times are set by the Department of Home Affairs and change regularly. Contact our migration team for current costs and expected timeframes for your circumstances.
