Australia Visa – Parent – Contributory Parent Visa 143

1. What is a Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143)?

A Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143) is an Australian permanent resident visa that allows parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia permanently. This visa requires a significant financial contribution from the visa applicant, and there are two streams within this visa category: Contributory Parent (onshore) and Contributory Parent (offshore).

2. What are the eligibility criteria for a Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143)?
To be eligible for a Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143), an individual must:

– Have a child who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen
– Meet the Balance of Family Test, which requires at least half of their children to be living lawfully in Australia as permanent residents or citizens
– Meet health and character requirements
– Meet the financial requirements, which include paying a significant fee at the time of application or providing evidence of long-term financial support from their child in Australia
– Have an Assurance of Support in place

3. How is the Contributory Parent Visa different from other parent visas?
The main difference between the Contributory Parent Visa and other parent visas is that it requires a significantly higher financial contribution from the visa applicant. The amount required for this visa is much higher than other parent visas but allows for faster processing times.

4. How long does it take to process a Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143)?
The processing time for a Contributory Parent Visa can vary depending on individual circumstances and may take several years. On average, this visa takes around 2-3 years to be processed.

5. Can I work in Australia with a Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143)?
Yes, individuals holding a Contributory Parent Visa are able to work and study in Australia.

6. Do I need to have insurance before applying for a Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143)?
No, health insurance is not a requirement for this visa. However, once the visa is granted, the visa holder will have access to Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system.

7. Can I include my partner in my Contributory Parent Visa application?
Yes, if you are in a genuine and ongoing relationship with your partner, they can be included as a secondary applicant on your Contributory Parent Visa application.

8. Can I travel outside of Australia with a Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143)?
Yes, the initial grant of this visa allows for multiple entries into Australia for a period of five years from the date it is granted. After five years, individuals can apply for a Resident Return Visa to maintain their Australian permanent residency while traveling outside of Australia.

9. What happens after the Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143) is granted?
Once the Contributory Parent Visa is granted, individuals will have access to all the rights and benefits of an Australian permanent resident, including work and study rights and access to government services such as healthcare.

10. Are there any age restrictions for applying for a Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143)?
There are no age restrictions for this visa, however older applicants may need to meet certain health requirements in order to be eligible.

2. Who is eligible to apply for a Contributory Parent Visa?


To be eligible for a Contributory Parent Visa, the applicant must:

– Be the biological or adoptive parent of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen
– Have been sponsored by their child, who must be at least 18 years of age and currently living in Australia
– Meet health and character requirements
– Meet the balance of family test, which requires at least half of the applicant’s children to be permanent residents or citizens of Australia, or that there are more children living in Australia than in any other single country
– Meet the financial requirement, where the sponsor must demonstrate they can provide financial support for the parent’s first two years in Australia
– Meet age requirements: Aged Parent Visa (subclass 864) – at least 65 years old; Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 884) – at least 65 years old; Contributory Aged Parent Visa (subclass 864) – at least 65 years old but below Age Pension age.

It is important to note that there are also additional requirements specific to each subclass of Contributory Parent Visa. For example, applicants for the Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) Visa must also demonstrate that they have met certain residence requirements in order to be eligible. It is recommended to seek advice from a qualified immigration lawyer for a thorough assessment of eligibility for this visa.

3. What is the difference between a Contributory Parent Visa and a non-contributory Parent Visa?


A Contributory Parent Visa is a type of parent visa that requires the applicant to pay a significantly higher visa application charge, which contributes towards their future aged care and medical costs in Australia. This visa also has a shorter processing time compared to non-contributory parent visas.

On the other hand, a non-contributory Parent Visa has a lower application charge but usually has a longer processing time. It does not require any upfront contribution towards aged care and medical costs in Australia but may limit access to certain government benefits for the visa holder.

Overall, the main difference between these two types of visas is the payment of a larger contribution and faster processing time for the Contributory Parent Visa versus a lower contribution and longer processing time for the non-contributory Parent Visa.

4. Can I have more than one sponsor for my visa application?


It is possible to have more than one sponsor for a visa application. This is particularly common in cases where the primary sponsor does not meet all of the financial requirements for the visa. In these situations, a secondary sponsor can provide additional support and help strengthen the application. It is important to note that each sponsor will need to meet certain criteria, and their financial information will need to be provided as part of the application process.

Additionally, if you are applying for a family or spousal visa, your partner may also act as a co-sponsor by providing evidence of their own income and assets in addition to your primary sponsor’s information. However, it is always best to consult with an immigration lawyer or official source for guidance on specific visa applications and sponsorship options.

5. How long does it take to process a Contributory Parent Visa application?


The processing time for a Contributory Parent Visa varies and can take several years. The current processing time is approximately 18 – 24 months, but this can change depending on a variety of factors, including the number of applications being processed and the complexity of each case. It is important to note that there is no guarantee of a specific processing time and it is subject to change at any time.

6. Is there an age limit for parents applying for this visa?


Yes, there is an age limit for parents applying for this visa. The parent must be at least 18 years old and there is no upper age limit. However, the parent must meet the health and character requirements set by the Australian government.

7. Can I work in Australia on a Contributory Parent Visa?


Yes, you can work in Australia on a Contributory Parent Visa. The visa allows you to work and study in Australia while your application for permanent residence is being processed. However, as a contributing parent, you must be of retirement age (65 years or older) to be eligible to work in Australia. If you are under 65 years old, you must be able to demonstrate that your insufficient income or assets could cause significant hardship if you were not permitted to work full-time.

Once granted, the Contributory Parent Visa allows you to live and work in Australia indefinitely and travel freely. You will also have access to healthcare services through Medicare (Australia’s public health system). However, please note that this visa does not provide any access to social security payments or benefits.

It is important to keep in mind that working while waiting for your permanent residence application can help provide evidence of your contribution towards the cost of your stay in Australia and may have a positive impact on future visa applications.

8. Do I need to pass an English language test to be eligible for this visa?


Yes, you will need to demonstrate your English language proficiency by passing an English language test, unless you are exempt from this requirement. The minimum required score for the test varies depending on which visa subclass you are applying for and your passport country. You can check the specific requirements on the Department of Home Affairs website.

9. Is medical examination required for this visa?


Yes, a medical examination is required for this visa. The immigration department may request a medical examination to assess whether an applicant meets the health requirements for entry into Australia. This is to ensure that the applicant does not pose a risk to public health or incur excessive healthcare and community service costs in Australia. The type of medical examination required will depend on the individual’s circumstances and may include physical, mental, and x-ray examinations. Immigration will provide instructions on how to complete the medical examination once it is requested.

10. Do I need to have health insurance in order to apply for this visa?


No, health insurance is not a requirement for the majority of Australian visas. However, it is highly recommended to have health insurance when traveling to Australia as medical treatments can be expensive for non-residents. It is also a requirement for the Student visa and some work visas.

11. Can I include my spouse or partner in my application?

No, your spouse or partner cannot be included in your application for the Asylum Seekers Scholarship. This scholarship is only available to individual asylum seekers and not their family members.

12. What happens if my children over 18 want to come with me, can they be included in my application?


If your children are over 18, they can only be included in your application if they meet certain requirements. In most cases, they would need to be dependent on you and not have a spouse or partner of their own. They may also need to provide evidence that they are still financially dependent on you. Each country has specific guidelines for including adult children in visa applications, so it is best to consult with an immigration attorney or the embassy of the country you wish to move to for more information.

13. Can I travel outside of Australia while holding a Contributory Parent Visa?


Yes, you can travel outside of Australia while holding a Contributory Parent Visa. However, there are some conditions and limitations that apply.

You must inform the Department of Home Affairs if you intend to travel outside of Australia for more than 3 months. If you plan to be away for longer than 12 months, you must also provide evidence that you have significant ties to Australia and intend to return.

It is important to note that your visa may be cancelled if you do not meet the residency requirements. This means that before applying for citizenship, you must have lived in Australia as a permanent resident for at least 4 years, with no more than 12 months spent outside of the country. Therefore, extended periods of travel may affect your ability to meet the residency requirements.

Furthermore, if you are absent from Australia for more than 5 continuous years without obtaining a Resident Return Visa, your Contributory Parent Visa will expire and no longer be valid.

Additionally, travelling may also impact your eligibility for government services such as healthcare benefits or Age pension. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider the implications before planning any long-term travel while holding a Contributory Parent Visa.

14. Will my children lose their Australian citizenship if they move back to their home country with me after obtaining this visa?


No, your children will not lose their Australian citizenship if they move back to their home country with you after obtaining this visa. Australian citizenship is permanent and cannot be revoked unless it was fraudulently obtained. However, they may lose certain benefits or privileges associated with being an Australian citizen if they permanently reside in another country. It is best to consult with a migration lawyer or the Department of Home Affairs for specific information about your children’s citizenship status and any potential implications of moving abroad.

15. Do I need to make a certain amount of financial investment in Australia as part of the visa requirements?


No, there are no specific financial investment requirements as part of the visa requirements for most Australian visas. However, some visas may require proof of sufficient funds to cover living expenses during your stay in Australia. This requirement varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for and your individual circumstances. It is important to carefully review the visa requirements for the specific visa you are interested in to determine if there are any financial requirements that apply to you.

16. Is there any age limit for sponsors of Contributory Parent Visas?

Yes, the minimum age for sponsors of Contributory Parent Visas is 18 years old. However, there is no maximum age limit for sponsors.

17. Are there any obligations that sponsors must meet after the visa is granted?


Yes, sponsors have a number of obligations to fulfill after the visa is granted. These include:

1. Keeping records: The sponsor must keep a record of the sponsored visa holder’s employment details and any changes to their circumstances, such as change in job responsibilities or salary.

2. Monitoring and reporting: Sponsors are responsible for monitoring their sponsored employees’ compliance with visa conditions and reporting any significant changes or breaches of visa conditions to the Department of Home Affairs.

3. Informing the Department of Home Affairs: Sponsors must inform the Department within 28 days if there are any changes to their own information, such as change in address or business activities.

4. Training requirements: Sponsors must meet training requirements by providing evidence of training expenditure equivalent to at least 1% of their payroll annually, unless they are considered exempt from this requirement.

5. Cooperation with inspections: The Department may conduct inspections to ensure that sponsors are meeting their obligations. Sponsors are required to cooperate with these inspections and provide relevant documents upon request.

6. Cooperation with investigations: In case of any suspected violations or breaches, sponsors must cooperate with investigations carried out by the Department.

7. Sponsorship obligations notification: The sponsor must also notify the Department within 14 days if they become aware that a sponsored employee has ceased employment or left Australia before their visa expiry date.

8. Keeping informed about immigration laws: Sponsors should stay up-to-date with immigration laws and regulations to ensure compliance with all relevant obligations.

9. Compliance with all other sponsorship obligations: Apart from these specific obligations, sponsors must comply with all other sponsorship-related requirements outlined by the Department of Home Affairs.

18. If I already hold another type of Australian visa, can I still apply for a Contributory Parent Visa?


Yes, it is possible to apply for a Contributory Parent Visa even if you hold another type of Australian visa. However, you will need to meet all the eligibility criteria and pay the relevant visa fees, which can be substantial. It is recommended to seek professional advice before making any application for a Contributory Parent Visa.

19.Is it possible to switch from a non-contributory Parent Visa (subclass 103. to a Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143)?


No, it is not possible to switch from a non-contributory Parent Visa (subclass 103) to a Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143). These are two separate visa subclasses with different eligibility requirements and application processes. If you wish to apply for the Contributory Parent Visa, you must submit a new application and meet all the relevant criteria for this visa subclass.

20.What are the options available if my parent’s health does not meet the health requirement for this visa?

If your parent’s health does not meet the health requirement, there are several options available:

1. Applying for a Health Waiver: In some cases, your parent may be able to apply for a waiver of the health requirement based on exceptional circumstances. This option is usually only considered if the condition is treatable or manageable, and won’t result in significant costs to the Australian healthcare system.

2. Obtaining Treatment and Reassessing: If your parent’s condition can be treated and managed, they may need to undergo treatment and then reapply for the visa once their health has improved.

3. Considering Other Visas: If your parent’s health makes them ineligible for this specific visa, they may have other options available such as a visitor visa or a Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa that allows them to stay in Australia for up to two years.

4. Seeking Help from a Health Professional: You can also seek advice from a Registered Migration Agent or consult with a medical professional who specializes in immigration medical examinations for guidance on your specific case.

It’s important to note that each individual case is different and you should carefully consider all options before making any decisions.