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Contributory Parent visa (Subclass 143)

AustraliaFamily

Explore the five recorded questions, answers and sources for this pathway.

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Explore pathways in Australia Read the five questions ↓

Which family relationships qualify?

The qualifying family relationship is that of a parent of a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. The parent must meet all applicable visa conditions and follow Australian law, and must not have already applied for or hold a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) (Subclass 870) visa when applying. A separate retiree pathway (former Investor Retirement/Retirement visa holders) exists that removes the sponsor and balance-of-family-test requirements.

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  • Overview tab
    This permanent visa lets a parent of a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident of Australia or eligible New Zealand citizen move to Australia.
  • Overview tab — Check your eligibility
    have an eligible child who is a settled Australian citizen, Australian Permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen
  • Overview tab — Check your eligibility
    not have already applied for or hold a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) (subclass 870) visa when applying for this visa.
  • Eligibility tab — Apply as a retiree
    on 8 May 2018, you held or had previously held an Investor Retirement (subclass 405) visa or Retirement (subclass 410), and

Who may sponsor or bring the family member, and what immigration/citizenship status must that person hold?

The parent must have an eligible sponsor, usually the eligible child; if that child is under 18, an eligible relative or a community organisation may sponsor instead, and the Department must approve the sponsorship. A retiree applicant does not need a sponsor at all, and a Contributory Parent (Temporary) (subclass 173) holder may still be eligible if their sponsor dies.

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What is important for proving marriage, partnership, parentage, custody, dependency or another qualifying relationship?

Proof of the qualifying relationship centres on the 'balance of family test' (at least half of the parent's children and step-children eligible in Australia, or more eligible children in Australia than in any other single country), unless applying as a retiree, which waives the test entirely. A parent who already holds the Contributory Parent (Temporary) (subclass 173) visa has already met this test.

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What important financial, accommodation, insurance or maintenance responsibilities apply?

The parent must obtain an Assurance of Support (unless applying as a retiree), and must meet Australia's health and character requirements along with any family members applying with them; a retiree applicant is personally liable for healthcare costs during processing and must maintain adequate health insurance. Any debt owed to the Australian Government must be repaid or under an approved arrangement, and applicants aged 18 or over must sign the Australian Values Statement.

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How does the application work at a high level, what rights does the family member receive, how long does the status last, and how can it become independent or longer-term where officially stated?

This is a permanent visa: once granted, the parent can stay in Australia indefinitely, work and study, enrol in Medicare, sponsor family members, travel to and from Australia for 5 years, attend free English classes under the Adult Migrant English Program if eligible, and apply for Australian citizenship if eligible. Cost is from AUD49,900 over 2 instalments for a single applicant, though costs may be lower for those who already hold a Contributory Parent (Temporary) (subclass 173) or substituted Visitor (subclass 600) visa.

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These are the answers currently recorded in the catalogue. A missing or partial answer is not an eligibility decision.

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