Apply for Parent Visa to Australia
Contributory Parent Visa Subclass 143 & Temporary Subclass 173
Are you a parent of an Australian citizen or permanent resident looking to reunite with your children? The Parent Visa allows Australian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens to bring their parents to Australia. Whether you’re applying for the Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) for permanent residency or the Contributory Parent Temporary Visa (Subclass 173), our comprehensive guide offers all the information you need to begin your application and understand the visa options available.
What is the Parent Visa?
The Parent Visa is a type of family visa that allows the parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents to live in Australia. This visa category offers a pathway to long-term residency for parents who wish to join their children in Australia. There are two main types of Parent Visas available:
- Contributory Parent Visa Subclass 143: A permanent visa for parents who meet the Balance of Family Test and can contribute significantly to the Australian healthcare system.
- Contributory Parent Temporary Visa Subclass 173: A temporary visa that allows parents to stay in Australia for up to two years while they wait for approval of the permanent Subclass 143 visa.
With these visas, parents can enjoy the benefits of being close to their children while becoming part of the Australian community.
Eligibility Requirements for Parent Visa Australia
To apply for a Parent Visa to Australia, you and your sponsor (your child) must meet certain eligibility requirements:
- Balance of Family Test: You must demonstrate that at least half of your children reside in Australia, or that more of your children live in Australia than in any other country.
- Sponsorship: Your child must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to sponsor you. They will also need to meet the sponsorship obligations set by the Department of Home Affairs.
- Health and Character Requirements: Both you and your sponsor will need to meet health and character criteria. This may include undergoing medical examinations and providing police clearance certificates.
We stand proudly as one of Australia’s premier immigration and visa agencies. As a Registered Australian Migration Agency (MARN 0743766), we specialize in every facet of the visa application journey. For over two decades, our mission has been to assist individuals, like yourself, in navigating the intricacies of visa applications to facilitate living, working, traveling, and studying in Australia.
On this page you will find:
Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143)
The Contributory Parent Visa Subclass 143 is a permanent visa designed for parents who can contribute financially to Australia’s healthcare system. This visa offers parents the opportunity to join their children in Australia permanently, where they can enjoy permanent residency benefits, including access to work rights, healthcare, and social security.
The visa application process includes a significant application charge, and parents must pass the Balance of Family Test to qualify.
Benefits Subclass 174 (Contributory Parent Temporary Visa)
1. Temporary Stay in Australia
The Subclass 174 Visa allows parents to live in Australia for up to two years. During this time, they can enjoy the opportunity to be with their children and other family members in Australia while waiting for the permanent visa to be granted.
2. Work Rights
Holders of the Subclass 174 visa can work in Australia, which provides them the opportunity to support themselves financially during their stay. This work right can be particularly beneficial for parents who wish to remain financially independent while they live in Australia.
3. Access to Healthcare
Parents on the Subclass 174 visa are eligible to access Australia’s healthcare system, Medicare, provided they meet the health criteria and any necessary waiting periods. This allows for essential health care services while they reside in Australia temporarily.
4. Pathway to Permanent Residency
The Subclass 174 Visa acts as a pathway to the permanent Subclass 143 (Contributory Parent Visa). Once the parent has held the temporary visa and met the necessary requirements, they can apply for the permanent visa, enabling them to stay in Australia indefinitely.
5. Family Reunification
The Subclass 174 visa allows for family reunification, meaning that parents can spend time with their children and other close family members who are Australian citizens or permanent residents. This visa facilitates a meaningful and significant connection with their loved ones during their stay.
6. Minimal Restrictions
While on the Subclass 174 Visa, there are minimal restrictions placed on the holder in terms of living and working in Australia. It provides flexibility, allowing parents to remain in Australia while their permanent visa application is being processed.
7. Fast-Track Process for Permanent Residency
For those who hold the Subclass 174 visa, the pathway to permanent residency via the Subclass 143 visa may be more streamlined and fast-tracked. Once parents are in Australia on the temporary visa, they can apply for the permanent visa and undergo fewer steps or delays compared to applying from overseas.
Contributory Parent Temporary Visa (Subclass 173)
The Contributory Parent Temporary Visa Subclass 173 provides parents with a temporary solution while they wait for their permanent Subclass 143 visa to be processed. This visa allows you to stay in Australia for up to two years and provides many of the same benefits as the Subclass 143 visa, such as the right to live and work in Australia. After the temporary visa expires, you can apply for the permanent Subclass 143 visa, which provides a seamless pathway to permanent residency.
Benefits of Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143)
Temporary Stay in Australia
The Subclass 174 Visa allows you to stay in Australia temporarily for up to two years while you wait for the processing of your permanent Subclass 143 visa. This provides the opportunity to live in Australia and be close to your children and family members during this transitional period, maintaining strong family connections.
Reunite with Your Family
The Subclass 174 visa is an excellent choice for parents who wish to reunite with their Australian citizen or permanent resident children. While the temporary visa is in place, you can spend quality time with your loved ones, strengthening family bonds and supporting your children in Australia.
Healthcare Benefits
As a holder of the Subclass 174 Visa, you can access Australia’s Medicare system, which provides essential healthcare services during your temporary stay. This benefit ensures you receive medical care when needed, offering peace of mind during your time in Australia before transitioning to permanent residency.
Parent Visa Processing Times
The processing time for Parent Visas can vary significantly depending on the type of visa, the volume of applications being processed, and the complexity of the case. Typically, temporary visas such as the Subclass 173 are processed more quickly than the permanent Subclass 143 visa. It’s essential to apply early and be prepared for a waiting period.
Transitioning from Temporary Parent Visa (Subclass 173) to Permanent Visa
If you’ve been granted the Contributory Parent Temporary Visa Subclass 173, you can transition to the permanent Subclass 143 visa after meeting the necessary eligibility criteria and living in Australia for the required period. This pathway allows parents to stay in Australia while their permanent residency application is processed, ensuring no disruption to their ability to remain with their family.
Start Your Parent Visa Application Today
Are you ready to begin the process of applying for your Parent Visa to join your children in Australia? Contact us today for expert advice, personalized support, and assistance with your Contributory Parent Visa or Temporary Parent Visa application.