Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143/173) - Complete Guide

The Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143/173) allows parents of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to migrate to Australia. This two-stage visa process offers significantly faster processing times compared to the standard Parent Visa, but requires higher fees and an Assurance of Support.

The visa operates in two stages: first you receive the temporary Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 173), then you can apply for the permanent Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143). This pathway is designed for families who can meet the higher financial requirements in exchange for faster family reunion.

Who This Visa Is For

• Parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents
• Families seeking faster processing than standard parent visas
• Parents with children meeting the balance-of-family test
• Couples where one or both parents qualify
• Families who can meet Assurance of Support requirements
• Parents needing ongoing support from Australian children of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to migrate to Australia. This two-stage visa process offers significantly faster processing times compared to the standard Parent Visa, but requires higher fees and an Assurance of Support.

The visa operates in two stages: first you receive the temporary Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 173), then you can apply for the permanent Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143). This pathway is designed for families who can meet the higher financial requirements in exchange for faster family reunion.

Who This Visa Is For

• Parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents

• Families seeking faster processing than standard parent visas

• Parents with children meeting the balance-of-family test

• Couples where one or both parents qualify

• Families who can meet Assurance of Support requirements

• Parents needing ongoing support from Australian children'

Primary Requirements

To be eligible for the Contributory Parent Visa, you must:

1. Have a child who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
2. Meet the balance-of-family test
3. Be sponsored by your eligible child
4. Have an approved Assurance of Support
5. Meet health and character requirements
6. Have adequate health insurance
7. Be outside Australia when applying (for most applicants)

Balance-of-Family Test

You meet this test if:

Option 1: At least half of your children live permanently in Australia

Option 2: You have more children living permanently in Australia than in any other single country

Counting Your Children:

• Include all children (biological, adopted, step-children)
• Children must be alive at time of application
• Consider permanent residence status, not temporary visas
• Count children regardless of their age

Sponsor Requirements

Your sponsoring child must:

• Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
• Be 18 years or older (or married/in de facto relationship if younger)
• Usually resident in Australia for at least 2 years before sponsoring
• Provide written undertaking for support obligations
• Not have outstanding debts to Australian government
• Meet character requirements

Assurance of Support Requirements

Who Provides AoS:

• Your sponsoring child and their partner (if applicable)
• Additional supporters may be required based on income
• Supporters must be Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens

Financial Requirements:

• Combined income of supporters must meet minimum thresholds
• Additional bank guarantee or security deposit required
• Duration: 2 years for 173 visa, 10 years for 143 visa
• Released gradually over the assurance period

To be eligible for the Contributory Parent Visa, you must:

1. Have a child who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen

2. Meet the balance-of-family test

3. Be sponsored by your eligible child

4. Have an approved Assurance of Support

5. Meet health and character requirements

6. Have adequate health insurance

7. Be outside Australia when applying (for most applicants)

Balance-of-Family Test

You meet this test if:

Option 1: At least half of your children live permanently in Australia

Option 2: You have more children living permanently in Australia than in any other single country

Counting Your Children:

• Include all children (biological, adopted, step-children)

• Children must be alive at time of application

• Consider permanent residence status, not temporary visas

• Count children regardless of their age

Sponsor Requirements

Your sponsoring child must:

• Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen

• Be 18 years or older (or married/in de facto relationship if younger)

• Usually resident in Australia for at least 2 years before sponsoring

• Provide written undertaking for support obligations

• Not have outstanding debts to Australian government

• Meet character requirements

Assurance of Support Requirements

Who Provides AoS:

• Your sponsoring child and their partner (if applicable)

• Additional supporters may be required based on income

• Supporters must be Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens

Financial Requirements:

• Combined income of supporters must meet minimum thresholds

• Additional bank guarantee or security deposit required

• Duration: 2 years for 173 visa, 10 years for 143 visa

• Released gradually over the assurance period'

Application Preparation

1. Start early with AoS application process
2. Gather comprehensive family documentation
3. Obtain current health and character clearances
4. Arrange appropriate health insurance early
5. Consider professional advice for complex cases

Financial Planning

1. Budget comprehensively for all costs involved
2. Plan for ongoing health insurance costs
3. Consider AoS impact on family finances
4. Understand waiting periods for government benefits
5. Prepare for settlement costs in Australia

Documentation Strategy

1. Prove parent-child relationships clearly

2. Document all children’s residence status

3. Show sponsor’s Australian connection

4. Prepare thorough health insurance evidence

5. Address any character issues proactively

6. Start early with AoS application process

7. Gather comprehensive family documentation

8. Obtain current health and character clearances

9. Arrange appropriate health insurance early

10. Consider professional advice for complex cases

Financial Planning

1. Budget comprehensively for all costs involved

2. Plan for ongoing health insurance costs

3. Consider AoS impact on family finances

4. Understand waiting periods for government benefits

5. Prepare for settlement costs in Australia

Documentation Strategy

1. Prove parent-child relationships clearly

2. Document all children’’s residence status

3. Show sponsor’’s Australian connection

4. Prepare thorough health insurance evidence

5. Address any character issues proactively'