This 143 parent contributory visa has been created to allow elderly parents to join their children who are settled in Australia. It lets you:

  • Live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely

  • Enrol in Medicare

  • Travel to and from Australia for five years as you wish (you will need citizenship or a resident return visa after the five-year period)

  • Apply for Australian citizenship

Conditions of 143 Visa

Visa Processing Time for 143 Visa

The immigration department takes about four weeks to acknowledge the application. Then, it can take up to 12 years to process. This is because the number of parent visas is capped, and only a certain number of them are approved every year. Your application will be queued in order of date of application.

You can spread the cost of this visa over a number of years. First, apply for visa 173 temporary contributory parent. Then apply for the 143 visa.

Visa Fees for 143 Visa

The cost of this visa varies from year to year.

You’ll also need to pay an assurance of support. This is refunded after ten years after the Australian government has taken off the value of any debts.

Length of Stay on 143 Visa

This is a permanent visa. If you wish, you can apply for citizenship after five years.

Eligibility Criteria for the 143 Visa

There are a number of criteria you must meet in order to be eligible for this visa.

  • You cannot apply for the 143 visa if you have applied for or have a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) 870 visa.

  • You must have a sponsor, usually this is your child, and they must be citizens or permanent residents of Australia for at least two years

  • You must meet the balance of family test, and either have half your children living in Australia, or have more children living in Australia than any other overseas country

  • You need to offer an assurance of support, that you will not rely on the Australian government in any financial way

  • Meet health and character requirements

How to Apply For a 143 Visa

  • You can be in or out of Australia at the time of application. If you are applying as a retiree, you must be in Australia.

  • Ensure your passport is valid, and gather all relevant paperwork such as identity documents, balance of family documents, sponsor documents, assurance of support documents, and photographs.

  • Apply for this visa in paper form. Form 47PA Application for a parent to migrate to Australia.

  • Your sponsor will need to fill out Form 40 Sponsorship for migration to Australia

  • Pay the first fee

  • The immigration will check and ask for more information if required. They will either add the application to the queue or refuse it.

  • Then once your application is coming up in the queue, they will continue assessing and make a decision

Can IDP Help You?

If you are studying in Australia and wish to bring your parents over to live, we may be able to help guide your decision. Contact us to find out more.

Visa 143 FAQ

Are There Other Parent Visas to Apply For?

Yes, there are a number of other options for parent visas.

  • Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa 173 costs more than the 143 visa, and the stay is only for two years.

  • Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa 870 allows visits of up to three or five years at a time.

  • Aged Parent Visa 804 is a permanent visa which is more cost effective but the waiting time for approval could be up to 30 years

What is a Contributory Visa?

This is when the applicants pay a large lump sum – a contribution- upon moving to Australia. This, in effect, is your contribution to the economy as you have not and likely will not pay taxes for the remainder of your stay.

What is the difference between 173 and 143 visa?

The 173 visa is a two year visa, and the 143 is permanent. You can apply for the 173 and then transition to the 143 visa, then apply for citizenship.

What is The Wait Time For a Contributory Parent Visa?

Currently, the wait time is up to 12 years for a contributory visa. This could seem like a long time, but the non-contributory visa wait time is up to 30 years.

What Visa Lets You Stay in Australia While Waiting For The 143 Visa?

There are some ways you may be able to stay in Australia while applying for a 143 visa. There is no specific visa for the entire process, as the wait can be lengthy.

  • Contributory parent visa 173: This two year visa can offer a start for a parent moving to Australia

  • Tourist/ visitor 600: This lets you stay for 12 months

  • Bridging visa: This is the visa you get when you apply for a 143 visa, and your current substantive visa ceases

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