Contributory Parent visa (subclass 173 and 143)

Applicants may apply directly for Subclass 143 or first apply for Subclass 173 and later transition to Subclass 143.

The applicants of both visas must be sponsored by their eligible child living in Australia.

The sponsor must be:

• An Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
• At least 18 years of age
• Settled in Australia
• Approved as a sponsor by the Department
• The sponsorship rules differ depending on whether the child is over or under 18
• There is no mention of the de facto partner of the child as an eligible sponsor
• The approved sponsor must formally undertake financial and accommodation obligations for 2 years

Note: A community organisation may sponsor the applicant if the child has not turned 18.

Benefits Of The Visa

Being a Contributory Parent 173 visa holder, you can:

• Live in Australia for up to 2 years
• Work and study in Australia
• Enrol in Medicare (subject to eligibility)
• Travel in and out of Australia while the visa is valid
• Apply for Subclass 143 (permanent visa)

Being a Contributory Parent 143 visa holder, you can: 

• Live in Australia permanently
• Work and study in Australia without restriction
• Enrol in Medicare
• Apply for Australian citizenship (if eligibility criteria are met)
• Sponsor eligible relatives (subject to migration rules)
• Travel in and out of Australia for 5 years from visa grant

Eligibility Criteria

For Subclass 173 

• You must have an eligible child who is an Australian citizen, permanent
• resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
• You must meet the Balance of Family Test
• You must have an approved sponsor
• You must meet health and character requirements
• You must provide an Assurance of Support (if required)
• You must pay the applicable visa charges

For Subclass 143

• You must meet all criteria applicable to Subclass 173
• You may apply directly for Subclass 143 without holding Subclass 173
• If applying after holding Subclass 173, you must apply within the allowed period
• You must meet health, character, and sponsorship requirements
• You must provide an Assurance of Support

Relationship Evidence Requirements for Both Visas (Subclass 143 and 173)

You must provide certified copies of:

• Birth certificates showing the relationship to your sponsoring child
• Adoption documents (if applicable)
• Marriage certificates (if relevant)
• Family composition documents
• Identity documents of both applicant and sponsor
• Evidence the sponsor is settled in Australia

If required, additional documentation may be requested to establish the genuine parent-child relationship.

Family Members in the Visa Application

You may include:

• Your partner (spouse or de facto partner)
• Dependent children

All included family members must meet health and character requirements.

Health and Character Requirements

You and all included family members must:

• Complete medical examinations as required by the Department
• Provide police clearance certificates from each country lived in for 12 months or more within the past 10 years
• Meet Australia’s health and character standards

Australian Values Statement

Applicants aged 18 years or older must sign the Australian Values Statement confirming that they will respect Australian laws and values.

Debts to the Australian Government

You must have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government, or you must have arrangements in place to repay them before the visa can be granted.

Visa Application Charges

Contributory Parent visas involve substantial government application charges and second instalments.

Applying from Subclass 173 to Subclass 143 

Applicants who hold Subclass 173 may pay the remaining visa charge when applying for Subclass 143 within the permitted timeframe.

Applying Directly for Subclass 143 

Applicants applying directly for Subclass 143 must pay the full applicable visa charge.

Visa charges are subject to change and vary depending on the number of applicants included.

For the most up-to-date government application charges, applicants should refer to the Department of Home Affairs website.