143 – Australia Contributory Parent (Permanent) visa
The contributory parent visa category is similar to the parent visa category in that it allows eligible persons to sponsor their parents to join them in Australia.
The main benefit of a Contributory Parent visa is that applicants avoid the long waiting period. This visa carries a substantial application fee, most of which is due before lodging this permanent visa.
This visa is for parents looking to join their children if they already live in Australia. If you do not yet hold a Contributory Parent visa, you should apply for a temporary Contributory Parent visa (Subclass 173). If you already hold a temporary Contributory Parent visa, you should apply for this permanent residence visa.
- Introduction
- Visa Applicants
- Visa holders
Introduction
In many circumstances the waiting period of up to 30 years for a Parent (subclass 103) simply isn’t a viable option. If this is the case, the Contributory Parent visa pathway will reduce the waiting period significantly.
If you already hold a temporary Contributory Parent (subclass 173) visa, you may be able to apply for this visa.
What you can do with this visa
A contributory parent visa enables you, your partner and dependent family to reside in Australia on a permanent basis.
As a contributory parent migrant visa holder, you may also be permitted to:
- work or study in Australia
- gain access to healthcare through Medicare – subsidised by the government
- sponsor family members for residence in Australia (a waiting period applies)
- apply for social security (a waiting period applies)
Visa Applicants
This section outlines the basic eligibility criteria for sponsors and applicants who would like to apply for a Contributory Parent visa.
Eligibility criteria
The applicant
- the applicant must have a child who is an Australian citizen, or
- a permanent Australian resident, or
- an eligible New Zealand citizen
Alternative sponsor
If your child is not an eligible sponsor, you may be sponsored by the following persons:
- your child’s partner
- guardian or family member of your child
- guardian or family member of your child’s partner
- a community organisation
Visa holders
Obligations
If this visa is granted, the applicant and any additional family member must comply with all Australian laws.
The sponsor
As the sponsor, you will be required to assist your family members and help them settle in Australia by providing the following:
- moral support
- adequate accommodation
- financial support
Sponsorship must be provided for the first two years:
- from the date of entry to Australia if the application was lodged outside Australia, or
- from the date the visa was granted if the application was lodged in Australia
For the first two years of residency, the sponsor must comply with these obligations.
Assurer of Support
The assurer is obliged to:
- give sufficient financial support so that you or any accompanying family members do not have to rely on any government support, and
- reimburse the Australian government for any recoverable social security payments, this includes payments made by Centrelink to you and any others covered by the Assurance of Support
- pay a refundable security bond before the visa is approved
The Assurance of Support must remain in place for you and your family members for ten years from:
- the date of entry if the application was lodged outside Australia , or
- the date the visa was granted if the application was lodged in Australia
Assurance of Support
An Assurance of Support (AoS) is a legal undertaking by the sponsor, family relative, an organisation, or any other person who may be eligible to be an assurer, to repay certain social security payments to the Australian Government which has been paid to a person or their family members applying to migrate to Australia during their AoS period.