The temporary skilled migration income threshold settings for the 2026–27 program year will.......
Read full post
.webp)
If you’re a parent of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen and want to join your family in Australia, the Contributory Parent visa is a great pathway. This visa allows parents to live in Australia permanently or temporarily and eventually become permanent residents. At EduNest, we help families navigate this complex visa process smoothly and efficiently
The Contributory Parent visa is a type of Australian visa that enables parents to join their children who are settled in Australia. It is called “contributory” because applicants are required to make a larger financial contribution to cover the likely costs of their health and welfare.
There are two main subclasses under this category:
Subclass 143 Contributory Parent Visa (Permanent)
Subclass 173 Contributory Parent Temporary Visa
The Contributory Parent Subclass 143 visa allows eligible parents to live in Australia permanently. This visa is ideal for those looking for long-term residency and benefits such as Medicare and potential citizenship.
Live, work, and study in Australia permanently.
Access to Medicare and other healthcare services.
Apply for Australian citizenship (if eligible).
Sponsor other eligible family members.
The Subclass 173 Contributory Parent Temporary visa allows parents to live in Australia for up to two years. This visa cannot be extended or renewed, but it gives applicants time to prepare for the transition to the 143 visa.
Pay the visa contribution in two stages.
Spend valuable time with family while applying for permanent residency.
Access limited work rights and temporary Medicare services.
Before applying, you need to ensure that you meet all Contributory Parent visa requirements, including:
You must be sponsored by an eligible child who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ citizen.
Pass the balance of family test (at least half of your children must live permanently in Australia).
Meet health and character requirements.
Have an Assurance of Support (AoS).
Agree to pay a higher visa application fee (the “contribution”).
To qualify for either subclass, you must meet the following Contributory Parent visa eligibility criteria:
Be outside Australia at the time of application for the 173 visa.
Meet the age requirement (if applying for age-related concessions).
Provide biometric information if requested.
Have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government.
Processing times can vary based on demand, documentation, and government capacity. Here's an overview:
Average contributory parent visa 143 processing time: 4–6 years.
Ensure complete and accurate documentation to avoid delays.
Average contributory parent visa 173 processing time: 18–24 months.
Temporary stay while transitioning to permanent residency.
Note: Visa caps and queue positions can affect your application timeframe.
At EduNest, we specialize in family and parent migration services. Our team of registered migration experts ensures a stress-free visa journey for you and your loved ones. We offer:
Personalized guidance on the best visa stream for your situation.
Document preparation and submission assistance.
Up-to-date advice on contributory parent visa processing time and government policies.
Step-by-step support through the subclass 173 and 143 visa transitions.
Initial Consultation – Assess eligibility and choose between the 173 or 143 visa.
Sponsorship Application – Lodge sponsorship by the child in Australia.
Visa Lodgement – Submit the appropriate visa application with supporting documents.
AoS and Health Checks – Complete financial assurance and medical evaluations.
Visa Outcome – Receive your visa grant and prepare for your life in Australia.
Reuniting with your children and building a life in Australia can be a dream come true. The Contributory Parent visa provides the opportunity to make that dream a reality. Whether you're choosing the 173 parent visa as a temporary option or going straight for the contributory parent subclass 143 visa, EduNest is here to make the process seamless.
