A Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) is a pathway for parents who want to live permanently with their children in Australia. This visa offers numerous benefits, including working, studying, and accessing healthcare services in Australia.
However, before applying for this visa, it is crucial to understand the eligibility criteria, document requirements, and application process. This article will thoroughly guide the critical requirements for obtaining a Contributory Parent Visa in Australia.
Eligibility Criteria For A Contributory Parent Visa
To be eligible for a Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143), the applicant and their sponsor (the child living in Australia) must fulfill specific requirements. Take a look at the essential eligibility criteria:
1. Sponsorship By A Child In Australia
The first requirement is that the applicant must be sponsored by their child, an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen.
The child must be over 18, except in specific circumstances where others can act as sponsors, such as the child’s spouse or a relative/guardian.
It is important to note that if your child is under the age of 18, there are alternative sponsorship options available, such as:
- Your child’s spouse or de facto partner
- A relative or guardian of your child
- Australian organization with a relationship to your child
2. Balance Of Family Test
Applicants must meet the Balance of Family Test, which determines the applicant’s family ties to Australia.
At least half of the applicant’s children must be Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens residing in Australia. Moreover, the applicant must have more children living in Australia than elsewhere.
3. Health And Character Requirements
All applicants must meet the health and character requirements associated with the Contributory Parent Visa. This includes undergoing a medical examination by a doctor appointed by the Australian immigration authorities.
Applicants must also demonstrate good character without any previous cancellations or rejections of Australian visas.
4. Assurance Of Support
A crucial requirement is that the sponsor must provide an Assurance of Support. This agreement ensures that the sponsor will financially support the applicant and prevent them from relying on Australian government assistance.
The sponsor may need to provide evidence of their financial capacity and may be required to pay a bond.
Besides these:
1. You should not have had an Australian visa canceled or rejected in the past.
2. You should not hold a Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870) at the time of application.
Document Requirements For A Contributory Parent Visa
When applying for a Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143), applicants must provide various documents for their visa application. These documents verify the applicant’s identity, family relationships, and other relevant information. Take a look at the key documents required:
- Passport: A valid passport is required for identification purposes.
- Birth Certificate: Your birth certificate, which should include the names of both of your parents. Also, the Birth certificates of all your children, including those who do not live in Australia.
- Family Registration Documents: If you cannot provide a birth certificate, alternative documents such as a family registration document or identification issued by a government authority can be submitted.
- Photographs: Recent passport-sized photographs with 45mm x 35mm that meet the Australian picture guidelines.
- Sponsorship Form: Your child (sponsor) needs to complete Form 40, the Sponsorship for Migration to Australia form.
- Visa Application Form: You must complete Form 47PA, the Application Form for Parent Visa.
- Additional Documents: Adoption certificates, custody documents, marriage certificates, divorce documents, death certificates, proof of name change, proof of military service (if applicable), and proof of payment for the visa fee.
Note: All documents submitted for an Australian visa application must be certified. The Parent Visa Center may request additional documents during the application process.
Application Process for the Contributory Parent Visa 143
The application process for the Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) involves several steps, which both you and your sponsor must complete:
- Sponsorship Form: Your child (sponsor) must complete Form 40, the Sponsorship for Migration to Australia form.
- Visa Application Form: You must complete Form 47PA, the Application Form for Parent Visa. Print and attach it to your application documents.
- Document Compilation: Gather all the required documents, ensuring they are certified copies.
- Document Submission: Mail all the documents to your child in Australia.
- Form Attachment: Your child must attach Form 40 to the required documents and send the documents by post or courier to the Australian Parent Visa Center.
- Fee: Your child pays the first installment of the visa application fee, which is $4,765. However, the second installment for each applicant is $43,600 for visa subclass 143.
Benefits Of A Contributory Parent Visa
Obtaining a Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) offers several benefits to visa holders, including:
1. Permanent Residency And Family Reunion
The Contributory Parent Visa grants permanent residency, allowing parents to live indefinitely with their children in Australia. This visa enables families to reunite and build a life together in Australia.
2. Work And Study Opportunities
Visa holders have the freedom to work and study in Australia. This allows parents to pursue employment or educational opportunities in the country.
3. Sponsorship Of Other Family Members
Contributory Parent Visa holders can sponsor other eligible relatives for permanent residency in Australia. This can provide opportunities for extended family members to join the applicant in Australia.
4. Access To Public Healthcare
Visa holders can enroll in the Australian public healthcare system called Medicare. This provides access to essential healthcare services and helps ensure that individuals and their families are covered for medical expenses.
5. Pathway To Australian Citizenship
After fulfilling the residency requirements, Contributory Parent Visa holders can apply for Australian citizenship. This offers additional benefits, including traveling to 180 countries without a visa.
6. Travel Flexibility
The visa allows you to leave and enter Australia for five years from the visa grant date, providing flexibility for international travel.
Processing Time For The 143 Visa
The processing time for the Contributory Parent Visa 143 can be lengthy. It generally takes up to 12 years to receive the outcome of your visa application. The process involves two assessment rounds, with a minimum of approximately 58 months between the first assessment and final processing. While this may seem like a long wait, it is relatively quicker than other parent visa options.
Conclusion
Getting a Contributory Parent Visa is an excellent opportunity for those with children living in Australia to make a permanent move and start anew. By understanding the eligibility criteria, document requirements, and application process associated with this visa, one can better prepare themselves for this journey.
