Contributory Parent Visa
Migration program
Contributory Parent Visa Category
To apply for a contributory parent visa application, you must be the parent of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, who is 'settled' at the time the application is lodged. You must also satisfy the balance of family test.
The contributory parent visa category are not subject to queuing arrangements like the non-contributory parent visas. This means applicants will not be given a queue date and will also received their visa much faster due to shorter processing time.
Visa Subclasses in the Contributory Parent Visa category
Four visa subclasses make up the contributory parent visa category.
a) For elderly applicants who are in their pension age (65 and 6 months in Australia):
Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) Visa Subclass 884
Contributory Aged Parent (Permanent) Visa Subclass 864
b) For all other applicants:
Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa Subclass 173
Contributory Parent (Permanent) Visa Subclass 143
You can apply for the contributory parent visa category in two stages to seperate the costs, or apply directly for the permanent visa (subclass 143 or subclass 864).
Contact our team of immigration lawyers to find out more about your eligibility, processes and the difference between lodging a one-stage application versus a two-stage application.
The Core Requirements for the Contributory Parent Visa category:
The core requirements for both the non-parent visa category and the contributory parent visa category are similar. However, what make the contributory parent visas different are as follow:
applicants in the contributory parent visa and contributory aged parent visa have significantly shorter waiting periods for applications to be finalised
visa applications are accorded a higher priority for processing
applicants pay a substantially higher second instalment of visa application charge per person (i.e. the contribution to government) and a larger assurance of support (AoS) bond (with a longer AoS period).
The Contributory Parent Visa Sponsor
If you are looking to sponsor your parents under of one of the contributory parent visa category, you must:
be 18 years old or older
if you are younger then 18 years old, your parents will need to be sponsored by one of the following, if they are 18 years old or older:
your spouse or de facto partner
your relative or legal guardian
your relative or guardian of your spouse or de facto partner
OR
if you are under 18 years old and you do not have any of the above alternatives, your parents can be sponsored by a community organisation.
Let us help you. Call our team for a free assessment!
Financial Responsibilities
As the sponsor, you must provide the following for your parents and any other family members included in the visa application:
support
accommodation
financial assistance
Your parents (the applicants) must satisfy the Balance of Family test.
You cannot waive this requirement. To meet the balance of family test, at least half of your parents’ children must be living permanently in Australia.
Meet Health Requirements
Your parents must meet the health requirements for the contributory parent migration program.
Meet Character Requirements
Your parents must meet the Character Requirements for the contributory parent migration program.
If you don’t think your health or character record will affect your application, please contact our team to discuss your eligibility and plan out strategies to apply for your contributory parent visa or contributory aged parent visa.
Assurance of Support (AoS) for the Contributory parent visa category
All permanent parent visa and contributory parent visa applicants must provide an AoS before a visa can be granted and this requirement cannot be waived in any circumstances.
An AoS is a legal commitment by a person (not necessarily the sponsor) who repays the Australian Government welfare payments paid to a person applying to migrate during their AoS period. The period of an AoS is 10 years for the contributory parent visas.
It is common for the Sponsor (the Australian child) to be the AoS supporter.
The AoS eligibility is calculated by a formula which takes into consideration various factors, and hence we urge you to check your eligibility directly from the Department of Human Services website.
The AoS supporter can be anybody, and it does not necessarily have to be the Sponsor.
Whilst the migration law will be “locked” in place from the date that the application has been made, it is important to note that the AoS requirements may change and affect your application regardless when it was lodged. For example, if the supporter was eligible at the time when the visa was lodged, but if the Department of Human Services changes their policy/ regulations on AoS, this new requirements will apply to you regardless of when you have lodged your visa. As our client, we will inform you of any changes in the future.
If you are still unsure about your eligibility for the AoS or whether you meet the financial requirements to provide AoS, contact us. One of our immigration lawyers can assess your eligibility and help plan out strategies to apply for your contributory parent visa!
Medicare and Other Benefits of the Contributory Parent Visas
This visa lets you:
stay in Australia indefinitely
work and study in Australia
enrol in Medicare, Australia's scheme for health-related care and expenses
sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence
travel to and from Australia for five years
apply for Australian citizenship, if eligible
You will not automatically receive the age pension or social security payments in Australia.
You will have to wait:
two years for most social security payments
ten years for age and disability pension payments.
If you experience a major change to your circumstances that is beyond your control, you might qualify for a Special Benefit payment from the Department of Human Services.
Processing Stages of the Contributory Parent Visa Category
The following information in the table below applies to one stage applications only; i.e. the subclass 143 visa and the subclass 864 visa.
For mobile view, move the table left - right and up - down to see full information from processing stage 1 - stage 5.
| Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | Stage 4 | Stage 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Lodgement | Assessment | FInalisation | Visa Decision |
| Date engaged | 2-4 weeks | ~ 6-12 months prior to finalisation | ~ 1 month prior to visa decision | Check processing time |
| We will send you a list of documents and information required for your visa and sponsorship application. When all the documents are collected, we will draft a legal submission. | When our draft application are checked and confirmed by you, we will submit the application to the Department of Home Affairs. On average, the Department takes about one month to acknowledge the application. Only for 864 visa, a bridging visa will be granted to allow the parents to remain in Australia | When the application is expected to be opened within the next 12 months, the Department will request for Medical examinations and character assessments (police clearances). | When your parents and any other family member included have successfully passed the visa assessment, they will request for the contribution and the Assurance of Support to be paid and organised. | Parent visa will be granted when the contribution and AoS has been confirmed receipt and successful. Your parents will be eligible for Medicare. Parents may be required to enter Australia by a certain date specified by the Department - this will be identified on the Visa Grant letters. |
| The Legal fees & Disbursements | Visa charges (1st VAC) | Medical Examination costs & Police Clearance costs | Contribution to Government (2nd VAC) & AoS Bond |
Contact our team of immigration lawyers and registered migration agents to find out more about the one stage permanent visa application (subclass 143 or subclass 864). Our team can assess your eligibility, help you understand the processes and all costs involved.
Other Important Factors About Contributory Parent Visa and Contributory Aged Parent Visa
Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Temporary) - Subclass 884:
You must be at pension age (65 and 6 months in Australia)
this is a temporary visa
the subclass 884 allows you to live and work in Australia for up to 2 years
you must apply for the permanent aged contributory parent visa subclass 864 before the 884 visa expires
you must be in Australia when you apply for the temporary 884 visa and when a decision is made
you cannot extend or reapply for this visa.
Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Permanent) - Subclass 864:
you must be at a pension age
this is a permanent visa which means you can live in Australia indefinitely
you can apply for the permanent aged contributory parent visa subclass 864 directly without having to apply for the subclass 884
you must be in Australia when you apply and when a decision is made on your visa
the 864 visa will be granted with a five years travel facility. This means you will be able to travel in and out of Australia for five years (unless you become an Australia Citizenship, otherwise you will need to apply for a Resident Return Visa).
Contributory Parent Visa (Temporary) - Subclass 173:
this is a temporary visa for parents of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or NZ citizen
the temporary subclass 173 visa allows you to live and work in Australia for up to 2 years
you must apply for the permanent contributory parent visa subclass 143 before the 173 visa expires
you can be in or outside of Australia when you apply
you must be outside Australia when a decision is made
you cannot extend or reapply for this visa
Contributory Parent Visa (Permanent) - Subclass 143:
the 143 visa is a permanent visa
you can live in Australia indefinitely
you can apply for the permanent contributory parent visa subclass 143 directly without having to apply for the subclass 173
you can be in or outside Australia when you apply for the visa
you can be in Australia at time of visa decision if you:
hold the temporary contributory parent visa subclass 173; or
a temporary visa that allows you to remain in Australia while you wait for the grant of the permanent contributory parent visa subclass 143
For all other cases, you must be outside of Australia when a decision is made on the subclass 143 visa.
the subclass 143 visa will be granted with a five years travel facility. This means you will be able to travel in and out of Australia for five years (unless you become an Australia Citizenship, otherwise you will need to apply for a Resident Return Visa).
Contributory Parent Visa Migration costs
For mobile view, move the table left - right and up - down to see full information.
| Applicants | Main Applicant | Dependent Child U18 |
|---|---|---|
| Contribution to Government for Subclass 173 & Subclass 884 Visa | AUD 29,130 | AUD 2,095 |
| Contribution to Government for Subclass 143 & Subclass 864 Visa | If hold 173 visa or 884 visa = AUD 19,420. If applying for sc. 143 visa or sc. 864 visa directly = AUD 43,600 | If hold sc. 173 visa or sc. 884 visa = Nil. If applying for sc. 143 or sc. 864 visa directly = AUD 2,095 |
| Visa Application Charge (VAC) | AUD 3,855 | AUD 650 |
How Can We Help You?
Our services include:
Legal Advice;
Assisting and preparation of the application;
Legal submissions;
Lodgement of the application
Due to the nature of the application (the length of the processing time etc), we will not place ourselves as the contacting agent – i.e. all the correspondences go to you - but we are happy to give you assistance when the Department makes further requests at Stages 3-4.
Read testimonial about how we assisted a client who was unqualified for the parent visa.
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The following are important FAQs regarding the non contributory parent visa and the contributory parent visa in Australia.
Client on each question below to reveal the answer.
+ What are the faster parent visas?
- The contributory parent visa, SC 143 (PR) or SC 173 (TR) do not give the visa applicant’s a BVA.
- However, if your parents have passed the pension age, they will be eligible for the “aged” contributory parent visa, which is similar to the SC143 or SC 143 (PR) or SC 173 (TR).
- The main difference is the “aged” contributory parent visa, SC 864 (PR) or SC 884 (TR) allows visa applicants to make onshore application, i.e. they get the BVA.
- There is also the new parent visa SC 870 which was recently introduced, however, this is only a temporary visa.
+ Will they have to be queued again? Or will the processing time be quicker?
- If they were to transfer to subclass 864 visa, the date of lodgement for subclass 103 will be taken into consideration since they are changing to a Contributory pathway. Processing time for subclass 864 is also much faster. In short, the Aged Parent Contributory Parent visa (sc. 864) is subclass 143 but for parents who have passed the pension age.
+ If granted the parent visa, can they get Centrelink?
- Just prior to grant, the Department will request that the Assuramce of Support (AoS) be made. Bond is AUD 5,000 (primary applicant), AUD 2,000 (secondary applicants over 18 years). The bond is kept for 2 years. During these two years, if they claim Centrelink payments, it will be deducted from the bond. The waiting period varies for different types of benefits.
+ Can you obtain a refund or transfer the visa application fees paid to another parent visa type?
- Generally, no – Applicants may not be able to seek a refund. According r 2.12F, it is not covered under the mandatory refund provisions, but we may be able to utilise the discretionary one – where the application was made because of a mistake. However, according to policy, ‘mistakes’ generally do not cover where Applicants have subsequently changed their mind to apply for something else. Also note that changing from Parent to Contributory Parent visa, the specific unit has also explicitly says that fees cannot be refunded or transferred.
+ How will a 12 months’ conviction (on record) affect any visa application?
- 12 months conviction, despite not serving actual time in prison, means that the applicant fails the Character test.
- Both primary and secondary applicants will be refused and it does not matter if the secondary applicant removes themself as the dependent. The primary applicant will still be refused the parent visa even though the dependent is not on that same parent visa application.
+ Is there any way to win the Character issue?
- Yes, even though an applicant may not meet the Character test, it is the case officer’s discretion to refuse the visa.
- In essence, the applicant will have to show that he/she will not be a danger to the Australians.
+ Are there cheaper options?
- Parents can apply for the SC 804 which is same as SC 103 but for older people.
- They can apply onshore and be granted a BVA.
- The processing time for the SC 804 is extremely long, like the SC 103. The processing time is know to be approximately 20-30 years but applicants will be able to stay here, without problems with character issues.
+ Can a person keep the SC 103 running while they lodge another parent visa?
- No, Schedule 1 will not allow SC 804 to be validly lodged without having withdrawn SC 103. Therefore, it cannot be running simultaneously from a legal perspective.
+ Will the Applicant continue on the same queue as their current SC 103 if they were to lodge a SC 804?
- Queueing occurs from date of lodgement until they are granted or refused the visa. The queue dates cannot be changed, prioritised or expedited. Effectively, subclass 103 is withdrawn and subclass 804 is relodged. Therefore, the applicant will need to be queued again.
+ How long should the applicant stay in Australia till they get their BVA if they were to apply for SC 804?
- The application can take up to 6-8 weeks for the Department to acknowledge receipt and register the application, and for the BVA to be granted.
+ What happens if the applicant depart Australia?
- If they hold a BVA, on departing Australia, the BVA will cease to be in effect. Upon returning to Australia, they will need to fill in paper form and send it through to the Department for reinstatement of their BVA, including cover letter on the circumstance that they departed prior to grant of the Bridging Visa. In experience, it can take 1-2 weeks for the BVA to be reinstated.
+ How much does it cost for BVA and what are the procedures to apply for BVA?
- Reinstatement of the BVA does not cost any money.
- The BVA comes into effect only when the ETA ceases. ETA is valid for 3 months stay but once they stay beyond 3 months, the BVA will come into effect. ETA will no longer be valid because it ceases to be in effect if the holder stays longer than 3 months on the ETA. Therefore, applicants will need to reapply for a new ETA each time they wish to return to Australia. Alternatively, before they depart Australia, they can apply for a Bridging Visa B (BVB) which will allow them to travel back and forth to Australia during a given period.
- The BVB application fee is $145.
+ Can they get Medicare?
- Parent visa applicants are not entitled to Medicare.
- If they want to get Medicare, they can consider other Family Visas (equally with long processing times), for example:
- Aged Dependent Relative (SC 838) – It can be lodged in Australia and therefore allowing the BVA. But it does not permit the visa applicant to have spouse.
- Carer Visa (SC 836) – It can be lodged in Australia and therefore allowing the BVA. It requires a doctor to certify that an Australian relative requires care.
+ What is Jason Ling, Accredited Specialist Immigration Lawyer's recommendation?
- I like to save costs and I don’t use Medicare as it has its limitation. Therefore, I’d go with the SC 804, it’s cheap and drama-free. No need to deal with failing health test, character test, etc.
- There is flexibility in allowing SC 804 applicants to change their mind and go for the “aged” contributory parent visa (SC 864) – see above. Although, I feel it is pointless.
- Buy travel insurance. The health coverage is similar to private health insurance but at a fraction of the costs because private health insurers don’t generally cover people over 70 years of age, and if they do, it would be very expensive.
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