Hey guys! Planning to bring your parents over to Australia? Navigating the world of visas can feel like trying to solve a Rubik's Cube blindfolded, right? Don't worry, we're here to break down two popular options: the Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) and the Contributory Parent Temporary Visa (Subclass 173). Let's dive in and make this whole process a little less daunting!

Understanding the Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143)

The Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) is a permanent visa that allows parents of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia. This visa is a fantastic option if you're looking to provide your parents with long-term security and the opportunity to fully integrate into Australian life. With this visa, your parents can access Medicare, apply for Australian citizenship (once eligible), and enjoy all the rights and benefits of a permanent resident.

Key Benefits of the Subclass 143 Visa

• Permanent Residency: This is the big one! Your parents get to call Australia home indefinitely.
• Medicare Access: Access to Australia's public healthcare system.
• Pathway to Citizenship: After meeting the residency requirements, your parents can apply for Australian citizenship.
• Sponsor Family: Your parents can, in turn, sponsor eligible relatives for visas.
• Travel Freely: The ability to travel in and out of Australia without visa restrictions (for five years, after which a Resident Return Visa is needed).

Eligibility Requirements for the Subclass 143 Visa

To be eligible for the Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143), there are several criteria that both the parent and the child (sponsor) must meet. Let's break them down:

• Parent Requirements:
  • Be Sponsored: You must be sponsored by your child who is an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
  • Meet the Balance of Family Test: At least half of your children must be living permanently in Australia, or more of your children live in Australia than in any other single country.
  • Health and Character: You must meet the health and character requirements as determined by the Australian government. This usually involves medical examinations and police checks.
  • Age Requirements: There isn't an explicit age limit, but older applicants may face more stringent health assessments.
  • Financial Requirements: You need to demonstrate access to sufficient funds to support yourself in Australia, though this is more of a general consideration rather than a strict financial test.
• Sponsor Requirements (the Child):
  • Eligible Sponsor: Must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
  • Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years old.
  • Financial Capacity: Must be able to provide adequate support to the parent/s.
  • Good Character: Must have a clean criminal record and be of good character.

The Cost Factor

Now, let's talk about the elephant in the room: the cost. The Subclass 143 visa is not cheap. It involves a hefty application fee, which is significantly higher than many other visa options. This is because it's a contributory visa, meaning you're contributing to Australia's healthcare and social security systems upfront. While the exact fee can change, be prepared for a substantial financial commitment. It's crucial to check the latest fee schedule on the Department of Home Affairs website to get the most accurate figures. Despite the cost, many families find it worthwhile for the long-term benefits and security it provides to their parents.

Exploring the Contributory Parent Temporary Visa (Subclass 173)

The Contributory Parent Temporary Visa (Subclass 173) is a temporary visa that allows parents to live in Australia for up to two years. Think of it as a stepping stone. It gives your parents a chance to experience life in Australia before committing to permanent residency. The key advantage? The upfront cost is lower than the Subclass 143. However, it's important to remember that it's temporary, and you'll eventually need to apply for the Subclass 143 (or another eligible visa) if you want your parents to stay permanently.

Key Benefits of the Subclass 173 Visa

• Lower Upfront Cost: The initial application fee is significantly less than the Subclass 143.
• Test the Waters: Allows your parents to experience living in Australia before committing to permanent residency.
• Pathway to Permanent Residency: Provides a pathway to the Subclass 143 visa.

Eligibility Requirements for the Subclass 173 Visa

The eligibility criteria for the Contributory Parent Temporary Visa (Subclass 173) largely mirror those of the Subclass 143, with a few key differences:

• Parent Requirements:
  • Be Sponsored: Just like the Subclass 143, you need a sponsor who is an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
  • Meet the Balance of Family Test: Again, this requirement is the same – at least half of your children must be living permanently in Australia, or more of your children live in Australia than in any other single country.
  • Health and Character: You'll still need to meet the health and character requirements. Medical exams and police checks are part of the process.
  • Financial Requirements: Similar to the Subclass 143, you need to show that you have access to sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Australia.
• Sponsor Requirements (the Child):
  • Eligible Sponsor: Must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
  • Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years old.
  • Financial Capacity: You need to demonstrate that you can support your parent/s during their stay.
  • Good Character: A clean criminal record is essential.

The Two-Year Limit and the Transition to Subclass 143

The most important thing to remember about the Subclass 173 is its temporary nature. It's valid for two years. During this time, your parents can live in Australia, but they must apply for another visa before it expires if they want to stay longer. The most common route is to apply for the Subclass 143. The good news is that the contribution fee paid for the Subclass 173 can be credited towards the Subclass 143, making the permanent visa more financially accessible. However, you'll still need to pay the remaining balance and meet all the eligibility requirements for the Subclass 143 at the time of application.

Subclass 143 vs. Subclass 173: Key Differences Summarized

To make things crystal clear, let's break down the key differences between the Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) and the Contributory Parent Temporary Visa (Subclass 173) in a table:

Making the Right Choice

Deciding between the Subclass 143 and Subclass 173 visas depends entirely on your family's circumstances and financial situation. If you're certain that you want your parents to live in Australia permanently and can afford the higher upfront cost, the Subclass 143 is the way to go. It provides immediate access to all the benefits of permanent residency.

However, if you're unsure whether your parents will enjoy living in Australia, or if you need more time to save up for the full contribution fee, the Subclass 173 can be a useful stepping stone. It allows your parents to experience life in Australia for two years, and the contribution fee can be credited towards the Subclass 143 later on.

Other Important Considerations

• Processing Times: Both the Subclass 143 and Subclass 173 visas have long processing times. Be prepared to wait, sometimes for several years. Check the Department of Home Affairs website for the latest estimates.
• Assurance of Support: For both visas, you'll likely need to provide an Assurance of Support. This is a legal commitment to financially support your parents so they don't rely on government benefits for a certain period.
• Health Insurance: While your parents have access to Medicare with both visas, it's often advisable to also have private health insurance to cover services not included in Medicare.

Seeking Professional Advice

Navigating the visa system can be complex. It's always a good idea to seek advice from a registered migration agent. They can assess your specific situation, provide tailored advice, and help you with the application process. A good agent can save you time, money, and a lot of stress.

Final Thoughts

Bringing your parents to Australia is a significant decision, but it can be incredibly rewarding for both you and them. By understanding the differences between the Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) and the Contributory Parent Temporary Visa (Subclass 173), you can make an informed choice that best suits your family's needs. Good luck with your visa journey, and welcome to the Aussie family!