Contributory Parent visa
(Subclass 173/143)

Two Stage Processing

Contributory parent visa applicants can choose to apply two stage process rather than applying directly for permanent visa. In the first stage, application for temporary visa subclass 173 is submitted. Once it is granted, you can apply for permanent visa subclass 143 in next 2 years.
Main benefits for applying in two stage process is that visa application fee is staggered across two applications and assurance of support is not required for initial temporary visa application. 
 

Application for temporary visa Subclass 173 is the first step, if you are opting for two stage process.
Eligibility for Subclass 173

1.  You must be sponsored for this visa.

Your application must be sponsored by one of the children who is a settled Australian citizen or PR.. If child is under 18, application can be sponsored by an eligible relative or community organisation. Sponsorship must be approved by the department.

2.  You must meet the balance of family test.

If a parent have at least half of the parent's children and step-children are living in Australia as Australian citizen or permanent resident , parent meets the balance of family test. Or

If parent have more children are living in Australia as Australian citizen or permanent resident than other children living in any other single country, parent passes the balance of family test.

3. Applicant must be able to meet health and character requirements.

You must undergo health assessment whenever asked. Health waivers are not available for this subclass. With regards to character requirements, you must be able to pass the character test.

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Once visa is granted, visa holder can stay in Australia for 2 years, work and study in Australia and apply for permanent parent visa Subclass 143.

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Application for permanent visa Subclass 143 is the second step, if you are opting for two stage process.

However, application for permanent visa can be submitted as well directly without opting for two stage processing.

Eligibility for Subclass 143

1.  You must be sponsored for this visa.

Your application must be sponsored by one of the children who is a settled Australian citizen or PR.. If child is under 18, application can be sponsored by an eligible relative or community organisation. Sponsorship must be approved by the department.

If you hold subclass 173 visa, your application is considered to be sponsored. 

2.  You must meet the balance of family test.

If a parent have at least half of the parent's children and step-children are living in Australia as Australian citizen or permanent resident , parent meets the balance of family test. Or

If parent have more children are living in Australia as Australian citizen or permanent resident than other children living in any other single country, parent passes the balance of family test.

If you hold subclass 173 visa, you already met this criteria.

3. You must be able to obtain assurance of support.

Assurance of support is mandatory requirement for permanent parent visas. It is a monetary bond, act as a security if social security payments are made during this bond period. Department provide instructions how to make payment, whenever required. For purpose of subclass 143, AUD 10 000 are paid as a bond for a period of 10 years.

3. Applicant must be able to meet health and character requirements.

You must undergo health assessment whenever asked. Health waivers are not available for this subclass. With regards to character requirements, you must be able to pass the character test.

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