On this page
- Overview — Australia contributory parent visa
- Eligibility Requirements
- The Two-Stage Process (subclass 143)
- Required Documents
- Evidence Checklist
- Fees and Processing Times
- Conditions and Rights
- Renewal and Extension
- Path to Permanent Residence
- When to Get Help
- Relationship Scrutiny Red Flags
- Fees
- Required forms
- Related visa types
- Related goals
- Next steps
Overview — Australia contributory parent visa
#The Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143) lets you live in Australia permanently if your child is settled there as an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
You pay a higher application cost in exchange for faster processing compared to non‑contributory parent visas.
What this visa does
The Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143) grants you permanent residence in Australia.
You can move to Australia to live with your child on a permanent basis once the Department of Home Affairs approves your application.
This visa supports family reunification and gives you a direct pathway to settle long term.
Compared to the Parent Visa (subclass 103), the contributory stream requires a substantial financial contribution but generally processes faster.
It differs from temporary options such as the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870), which does not provide permanent residence.
You apply through Home Affairs, and approval is not guaranteed.
| Visa | Permanent | Relative Cost | General Processing Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subclass 143 (Contributory Parent) | Yes | Higher | Faster than subclass 103 |
| Subclass 103 (Parent Visa) | Yes | Lower | Slower |
| Subclass 870 (Sponsored Parent) | No (temporary) | Not specified | Temporary stay only |
Who it's for
This visa suits you if your child is an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Your child must be settled in Australia.
You must be the parent of that settled child.
The visa focuses on reuniting families where the child already lives lawfully in Australia.
If you are old enough to qualify as an aged parent, you may instead consider the Contributory Aged Parent Visa (subclass 864) or the Aged Parent Visa (subclass 804).
Those visas follow different streams based on age.
You file your application with the Department of Home Affairs and complete the required forms, which may include detailed personal history information such as Form Form 80.
You should review current application charges in AUD (A$) using the official fee information provided by Home Affairs before lodging your application.
Eligibility Requirements
#You must meet strict sponsorship, family, and visa history rules before Home Affairs will consider your Contributory Parent visa application.
The department assesses both you and your sponsor against defined legal criteria.
Sponsor & applicant criteria
You must be the parent of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Your child must be “settled” in Australia and agree to sponsor you.
In most cases, your sponsor will be your eligible child.
If your child is under 18, an eligible relative or community organisation can act as your sponsor instead.
You must also meet the balance of family test unless you qualify under the retiree pathway.
Home Affairs uses this test to confirm that at least half of your children live permanently in Australia, or that more of your children live in Australia than in any other single country.
You cannot hold or have applied for a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870), nor apply while holding that visa.
You must complete all required application forms, including Form Form 80 (Personal particulars for assessment including character assessment), if requested.
The following table shows how the Contributory Parent visa compares to related parent visas:
| Visa | Requires Balance of Family Test | Requires Eligible Sponsor | Temporary or Permanent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contributory Parent visa | Yes (unless retiree) | Yes | Permanent |
| Parent Visa (subclass 103) | Yes | Yes | Permanent |
| Aged Parent Visa (subclass 804) | Yes | Yes | Permanent |
| Contributory Aged Parent Visa (subclass 864) | Yes | Yes | Permanent |
| Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870) | No balance test | Yes | Temporary |
Home Affairs assesses eligibility under the visa subclass you apply for.
Retiree and special rules
You may qualify under special retiree provisions if you held specific retirement visas.
You can apply as a retiree if, on 8 May 2018, you held or previously held an Investor Retirement (subclass 405) visa or a Retirement (subclass 410) visa.
You must not have held any other substantive visa between 8 May 2018 and the date you apply.
If you meet these conditions, you do not need to satisfy the balance of family test.
You may apply for a Contributory Parent visa, including the Parent Visa (subclass 143), under this retiree pathway if you meet the visa history requirements above.
Home Affairs will closely review your visa records.
Any additional substantive visa held after 8 May 2018 will make you ineligible under this category.
Other eligibility limits
You must apply through the Department of Home Affairs, which decides all parent visa applications.
The Australian Border Force manages border entry but does not process visa eligibility.
You must have an approved sponsor and be the biological, adoptive, or step‑parent of the sponsoring child.
You must meet all character and identity requirements, including providing accurate background information through forms such as Form 80, if required.
You cannot apply if you have already applied for or currently hold a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870).
Each parent must lodge a separate application unless Home Affairs allows combined processing under the relevant visa subclass.
The Two-Stage Process (subclass 143)
#You can apply for the Contributory Parent (subclass 143) visa directly or follow a two-step pathway through the Contributory Parent (Temporary) (subclass 173) visa.
The process requires correct forms, proper lodgement with Home Affairs, and close attention to your visa status in Australia.
How to start (Immi Account & login)
You begin by creating an ImmiAccount through the Department of Home Affairs.
This online system manages visa applications, uploads, and messages from Home Affairs.
To access your application, you must enter your username and password.
Multi-factor authentication may be required if you've set it up.
If you forget your login details or lose access to your authentication app, you must use the account recovery options before you can continue.
When starting the application, select the correct visa type.
If you already hold a Contributory Parent (Temporary) (subclass 173) visa, you apply for the subclass 143 as the second stage of the two-step process.
If you previously lodged a Parent Visa (subclass 103) or Aged Parent Visa (subclass 804), you may need to complete additional sections of the relevant parent application form before proceeding.
Applications lodged after November 2018 can be imported into ImmiAccount where applicable.
Keep your contact details current in ImmiAccount.
Missing an update can result in missed requests from Home Affairs.
Forms you may need
The main form depends on your situation and visa history.
| Your Situation | Required Form |
|---|---|
| Applying for subclass 143 and do not hold subclass 173 | Form 47PA |
| Hold or recently held subclass 173 | Form 47PT |
| Previously applied for subclass 103 or subclass 804 | Part B of Form 47PA |
| Requested background information | Form Form 80 (if required) |
Complete the correct version carefully.
Using the wrong form can delay processing.
If you are transitioning from the Contributory Parent (Temporary) (subclass 173) visa, you use Form 47PT for the permanent stage.
If you apply directly for subclass 143 without holding subclass 173, you complete Form 47PA.
Home Affairs may also require Form 80 to assess personal history and character matters.
Provide complete and accurate information.
You must include all required declarations, including consent and statements regarding Australian values and laws.
Submit certified copies of supporting documents if you lodge by paper.
Submission and bridging visas
You may lodge your subclass 143 application online through ImmiAccount or by paper application sent by post or courier to Home Affairs.
If you apply in Australia and meet the relevant conditions, you may receive a bridging visa when you lodge your application.
This has applied where the applicant held a Contributory Parent (Temporary) (subclass 173) visa, a Tourist visa (subclass 676), or a Visitor visa (subclass 600) granted through ministerial intervention, or was a family member of a subclass 173 holder.
A bridging visa allows you to remain in Australia while Home Affairs processes your application, subject to its conditions.
If you choose the two-step pathway, the sequence works as follows:
-
Apply for Contributory Parent (Temporary) (subclass 173).
-
After grant, apply for Contributory Parent (subclass 143) using Form 47PT.
This pathway differs from non-contributory options such as the Parent Visa (subclass 103) or Aged Parent Visa (subclass 804), and from temporary options like the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870).
Each follows a separate process under Home Affairs.
Required Documents
#You must provide clear proof of your identity, your sponsor’s details, and your full family history.
Home Affairs expects complete and consistent information across all forms and supporting documents.
Identity & biographical documents
You must prove who you are with official identity documents.
Provide certified copies unless Home Affairs requests originals.
Key documents include a valid passport (current and readable), a national identity card if available, and any other current travel document.
Detailed biographical information about you is also required.
Ensure your passport remains valid for all applicants listed in your application, whether applying under the Parent Visa (subclass 103), Aged Parent Visa (subclass 804), or Contributory Aged Parent Visa (subclass 864).
You must also provide accurate personal details such as full legal name, date and place of birth, and current residential and contact details.
Include any previous names used.
If you apply for the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870), you must still provide full identity and contact details in line with Home Affairs requirements.
Incomplete or inconsistent identity documents can delay processing.
Check that all copies are clear and properly certified before submission.
Sponsor details & forms
You must appoint an eligible sponsor and include formal evidence of sponsorship.
Your sponsor must complete Form 40.
Your application must include the completed Form 40 (Sponsorship for migration to Australia), your sponsor’s full legal name and contact details, and details confirming the relationship between you and your sponsoring child.
Physical and contact details for both you and your sponsor are required.
Home Affairs assesses sponsorship as part of the parent visa process, including for subclasses 103, 804, and 864.
The information in Form 40 must match the details in your own application forms.
You must clearly state which child is sponsoring you, the nature of your relationship, and relevant identifying details of that child.
If you fail to provide correct sponsorship documents, Home Affairs may not accept your application as valid.
Family & immigration history
You must disclose all family members, whether they migrate with you or not.
This requirement applies across parent visa subclasses and prevents delays caused by missing information.
Provide details of each child, including biographical information, details of family members accompanying you, and details of non-migrating family members.
Home Affairs requires complete family information even if a relative does not plan to move to Australia.
You must also provide your immigration and arrival history, including your current immigration status, previous travel or entry details, and accurate arrival history.
You may need to complete Form Form 80 (Personal particulars for assessment including character assessment) if requested.
This form requires detailed personal history and must match the information in your main application.
Inconsistent family or immigration history can lead to delays or further information requests from Home Affairs.
Ensure every form reflects the same facts and dates.
Evidence Checklist
#You must provide clear proof of your relationship, meet health and character standards, and secure an assurance of support unless exempt.
Home Affairs assesses each document against strict identity, family, and conduct requirements.
Relationship & balance-of-family evidence
You need to show your relationship to your sponsoring child and meet the balance-of-family test if required. This applies to the Parent Visa (subclass 103), Aged Parent Visa (subclass 804), and Contributory Aged Parent Visa (subclass 864).
Provide:
- Birth certificates for all your children.
- Evidence connecting you to your eligible child in Australia.
You’ll also need proof your child is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. Include documents confirming their citizenship or permanent residence status.
Identity documents for you and your family members are required as well.
If Home Affairs requests balance-of-family evidence, you must provide proof of relationship for all children, not just the sponsoring child.
| Evidence Type | Who Must Provide It | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Birth certificates of all children | You | Satisfy balance‑of‑family test |
| Child’s citizenship/residency proof | Sponsoring child | Confirm eligibility to sponsor |
| Identity documents | You and family members | Establish identity |
If you’ve applied under the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870), double-check that your relationship documents are consistent across all applications.
Health & character documents
You and your family members—whether they’re migrating or not—must meet health and character requirements. Home Affairs can ask for documents at any stage.
Prepare:
- Police certificates for every country where you lived 12 months or more in the last 10 years, if requested.
- Completed Form Form 80 detailing your personal history.
- Disclosure of any visa refusals or cancellations.
- A letter of good conduct from a ship captain or company if that fits your employment history.
Police certificates should cover each relevant country and period of residence. Gaps in this documentation can slow down your case.
Declare your full character and conduct history. Don’t leave out prior immigration issues.
Assurance of support and related proofs
Most contributory parent applicants must secure an Assurance of Support (AoS) unless you apply as a retiree.
Provide:
- Formal assurance of support documentation.
- Any evidence Home Affairs requests to confirm the assurance arrangement.
| Requirement | Applies To | Exemption |
|---|---|---|
| Assurance of Support | Parent Visa (subclass 103); Contributory Aged Parent Visa (subclass 864); Aged Parent Visa (subclass 804) | Retiree applicants (if applicable) |
Submit AoS documents exactly as requested. Missing or incomplete assurance documents can prevent a final visa grant.
Fees and Processing Times
#You’ll pay significant government charges and wait several years for a decision. The Department of Home Affairs sets the fee schedule and controls the release of applications according to annual program places.
Fees, instalments and invoices
The Contributory Parent visa requires payment in two main instalments. The first instalment is due at lodgement, and Home Affairs invoices you for the second instalment before visa grant.
| Fee Stage | Amount (AUD) | When You Pay |
|---|---|---|
| First instalment (primary applicant) | A$43,600 | At time of application |
| Second instalment | Invoiced by Home Affairs | Before visa grant |
You must also:
- Pay any outstanding debt you owe to the Australian Government before you apply.
- Pay the second instalment within the timeframe stated on the invoice.
Home Affairs won’t grant the visa until you pay the second instalment in full.
If you apply for related visas such as the Parent Visa (subclass 103), Aged Parent Visa (subclass 804), Contributory Aged Parent Visa (subclass 864), or Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870), fee structures differ. Refer to Home Affairs fee information and calculator for current amounts.
How long it can take
processing times are lengthy because the number of parent visa places is limited each year. Home Affairs releases applications from the queue based on program limits.
The stated processing time for this visa is 4 to 6 years.
Lodging complete documents, including any required forms like Form Form 80, can help avoid unnecessary delays. However, submitting a complete application doesn’t move you ahead in the queue.
You should expect a multi-year wait and keep your contact details up to date throughout the process.
Where to check current times
Home Affairs publishes estimated timeframes in its visa processing times guide. Select your parent visa category from the dropdown list for current estimates.
You can also review:
- Parent visa queue release dates
- Visa processing priorities
- The quarterly processing report issued by Home Affairs
These tools show the progress of applications in the queue. The Department of Home Affairs is the only source for current figures.
Conditions and Rights
#You must satisfy health and character standards before Home Affairs grants a contributory parent visa. Your ability to stay in Australia depends on continued compliance with these requirements.
Health requirements
Australia expects you to meet minimum health criteria before a visa is granted.
This applies to contributory categories such as:
- Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143)
- Contributory Aged Parent Visa (subclass 864)
- Other parent pathways, including the Parent Visa (subclass 103) and Aged Parent Visa (subclass 804)
You must complete any required health examinations and provide accurate medical information. Home Affairs uses those results to assess your case.
Failure to meet the health standard can lead to refusal. You must also maintain health standards while holding the visa.
| Requirement Area | What You Must Do |
|---|---|
| Medical exams | Complete all requested examinations |
| Disclosure | Provide full and accurate medical history |
| Ongoing compliance | Maintain required health standards while in Australia |
If you’re unsure which examinations apply to you, review your visa instructions from Home Affairs.
Character requirements
You must meet character requirements both when you apply and while you’re in Australia.
You’re required to:
- Declare all criminal conduct
- Answer all questions truthfully
- Provide required information, including Form Form 80 if requested
If you’ve committed serious criminal offences, Home Affairs is unlikely to grant your visa. Some cases involve complex or sensitive issues and may require detailed character assessment.
If your visa was cancelled or refused on character grounds since your last arrival in Australia, you generally can’t apply for another visa. The exception—if eligible—is a Protection visa (subclass 866).
| Situation | Impact on Your Application |
|---|---|
| Serious criminal offences | Visa grant unlikely |
| False or incomplete disclosure | Risk of refusal or cancellation |
| Prior cancellation on character grounds | Limited to Protection visa (subclass 866) only |
You must remain of good character to continue holding your visa.
Residency conditions and limits
Your contributory parent visa lets you stay in Australia, but you must keep meeting visa conditions and eligibility rules.
You can’t apply for most new visas if a previous visa was cancelled or refused on character grounds, unless you qualify for a Protection visa (subclass 866).
Temporary options, like the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870), also require you to meet health and character standards. The same goes for non-contributory pathways such as the Parent Visa (subclass 103) and Aged Parent Visa (subclass 804).
Home Affairs may cancel your visa if you no longer meet character requirements.
| Visa Type | Must Meet Health? | Must Meet Character? |
|---|---|---|
| Contributory Aged Parent (subclass 864) | Yes | Yes |
| Parent Visa (subclass 103) | Yes | Yes |
| Sponsored Parent (Temporary) (subclass 870) | Yes | Yes |
You’re responsible for complying with all visa conditions for the duration of your stay.
Renewal and Extension
#You don’t “renew” a Contributory Parent visa in the usual sense, but you must protect your eligibility if circumstances change. Two issues require immediate attention: the death of your sponsor and adding family members after you lodge your application.
Retaining eligibility if sponsor dies
If your sponsor dies while your application is in progress, you must already hold a Contributory Parent (subclass 173) visa to continue meeting eligibility requirements.
Without this temporary Contributory Parent visa, you risk losing your pathway to a permanent contributory parent outcome. Home Affairs checks your visa status at the time of the sponsor’s death.
You should:
- Make sure you hold a valid Contributory Parent (subclass 173) visa
- Notify the Department of Home Affairs (Home Affairs) of the change in circumstances
- Keep copies of all visa grant notices and related correspondence
This issue can also affect applicants for the Contributory Aged Parent Visa (subclass 864), the Parent Visa (subclass 103), or the Aged Parent Visa (subclass 804) if they move between visa pathways. Home Affairs will assess your situation strictly based on your current visa status and lodged application.
If you’re unsure about your status, check your visa grant conditions and contact Home Affairs.
Adding family members after lodgement
You can add eligible family members after lodging your contributory parent application, but you must follow the formal process. Home Affairs requires you to complete and submit Form 1436 to request the addition.
You cannot add a family member informally or by email alone. The request must use the correct form.
Key steps:
-
Fill out Form 1436 accurately.
-
Submit the form to Home Affairs as instructed in your application correspondence.
-
Provide any additional information Home Affairs requests.
You may also need to check that updated personal details match previous forms, such as Form Form 80, if relevant.
| Situation | Required Action | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsor dies | Hold valid Contributory Parent (subclass 173) visa | Home Affairs |
| Add family member after lodgement | Submit Form 1436 | Home Affairs |
If you later consider switching pathways, such as to the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870), Home Affairs will treat that as a separate application.
Path to Permanent Residence
#A Contributory Parent Visa grants you permanent residence in Australia. You gain ongoing residence rights and a pathway to Australian citizenship if you meet the legal requirements set by Home Affairs.
Next steps after grant
Once Home Affairs grants your Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143) or Contributory Aged Parent Visa (subclass 864), you become a permanent resident.
You can:
- Live in Australia indefinitely
- Enrol in Medicare
- Work and study without restriction
- Travel in and out of Australia (subject to your travel facility)
Your visa grant letter outlines your travel conditions and resident return provisions. Review it carefully.
If you applied onshore for the Contributory Aged Parent Visa (subclass 864), you remain lawfully in Australia as a permanent resident from the date of grant. If you applied offshore for the Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143), you must enter Australia before the initial entry date specified by Home Affairs.
Keep copies of key documents, including:
- Your visa grant notice
- Identity documents
- Any submitted character forms, such as Form Form 80
If your circumstances change after grant, notify Home Affairs as required.
| Visa Subclass | Permanent Residence | Apply From | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent Visa (subclass 103) | Yes | Offshore | Lower application charge, longer processing |
| Aged Parent Visa (subclass 804) | Yes | Onshore | For older parents meeting age requirement |
| Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143) | Yes | Offshore | Higher application charge, faster processing than subclass 103 |
| Contributory Aged Parent Visa (subclass 864) | Yes | Onshore | Higher application charge, for older applicants |
| Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870) | No | Offshore | Temporary stay only |
For current visa conditions and charges in AUD (A$), refer to the Department of Home Affairs fee estimator.
Long-term options (citizenship)
Permanent residence lets you apply for Australian citizenship by conferral if you meet the residence and character requirements set by Home Affairs.
You generally need to:
- Hold permanent resident status
- Meet the residence requirement
- Satisfy character requirements
- Pass a citizenship test, if required
Time spent in Australia on temporary visas, such as the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870), does not provide permanent residence. Only permanent visas like subclass 143, 864, 103, or 804 count toward citizenship eligibility.
Citizenship gives you:
- The right to apply for an Australian passport
- The right to vote in federal and state elections
- Protection from losing permanent resident travel facilities
Before applying, check that you meet the current residence and eligibility criteria as set by Home Affairs. Requirements can change, and you must meet the law in force at the time you lodge your application.
When to Get Help
#Seek professional help if your application involves detailed background disclosures or long processing periods. Mistakes in security forms or supporting records can cause delays with the Department of Home Affairs.
Complex forms & background checks
Parent visas such as the Parent Visa (subclass 103), Aged Parent Visa (subclass 804), Contributory Aged Parent Visa (subclass 864), and Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870) may require detailed character and background information.
If Home Affairs requests Form Form 80, treat it as a priority. This form requires a full 10‑year history of:
- Residential addresses
- Employment
- Education
- International travel
Even small gaps in your timeline can trigger further requests.
| Issue | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Missing address history | Leads to follow‑up requests |
| Inconsistent travel dates | May raise character concerns |
| Mismatch with Form 1221 | Causes processing delays |
| Expired police certificates | You must obtain new ones |
As of February 2026, Form 80 processing under Skilled (Permanent) takes about 13 months. processing times differ by visa category and location.
If your application takes longer than 12 months from when your police certificates were issued, you may need to provide updated certificates.
Practical expert tips
Professional guidance makes a difference if your records are incomplete or hard to verify.
Reconstructing a 10‑year history takes care and attention. Use records you can trust to confirm dates:
- Passport entry and exit stamps
- Boarding passes
- Travel booking confirmations
When exact dates are missing, provide reasonable estimates. Stay consistent across all forms.
Cross‑check Form 80 with Form 1221 if both apply. The information overlaps and must match.
An immigration professional can:
-
Review your timeline for gaps
-
Check consistency across all visa forms
-
Monitor document expiry dates
-
Help you respond to Home Affairs requests quickly
Relationship Scrutiny Red Flags
#Home Affairs tests the accuracy and consistency of every contributory parent application.
Errors, omissions, and misleading statements often trigger delays, security checks, or refusal across subclasses including the Parent Visa (subclass 103), Aged Parent Visa (subclass 804), Contributory Aged Parent Visa (subclass 864), and Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870).
Common application mistakes
Submit complete and correctly signed forms with certified copies of all required documents.
Missing identity documents for any child can lead to refusal.
Home Affairs frequently sees:
- Incomplete forms or missing signatures
- Forms completed in a language other than English
- Missing certified copies of identity documents
- Failure to meet Assurance of Support requirements (unless applying as a retiree)
- Inconsistencies between Form Form 80 and Form 1221
Form 80 supports background and security checks. Information about travel, employment, and addresses must match exactly across forms.
The table below shows errors that commonly affect Parent Visa (subclass 103), Aged Parent Visa (subclass 804), and Contributory Aged Parent Visa (subclass 864) applications:
| Issue | Likely Outcome |
|---|---|
| Missing Assurance of Support | Refusal |
| Inconsistent travel history | Processing delay |
| Missing identity documents for children | Refusal |
| Incomplete or unsigned forms | Delay or refusal |
Review every entry before submission. Even small discrepancies can create larger scrutiny.
How omissions delay or refuse applications
You must account for every period in your address and employment history for at least the last 10 years.
Unexplained gaps raise questions.
Common delay triggers include:
-
Failing to disclose all international travel
-
Omitting visits to conflict-affected or sensitive regions
-
Leaving gaps in employment or residential history
If you traveled, declare it. Cross-check your forms against passport stamps and travel records.
ASIO uses Form 80 for background checks. If your declared travel doesn’t match available records, Home Affairs may suspend processing while security checks expand.
Omitting information creates more concern than declaring it honestly.
Even informal activities such as caring for family or volunteering must appear in your timeline.
Consequences of misleading information
You must answer every question truthfully.
Providing false or misleading information can result in refusal of your Parent Visa (subclass 103), Contributory Aged Parent Visa (subclass 864), Aged Parent Visa (subclass 804), or Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870).
Serious red flags include:
- Undisclosed criminal history, including spent convictions
- Failure to declare pending charges
- False statements about travel or employment
- Incorrect answers repeated across multiple forms
Home Affairs treats nondisclosure more seriously than many disclosed offenses.
If you provide misleading information, Home Affairs may:
| Action | Impact |
|---|---|
| Refuse the visa | Application ends |
| Cancel an existing visa | Loss of lawful status |
| Impose a future application ban | Limits re‑application options |
Declare all offenses, charges, and convictions—even if you think they’re minor or resolved. Accuracy protects your application.
Fees
#| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| First instalment (primary applicant)Second instalment $5,040; secondary 18+ $1,700, under 18 $855 | A$43,600 (approx $30,084 USD) |
Fees change; always verify on Home Affairs.
Next steps
#Use Find My Visa to build a sequenced plan with official sources and deadlines.
FAQs
Can you apply for a temporary option instead?
You may consider the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870) if you do not want permanent residence.
This visa allows temporary stay and requires sponsorship approval.
Where can you find current fees and processing times?
Visa application charges are published in AUD (A$) and can fluctuate.
Refer to the Department of Home Affairs fee calculator for up-to-date amounts and processing timeframes.
Who can sponsor an applicant for this visa?
Usually an eligible child who is a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen must sponsor the parent. If the sponsor child is under 18, an eligible relative or a community organisation can act as sponsor in some cases.
Do I need an assurance of support?
Yes — applicants normally must obtain an assurance of support unless they are applying as a retiree (special retiree rules apply).
What forms are commonly required to apply?
Complete the relevant parent application form (Form 47PA if you are not holding a subclass 173 visa, or Form 47PT if you are holding or recently held a subclass 173 visa). The sponsor typically completes Form 40; there are also forms for adding family members after lodgement.
Can I use the two-step route via a temporary contributory parent visa?
Yes — if you hold a Contributory Parent (Temporary) (subclass 173) visa you can apply for the permanent subclass 143 visa via a two-step process by first applying for the subclass 173 visa.
How long do applications typically take?
processing times are lengthy; parent visa demand exceeds available places and processing can take several years. Published processing-time guidance indicates a typical range of 4–6 years for this visa.
What are the major costs?
The first instalment for the primary applicant is A$43,600 (approx. USD figure cited as of 2025-07). A second instalment must be paid upon invoicing before the visa grant.
What health and character checks are required?
Applicants must meet minimum health standards and character requirements. Police certificates may be required (for example, for every country you lived in for 12 months or more over the past 10 years), and you must declare criminal conduct truthfully.
Can prior visa cancellations or refusals affect my eligibility?
Yes. If your visa was cancelled or refused on character grounds since you last arrived in Australia, the only visa you can apply for (if eligible) may be a Protection visa (subclass 866). More generally, character-based cancellations or refusals limit eligibility to apply for this parent visa.
What common mistakes cause delays or refusals?
Common problems include failing to provide certified copies, missing identity proof for children, incomplete or unsigned forms, not meeting assurance of support requirements, withholding criminal history, omitting travel to sensitive regions, inconsistencies between required forms, unexplained gaps in address or employment history, and providing false or misleading information.
VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.
Next steps
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