Subclass 143 Visa Processing Time: What Applicants Need to Know

For many families, the visa 143 processing time feels like a test of endurance that stretches across many years. Despite being a permanent visa that provides your parents with a long-term stay in Australia, the application process for this particular visa is different from any other type of visa. This is because the contributory parent visa is subject to annual migration quotas.

In this guide, we’ll break down the current queue timelines, explain how to avoid unexpected delays, and give some tips to keep your application moving smoothly.

What is the Parent Visa Subclass 143?

The Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) lets the parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents and eligible New Zealand citizens permanently live with them. This visa requires a higher financial contribution than the standard parent visa. In return, applications are generally processed sooner than the non-contributory options. Once granted, this visa gives your parents:

Permanent residency from the day of approval
Access to Medicare for essential healthcare
Right to live, study and work in Australian regions without any restriction
Your parents will be able to sponsor other eligible relatives to Australia
A clear pathway to Australian citizenship

143 Visa Timeline & Stages

The 143 visa processing time is easier to follow when you break it into a few clear steps. Here’s what the typical process for this parent visa looks like from the beginning to the end:

Book a Consultation: The first stage is to consult a regional Australian migration agent, such as an immigration agent Perth. They help you confirm your parents’ eligibility for the visa and suggest the available options.
Prepare the Documents: Collect all the necessary documents for the visa application, such as medical reports, character certificate, passport, proof of relationship, among others.
Lodge your Application: Fill out all necessary forms and lodge the application by submitting the required documents.
Onshore Application: If your parents are inside Australia, they will be granted a bridging visa at the time of lodgment to stay lawfully in the nation during the visa processing.
Offshore Application: For applications lodged outside Australia, your parents can apply for another visa to enter the country while waiting for the decision on this contributory parent visa.

The Two Stages Behind the Contributory Parent Visa 143 Processing Time

The Subclass 143 visa process has two separate stages. The first stage concerns the placing of the applicant into the queue, and the second one involves the assessment of the application and final decisions.

Stage One: Getting Your Place in the Queue

After you have lodged your application and fulfilled all requirements, a queue date is assigned to it. That is the date that shows the position of your application in the queue, but it is not an approval or a visa decision.

Stage Two: Final Assessment and Visa Decision

When your application reaches the front of the queue and a place becomes available in the annual parent visa program, the Department of Home Affairs begins the final assessment. During this visa 143 processing time, applicants may be asked to provide:

Updated medical examinations
Current police clearance certificates
Assurance of Support (AoS)
Payment of the second Visa Application Charge (if applicable)

After all steps are completed, the decision is made regarding the application.

Common Issues That Cause Delays

Once your contributory parent visa application is in the system, missing a few factors can affect the overall parent visa 143 processing time. Some of the common mistakes include:

Incomplete or incorrectly filled application forms
Absence of any required documents, such as personal identification documents, relationship documents, and civil documents
Delays in providing further information requested by the Department
Delayed health test or health test not yet conducted
Late character check or late police certificate
Incompleteness in Assurance of Support (AoS)

Tips to Help You Prepare During the Wait

While the contributory parent subclass 143 application is being processed, take advantage of this time to strengthen your application. Here is what you can do during this period:

Once your parents meet the eligibility criteria, you should apply for the visa since the processing time will be influenced by the date of application.
Prepare yourself for your AoS arrangement in advance.
Stay updated with your police clearances, medical checks, and any other required documentation while your application is still in the process of being assessed.
Regularly check the Department of Home Affairs’ processing information.

Final Thoughts

A reunion with your parents in Australia is a meaningful milestone, and clarity about how to do it will certainly ease things up for you. The process of application involves two main stages. Stage one is getting the applicant’s place in the queue, and the second stage is the final assessment from the Department of Home Affairs. If you need personalised guidance, a MARA registered migration agent can help you understand the requirements and prepare a complete application.

FAQs

1. Can I get a bridging visa while waiting for a 143 visa?

You may get a bridging visa, but only if you apply for the Subclass 143 visa from within Australia while holding another substantive visa.

2. Is visa 143 permanent residency?

Yes, the Subclass 143 Contributory Parent visa allows parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents and eligible New Zealand citizens to live, work, and study in Australia.

3. What is the difference between a 143 and an 864 parent visa?

The 143 parent visa has no minimum age requirement and can be lodged inside or outside Australia. Whereas 864 parent visa applicants must be old enough to qualify for the Australian Age Pension, and the applicant should be present in the Australian region.

4. Can you stay in Australia while waiting for a parent visa?

Yes, if you hold a valid visa that allows you to remain in Australia. Your ability to stay depends on the type of parent visa you applied for and your current visa status.

5. How much bank balance is required for a parent’s visitor visa?

Australia does not specify a minimum bank balance for a parent visitor visa application. But applicants should demonstrate that they have sufficient funds, or that their sponsor can financially support them, to cover travel, accommodation, and living expenses during their stay.