173 Visa in Australia: Everything you need to know 2024!

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Table of Contents

    Corazon Jasa

    Written: January 24, 2024

    Updated: January 24, 2024

    14 min read

    173 Visa

    You’re eager to have your parents close by in Australia, but the maze of visa options is daunting. Enter the Subclass 173 Contributory Parent Visa, a ticket for temporary residence leading to permanent settlement.

    This blog will simplify the benefits and steps needed to unite your family under Aussie skies. Read on — family hugs are closer than you think!

    Key Takeaways

    • The Subclass 173 visa lets parents of Australian citizens live in Australia for two years before deciding to apply for permanent residency with the Subclass 143 visa.
    • Applying for this visa requires an eligibility assessment, document preparation, and payment of government fees including $3,055 for the main applicant and $1,530 if a partner is included.
    • Visa holders can work and study in Australia, have access to healthcare benefits, and enjoy spending time with family while they consider if they want to become permanent residents.
    • After living in Australia temporarily on the Subclass 173 visa for two years, parents can seek permanent residency through the Permanent Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143).
    • The application process takes about 3 to 3.5 years from submission until a decision is made by the Australian Government.

    Understanding the Contributory Parent Visa Subclass 173

    The Contributory Parent Visa Subclass 173 is a stepping stone for parents dreaming of living close to their children in Australia. It’s designed for those who have a child that’s an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen settled down under.

    This visa lets you make Australia home temporarily. You get the chance to experience life with your loved ones while enjoying rights to work and healthcare.

    Parents can embrace life down under without committing immediately to permanent residency. The beauty of this subclass 173 visa lies in its flexibility – offering you time before deciding whether to take the next big step towards staying permanently with the Subclass 143 visa.

    It spreads out both the cost and decision-making across two stages, giving peace of mind and less financial strain all at once.

    Benefits of Subclass 173 Visa

    The Subclass 173 Visa offers temporary residence for parents of Australian citizens, providing an opportunity for them to live and work in Australia. This visa also allows the possibility of applying for permanent residence in the future, offering long-term benefits for families looking to reunite in Australia.

    Temporary residence for parents of Australian citizens

    Your mum and dad can live with you in Australia for up to two years! If they’re parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents, the Contributory Parent Visa Subclass 173 is their ticket.

    They’ll need to pay government fees but think about the barbecues and beach days together.

    This visa lets them experience life down under before deciding if they want to stay for good. It’s a stepping stone to the Subclass 143, which means planting roots permanently in Aussie soil.

    So while it might seem like a lot upfront, it’s an investment in family time and future memories.

    Opportunity for permanent residence

    Parents can stay temporarily in Australia with the Subclass 173 visa but that’s not the end of the journey. It paves the way for something more lasting—the chance to become a permanent resident.

    This is huge! After living in Australia for two years, parents have this golden shot at permanent residency by applying for the Permanent Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143).

    Think about putting down roots and calling Australia home forever. The move from temporary to permanent means you embrace life Down Under fully—family gatherings, beach barbies, and all those things that make Australia special.

    With this pathway, you’re investing in your family’s future while enjoying the vibrant culture and security that come with being an Australian permanent resident.

    Ability to work and live in Australia

    The Subclass 173 visa opens doors for you to work and live in Australia. You’ll get the chance to be with your family, find a job, or just enjoy life Down Under. With this temporary visa, you can experience Australian culture, explore new career paths, and feel at home.

    Your journey can start today.

    Hold this visa and embrace the opportunities that come with it—find work that suits you or study something new. It’s all about making a fresh start and creating a fulfilling life in Australia while staying close to your loved ones.

    You’ll love the freedom of coming and going from Australia whenever you wish during these two years.

    Application Process for the Subclass 173 Visa

    To apply for the Subclass 173 Visa, you’ll need to undergo an eligibility assessment, prepare necessary documents, submit your application, and wait for the visa processing and decision.

    Learn more about this process to make your application seamless and successful.

    Eligibility assessment

    Check if you meet the balance of family test. Your kids in Australia should be at least half, or more, of your total children. This step is crucial for parents wanting the Subclass 173 visa.

    The Department of Home Affairs looks at this first to make sure families can reunite.

    Gather all necessary documents, like birth certificates and marriage certificates. Don’t forget proof that you live up to Australian values and law—this means signing an Australian Values Statement.

    You must also check off health requirements and arrange assurance of support (AoS) if needed. It may feel like a lot, but each part helps prove you’re ready for life down under!

    Document preparation

    Gather all necessary papers for your visa application. This includes identity documents like passports and driver’s licenses. You’ll need police clearance certificates, too. If you’ve changed your name or have dependent children, get the right paperwork to show this.

    Make sure everything is clear and current.

    You might be asked for extra documents during the process, so stay prepared. Keep copies of everything you submit – it’s better to be safe than sorry! Double-check details against the eligibility criteria.

    Remember, missing or outdated information can delay your visa decision or even lead to refusal. Stay on top of things for a smoother journey to temporary residency in Australia.

    Application submission

    Get ready to send off your application for the Subclass 173 visa. Make sure you have all the necessary documents, like birth certificates and identification. These papers prove who you are and why you’re eligible.

    You’ll pay the initial government fee of $3,055; add $1,530 if a spouse is applying with you.

    Fill out your application carefully. Check each section twice to avoid mistakes that could slow things down. Send everything through the correct channel so it reaches the Australian visa office safely and quickly.

    Now, sit tight while they process your details – it’s a step closer to joining family in Australia!

    Visa processing and decision

    Once you’ve submitted your application, the Contributory Parent Visa Subclass 173 undergoes a processing time of about 3 to 3.5 years. After careful assessment and consideration, the Australian government will make a decision regarding your visa application.

    It’s essential to stay informed about the process and be patient during this period, as the outcome may significantly impact your future plans.

    The visa application charges for Subclass 173 are higher compared to other parent visas. Understanding these costs is crucial before proceeding with your application. Keep in mind that thorough preparation and adherence to all requirements will contribute positively towards reaching a favorable decision on your visa application.

    Requirements and Restrictions of Subclass 173 Visa

    For the Subclass 173 visa, an applicant must meet several requirements. These include having an eligible sponsor, meeting health and character criteria, and agreeing to provide biometrics.

    Additionally, applicants should demonstrate that they have adequate health insurance during their stay in Australia. It’s essential to note that there are restrictions concerning work rights for holders of the Subclass 173 visa.

    While it grants permission to stay in Australia temporarily with a sponsor child, the specific conditions for working may vary based on individual circumstances and regulations.

    The Subclass 173 visa also comes with certain travel restrictions. Holders must comply with Australian migration laws and not remain beyond the validity period of their visa. Furthermore, understanding the capping and queuing process related to this visa is crucial as it impacts processing times significantly.

    Familiarising oneself with these requirements will ensure a smoother application process leading to temporary residence in Australia under this contributory parent visa category.

    Conclusion

    In summary, the Contributory Parent Visa Subclass 173 offers temporary residence for parents of Australian citizens and allows an opportunity for permanent residence through the Subclass 143 visa.

    The application process involves eligibility assessment, document preparation, submission, and visa processing. With the ability to work and live in Australia during their stay, this visa is a popular choice for parents wishing to join their settled children Down Under.

    Its benefits as a pathway to permanent residency make it an appealing option for those looking to reunite with family and become part of the Australian community.

    CJMigration

    CJMigration is a well-respected Sydney migration agency with over 30 years of experience in the industry. We can help guide you through the process and achieve your immigration goals.

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