Are you hoping to bring your parents to Australia but unsure which visa pathway is right for your family?
The Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (173 visa) provides eligible parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens with a temporary pathway to live in Australia and later apply for permanent residence.
This guide explains the key requirements, benefits, and application process to help you make informed decisions about reuniting your family in Australia.
Key Takeaways
- The Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (173 visa) allows eligible parents to live in Australia temporarily for up to 2 years.
- The visa provides a pathway to permanent residence through the Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143).
- Visa holders can work and study in Australia and travel freely during the validity of their visa.
- Applicants must meet sponsorship, health, character, and balance of family requirements.
- The visa application charge starts from AUD $32,525 for a single applicant and is payable in two instalments.
- Processing times are lengthy due to high demand and annual government planning levels.
Understanding the Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 173)
The Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 173) is designed for parents who wish to live in Australia with their children but prefer to spread the cost of obtaining permanent residence over two stages.
This temporary visa allows parents of settled Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to:
- Live in Australia for up to 2 years;
- Apply for permanent residence through the Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143).
The Subclass 173 visa can be an attractive option for families who want to reunite sooner while managing the significant costs associated with parent migration.
Benefits of the Subclass 173 Visa
Temporary Residence in Australia
The Subclass 173 visa allows eligible parents to remain in Australia for up to 2 years.
During this period, visa holders can experience life in Australia, spend valuable time with family, and determine whether they wish to pursue permanent residence.
The visa allows multiple entries, meaning you can leave and re-enter Australia as many times as you wish while the visa remains valid.
Pathway to Permanent Residence
One of the key benefits of the Subclass 173 visa is its pathway to permanent residence.
Before your Subclass 173 visa expires, you may apply for the Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143), which allows you to live in Australia permanently.
Applying through the two-stage process enables families to spread the overall cost of obtaining permanent residence over several years.
Ability to Work and Study
The Subclass 173 visa gives holders full work rights and allows them to undertake studies in Australia.
Although visa holders generally do not receive government financial assistance for study, the flexibility to work and study can help parents integrate into Australian life and remain active within their communities.
Eligibility Requirements for the Subclass 173 Visa
To be eligible for the Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 173), you must satisfy several requirements.
Have an Eligible Sponsor
You must have an approved sponsor.
In most cases, your sponsor will be your child, who is:
- An Australian permanent resident; or
- An eligible New Zealand citizen who is settled in Australia.
If your child is under 18 years of age, another eligible relative or a community organisation may be able to sponsor you.
Meet the Balance of Family Test
You must satisfy the Balance of Family Test.
Generally, you meet this requirement if:
- At least half of your children live permanently in Australia; or
- More of your eligible children live in Australia than in any other single country.
This requirement is designed to ensure that parent migration primarily benefits families with strong ties to Australia.
Meet Health and Character Requirements
All applicants and eligible family members included in the application must satisfy Australia’s health and character requirements.
This may involve:
- Police clearances from countries where you have lived; and
- Providing additional information if requested by the Department of Home Affairs.
Sign the Australian Values Statement
Applicants aged 18 years and over must:
- Read or have explained to them the Life in Australia booklet; and
- Sign the Australian Values Statement, confirming they will respect Australian values and obey Australian laws.
Meet Public Interest Requirements
Applicants must:
- Have repaid any debts owed to the Australian Government; and
- Not have had a visa cancelled or refused in circumstances that prevent further visa applications.
Application Process for the Subclass 173 Visa
Step 1: Eligibility Assessment
Before lodging an application, assess whether you meet all eligibility requirements, including sponsorship and the Balance of Family Test.
Because parent visa applications can be complex, obtaining professional advice can help avoid delays and unnecessary complications.
Step 2: Prepare Supporting Documents
You may be required to provide:
- Passports and identity documents;
- Marriage certificates (if applicable);
- Evidence of your relationship with your sponsor;
- Health examination results; and
- Any documents requested by the Department of Home Affairs.
Preparing complete and accurate documentation can significantly improve the efficiency of your application.
Step 3: Lodge Your Application
Unlike some other parent visa subclasses, applications for the Subclass 173 visa are currently lodged on paper.
You may be either inside or outside Australia when you apply, provided you are not in immigration clearance at the time of application.
Step 4: Visa Processing
Parent visas are subject to annual planning levels, and demand significantly exceeds available places.
As a result, processing times for parent visas are lengthy and can vary considerably.
Applicants should regularly check the Department of Home Affairs website for current queue release dates and processing information.
Cost of the Subclass 173 Visa
The visa application charge for the Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 173) starts from:
AUD $32,525 for a single applicant
The visa application charge is payable in two instalments.
Additional costs may apply for:
- Biometrics (if required); and
- Professional migration advice.
Because visa charges are periodically indexed, applicants should always check the Department of Home Affairs website for the current fees before lodging their application.
Obligations and Conditions of the Subclass 173 Visa
As a visa holder, you must:
- Enter Australia before the initial entry date specified in your grant notice;
- Comply with all Australian laws;
- Maintain compliance with visa conditions; and
- Apply for the Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) before your Subclass 173 visa expires if you wish to remain in Australia permanently.
The Subclass 173 visa cannot be extended or renewed.
Why Consider the Two-Stage Parent Visa Pathway?
The Subclass 173 visa is particularly suitable for families who:
- Prefer to spread the financial cost of parent migration;
- Wish to experience living in Australia before committing to permanent residence; and
- Intend to transition to permanent residency through the Subclass 143 visa.
For many families, this pathway provides greater flexibility while creating meaningful opportunities to spend valuable time together in Australia.
Conclusion
The Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 173) provides eligible parents with an opportunity to live, work, and study in Australia for up to 2 years while creating a pathway towards permanent residence.
Although the application process is costly and lengthy, it remains one of the most popular options for families seeking long-term reunification in Australia.
Because migration laws and policies change regularly, it is important to obtain up-to-date advice and review the Department of Home Affairs website before lodging your application.