The Subclass 173 visa allows parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia for up to 2 years. It provides a pathway to permanent residency through the Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143), without requiring you to leave Australia.
Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa - Subclass 173
The Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 173) allows parents of settled Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia temporarily for 2 years. This visa serves as a pathway to applying for the Subclass 143 Contributory Parent Visa, enabling permanent residency.
Key Features of the Subclass 173 Visa
- Stay Duration: Temporary visa allowing you to stay in Australia for up to 2 years.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency: Option to apply for the Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) during your stay.
What You Can Do with This Visa
- Live in Australia: Stay in Australia for 2 years.
- Work and Study: Work and study in Australia (government support not included).
- Apply for Permanent Residency: Apply for the permanent Subclass 143 Contributory Parent Visa during the validity of the Subclass 173 visa without leaving Australia.
Eligibility Requirements
- Sponsorship: Be sponsored by an eligible child who is a:
- Settled Australian citizen,
- Settled Australian permanent resident, or
- Eligible New Zealand citizen who has been living in Australia for an extended period
- Balance-of-Family Test:
- At least half of your children must reside permanently in Australia, or
- More of your children must live in Australia than in any other country.
- Visa Conditions: Meet all visa conditions and follow Australian laws.
- Exclusions: You must not have applied for or hold a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870) at the time of applying for this visa.
Stay Duration
This visa is valid for 2 years, providing time to apply for the Subclass 143 Contributory Parent Visa for permanent residency.
Application Process
The process for Subclass 173 Visa is as follows:
- Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet all the visa requirements, including sponsorship and the balance-of-family test.
- Apply: Submit your visa application and pay the first installment of the visa application fee.
- Assess: The Department of Home Affairs will assess your application and place it in a queue.
- Wait: Your application will wait for a place to become available in the visa program.
- Assess (again): Your application will be reassessed before a decision is made.
- Pay: If successful, pay the second installment of the visa application fee.
- Visa Grant: Once all conditions are met, the visa will be granted.
Additional Notes
- Transition to Subclass 143 Visa: You can apply for the permanent Subclass 143 Contributory Parent Visa anytime during the validity of the Subclass 173 Visa.
- Changes for New Zealand Citizens: From 1 July 2023, specific changes to Australian citizenship eligibility for some New Zealand citizens holding the Subclass 444 Visa may apply.
Ready to Start Your Visa Journey?
The Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 173) is your first step toward joining your family in Australia and transitioning to permanent residency.
Contact Global Vision Migration today for expert guidance and assistance with your visa application. Let us help you take the first step toward reuniting with your loved ones in Australia!
Disclaimer: This content is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit the Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa (Subclass 173).
Schedule a Consultation with Global Vision Migration for Expert Immigration Advice and Assistance
FAQs for the Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa - Subclass 173
Yes! Subclass 173 visa holders can work and study in Australia. However, government financial assistance (e.g., Centrelink) is not available.
Processing times vary due to high demand and visa allocation limits. While there is no fixed timeframe, applicants should prepare for a waiting period of several years. Our team at Global Vision Migration ensures your application is accurately prepared to avoid unnecessary delays.
To qualify, you must:
- Have a settled child sponsor (Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen).
- Pass the Balance of Family Test (at least 50% of your children must live in Australia).
- Meet health & character requirements.
- Not hold or have applied for a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870).
Yes! You can apply for the Subclass 143 visa at any time during your 2-year stay on the Subclass 173 visa. This allows you to stay in Australia while your permanent visa is being processed.
The Subclass 173 visa has a two-stage payment process:
- An initial application fee at submission.
- A second installment before visa grant.
Applying for the Subclass 143 visa later requires an additional fee. Our experts at GVM will guide you through cost-effective strategies.
We provide expert, end-to-end migration support, ensuring your application meets all legal requirements and reducing the risk of delays or refusals. Let us help reunite your family in Australia smoothly!
