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Bringing your parents to Australia for a long-term stay is a major decision, and the Contributory Parent Visa Subclass 173 offers one of the most efficient pathways to make it happen. This temporary visa is ideal for families seeking a quicker, more flexible option before moving toward permanent residency through the 143 visa pathway. With a faster processing structure and the ability to split visa costs across stages, Subclass 173 has become a preferred choice for thousands of families. In this guide, you’ll discover everything essential—eligibility, fees, key advantages, processing timelines, and expert insights that can help you lodge a stronger, more confident application.
The 173 parent visa is a temporary, 2-year visa that lets a parent of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen live in Australia.
It is commonly chosen as a stepping stone before applying for the Contributory Parent Visa 143, which grants permanent residency.
Temporary visa valid for 2 years
Live, work, and study in Australia
Access Medicare (after enrolment)
Faster processing than non-contributory visas
Option to transition to a permanent visa (143)
The contributory parent visa 173 offers flexibility and affordability, making it ideal for families who want to bring parents sooner without paying the full permanent visa cost upfront.
Lower upfront cost than the 143 visa
Ability to start living in Australia sooner
Time to arrange permanent visa finances
Full work and study rights
Faster processing time compared to standard parent visas
If you prefer a gradual immigration pathway, visa 173 is a strategic choice.
To qualify for the contributory parent visa subclass 173, both the applicant and the sponsor must meet several requirements.
Must be a parent of an eligible Australian child
Must pass the Balance of Family Test
Must meet visa health and character requirements
Must have no outstanding government debts
Must provide biometrics (if required)
Sponsors must:
Be at least 18 years old
Be an Australian citizen, PR, or eligible NZ citizen
Be settled in Australia
Commit to providing support and accommodation
The Balance of Family Test ensures that most of a parent's children live in Australia.
A parent meets this test if:
At least half of their children live permanently in Australia, or
More children live in Australia than in any other single country
Failing this test means the parent cannot apply for the 173 parent visa.
The contributory parent visa 173 cost includes multiple instalments and additional expenses.
The total fee involves:
First instalment (paid at lodgement)
Second instalment (paid before approval)
These costs may increase yearly, but the structure stays consistent.
Applicants should also budget for:
Medical examinations
Police certificates
Biometrics
Document translations
Migration consultant fees
This helps ensure a smooth and financially planned visa journey.
The contributory parent visa 173 processing time depends on several variables:
Annual quota availability
Number of applications
Completeness of documentation
Personal circumstances
Contributory visas are still significantly quicker than non-contributory options, which can take 10+ years.
A clear breakdown of the application stages is essential for success.
Prepare:
Identity proof
Birth certificates
Sponsor documents
Character certificates
Medical checks
Submit online using your ImmiAccount.
The immigration officer may request:
Extra documents
Medicals
Police checks
This should be done within the 2-year validity of the 173 visa.
Passport
National ID
Birth certificate
Police certificate
Medical reports
Marriage/divorce papers
Citizenship/PR proof
Employment or financial evidence
Address proof
Support statements
A complete and well-organised set of documents reduces delays.
Most parents transition from the 173 visa to the contributory parent visa 143, which grants permanent residency.
Indefinite stay in Australia
Full Medicare coverage
Ability to sponsor relatives
Access to more social benefits
The transition must happen within the temporary visa's 2-year timeframe.
Successfully applying for a 173 parent visa requires careful planning.
Missing documents cause delays.
This includes:
Birth records
Financial support transfers
Communication logs
Ensure all documents match exactly.
High demand can slow processing.
Professionals guide you through:
Eligibility
Application preparation
Compliance with immigration rules
Parent visa policies can change annually.
While not mandatory, migration consultants provide several advantages:
Identify eligibility issues early
Prepare accurate documentation
Prevent costly mistakes
Reduce processing delays
Improve overall approval chances
This is especially helpful for families planning a 173 → 143 migration strategy.
Avoiding these errors significantly increases your chances of approval:
Incomplete documentation
Incorrect family relationship proof
Failing the Balance of Family Test
Delayed medical or police checks
Missing deadlines
Not budgeting for the second instalment
Not planning ahead for visa 143
Living in Australia on the contributory parent visa 173 offers many benefits.
Parents can:
Stay with family
Work or study
Access Medicare
Travel in and out of Australia
Prepare for permanent residency
It’s a meaningful opportunity to experience Australian life before permanent migration.
This comparison helps you decide the best pathway:
The Subclass 173 Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa allows eligible parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia for up to 2 years. It is a temporary visa designed to help families reunite sooner while giving applicants the option to later transition to permanent residency through the Subclass 143 visa.
The key difference is the visa type and cost structure:
Subclass 173 is a temporary visa valid for 2 years.
Subclass 143 is a permanent visa, granting PR benefits such as Medicare and long-term stay.
Many applicants choose the 173 first to split the cost into two stages, then apply for 143 later. However, you can choose to apply directly for the 143 visa without taking the temporary route.
The cost for visa 173 generally includes two major instalments:
The first instalment at the time of lodgement
The second instalment before visa grant
In addition, applicants should consider medical examinations, police checks, biometrics, and migration consultant fees if they choose professional assistance. Exact costs can vary depending on individual cases.
Processing times can vary based on the number of applications in the queue and individual assessment factors. However, the contributory parent stream, including visa 173, is significantly faster compared to non-contributory parent visas, which can take many years longer. Typically, processing for 173 is more predictable and streamlined.
Yes. One of the major benefits of Subclass 173 is that it grants full work rights, meaning you can work and study in Australia during your 2-year stay without restrictions.
While it’s not mandatory to use a migration consultant, many applicants choose to do so because these visas involve detailed documentation, financial requirements, and strict eligibility criteria. Working with the best migration consultant can help improve your approval chances and reduce errors that may delay your application.
Yes. If you prefer a permanent residency pathway right away, you can apply directly for the Subclass 143 visa without applying for 173 first. The direct route requires paying the full contributory fee upfront, whereas the 173 → 143 pathway allows you to spread the cost across two applications.
The Contributory Parent Visa 173 is one of the most valuable pathways for families seeking reunion in Australia. Whether you are applying for your parents or they are planning to move closer to you, the 173 parent visa provides flexibility, affordability, and a smooth path toward the Contributory Parent Visa 143.
With the right guidance, complete documentation, and assistance from the best migration consultant, you can successfully navigate the costs, eligibility rules, and application steps to secure your parent visa Australia.
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