Subclass 173 to 143 Parent Visa: How the Two-Stage Contributory Pathway Works
The Subclass 173 to Subclass 143 pathway is a two-stage Contributory Parent visa strategy. It allows an eligible parent to first obtain a temporary Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 173) and then move to the permanent Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143).
This is not simply a cheaper version of Subclass 143. Home Affairs states that using Subclass 173 first allows the family to spread the cost over several years, but the two-stage process costs more overall than applying directly for Subclass 143.
How the 173 to 143 pathway works
Stage 1 — Subclass 173: a temporary visa that can allow the parent to stay in Australia for up to two years.
Stage 2 — Subclass 143: the permanent Contributory Parent visa.
Home Affairs states that a Subclass 173 holder must apply for Subclass 143 before the temporary visa expires. It also encourages eligible holders to apply for the second-stage permanent pathway promptly after the Subclass 173 grant to help ensure the applicable lodgement criteria are met.
What can a Subclass 173 holder do?
Home Affairs states that Subclass 173 allows the visa holder to live in Australia for up to two years and to work and study in Australia, although government support is limited. The visa can then be used as the first stage toward permanent residence through Subclass 143.
Does the Balance of Family Test apply again at the 143 stage?
An eligible Subclass 173 holder will already have met the Balance of Family Test. Home Affairs states that the test is not re-assessed for the Subclass 143 second-stage application where the relevant temporary-visa pathway requirements are met.
What about Assurance of Support?
Assurance of Support is a key requirement for the permanent Subclass 143 visa, unless a specific exemption applies. Home Affairs will tell the applicant when the Assurance of Support must be provided.
Families should therefore avoid assuming that obtaining a temporary Subclass 173 visa means the later permanent stage is financially complete. The Subclass 143 stage can still involve Assurance of Support and other final requirements.
How much does the Subclass 173 visa cost in 2026?
As at September 2026, Home Affairs lists the Subclass 173 visa cost from AUD33,375 over two instalments for a single applicant, subject to concessions and additional applicant charges.
For a direct Subclass 143 application, Home Affairs lists the cost from AUD49,900 over two instalments for a single applicant. Different charges can apply to people moving from Subclass 173 to Subclass 143, so the exact amount should be checked against the current visa-pricing table before lodgement.
Is the two-stage 173 to 143 route faster?
Both Subclass 173 and Subclass 143 are part of the capped and queued Parent visa program. Home Affairs does not guarantee an individual processing time.
The Department states that the two-stage contributory route can be processed faster than the non-contributory Parent visa pathway, but that does not make it an immediate or guaranteed fast-track process.
What are the current queue dates?
As at 31 May 2026, Home Affairs reported that Contributory Parent applications were being released for final processing up to queue dates around November 2018. It also reported that temporary-to-permanent 173 to 143 cases had reached final-assessment activity around May 2026. These dates are administrative snapshots rather than promises about a particular application.
How is Subclass 173 lodged?
New Subclass 173 applications continue to use the paper application process. Home Affairs requires the relevant Parent visa application and sponsorship forms, while the Visa Application Charge is paid through ImmiAccount.
This is different from Subclass 143, which is now lodged online through ImmiAccount.
Can a Subclass 173 holder receive a bridging visa when applying for 143?
Home Affairs specifically identifies certain Subclass 143 applicants as potentially eligible for a bridging visa, including people who held a Subclass 173 visa. The precise bridging visa position depends on the applicant’s status and circumstances at the time of the permanent application.
173 vs direct 143: which strategy may suit?
Direct Subclass 143 may suit families who want the permanent pathway in one application and can meet the contributory costs when required.
Subclass 173 followed by 143 may suit families who want to spread the financial burden over two stages and value the temporary visa period before permanent residence.
The two-stage route costs more overall, so the decision should be made as a strategy rather than simply because the first-stage amount appears lower.
Common mistakes in the 173 to 143 pathway
- waiting too long after the Subclass 173 grant before planning the permanent stage
- assuming the Balance of Family Test is the only remaining issue
- failing to plan for Assurance of Support and final visa charges
- assuming the Subclass 173 application is lodged online when new temporary contributory applications remain paper-based
- treating published queue dates as a guaranteed processing timeframe
- failing to update the Department about changes in family composition, passports or sponsor circumstances
Related Parent Visa Services
Why families choose Emigrate Lawyers for Parent Visa matters
Parent Visa strategy is rarely just a form-filling exercise. The choice between temporary, permanent, contributory and non-contributory pathways can affect cost, queue position, bridging-visa strategy and long-term family planning.
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Madhab Kharel — Principal Lawyer
Madhab Kharel is Principal Lawyer and Director of Emigrate Lawyers. His migration practice includes Parent Visas, contributory and aged-parent pathways, complex onshore strategy, visa conditions, health and character issues, refusals and Administrative Review Tribunal matters.
Legal review: Madhab Kharel, Principal Lawyer. Reviewed 28 September 2026. General information only; not legal advice. Government charges, queue dates and application procedures can change.
Official sources: Department of Home Affairs Subclass 173 and 143 visa pages, Parent Visa Processing Centre guidance, current visa pricing and Parent visa queue release dates.
