Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 173)
The Subclass 173 visa allows parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia temporarily for up to 2 years. It helps parents reunite with their children while contributing to the costs of health and community services.
This visa is often chosen as the first step towards permanent residency. It allows parents to live, work, and study in Australia. They can prepare to apply for the Contributory Parent (Permanent) Visa (Subclass 143).
Families like this option because it lets them be with their children sooner. They can also save on visa costs by paying in two stages instead of all at once.
Key Features of the Subclass 173 Visa
The Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 173) lets parents live in Australia with their children. They have important rights while they are here. Although temporary, this visa provides flexibility, security, and a direct pathway toward permanent residency. Here are the main features:
This visa allows parents to live in Australia for up to 2 years, giving them the opportunity to spend quality time with their children and experience life in Australia before committing to permanent residency.
With a Subclass 173 visa, you have the right to work and study in Australia during your stay. You won’t have access to government programs like HECS-HELP for education. However, you can still benefit from job opportunities and private study options in Australia.
Holders of this visa can travel freely to and from Australia for the full duration of the visa. This provides flexibility for parents who may need to visit family overseas or manage commitments in their home country while settling into life in Australia.
One of the most significant benefits of this visa is that it serves as a stepping stone to the Contributory Parent (Permanent) Visa (Subclass 143). By first applying for the Subclass 173, families can spread out visa costs over two stages while still securing a pathway to long-term residency in Australia.
Eligibility Criteria
To be granted a Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 173), applicants must meet several requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs. These criteria ensure that the visa is only available to parents who have strong family ties in Australia and who can meet the necessary health, character, and sponsorship conditions. The key eligibility requirements include:
To qualify for a Subclass 173 visa, you must:
- You must be the parent of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. This person must have lived lawfully in Australia for at least 2 years.
- Meet the balance-of-family test. This means at least half of your children live in Australia. Or, more of your children live in Australia than in any other country.
- Be sponsored by your child or your child’s eligible partner.
- Meet health and character requirements.
- Not have already applied for or hold a permanent Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143).
Visa Duration and Conditions
The Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 173) is valid for 2 years only. This temporary nature means the visa cannot be extended or renewed, so holders must plan ahead if they wish to remain in Australia beyond this period.
To stay longer, parents must apply for the Contributory Parent (Permanent) Visa (Subclass 143) before the Subclass 173 visa expires. This two-step pathway allows families to manage visa costs while securing a route to permanent residency and long-term settlement in Australia.
During the 2-year stay, holders of the Subclass 173 visa must comply with all Australian laws and visa conditions. This includes maintaining valid sponsorship, adhering to health and character requirements, and respecting travel and work restrictions. Non-compliance can affect future visa applications, including the transition to the permanent Subclass 143 visa.
Benefits of Applying for Subclass 173 Before 143
Many families choose to apply for the Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 173) before applying for the Contributory Parent (Permanent) Visa (Subclass 143) because it offers several advantages.
The Subclass 173 visa allows families to spread out the significant visa costs over two stages. Instead of paying the full amount upfront for the permanent visa, applicants pay a smaller portion first and complete the remaining payment when applying for the Subclass 143. This makes the process more financially manageable for many families.
Applying for the Subclass 173 visa enables parents to join their children in Australia sooner. While waiting for permanent residency, parents can live, work, and study in Australia, allowing them to spend quality time with their family and adjust to life in the country before transitioning to the Subclass 143 visa.
Holding a Subclass 173 visa creates a clear, step-by-step path toward permanent residency. It gives families time to gather required documents, meet health and character requirements, and prepare for the permanent visa application, reducing the risk of delays or refusals.
Transition to Permanent Residency
The Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 173) is a temporary visa and cannot be extended beyond its 2-year validity. However, it serves as a stepping stone for parents who wish to secure permanent residency in Australia. While holding the Subclass 173 visa, applicants can prepare and apply for the Contributory Parent (Permanent) Visa (Subclass 143), ensuring a smooth transition to long-term settlement.
Obtaining permanent residency through the Subclass 143 visa offers several important benefits. Permanent residents can access Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system, and certain social security benefits, providing security and support while living in the country. In addition, permanent residency allows parents to travel freely in and out of Australia without restrictions, offering flexibility for family or personal commitments overseas.
Permanent residency also opens the door to applying for Australian citizenship once eligibility requirements are met. This provides families with the ultimate long-term security, enabling parents to fully integrate into Australian society and enjoy all the rights and privileges of being an Australian citizen, including voting, access to more social services, and the ability to sponsor other family members in the future.
Why Choose Emigrate Lawyers?
Navigating Australia’s migration system can be complex, especially for parent visas. Emigrate Lawyers provides expert legal guidance to help families reunite with confidence.
- Expert Legal Advice – Our experienced migration lawyers know the Subclass 173 and Subclass 143 visas inside out, ensuring your application meets all requirements.
- Personalized Support – We offer tailored guidance, from assessing eligibility to preparing applications and transitioning to permanent residency.
- Decision-Ready Applications – We help avoid mistakes and ensure your application is complete, giving you the best chance of success.
- Family-Focused Approach – Our goal is to help parents join their children in Australia safely, legally, and smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a Subclass 173 visa?
The Subclass 173 visa is a temporary parent visa that 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 Subclass 143 visa.
Who is eligible for the Subclass 173 visa?
To be eligible, you must:
- Be the parent of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Meet the balance-of-family test (at least half of your children live in Australia, or more live in Australia than elsewhere).
- Be sponsored by your child or your child’s eligible partner.
- Meet health and character requirements.
Can I work and study on this visa?
Yes. The Subclass 173 visa allows you to work and study in Australia, though government-funded programs like HECS-HELP are not available.
What are the benefits of applying for Subclass 173 before Subclass 143?
Applying for Subclass 173 first allows families to:
- Spread out visa costs in two stages.
- Join children sooner while preparing for permanent residency.
- Smoothly transition to permanent residency with time to gather documents and meet requirements.
Can this visa lead to permanent residency?
Yes. Holders of the Subclass 173 visa can apply for the Contributory Parent (Permanent) Visa (Subclass 143), which provides permanent residency, access to Medicare, certain social security benefits, and eligibility to apply for Australian citizenship.
How long does it take to process the Subclass 173 visa?
Processing times can vary depending on individual circumstances and the Department of Home Affairs’ caseload. On average, it may take several months, so early application is recommended.
Can I apply for this visa if I already hold a permanent parent visa?
No. Applicants cannot hold or have already applied for the Contributory Parent (Permanent) Visa (Subclass 143) while applying for the Subclass 173 visa.