Subclass 173 visa – your parents’ tickets to Australia via sponsorship

What is a Subclass 173 visa?

The (offshore) Subclass 173 visa, also known as the Contributory Parent Temporary visa, enables parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to temporarily reside in Australia. It grants a two-year stay with work and health care benefits, requiring sponsorship and a contribution toward Australia’s health costs.

To obtain permanent residency thereafter, visa holders may need to apply for a Subclass 143 visa.

Benefits of a Subclass 173 visa

The Subclass 173 visa, or Contributory Parent Temporary visa, offers several benefits:

• Temporary Residence: Allows parents to live in Australia temporarily for up to two years.
• Family Reunion: Facilitates reunification with their Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen child.
• Healthcare Access: Provides access to Australia’s healthcare system, Medicare, during the visa validity period.
• Work Rights: Grants permission to work in Australia during the visa duration.
• Pathway to Permanent Residency: Acts as a stepping stone towards permanent residency through the Subclass 143 visa, provided eligibility criteria are met.

These benefits make the Subclass 173 visa an attractive option for parents wanting to join their families in Australia temporarily.

You may also consider an alternative pathway within the same family visa category: the Remaining Relative Visa – Subclass 115.

The requirements of a Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa

The requirements for a Contributory Parent (Temporary) Subclass 173 visa include:

• Sponsorship: Must be sponsored by a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen who is your child.
• Age: Must be at least 18 years old. If under 18, must be sponsored by an eligible relative or community organisation.
• Accommodation and financial support: The sponsor must provide accommodation and financial support for the applicant’s initial 2-year stay in Australia.
• Balance-of-family test: Must meet the balance-of-family test, meaning more eligible children live in Australia than in any other single country.
• Proof of sponsorship: Must provide proof of sponsorship by an eligible child.
• Health and character: Must meet health and character requirements, including no criminal record and no debt to the Australian government.

These requirements ensure that applicants have appropriate support, meet family criteria, and fulfill legal and personal criteria essential for temporary residency in Australia under this visa subclass. 

Contact VEM for further assistance. With over 12 years of experience in migration, our consultants will guide you towards the most suitable migration pathway for your needs.

Step by step to apply for a Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa

Here are the step-by-step instructions to apply for a Temporary Contributory Parent visa (Subclass 173):

• Step 1: Check eligibility: Ensure you meet the basic eligibility criteria, including having a sponsoring child who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
• Step 2: Prepare documents: Gather required documents such as passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), proof of sponsorship, and evidence of financial support.
• Step 3: Apply online: Complete the visa application form online through the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs website.
• Step 4: Pay fees: Pay the visa application fee and the contribution towards health costs.
• Step 5: Health examination: Undergo a health examination by a panel physician approved by the Australian Government.
• Step 6: Submit application: Lodge your completed application along with supporting documents online.
• Step 7: Wait for decision: Wait for the Department of Home Affairs to process your application. You may be contacted for additional information or interviews if required.
• Step 8: Character assessment: Obtain a police clearance certificate from all countries where you have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
• Step 9: Visa grant: If your application is successful, you will receive a notification of visa grant. You must be offshore (outside Australia) when the visa is granted.
• Step 10: Travel to Australia: Once the visa is granted, make travel arrangements to enter Australia within the visa validity period.

Following these steps carefully will help ensure a smooth application process for the Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa.

The cost of Subclass 173 visa application

According to the latest update from the DHA, the Contributory Parent visa 173 cost has increased as below:

Note: The fees listed above do not include a 1.4% surcharge.

There is no information on visa 173 processing time at the present time.

With 12 years of experience and a deep understanding of Australian migration law and culture, we are committed to providing exceptional support to our clients. Our register migration consultant will personally guide you towards the best migration pathway and offer dedicated support throughout the process.

Frequently asked questions