The Subclass 173 Contributory Parent Visa offers a temporary solution to reunite families in Australia

Secure temporary residency for your parents with the Subclass 173 Parent Visa.

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🧾 Visa Overview

Visa Type: Temporary Residency |2 years

Location: Apply Offshore Only

Bridging Visa? No – offshore application only

Estimated Processing 1–2 years |subject to capping; priority tier available)

Work Rights Full work rights

Study Rights Full study rights |no government support

Pathway to PR Eligible to apply for Partner Visa |Permanent Parent Visa during the 2-year stay

Medicare Access? Yes, after visa grant

🧭 Overview of Subclass 173

The Subclass 173 Contributory Parent Visa allows parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to temporarily live in Australia while awaiting permanent residency under Subclass 143.

Key Features:

Temporary Residency: Live in Australia temporarily while awaiting permanent residency.

Healthcare: Access to Medicare, Australia's public health insurance system.

Work & Study Rights: Full rights to work and study in Australia.

Pathway to Permanent Residency: After holding the >Subclass 173 visa, parents can apply for permanent residency under Subclass 143.

Why This Visa?

The Subclass 173 Contributory Parent Visa is ideal for parents who wish to temporarily live in Australia while waiting for permanent residency. It offers:

Temporary Residency with full work and study rights

Access to Medicare once the visa is granted

Clear pathway to permanent residency through Subclass 143

Opportunity to reunite with your children in Australia

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, the parent must:

Be sponsored by an eligible child |citizen/PR/NZ

Pass the Balance of Family Test | at least half of children in Australia

Be outside Australia at time of application and grant

Meet health and character requirements

Agree to the Assurance of Support (AoS) financial bond

Tip: Ensure your sponsor is financially prepared for the AoS requirement.

🔄 Step-by-Step Visa Process

Confirm sponsor eligibility and complete the Balance of Family Test

Gather documents and lodge your application offshore

Complete police checks, medicals, and Assurance of Support

Wait for DHA assessment and queue placement

Receive visa grant notification

Enter Australia temporarily as a resident

👨‍👩‍👧 Family Members You Can Include (Subclass 173)

Eligible Family Members

Spouse or de facto partner

Dependent children (under 18, or over 18 if still financially dependent or studying full-time)

All family members must be declared at the time of application

Evidence of relationship/dependency is required for each person

After Visa Grant (Subclass 173)

With your Subclass 173 visa, you and your included family members can:

Live in Australia for up to 2 years

Work and study with full rights (no government support)

Apply for the Subclass 143 Permanent Parent Visa during the 2 years

Access Medicare after visa grant

Required Documents

For Primary Applicant:

Valid Passport

Birth Certificate + Marriage Certificate

Balance of Family details + family form

Police Check + Health Clearance

Assurance of Support paperwork (provided by sponsor)

For Sponsor:

Citizenship / PR proof

Financial documents to support AoS

Relationship evidence with parent

Fees & Processing Times

Item	Amount (AUD)	Notes
First Instalment (lodgement)	From AUD 2,850	Main applicant
Additional Applicant (18+)	From AUD 1,430	Per applicant
Additional Applicant (under 18)	From AUD 715	Per applicant
Second Instalment (before grant)	AUD 29,130	Main applicant
Total for Main Applicant	AUD 31,980	Approximate

Note: After holding the Subclass 173, you can apply for the Subclass 143 Permanent Parent Visa, where another second instalment is payable.

Common Mistakes ✅ Tips to Strengthen Your Application

Mistakes to Avoid

Applying while in Australia

Failing Balance of Family Test

Incomplete AoS documents

Waiting too long to start (queue fills fast)

You Can Include

Organise AoS early and choose sponsor wisely

Use a well-structured family tree summary

Upload clear ID, financials, and support evidence

Monitor DHA updates on queue timelines

🧰 Tools & Downloads

Download Subclass 190
Migration Pack

Discover

Check Your Eligibility

Download EOI Guide

❓Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for Subclass 173 while in Australia?

No. This visa is strictly offshore — you must be outside Australia for both application and grant.

What’s the difference between Subclass 173 and 143?

Subclass 173 is temporary, while Subclass 143 offers permanent residency.

Can my partner be included in my application?

Yes — both parents can be included under the same visa file.

Is there a Bridging Visa during processing?

No – Subclass 173 is offshore only. No bridging is provided.

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Disclaimer
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not guarantee visa approval. All visa applications are subject to the discretion of the Australian Department of Home Affairs. For personalized guidance, please contact a registered migration agent at Visa Advisor.