If you are planning to reunite with your children in Australia, the parent visa 173 is one of the fastest contributory pathways available. The 173 contributory parent visa, officially known as the contributory parent visa subclass 173, allows parents to live temporarily in Australia before applying for permanent residency through Subclass 143.
This guide explains everything about the subclass 173 contributory parent temporary visa — eligibility, cost, processing time, benefits, limitations, documents, and step-by-step application process — with updated data and official references.
The parent visa 173 is a temporary visa that allows parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia for up to 2 years.
The contributory parent visa 173 is a two-stage pathway:
Temporary stay via subclass 173
Permanent residency via Subclass 143
According to the Australian Department of Home Affairs this visa is designed for families who prefer to split the higher contributory fee across two stages.
Here’s what the subclass 173 contributory parent temporary visa offers:
Temporary stay in Australia for up to 2 years
Ability to apply for permanent Subclass 143
Multiple entry rights
Access to Medicare (after eligibility confirmation)
Work and study rights
However, holders of visa 173 cannot:
Extend the visa
Sponsor other family members
Access most social security payments
To apply for the contributory parent visa subclass 173, you must meet specific requirements.
You must be sponsored by:
An Australian citizen
An Australian permanent resident
An eligible New Zealand citizen
The sponsor must be settled in Australia (generally at least 2 years of residence).
To qualify for parent visa 173, you must pass the Balance of Family Test:
At least half of your children must live permanently in Australia, OR
More children live permanently in Australia than in any other country
This is a strict legislative requirement under Migration Regulations 1994.
Applicants must meet health standards under Public Interest Criteria 4005. Medical tests are mandatory.
Police clearance certificates are required from countries where you lived for 12+ months in the past 10 years.
An Assurance of Support is required. This is a legal commitment from the sponsor to financially support the applicant.
According to Services Australia:
Bond amount: Approximately AUD 10,000 for the main applicant
Additional AUD 4,000 per secondary applicant
Held for 2 years
The 173 contributory parent visa involves significant costs.
As per the Department of Home Affairs (2025 updates):
First instalment: Approx. AUD 4,765
Second instalment: Approx. AUD 29,130
Total (approximate): AUD 33,895
These figures may change, so always confirm with official government sources.
Additional costs:
Health checks
Police certificates
Migration agent fees
Biometrics
Compared to non-contributory parent visas (which can exceed 20+ years processing time), the subclass 173 pathway is significantly faster.
Processing times for the contributory parent visa, including Subclass 173, vary based on application volume and annual migration caps set by the Australian Government.
Estimated timeframes:
Approximately 8–12 years (subject to annual migration caps)
Although this seems long, it is significantly shorter than the non-contributory parent visa category, which can exceed 30 years.
Australia sets an annual planning level for parent visas under the Migration Program. For example:
2023–24 parent visa allocation: 8,500 places
(Source: Australian Migration Program planning levels)
Here is a simplified process to apply for parent visa 173:
Confirm Balance of Family Test and sponsor eligibility.
Gather:
Identity documents
Birth certificates
Children’s residency proof
Police clearances
Medical examinations
Applications for contributory parent visa 173 are paper-based and lodged to the Parent Visa Centre in Perth.
Application is not processed without payment.
Applications are queued based on the date of lodgement.
Requested closer to the decision stage.
Pay final contributory amount.
The subclass 173 contributory parent temporary visa is valid for 2 years. During this period, you must apply for Subclass 143 (Contributory Parent Permanent Visa).
Important:
You must apply before the 173 visa expires.
If you do not apply for Subclass 143, you cannot extend visa 173.
Choosing the parent visa 173 can be a strategic decision for families who want a structured and manageable pathway to permanent residency in Australia. The contributory parent visa 173 offers flexibility, faster processing compared to non-contributory options, and a clear transition to permanent residence through Subclass 143. Among the various Australian parent visa types, this temporary contributory option is often preferred by families seeking a balanced approach between cost and processing time.
While both visas fall under the contributory stream within the broader parent visa Australia framework, the subclass 173 contributory parent temporary visa allows families to divide costs and manage financial commitments more effectively. Here are the key advantages:
One of the biggest advantages of the parent visa 173 is the ability to split the high contributory fee into two stages. Instead of paying the full permanent visa cost upfront (as required for Subclass 143), applicants first pay the temporary visa charges and later pay the remaining amount when transitioning to permanent residency. This staged approach makes financial planning more manageable for many families.
The 173 contributory parent visa is processed under the contributory stream, which generally has significantly shorter waiting times compared to non-contributory parent visas. While queues may still take several years due to annual caps, the contributory pathway is considerably faster than options that can exceed 20–30 years.
The contributory parent visa subclass 173 provides a direct transition to Subclass 143 (Contributory Parent Permanent Visa). During the 2-year validity period, applicants can apply for permanent residency without restarting the entire process. This makes it a structured two-step migration strategy.
The primary purpose of the parent visa 173 is to reunite families. It allows aging parents to live in Australia with their children, grandchildren, and extended family members. This improves emotional wellbeing, family stability, and long-term support structures.
Holders of visa 173 can work and study in Australia during their temporary stay. This provides flexibility and independence while preparing for permanent residency.
Depending on circumstances and reciprocal agreements, applicants may be eligible for Australia’s public healthcare system, offering additional security during their stay.
While the 173 contributory parent visa is beneficial, there are restrictions:
No permanent residency rights
Limited access to Centrelink
Must apply for Subclass 143 within validity
High financial cost
Applications for contributory parent visa subclass 173 may be refused due to:
Failing Balance of Family Test
Incorrect sponsorship
Health issues
Incomplete documentation
Character concerns
Professional documentation preparation reduces refusal risk.
Because the parent visa 173 involves substantial cost, families should:
Plan savings early
Consider staged payment strategy
Understand Assurance of Support obligations
Seek tax advice if required
Financial transparency improves long-term stability.
Yes, secondary applicants can be included if they meet eligibility requirements.
Yes, but visa conditions must allow a valid onshore application.
No mandatory English test is required.
The application may be refused unless another eligible sponsor is approved.
Yes, multiple travel rights are allowed during validity.
Eligibility depends on reciprocal healthcare agreements.
No maximum age limit applies.
The parent visa 173 is a structured, two-stage pathway designed to balance faster migration with higher financial contribution. While the contributory parent visa 173 requires significant planning, it offers a realistic opportunity for families to reunite in Australia within a predictable migration framework.
Because migration law frequently changes, always verify the latest updates with the Australian Department of Home Affairs or consult a registered migration agent.
If you are considering applying for the subclass 173 contributory parent temporary visa, early preparation and proper documentation can significantly improve outcomes.
