Parent Visa – Subclass 173
Overview
The Subclass 173 Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa is a temporary visa that allows parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia for up to two years. It is part of the contributory parent visa program, offering faster processing than non-contributory options like the Parent Visa (Subclass 103).
Purpose and Benefits
The Subclass 173 visa was created to help families reunite more quickly than waiting for the slower non-contributory parent visas. It provides several key benefits:
Temporary residence in Australia for two years
Work and study rights during the stay
Multiple entry permissions for travel in and out of Australia
A pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 143 visa
Ability to spread out costs instead of paying the full permanent visa fee upfront
This visa is ideal for parents who want to be with their children in Australia while preparing financially for a permanent contributory parent visa.
Key Features:
Temporary residence in Australia for up to two years
Work and study rights during the stay
Multiple entry travel permission
Pathway to permanent residency via Subclass 143 visa
Allows spreading out visa costs instead of paying full fees upfront
Faster processing compared to non-contributory parent visas
Eligibility Requirements
Age requirements:
- No specific age limit, but you must be the parent of your sponsor
Nationality Requirements:
- You can be from any country
- Your sponsoring child must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
Health and Character Requirements:
- Pass medical examinations
- Provide police clearance certificates from all countries you’ve lived in for 12+ months
- Meet Australia’s character requirements
Sponsorship Details:
- Your child must sponsor you and be settled in Australia
- Your sponsor must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
- The sponsor must have no outstanding debts to the Australian government
Financial Requirements:
- You must prove you’re the biological, adoptive, or step-parent of your sponsor
- Meet the “Balance of Family Test” – at least half your children must live in Australia, or more children must live in Australia than in any other country
Financial Criteria:
- Your sponsor must provide an Assurance of Support (AoS) when you apply for the permanent visa
- You’ll need to pay the contributory visa fees (around $32,340 for the temporary visa)
Application Process
Step-by-Step Overview
Preparation Phase
Start gathering all required documents. This includes identity papers, health checks, and family relationship proof. Make sure your sponsor has all their documents ready, too.
Online Application
Submit your application through ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website. You’ll need to create an account and fill out Form 47PA.
Pay Application Fees:
Pay the base application charge ($3,210) and the second instalment ($29,130). The total cost is around $32,340 per person.
Health Examinations:
Complete required medical checks with approved doctors. You’ll get instructions after submitting your application.
Wait for Processing
Current processing times are 36-38 months for 75-90% of applications. Some cases may take up to 4 years.
Decision
Once approved, you’ll receive your visa grant letter with your visa conditions and entry date.
Required Documents
Identity and Travel Documents:
- Current passport with at least 6 months’ validity
- A birth certificate showing your parents’ names
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Divorce or death certificates (if applicable)
Character Documents:
- Police clearance certificates from all countries where you lived for 12+ months since age 16
- Military service records (if applicable)
- Health Documentation:
- Medical examination results from approved doctors
- Chest X-rays and blood tests as required
Family Relationship Proof:
- Your child’s birth certificate shows you as the parent
- Adoption papers (if applicable)
- Evidence of an ongoing relationship with your sponsor
Financial Support Documents:
- Evidence that you can support yourself during your stay
- Bank statements and income proof
- Assurance of Support documentation (required for permanent visa stage)
Key Tips for fast processing:
- Submit complete applications with all required documents
- Respond quickly to any requests from immigration
- Use authorised migration agents for complex cases
- Keep your contact details updated
Benefits Subclass 143 Visa
- Live with your children and grandchildren in Australia
- Work and earn money during your stay
- Access to some healthcare services
- Freedom to travel in and out of Australia
- Pathway to permanent residency
- Keep families together across generations
- Grandparents can help with childcare
- Cultural knowledge passes to new generations
- Emotional support for all family members
Step Towards Your Australian Dream!
Whether you're pursuing skilled migration, student visas, family sponsorship, or business migration, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to start your journey toward living, working, or studying in Australia with confidence!
