Contributory Parent
Temporary Visa

Subclass 173

Get subclass 173 visa assistance from one of the best visa immigration service providers, Stepping Stones Career Solutions. Australia is one of the most sought-after destinations for families looking to reunite with their loved ones. If you are a parent of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, the Subclass 173 Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa allows you to live in Australia temporarily. This visa provides a pathway to permanent residency while enabling you to experience life in Australia firsthand.

Overview of Contributory Parent Temporary Visa Subclass 173​

The Subclass 173 Contributory Parent Temporary Visa is a temporary visa that lets eligible parents stay in Australia for up to two years. During this time, visa holders can live, work, and study in Australia while preparing for a transition to permanent residency through the Subclass 143 Contributory Parent (Permanent) Visa.

Unlike other parent visas, the Subclass 173 visa requires a higher financial contribution, which helps reduce processing times compared to non-contributory parent visas. This visa is ideal for parents who want to join their children in Australia but are not yet ready to commit to permanent residency immediately.

Overview of Contributory Parent Temporary Visa Subclass 173​

Both Subclass 173 and 143 are Australian Contributory Parent visas that allow parents to live in Australia with their children. The only difference between these two subclasses is that subclass 173 is temporary, while subclass 143 is a permanent visa

Eligibility of Subclass 173 Visa

1. Be Sponsored by an Eligible Sponsor

  • The sponsor must be a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.

  • The sponsor is usually the applicant’s child, but in some cases, an eligible organization can act as a sponsor.

2. Meet the Balance of Family Test

  • At least half of your children must reside permanently in Australia, or more children must live in Australia than in any other single country.

  • This test ensures that the majority of an applicant’s immediate family is in Australia.

3. Meet Health and Character Requirements

  • Applicants and their dependents must undergo medical examinations and meet character requirements (e.g., police checks).

4. Financial Requirements

  • The Subclass 173 Visa requires a significant financial contribution to help support the Australian community. This cost is paid in two installments – one at the time of application and the other before the visa is granted.

Subclass 173 Cost​ and Duration

The subclass 173 contributory parent temporary visa cost is AUD 32,340.  The Subclass 173 Visa involves a higher visa application charge due to the contributory nature of the visa. The fee is split into two payments:

  • First installment: Paid at the time of application.

  • Second installment: Paid before visa grant.

Subclass 173 Processing Time​

Processing times can vary depending on application volumes and government processing priorities. Check the Department of Home Affairs website for up-to-date information. It’s important to note that processing times can vary based on individual circumstances and changes in immigration policies. For the most current information, please refer to the Department of Home Affairs’ official website.  Use the visa processing time guide tool for an indication of processing times for this visa.

Eligibility of Subclass 173 Visa

Identity Documents

  • Valid passport
  • Birth certificate
  • National ID card (if applicable)

Sponsorship Documents

  • Proof of sponsor’s Australian citizenship or permanent residency
  • Sponsorship application form
 

Family Relationship Documents

  • Birth certificates of children proving the parent-child relationship
  • Marriage certificate (if applicable)
  • Adoption papers (if applicable)

Financial Documents

  • Evidence of sufficient funds to cover the visa costs
  • Proof of financial dependency (if applicable)
 

Health and Character Documents

  • Medical examination reports
  • Police clearance certificates from all countries you have lived in for more than 12 months in the past 10 years

Other Supporting Documents

  • Balance of Family Test documentation
  • Any additional documents requested by the Department of Home Affairs

Why Choose Stepping Stones Careers Solutions?

  • Expert Guidance – Our experienced immigration consultants provide step-by-step support. 

  • Personalized Solutions – Every client is unique, and we tailor our services to your situation. 

  • High Success Rate – We have a proven track record of helping families reunite in Australia. 

  • End-to-end Assistance – From sponsorship applications to visa submissions and follow-ups, we handle everything.

  • Stress-Free Processing – We make the complex process simple and easy for you.

Take the First Step Today!

FAQs on Contributory Parent Temporary Visa Subclass 173​
The Subclass 173 Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa allows parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia for up to two years. It’s a temporary pathway to permanent residency.
  • Subclass 173 is a temporary visa valid for two years, with lower initial costs.
  • Subclass 143 is a permanent visa, requiring a higher one-time payment but granting full PR benefits immediately.
  • You can apply for Subclass 143 after holding Subclass 173.
Transitioning from Subclass 173 to 143 can take around 12 to 24 months, depending on processing times and application volumes.
The Subclass 173 visa fee is around AUD 33,000 per applicant, paid in two installments. Costs may vary, so always check the latest fees with the Department of Home Affairs.
If your parents plan to stay permanently, the Subclass 143 visa is the best option. If you prefer to spread out the costs, the Subclass 173 (temporary) followed by Subclass 143 (permanent) is a good alternative.
No, Subclass 866 (Protection Visa) holders usually cannot apply for a Subclass 173 visa due to different visa conditions and eligibility criteria.
Yes! Subclass 173 visa holders are eligible for Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system, giving access to essential medical services.