Bringing parents permanently to live in Australia is a heartfelt priority for many migrants. While the standard parents can take decades to process the visa route, the contributed parents’ (temporary) parent visa 173 provides a sharp, although more expensive, alternative. It is valid for a temporary visa for two years and part of a two-step process that eventually leads to permanent residence. This blog examines the major features, benefits and shortcomings of the 173 visa, and how it fits into a broader parent migration program in Australia.
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What is a subclass 173 visa?
Subclass 173 contributing parents (temporary) visas are designed for the parents of Australian citizens, permanent citizen, or the parents of New Zealand citizens who want to live in Australia for two years. This allows visa applicants to temporarily live with complete work and travel rights, while subclass 143 contributors consider or prepare for permanent residence through parents (permanent) visas.
This is part of the “contribution” stream as applicants require a high financial contribution to their stay to offset the expected cost of their future health and social services.
Key Benefits of the 173 Visa
Faster Processing: Compared to the standard Parent Visa (Subclass 103), which can take over 30 years, the contributory parent visa 173 typically processes within 4–6 years.
- Full Work Rights: Visa holders can work, study, and live in Australia for the duration of the visa.
- Path to Permanent Residency: It provides a pathway to the Subclass 143 visa, which grants permanent residency.
- Family Reunification: Enables parents to spend meaningful time with their children and grandchildren in Australia.
- Multiple Entry: You can travel in and out of Australia as often as you like while the visa is valid.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the 173 visa, you must:
Be sponsored by a child who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. The child must have been living lawfully in Australia for at least two years.
Meet the Balance of Family Test, meaning:
- At least half of your children must live permanently in Australia, or
- More of your children must live in Australia than in any other single country.
- Pass health and character checks.
- Be outside Australia at the time of applications and when the visa is given.
- Have no outstanding debts to the Australian government or have arranged to repay them.
Cost of the Subclass 173 Visa
The cost for the 173 visa is significant, but it’s split across two payments:
- Initial application charge: Approximately AUD $3,775
- Second installment (Before Visa Grants): AUD around $ 29,130
It brings more than the total AUD $ 32,000 per applicant. Note that this cost does not include health assessment, police certificate, translation services or migration agent fees. While the cost is high, it is still less than applying directly to 143 permanent visas, making it a viable option for families that prefer to spread cost over time.
Subcise 173 to 143 Visa
- Feature Subclass 173 (Temporary) Prem 143 (Permanent)
- Validity 2 years Indefinite
- Cost Lower upfront Higher upfront
- Pathway to PR Yes (via 143) Already PR
- Work/Study Rights Yes Yes
- Medicare Eligibility No Yes
- Travel Rights Yes Yes
Most 173 visa holders apply for the Subclass 143 visa within the two-year period to transition to permanent residency. The good news is: part of the fee paid for the 173 visa is offset against the 143 application, reducing the overall financial burden.
Important Considerations
Medicare Ineligibility: As a temporary visa, the 173 does not grant access to Australia’s public healthcare system (Medicare). Private health insurance is strongly recommended. No older requirement: Unlike old parents visa currents (804 and 864), no age is required for 173 visas. Non-western qualified fee: High visa fees are non-western eligible if the application has been withdrawn or denied.Time-limited migration: Visa cannot be extended. If you don’t apply for the 143 visa within two years, you may have to leave Australia.
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Why choose 173 Visa?
For many families, 173 visas are a practical option that balances cost and processing time. This gives parents an opportunity for their children to join relatively quickly and start an infection for a complete permanent residence, without paying full contribution fee.
This allows families to better manage financing-perhaps to save during a two-year period or spread the cost between siblings that sponsor their parents.
Contributing parents (temporary) Visa -Subclass 173 provides a clear and relatively fast route for parents wishing to reunite with their families in Australia. While the costs are enough, many see it as a meaningful investment in the future of their family.