Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa – Subclass 173
The Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa – Subclass 173 allows parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live temporarily in Australia for up to 2 years.
This visa is ideal for parents who want to join their children in Australia without waiting for years in standard parent visa queues. It’s also a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 143 Contributory Parent Visa.
What Is the Purpose of the Subclass 173 Visa?
With this temporary visa, you can:
- Live in Australia for 2 years
- Work and study during your stay
- Enrol in Medicare, Australia’s public health care system
- Travel in and out of Australia freely for 2 years
- Prepare to apply for permanent residency via the Subclass 143 visa
🛑 Important: You cannot extend or renew this visa. You must apply for the permanent Subclass 143 visa before your 173 visa expires.
Who Can Apply for the Subclass 173 Visa?
To be eligible, you must:
- Be sponsored by your child who is:
- An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Over 18 years of age and settled in Australia
- Pass the Balance of Family Test
- Meet health and character requirements
- Have no previous visa cancellations or refusals
- Follow Australian laws and visa conditions
📌 You can apply from inside or outside Australia, but you must be outside Australia when the visa is granted.
Balance of Family Test – What Does It Mean?
You meet the balance of family test if:
- At least half of your children live in Australia as permanent residents or citizens
OR - You have more children living in Australia than in any other single country
Who Can Sponsor a Parent for Subclass 173?
Your sponsor must be:
- Your child, who is over 18 years old
- An Australian permanent resident, citizen, or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Settled in Australia
✔️ A sponsor can support more than one parent
Who Can Be Included in Your Application?
You can include:
- Your spouse or partner
- Your or your partner’s dependent children or stepchildren
Family members included in your application will have the same visa rights and conditions.