Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 173)

The Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 173) is a temporary visa that allows parents to live in Australia for up to two years. It is a pathway for parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to eventually apply for permanent residency through the Contributory Parent (Permanent) visa (subclass 143). Here are some key points about the subclass 173 visa:

  1. Purpose: The subclass 173 visa allows parents to live in Australia temporarily while they wait for the permanent Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143) to be processed.
  2. Eligibility:
    • To be eligible for the subclass 173 visa, applicants must be the parent of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen who is settled in Australia.
    • Applicants must be sponsored by their child or their child's partner who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
    • There are also financial requirements for the sponsor, including assurance of support.
  3. Contributory Payment: The subclass 173 visa requires the payment of a substantial visa application charge, commonly referred to as the "contributory payment." This payment helps offset the cost to the Australian government of providing health and social services to the visa holder during their stay in Australia.
  4. Health and Character Requirements:
    • All applicants for the subclass 173 visa must meet the health and character requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs. This includes undergoing medical examinations and providing police clearance certificates.
  5. Processing Time:
    • Processing times for the subclass 173 visa can vary depending on various factors such as the completeness of the application, the complexity of the case, and the workload of the processing office.
  6. Pathway to Permanent Residency:
    • The subclass 173 visa provides a pathway to permanent residency in Australia through the Contributory Parent (Permanent) visa (subclass 143). Once the subclass 143 visa is granted, parents can live in Australia permanently.
  7. Stay Period: The subclass 173 visa allows parents to stay in Australia for up to two years from the date of visa grant.

It's important to carefully review the eligibility criteria and requirements for the subclass 173 visa and seek advice from a registered migration agent if needed to ensure a smooth application process.