Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 173)
The Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 173) allows eligible parents of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens to stay in Australia temporarily.
This visa may suit families who want a contributory parent visa pathway but are not ready to proceed directly to the permanent Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143).
- Temporary parent visa pathway
- For parents of eligible settled children in Australia
- Balance of Family Test generally applies
- Sponsorship is generally required
- May provide a pathway to the permanent Subclass 143 visa
What is the Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 173)?
The Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 173) is a temporary Australian parent visa pathway. It allows eligible parents to stay in Australia temporarily as part of the contributory parent visa framework.
This visa is commonly considered by families who want to manage the parent visa process in stages before applying for the permanent Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143).
Unlike the Subclass 143 visa, the Subclass 173 visa is not a permanent visa. Families should consider the temporary nature of this visa, the future permanent visa pathway and the overall cost structure before applying.
Who Can Apply?
The applicant must generally be the parent of a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Eligible Parent
The applicant must be the parent of an eligible child who is settled in Australia.
Eligible Sponsor
The applicant generally needs sponsorship from an eligible child or another eligible sponsor.
Family Balance
The applicant must generally satisfy the Balance of Family Test.
Health and Character
Applicants must satisfy Australia’s health and character requirements.
Subclass 173 vs Subclass 143
The Subclass 173 and Subclass 143 visas are closely related, but they serve different purposes.
Subclass 173
Temporary contributory parent visa. It allows eligible parents to stay in Australia temporarily and may form part of a staged parent visa strategy.
Current PageSubclass 143
Permanent contributory parent visa. This is often considered where families are ready to proceed directly to permanent residence.
View Subclass 143Key Requirements
Applicants should carefully review the requirements before lodging a Subclass 173 visa application.
- Have an eligible child who is settled in Australia
- Be sponsored by an eligible sponsor
- Satisfy the Balance of Family Test
- Meet health requirements
- Meet character requirements
- Resolve any relevant Australian Government debts or have arrangements in place
Balance of Family Test
The Balance of Family Test is a central requirement for many parent visa pathways, including contributory parent visas.
The test generally considers where the applicant’s children live and whether the required family connection to Australia exists.
For more information, read our Parent Visa Balance of Family Test Guide.
Sponsorship Requirements
The applicant generally needs to be sponsored by an eligible child or another eligible sponsor. The sponsor must usually be settled in Australia and satisfy the relevant sponsorship criteria.
Sponsorship is a separate consideration from visa charges and other financial obligations that may apply to contributory parent visa pathways.
For more information, read our Parent Visa Sponsorship Requirements Guide.
Benefits of the Subclass 173 Visa
The Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa provides eligible parents with the opportunity to stay in Australia while maintaining a pathway towards permanent residence.
Stay in Australia
Remain in Australia lawfully while progressing through the contributory parent visa pathway.
Family Reunification
Spend more time with children and family members living in Australia.
Pathway to Subclass 143
Eligible visa holders may later apply for the permanent Contributory Parent Visa.
Staged Cost Approach
Allows some families to spread the contributory parent visa costs over two stages.
Pathway to the Permanent Subclass 143 Visa
One of the key advantages of the Subclass 173 visa is that it may provide a pathway to the Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143).
Many families choose the Subclass 173 pathway where they prefer a staged approach rather than applying directly for the permanent contributory parent visa.
Before making a decision, applicants should carefully compare the overall costs, processing considerations and long-term objectives associated with the Subclass 173 and Subclass 143 pathways.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Subclass 173 visa?
The Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa is a temporary visa that may form part of a pathway towards the permanent Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143).
Is the Subclass 173 visa a permanent visa?
No. The Subclass 173 visa is a temporary visa and is distinct from the permanent Subclass 143 visa.
Does the Balance of Family Test apply?
Yes. Applicants generally need to satisfy the Balance of Family Test unless an exemption applies.
Who can sponsor a Subclass 173 applicant?
An eligible child who is an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen may generally act as sponsor.
Can I later apply for the Subclass 143 visa?
Yes. One of the main reasons applicants choose the Subclass 173 visa is to access the pathway towards the permanent Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143).
Do health and character requirements apply?
Yes. Applicants must generally satisfy Australia's health and character requirements before a visa can be granted.
Is an Assurance of Support required?
Assurance of Support requirements may apply at the relevant stage of the parent visa process. Applicants should seek advice based on their circumstances.
Should I apply for Subclass 173 or Subclass 143?
The answer depends on your family's objectives, budget and migration strategy. A detailed comparison can help determine the most suitable option.
Reviewed by Principal Migration Consultant
This page has been reviewed by Mohammad Reza Azimi, Principal Migration Consultant at Shada Migration. Mohammad has assisted clients with Australian migration matters since 2009 and holds a Graduate Certificate in Migration Law from the Australian National University (ANU).
Need Advice on a Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa?
Parent visa planning can be complex. Professional advice may help determine whether the Subclass 173 visa or another parent visa pathway is more suitable for your circumstances.
