Bringing parents to live closer to their children is a dream for many families in Australia. The Contributory Parent Visa 173 offers a legal and structured way to make that dream a reality. It allows eligible parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia temporarily, with a pathway to permanent residency through the Contributory Parent Visa 143.
If you’re considering sponsoring your parents or applying for this visa yourself, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from eligibility and costs to processing time and application steps.
What is the Contributory Parent Visa 173?
The Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 173) is a temporary parent visa that allows parents to live in Australia for up to 2 years. It is ideal for families who want to reunite without waiting for the lengthy processing times associated with non-contributory parent visas.
Unlike permanent parent visas, Subclass 173 does not provide access to social security or Medicare, but it does give the applicant time to live with their family while preparing to transition to permanent residency via the Contributory Parent Visa 143.
Key Features of the Subclass 173 Visa
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Valid for 2 years with no extension.
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Allows you to live, work, and study in Australia temporarily.
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Offers a direct pathway to permanent residency through the 143 visa.
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You must be outside Australia when you apply and when the visa is granted.
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Access to healthcare is limited, so private health insurance is recommended.
Who Can Apply for the Contributory Parent Visa 173?
To be eligible for the Contributory Parent Visa Australia, applicants must meet the following criteria:
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Be outside Australia at the time of application and decision.
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Be the biological, adoptive, or step-parent of an eligible sponsor.
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The sponsoring child must be:
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An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
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Settled in Australia (generally living there lawfully for at least 2 years).
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Pass the Balance of Family Test, which requires that:
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At least half of your children live in Australia, or
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More of your children live in Australia than in any other country.
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Meet health and character requirements.
Documents Required
Applying for a Contributory Parent Visa 173 involves collecting and submitting detailed documents, including:
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Passports and ID for both applicant and sponsor
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Proof of family relationship (birth certificates, legal adoption records)
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Police certificates for character check
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Medical examination results
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Evidence that the sponsoring child is settled in Australia (residency proof, job records)
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Financial support documents from the sponsor
Because this is a complex visa, it’s wise to work with a migration agent for parent visa applications to avoid costly mistakes or delays.
Application Process
Here’s a step-by-step look at how to apply for the Subclass 173 visa:
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Gather your documents based on the checklist from the Department of Home Affairs.
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Complete Form 47PA (for the applicant) and Form 40 (for the sponsor).
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Pay the first instalment of the visa application fee.
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Submit the application by post or courier (online application is not available).
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Wait for a case officer to contact you and request:
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Medicals
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Police checks
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Any missing or updated documents
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If approved, the visa will be granted, and you can move to Australia for up to 2 years.
Cost of the Contributory Parent Visa 173
As a contributory visa, this visa involves higher fees than other parent visas. As of 2025:
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First instalment: AUD $3,000 (approx.)
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Second instalment: AUD $29,130 (approx.) – paid before visa grant
This is a substantial investment, but it offers significantly faster processing times than the non-contributory parent visa options.
Processing Time
Processing times for the Contributory Parent Visa 173 can vary depending on demand and individual circumstances. However, compared to the standard Parent Visa Subclass 103, the 173 visa is processed more quickly.
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Estimated processing time: 3 to 4 years
Though still long, it is much faster than the 20+ year wait for non-contributory parent visas.
Transitioning to Permanent Residency
The Subclass 173 visa does not lead to permanent residency automatically, but it offers a direct pathway to the Subclass 143 visa, which is a permanent contributory parent visa. You must apply for the 143 visa within 2 years of receiving your 173 visa.
You will need to pay the second instalment of the 143 visa fee, but you will not have to repeat the Balance of Family Test.
Should You Use a Migration Agent?
While it’s possible to apply for the Contributory Parent Visa 173 on your own, many applicants find it helpful to work with a migration agent, especially given the cost, complexity, and long-term impact of the visa.
A registered migration agent for parent visas can:
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Ensure your documents are complete and consistent
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Help navigate changes in immigration policy
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Increase your chances of a successful application
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Support you through transitions to permanent residency
Final Thoughts
The Contributory Parent Visa 173 is a solid option for parents who want to be close to their children in Australia without waiting decades. While the costs are higher, the benefits of faster reunification and a clear path to permanent residency make it a worthwhile investment for many families.
Before applying, take time to understand the requirements, prepare your documents carefully, and consider seeking professional advice to ensure your application is strong from the start.
