Parent Visa (Subclass 173) – Temporary Contributory Pathway to Australia
Parent Visa 173 is a temporary contributory parent visa that allows eligible parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents to live in Australia for up to 2 years.
It is designed as a two-stage pathway, allowing applicants to later transition to the Parent Visa (Subclass 143) for permanent residence.
Ideal for families seeking faster entry with staged costs.
WHAT IS THE PARENT VISA 173?
The Parent Visa (Subclass 173) is a temporary visa that permits parents to live in Australia while progressing toward permanent residency.
Unlike the Parent Visa 103, the 173 visa requires a higher application charge but offers:
Significantly shorter processing times
A structured pathway to the Parent Visa 143
No need to re-meet the balance of family test when transitioning
This visa is often chosen by families who want flexibility in timing and financial planning.
KEY FEATURES
- Temporary visa valid for up to 2 years
- Allows multiple entries to Australia
- Access to Medicare
- No work restrictions
- Designed to transition to Subclass 143
- Counts as first stage of permanent contributory parent migration
Eligibility and Requirements
To qualify for the Parent Visa 173, applicants must:
Be the parent of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ citizen
Meet the Balance of Family Test
Have an approved sponsor in Australia
Meet health and character requirements
Provide an Assurance of Support
Not have had a previous visa refused or cancelled (unless waived)
COST & CONTRIBUTION STRUCTURE
The Parent Visa 173 involves a two-stage payment model:
Stage 1: Paid at the time of the 173 application
Stage 2: Paid when applying for the Parent Visa 143
This staged approach allows families to spread costs over time rather than paying the full contributory amount upfront.
Our Parent Visa (Subclass 173) Application Process
Step 1 – Confirm Eligibility
We assess eligibility including the parent–child relationship, sponsor eligibility, Balance of Family Test, health and character requirements, and whether Subclass 173 is the right staged pathway towards Subclass 143.
Step 2: Sponsorship Preparation
We help the sponsoring child prepare sponsorship documents, proof of citizenship or permanent residence, settled status, and supporting evidence required under parent visa rules.
Step 3 – Application Lodgement (Offshore)
We prepare and lodge a complete, decision-ready Parent Visa (Subclass 173) application. Subclass 173 is an offshore visa, so applicants generally need to be outside Australia at time of application and decision.
Step 4: Queue Placement
Once accepted by the Department of Home Affairs, the application is placed in the parent visa processing queue. Parent visas are capped and queued, so waiting times can be significant.
Other Parent Visa Options
If you are exploring alternatives to the Parent Visa (Subclass 103), other parent migration pathways may be available depending on your circumstances.
The Contributory Parent Visas (Subclass 143 and Subclass 173) offer a faster pathway to permanent residency compared to the 103 visa, but involve significantly higher government application charges.
For parents who are already in Australia and meet age requirements, the Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804) may be an option. This visa allows eligible older parents to remain in Australia while awaiting permanent residency, subject to very long processing times and annual caps.
Each parent visa option has different eligibility criteria, costs, and processing timelines, and professional advice is strongly recommended before choosing a pathway.
Alternative Parent Visa Options
Depending on your circumstances, you may also consider the following Australian parent visa options:
Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143)
The Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) is the permanent stage of the contributory parent pathway. Many applicants use Parent Visa 173 as the temporary first step, then progress to the 143 once eligible.
Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)
The Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804) is an onshore parent visa option for parents who are in Australia and are old enough to qualify under the Australian Age Pension age requirement. It is queue-based and can suit a very specific onshore audience.
Common Questions About Parent Visa
Is this visa permanent?
No. The Parent Visa (Subclass 173) is a temporary contributory parent visa (up to 2 years). It is commonly used as a staged pathway to the Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) (permanent), if you meet eligibility and lodge the next stage in time.
Can I apply while I’m in Australia?
In most cases, Subclass 173 is lodged as an offshore application. If you usually live outside Australia, you will generally need to be outside Australia for the visa to be granted. If you are in Australia, whether you can apply can depend on your current visa conditions (for example, a No Further Stay condition may prevent lodgement). Always check your circumstances before lodging.
Why does it take so long?
Parent visas can still take time because they are subject to program planning levels and queueing. Even though Subclass 173 is contributory (and often used as a staged pathway), processing time can vary depending on demand, document readiness, health/character checks, and sponsor/assurance requirements.
Does this visa lead to citizenship?
Not by itself. Subclass 173 is temporary and does not automatically lead to citizenship. Citizenship is only possible after you become a permanent resident (for example via Subclass 143) and then meet the residence and other eligibility requirements for Australian citizenship.
Information is general in nature and not legal advice. Always check current requirements before applying. Services are provided by a Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2518775) and conducted in accordance with the Migration Act 1958 and the Migration Agents Code of Conduct.
Ready to Explore Your Parent Visa Options?
Parent visa decisions have long-term consequences for families.
Our Registered Migration Agent will guide you through eligibility, strategy, and alternatives so you can make an informed decision with confidence.