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Contributory Parent Visa Subclass 173 — Temporary Visa

The Contributory Parent Visa Subclass 173 is a temporary visa for parents wanting to live in Australia while their permanent Subclass 143 application is processed. It lets parents distribute migration costs over time and provides Medicare access immediately upon grant.

Free 173 Visa Assessment Call 0478 904 001
2-Year Temporary
From AUD $3,395
Family Reunion
Medicare Eligible
Overview

What is the Contributory Parent Visa Subclass 173?

The Contributory Parent Visa Subclass 143 is a permanent residency visa for parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. It allows parents to permanently reside in Australia and reunite with their settled children.

Unlike the non-contributory Subclass 103, the 143 requires a significant contributory fee — but in return offers faster processing times (approximately 12 years vs up to 30 years for the 103) and importantly provides Medicare access when the applicant holds a temporary Subclass 173 visa as a stepping stone.

The visa can be applied for while the applicant is inside or outside Australia. Applicants who are already in Australia may first be granted a temporary Subclass 173 bridging visa while their permanent 143 is processed.

Two-Stage Pathway: Many applicants apply for the temporary Subclass 173 first (which allows Medicare access and living in Australia), then transition to the permanent Subclass 143 after 2 years. Our agents can advise on the best strategy for your family’s situation.

Eligibility

Subclass 173 Requirements

The Subclass 173 has the same core requirements as the permanent 143:

For the Applicant (Parent)

  • Must be sponsored by an eligible child
  • Must pass the balance-of-family test
  • Must meet Australian health requirements
  • Must meet character requirements (police clearances)
  • Must have no outstanding debt to the Australian government
  • Must not have had a visa cancelled or refused while in Australia
  • Assurance of support may be required in some cases

For the Sponsor (Child)

  • Must be 18 years or older (under 18 requires a qualified relative or community organisation to sponsor)
  • Must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
  • Must have resided in Australia for a minimum of 2 years
  • Must meet health and character requirements
  • Must commit to providing accommodation and financial support for the first 2 years

What is the Balance-of-Family Test?

The balance-of-family test is satisfied if: (a) at least half of your children are Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible NZ citizens living in Australia, OR (b) more of your children live in Australia than in any other single country. This test applies per parent and is assessed at the time of decision.

Benefits

Benefits of the Contributory Parent Visa Subclass 173

Live in Australia

Live, work and study in Australia for 2 years while your permanent Subclass 143 application is processed.

Work & Study Rights

Enjoy full rights to work and study anywhere in Australia without restrictions.

Multiple Entry Travel

Travel freely in and out of Australia multiple times until the 173 visa expires — no restriction on travel during the 2-year period.

Family Inclusion

Eligible family members can be included in the 173 application. They can also transition to the permanent 143 alongside the primary applicant.

Medicare Access

Enrol in Medicare when holding a Subclass 173 temporary visa — earlier than the Subclass 103. Full Medicare access continues on the permanent 143 grant.

Pathway to Permanent 143

Before the 173 expires, apply for the permanent Subclass 143 — the direct pathway to Australian permanent residency and ultimately citizenship.

Medicare advantage: Subclass 173 holders can enrol in Medicare immediately upon visa grant — unlike the non-contributory Subclass 103 where Medicare is only available after the permanent visa is granted. This is one of the key reasons many parents choose the 173 route.

Processing Time

Contributory Parent Visa 173 Processing Time

The Subclass 173 is subject to the same capping system as the 143 — the same annual cap, the same queue. A new 173 application may take approximately 12 years to process. Once granted, the 173 is valid for 2 years, during which holders must apply for the permanent Subclass 143 before it expires.

~12
Years typical
wait time
Cap
& Queue
system applies
173
Temp step via
Subclass 173

Considering the wait? If you want your parents to join you sooner, the Contributory Parent Visa Subclass 143 has significantly shorter processing times, at the cost of a higher application fee. Our OMARA-registered migration agents in Perth can help you compare options based on your specific circumstances.

Fees

Contributory Parent Visa 173 Cost

The Subclass 173 also has a two-part fee structure — lower than the 143 as it is a temporary visa:

First Instalment (at lodgement)
$3,395
AUD main / $1,700 for spouse
Second Instalment (before grant)
$29,130
AUD — per applicant, before visa grant

The total cost for the main applicant is approximately AUD $32,525 ($3,395 + $29,130). Additional costs apply for health checks, police certificates and biometrics. When transitioning to the permanent Subclass 143, a further instalment applies. Contact us for a full cost breakdown.

Parent Visa Cost Comparison

Subclass 173 (this visa — temporary) $3,395 + $29,130
Subclass 143 (permanent — next step after 173) $5,040 + $43,600
Subclass 103 (non-contributory) $5,280 + $2,640
Subclass 864 (contributory aged parent perm) $5,040 + $43,600
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What Our Clients Say

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

In case you don’t find an answer, feel free to consult with one of our agents.

How long does the Subclass 173 visa take to process?
The Subclass 173 is subject to the same cap and queue system as the permanent 143. New applications take approximately 12 years to process. Once granted, the 173 visa is valid for 2 years, during which holders must apply for the permanent Subclass 143.
What is the difference between the 143 and 173 parent visa?
The Subclass 173 is a temporary visa (2 years) that allows parents to live in Australia while waiting for the permanent 143. The 143 provides indefinite permanent residency. Both have the same contributory fee structure, but the 173’s fees are split differently, allowing parents to spread costs over time. The 173 cannot be extended — holders must apply for the 143 before expiry.
How much is the Contributory Parent Visa 173?
The initial government fee is AUD $3,395 for the main applicant and AUD $1,700 for a spouse. A second instalment of AUD $29,130 per applicant is required before the visa is granted. Additional costs apply for health checks, police certificates and biometrics. Total for main applicant: approximately AUD $32,525.
Can I enrol in Medicare on the 173 visa?
Yes. This is one of the key advantages of the Subclass 173 over the non-contributory Subclass 103. Holders of the 173 visa can enrol in Medicare — Australia’s public health system — immediately upon visa grant, providing access to subsidised medical services.
Can I work in Australia on the 173 visa?
Yes. The Subclass 173 visa grants full work and study rights in Australia. You can work for any employer and study at any registered institution during the 2-year temporary period.
What happens when my 173 visa expires?
The Subclass 173 cannot be renewed or extended. Before it expires, you must apply for the permanent Contributory Parent Visa Subclass 143 to continue living in Australia. Our agents can help you manage the transition timeline to ensure your 143 application is lodged well before your 173 expires.
What is the balance-of-family test?
The balance-of-family test requires that at least half of your children are Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible NZ citizens residing in Australia, OR that more of your children live in Australia than in any other single country. The same test applies to the 173 and the 143.
Can I apply for the 173 from inside or outside Australia?
Yes. The Subclass 173 can be applied for whether you are inside or outside Australia at the time of lodgement. This flexibility makes it a practical option for parents who wish to begin the process from their home country.

Free 173 Visa Assessment

Find out if the 173 is the right first step for your parents. Speak with an OMARA-registered migration agent Perth today.

Book Free Consultation Call 0478 904 001

Related Parent Visas

103 — Parent Visa 143 — Contributory Parent (Perm) 173 — Temp Contributory Parent ✓ 804 — Aged Parent Visa 864 — Contributory Aged Parent

173 Visa Quick Facts

Visa Type Temporary (2 yrs)
Category Family / Parent
Initial Fee $3,395 AUD
Contributory Fee $29,130 AUD
Processing ~12 years
Bridging Visa Then apply 143
Medicare Yes (immediately)
Renewable No — apply 143

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