The Subclass 173 Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa allows parents of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live temporarily in Australia. This visa is an essential step towards obtaining a permanent Contributory Parent (Subclass 143) Visa.
Stay
- Duration: 2 years
- Cost: AUD 32,430
- Multiple Entries: You may leave and re-enter Australia within the 2-year period.
Processing Times
Processing times may vary based on demand and the number of available places for this visa. For an indication of processing times, use the visa processing time guide tool. Note that this is only a general guide.
What You Can Do with This Visa
- Live in Australia for up to 2 years
- Work and Study: You can work and study in Australia, but you will not receive government support.
- Health Care: You can enrol in Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency: You may apply for the permanent Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) after your temporary visa is granted.
Eligibility Requirements
- Sponsor: You must be sponsored by a child who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Balance of Family Test: You must meet the balance-of-family test, which requires that at least half of your children and step-children be living in Australia.
- Visa History: You cannot apply if you have previously held or applied for a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) (Subclass 870) visa.
- Health & Character: You and any family members applying with you must meet health and character requirements.
Application Process
- Two-Part Payment: The total cost of the visa is paid in two instalments. The first is paid when applying, and the second when requested by the authorities.
- Family Members: You can include family members in your application. They must meet health and character requirements, whether they are migrating with you or not.
- Apply Inside or Outside Australia: You can apply from within or outside Australia, but your family members must be in the same location at the time of application.
- Temporary Stay: As a temporary visa, you cannot extend or reapply for this visa. However, you can apply for another type of visa.
Visa Conditions and Obligations
- Entry Requirements: You must enter Australia before the date specified in your grant letter, usually within 12 months of visa grant.
- Australian Law: You must comply with Australian law and all visa conditions.
- Visa Label: Your visa will be digitally linked to your passport, and you will not receive a physical visa label.
Costs
- Base Visa Fee: AUD 32,430 (Additional costs may apply for health checks, police certificates, and biometrics).
- Family Member Fees: Additional charges apply for family members included in the application.
- Visa Instalments: The fee is divided into two parts, with payment required at different stages of the application process.
Visa Processing and Assessment
Applications are processed in two stages:
- Eligibility Check: Your eligibility is assessed, and if eligible, your application will be added to the queue.
- Application Assessment: Once a place becomes available, your application will be further assessed, and a decision will be made.
Consider Other Visa Options
- Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143): A permanent visa that requires a higher upfront cost but grants permanent residency.
- Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870): Allows parents to visit children in Australia for up to three or five years, with a maximum of 10 years.
Additional Considerations
- Debt to the Australian Government: You and your family members must have repaid any debts to the Australian Government.
- Previous Visa History: If you have had a visa cancelled or a previous application refused, it may affect your eligibility for this visa.
- Australian Values: You must sign the Australian Values Statement and confirm your commitment to respect Australian laws and values.
Final Thoughts
The Subclass 173 Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa is an ideal option for parents looking to temporarily live in Australia while awaiting permanent residency. It offers a clear pathway to the permanent Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143), but applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria and comply with all visa conditions.
How Widen Migration Experts Can Help You with the Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 173)
The Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 173) offers parents of Australian residents the chance to temporarily live in Australia. Widen Migration Experts provide guidance and support to ensure a smooth application:
- Eligibility Check: We ensure applicants meet eligibility requirements, including financial contributions.
- Document Preparation: Our team assists with the collection of necessary documentation, including proof of family ties and financial status.
- Application Assistance: We guide you through each step of the visa application to ensure an accurate and complete submission.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency: After obtaining this visa, we can help transition to the Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) for permanent residency.