{"id":131,"date":"2026-03-16T01:36:50","date_gmt":"2026-03-16T01:36:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/desinri.com\/visa\/australia-contributory-parent-temporary-visa-subclass-173-173-requirements-fees-processing-time-how-to-apply\/"},"modified":"2026-03-16T01:36:50","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T01:36:50","slug":"australia-contributory-parent-temporary-visa-subclass-173-173-requirements-fees-processing-time-how-to-apply","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/desinri.com\/visa\/australia-contributory-parent-temporary-visa-subclass-173-173-requirements-fees-processing-time-how-to-apply\/","title":{"rendered":"Australia Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 173) (173): Requirements, Fees, Processing Time & How to Apply"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
We work hard to keep this guide accurate. If you spot outdated info, email updates to contact@desinri.com.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Short Description:<\/strong> Complete 2026 guide to Australia\u2019s Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 173): eligibility, costs, process, documents, risks, and PR pathway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Last Verified On:<\/strong> 2026-03-16<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Temporary migration route for eligible parents of settled Australian children, usually as a staged path to permanent residence<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Typical applicant<\/td>\n
Parent of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen who meets parent visa rules<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Validity<\/td>\n
Temporary visa, generally up to 2 years from grant<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Stay duration<\/td>\n
Usually up to 2 years<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Entries allowed<\/td>\n
Multiple entries while the visa is valid<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Extension possible?<\/td>\n
No direct extension in the same subclass; usually followed by a Subclass 143 application if eligible<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Work allowed?<\/td>\n
Yes, generally no work restriction is listed on the visa product page, but holders must follow Australian law<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Study allowed?<\/td>\n
Yes, generally study is permitted, but this visa is not a student visa and does not give student visa benefits<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Family allowed?<\/td>\n
Yes, eligible family members can be included in the application if they meet requirements<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
PR path?<\/td>\n
Yes, commonly through the Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Citizenship path?<\/td>\n
Indirect. This temporary visa itself is not citizenship, but permanent residence later may lead toward citizenship if all later requirements are met<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 173)<\/strong> is an Australian temporary family migration visa<\/strong> for parents of children who are settled in Australia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It exists to give eligible parents a faster parent migration pathway<\/strong> than the standard non-contributory parent route, in exchange for a much higher visa charge<\/strong>. It is commonly used as the first stage<\/strong> of a two-step pathway:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
This visa fits into Australia\u2019s broader Family Migration Program<\/strong>, specifically the Parent visa<\/strong> category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What kind of immigration status is it?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
This is an Australian visa subclass<\/strong> under migration law. It is not a separate residence card, permit sticker, or waiver. Australia generally operates a digital visa system<\/strong>, so a granted visa is linked electronically to the passport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Who is it meant for?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
It is meant for people who:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
are a parent<\/strong> of a settled Australian child<\/li>\n
have an eligible sponsor<\/strong><\/li>\n
meet the balance-of-family test<\/strong> unless exempt<\/li>\n
satisfy health and character<\/strong> requirements<\/li>\n
are willing and able to pay the higher contributory parent visa charges<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Official names and labels<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Official long name:<\/strong> Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa<\/li>\n
This visa is closed to new applications<\/strong>. The Department of Home Affairs states that you cannot apply<\/strong> for this visa now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That makes this guide especially important for two groups:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
people who already hold<\/strong> a Subclass 173 visa and want to understand next steps, especially Subclass 143<\/li>\n
people researching parent visas and trying to understand whether Subclass 173 is still available<\/strong> and what the current alternatives are<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Warning:<\/strong> If you are starting fresh now, you should not plan on applying for Subclass 173 unless the government reopens it. Check current parent visa options on the Department of Home Affairs website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Who should apply for this visa?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Short answer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
For most new applicants: you should not apply for this visa because it is closed to new applications<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
People for whom this guide is still relevant<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Best-fit readers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Existing Subclass 173 holders<\/strong> preparing for the permanent Subclass 143<\/strong> stage<\/li>\n
Families with a historic 173 application<\/strong> already in the system<\/li>\n
Applicants comparing old and current parent migration pathways<\/strong><\/li>\n
Professionals helping clients understand legacy parent visa cases<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Who should not use this visa?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
This visa is not appropriate<\/strong> for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
tourists<\/strong><\/li>\n
business visitors<\/strong><\/li>\n
job seekers<\/strong><\/li>\n
students<\/strong><\/li>\n
temporary workers<\/strong><\/li>\n
digital nomads<\/strong><\/li>\n
investors or founders<\/strong><\/li>\n
medical travelers<\/strong><\/li>\n
transit passengers<\/strong><\/li>\n
spouses\/partners<\/strong><\/li>\n
children wanting to join parents<\/strong><\/li>\n
Better alternatives depending on the goal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n
\n
Your goal<\/th>\n
Better visa to research<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
\n
\n
Visit children in Australia temporarily<\/td>\n
Visitor visa options<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Join spouse\/partner in Australia<\/td>\n
Partner visa options<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Work in Australia<\/td>\n
Skilled, employer-sponsored, or work visa options<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Study in Australia<\/td>\n
Student visa<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Migrate as a parent now<\/td>\n
Current parent visa routes, especially Subclass 143 or other currently open parent visas<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Short family reunion visit<\/td>\n
Visitor visa options, if eligible<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Common Mistake:<\/strong> People sometimes confuse Subclass 173 with a normal parent visit visa. It is not a tourist route. It is a family migration visa in the parent stream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. What is this visa used for?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Official practical use<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Subclass 173 was used for temporary residence in Australia as a parent<\/strong>, usually as a stepping stone to permanent residence through Subclass 143<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Permitted purposes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A holder of this visa can generally:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
live in Australia temporarily<\/li>\n
travel in and out of Australia while the visa remains valid<\/li>\n
work in Australia<\/li>\n
study in Australia<\/li>\n
remain in Australia while preparing to lodge an eligible permanent parent visa application, if applicable<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Prohibited or unsuitable uses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
This visa is not designed for<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
short-term tourism only<\/li>\n
airport transit<\/li>\n
a business visitor trip<\/li>\n
a student-only purpose<\/li>\n
a temporary work assignment<\/li>\n
avoiding the correct visa category for work, study, or investment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Grey areas and misunderstandings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Tourism<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A 173 holder can of course travel and spend time with family, but this is not primarily a tourist visa<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Remote work<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The visa is not structured around remote work rules in the way some visitor categories are discussed. If you hold the visa and are lawfully in Australia, work is generally permitted unless a specific condition says otherwise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Business setup \/ investment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The visa does not exist for investment migration or founder activity. A holder may conduct lawful business activity if otherwise permitted by law, but this is not an investor visa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Marriage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Marriage itself is not the purpose of this visa. It is a parent visa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Official visa classification and naming<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Parent Visa 103, Aged Parent visas, Contributory Aged Parent visas<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Related categories people confuse with 173<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Subclass 143<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The permanent Contributory Parent Visa<\/strong>. This is the most important related category because 173 often led to 143.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Subclass 103<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The non-contributory Parent Visa. Usually much lower visa charge, but often far longer queues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aged Parent categories<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
These are separate parent visas for older applicants who meet Australia\u2019s pension age-related rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pro Tip:<\/strong> The word \u201ccontributory\u201d<\/strong> usually signals higher government charges but shorter queue priority compared with non-contributory parent routes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Eligibility criteria<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Because this visa is closed to new applications<\/strong>, there are two ways to read eligibility:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Historic eligibility rules<\/strong> for understanding existing cases<\/li>\n
Current practical eligibility<\/strong>, which is mostly relevant only to people with existing status or linked applications<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Core historic eligibility rules<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Officially, applicants generally had to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
be a parent<\/strong> of a child who is:<\/li>\n
an Australian citizen, or<\/li>\n
an Australian permanent resident, or<\/li>\n
an eligible New Zealand citizen<\/li>\n
have that child be settled in Australia<\/strong><\/li>\n
meet the balance-of-family test<\/strong>, unless exempt<\/li>\n
have an eligible sponsor<\/strong><\/li>\n
satisfy health<\/strong> requirements<\/li>\n
satisfy character<\/strong> requirements<\/li>\n
sign the Australian values statement<\/strong>, if required<\/li>\n
have Assurance of Support<\/strong> arrangements where required<\/li>\n
pay the required visa charges<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Nationality rules<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
There is generally no nationality restriction<\/strong> specific to this subclass in the usual sense. Parent visa eligibility depends more on family relationship, sponsorship, health, character, and migration law than on passport nationality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, document logistics<\/strong> can vary by nationality, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
police certificate availability<\/li>\n
translation needs<\/li>\n
identity document forms<\/li>\n
biometrics or medical logistics<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Passport validity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
You need a valid passport or acceptable travel\/identity document. Australia links visas digitally, so passport details must be accurate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Age<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
There is generally no standard maximum age requirement<\/strong> for this visa itself. It is a parent category, not a points-tested age-limited visa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Education \/ language \/ work experience<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Not generally required for this visa category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sponsorship<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A sponsor is generally required. Usually this is an eligible child settled in Australia, though in some cases the spouse of the child or another eligible person may be able to sponsor under the rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Invitation \/ job offer \/ points<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Not applicable for this visa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Relationship proof<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Very important. Applicants must prove they are the parent<\/strong> of the qualifying child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Funds \/ maintenance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Unlike visitor visas, there is not usually a simple \u201cbank balance minimum\u201d formula published for this visa. Financial obligations are more closely tied to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
visa application charges<\/li>\n
Assurance of Support<\/strong><\/li>\n
relocation and settlement costs<\/li>\n
health and police documentation costs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Applicants must meet Australia\u2019s health requirement. This usually involves immigration medical examinations if requested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Character \/ criminal record<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Applicants must meet character requirements and may need police clearances from relevant countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Insurance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Australia does not publish a universal \u201cmust hold private insurance\u201d rule as the defining eligibility condition for this visa in the same way some temporary visas do. But healthcare planning is still important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Biometrics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Biometrics may depend on nationality, location, and departmental instructions. It is not the defining universal rule for this visa category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Intent requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
This is not a classic temporary visit visa where \u201creturn intent\u201d is the central issue. It is a family migration pathway. The applicant\u2019s intent is usually to migrate under the parent stream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Residency outside Australia<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Rules can vary depending on where the application was lodged and current legal status. Because this visa is closed to new applications, anyone with an old case should follow the exact instructions in their own file and any departmental correspondence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Quotas \/ caps \/ queue<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Yes. Parent visas are affected by migration program planning levels and queue management. Contributory parent visas have historically moved faster than non-contributory parent visas, but processing remains subject to annual caps and queueing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Embassy-specific rules<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Australia is centrally administered through the Department of Home Affairs, but practical requirements like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
biometrics collection<\/li>\n
medical exam locations<\/li>\n
police certificate format<\/li>\n
translation logistics<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
may vary by country and service point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6. Who is NOT eligible \/ common refusal triggers<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Not eligible<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
You are not eligible, or may fail, if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
you are not actually the parent<\/strong> of the qualifying child<\/li>\n
your child is not settled<\/strong> in Australia as required<\/li>\n
you fail the balance-of-family test<\/strong> and are not exempt<\/li>\n
you do not have an eligible sponsor<\/strong><\/li>\n
you fail health<\/strong> requirements<\/li>\n
you fail character<\/strong> requirements<\/li>\n
you cannot satisfy required Assurance of Support<\/strong> arrangements<\/li>\n
you do not pay the required charges<\/li>\n
you are trying to file a new<\/strong> Subclass 173 application now, because the visa is closed to new applications<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Common refusal or problem triggers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
missing relationship documents<\/li>\n
inconsistent family composition across forms<\/li>\n
undeclared children or stepchildren<\/li>\n
weak evidence of the child being \u201csettled\u201d in Australia<\/li>\n
incorrect understanding of the balance-of-family test<\/li>\n
late or defective police certificates<\/li>\n
medical issues not properly documented<\/li>\n
sponsor ineligibility<\/li>\n
application lodged in the wrong category<\/li>\n
failure to respond to departmental requests by deadline<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Warning:<\/strong> In parent visas, undeclared family members and family-tree inconsistencies are major credibility problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
7. Benefits of this visa<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Main benefits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
temporary lawful stay in Australia as a parent<\/li>\n
faster route than many non-contributory parent pathways historically<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Family benefits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Eligible secondary applicants could be included where permitted under the rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Travel flexibility<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
This visa generally allows travel in and out of Australia while valid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PR pathway benefit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
This is one of the biggest practical benefits: it has historically functioned as a staged contributory parent migration route<\/strong> toward permanent residence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
8. Limitations and restrictions<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Key limitations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
closed to new applications<\/strong><\/li>\n
temporary only<\/li>\n
generally valid for about 2 years<\/li>\n
not a direct grant of permanent residence<\/li>\n
high total migration cost compared with many other visas<\/li>\n
no guarantee of approval for later permanent stage<\/li>\n
health, character, sponsorship, and Assurance of Support obligations still matter<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Public benefits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Access to public benefits is not automatic and can be restricted. Entitlements vary and may depend on later permanent residence, waiting periods, and separate eligibility laws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reporting and compliance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Holders must comply with all Australian visa conditions and migration laws. If any condition applies to your grant, follow the grant notice exactly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
9. Duration, validity, entries, and stay rules<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
\n\n
\n
Issue<\/th>\n
Typical rule<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
\n
\n
Visa validity<\/td>\n
Usually up to 2 years from grant<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Stay period<\/td>\n
Temporary stay during that validity<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Entries<\/td>\n
Multiple<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Clock start<\/td>\n
From visa grant date unless grant notice states otherwise<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Overstay consequence<\/td>\n
Serious immigration consequences if you remain without valid status<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Renewal<\/td>\n
No direct like-for-like extension; usually consider Subclass 143 if eligible<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Bridging status<\/td>\n
May apply in some circumstances if a further valid application is lodged in Australia<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
When does the clock start?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Usually from the date of grant<\/strong>. Always check the grant notice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Overstaying<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Overstaying can affect:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
future visas<\/li>\n
lawful status<\/li>\n
ability to remain in Australia<\/li>\n
possible detention\/removal consequences in serious cases<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
10. Complete document checklist<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Because the visa is closed to new applications, the list below is most useful for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
existing 173 cases<\/li>\n
people moving from 173 to 143<\/li>\n
understanding what the Department typically expects in parent migration cases<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
A. Core documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n
\n
Document<\/th>\n
What it is<\/th>\n
Why needed<\/th>\n
Common mistakes<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
\n
\n
Completed application form \/ ImmiAccount record<\/td>\n
Main visa application data<\/td>\n
Establishes claim and legal declarations<\/td>\n
Inconsistent family details<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Visa fee payment evidence<\/td>\n
Receipt<\/td>\n
Confirms payment stage<\/td>\n
Assuming payment alone means acceptance<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
For parent visas, financial evidence may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
sponsor financial evidence if requested<\/li>\n
Assurance of Support-related documents<\/li>\n
evidence of ability to meet relocation costs<\/li>\n
payment receipts for visa charges<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
D. Employment\/business documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Not usually core eligibility documents, but may help with identity\/history or later practical settlement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
E. Education documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Usually not central unless needed for identity history or a dependent\u2019s case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
F. Relationship\/family documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
This is one of the most important sections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
full birth certificates showing parent-child relationship<\/li>\n
adoption orders, if applicable<\/li>\n
household registration records, if relevant<\/li>\n
marriage\/divorce records<\/li>\n
death certificates of family members, if relevant<\/li>\n
evidence relating to all children for the balance-of-family test<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Warning:<\/strong> The balance-of-family test often requires evidence about all<\/strong> children, not just the sponsoring child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
G. Accommodation\/travel documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Usually not a core visa test in the same way as visitor visas, but address and settlement details may still be relevant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
H. Sponsor\/invitation documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
sponsor identity documents<\/li>\n
proof sponsor is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ citizen<\/li>\n
proof sponsor is settled in Australia<\/li>\n
sponsorship forms and declarations<\/li>\n
sponsor address and contact evidence<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
I. Health\/insurance documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
medical exam records if requested<\/li>\n
specialist reports if relevant<\/li>\n
vaccination records only if specifically requested or useful<\/li>\n
health-related declarations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
J. Country-specific extras<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
These vary by country and may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
military records<\/li>\n
household registry extracts<\/li>\n
national police records<\/li>\n
family census records<\/li>\n
local notarial certificates<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
K. Minor\/dependent-specific documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If including dependent family members:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
birth certificates<\/li>\n
identity documents<\/li>\n
custody\/consent documents for minors<\/li>\n
adoption or guardianship records<\/li>\n
dependency evidence if required<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
L. Translation \/ apostille \/ notarization needs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Documents not in English usually need English translation<\/strong>. The Department may specify who can translate and how documents must be certified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Common mistakes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
submitting self-translations<\/li>\n
partial translations<\/li>\n
missing translator details<\/li>\n
uploading original without translation or translation without original<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n