Contributory Parent 173 Visa
The contributory parent visa permits parents of an Australian permanent resident, Australian citizen or eligible New Zealand citizen to reside in Australia. Despite being pricier than standard parent visas, these visa categories offer significantly much faster processing time. There are four types of contributory parent visas:
- Contributory Parent Visa Subclass 143
- Contributory Parent Visa Subclass 173
- Contributory Aged Parent Visa Subclass 864
- Contributory Aged Parent Visa Subclass 884
The page will explore the Contributory Parent Visa subclass 173.
What is a Contributory Parent Visa Subclass 173
- reside in Australia for up to 2 years
- study and work in Australia
- Enroll in Medicare (a public health scheme)
- when eligible, apply for the contributory parent visa 143
Who Can Be the Sponsor for the Contributory Parent 173 Visa
To be eligible for the visa 173 you must be sponsored by your Australian child. If your child is under 18, you will need to find another eligible sponsor such as a community organization.
You also need to meet a balance of family test. You meet this test if:
- at least half of your children and stepchildren are eligible children (Australian citizen/PR/eligible NZ citizen), or
- there are more eligible children living in Australia than in any other single country
You will also need to obtain an assurance of support. This is to ensure that you do not rely on government assistance after you enter Australia on this visa. The assurer would be your sponsor.
Sponsor Requirements for the 173 Visa
The sponsor for the contributory parent visa can be your child, your child’s partner or relative/guardian, or a community organisation.
The sponsor, unless an organisation, must be over 18 years of age and be settled in Australia. Generally, someone is considered ‘settled’ in Australia if he/she has lived lawfully in Australia for at least 2 years.
Applicant Requirements
Who is the Contributory Parent 173 Visa Suitable For
This visa is suitable for those who wish to spread the cost of the permanent parent visa over several years by applying in 2 steps:
- apply for the temporary Contributory Parent subclass 173 visa, then
- apply for the permanent Contributory Parent Subclass 143 visa
Contributory Parent Visa 173 Application Process
The first step is submitting the visa and sponsorship application and pay for the first visa application charge.
The second step is to wait until your application is queued, or for any request from the Department.
Thirdly, you will be requested to obtain assurance of support, and other documents such as police checks and health checks.
Thereafter, before the grant of the visa, you will need to pay for the second instalment of the visa application charge. As this is a contributory visa, the second instalment is generally higher than other parent visas and can be in excess of $29,000 per visa applicant.
What Can You Do with the Contributory Parent Visa 173
Contributory Parent Visa Subclass 143 Frequently Asked Questions
Can I include family members in my application?
You can include your partner (who may also be the other parent of the sponsor) and, in some cases, other child you have.
What does the contributory parent visa 173 cost?
The visa application charges are payable in two stages: one at time of application, and another before the grant of the visa. The second instalment of the visa application charge is significantly higher and can be in excess of $29,000 per visa applicant.
Other associated fees would be to obtain the assurance of support or obtain health check and police check as part of the application.
Though the visa application fee is cheaper than applying directly for subclass 143 visa, the total fees involved until you obtain permanent visa may be higher.
Is there any other visa that I can apply for that has a quicker processing time?
Yes. Depending on your circumstances, you may have alternative options and pathways. Since every case is different, consult with your immigration lawyer or migration agent for more tailored advice and strategies.
What is the contributory parent visa processing time?
The subclass 173 visa processing time can be quicker than other parent visas. However, it is still capped and queued. On average, it is generally between 5 to 10 years.
Can I apply for the 173 Contributory Parent visa in Australia?
Yes, however, generally you will not be entitled for a bridging visa to wait in Australia during the processing time.