Australia is not only accessible for student and skilled migrant occupation, but also waiting families to reunite with their family members. Of various family visa categories offered by the Australian government, the Contributory Parent Visa 173 is a temporary but easy option for Australian citizen, permanent resident, or admissible New Zealand citizen parents to come to Australia to unite with their children.
In this article, we’ll dive into the details of the parent visa 173, explain who it’s for, what the requirements are, and how it fits into the broader picture of Australia’s parent migration program.
What is the Contributory Parent Visa 173?
Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 173) is a temporary visa on which parents can stay in Australia for two years. It is for parents outside Australia with one settled child in Australia as a resident or citizen.
This visa is a stepping stone to parents who will subsequently be applying for permanent residence through the Contributory Parent Visa Subclass 143. Among the greatest advantages of the parent visa sub class 173 is the fact that it gives families time to prepare both financially and logistically for the more costly permanent visa stream.
Key Features of the 173 Parents Visa Australia
The 173 parent visa Australia offers several advantages:
- It provides temporary residence in Australia for two years.
- They may live, study, and work in Australia during the period.
- It provides applicants an opportunity to apply for the Contributory Parent Visa 143 at their convenience within the two years.
- It provides parents with the chance to join settled children and grandchildren living in Australia.
However, the Contributory Parent Visa 173 is not extendable or renewable. The applicants either need to apply for subclass 143 permanent visa or need to depart from Australia after two years.
Who is Eligible to Apply for Parent Visa 173?
The applicants need to satisfy the following requirements to be suitable for the parent visa sub class 173:
- A suitable child who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen must sponsor the parent. The sponsoring child must be settled in Australia, which usually means they have lived there for at least two years.
- Pass the Balance of Family Test, i.e., half or more of the applicant’s children reside in Australia, or more applicant children reside in Australia than in any other nation.
- Meet health and character requirements. This will most likely involve health screening and certificates of police clearance from countries where the applicant has been living.
- Tell the truth and be abroad when applying and when the visa is issued.
Cost and Processing Time
As a contributory visa, parent visa 173 is costlier than non-contributory parent visas but provides quicker processing time and an assured route to permanent residency. The visa fee is paid in two parts and is significantly more than AUD $30,000.
Processing of the visa is time-consuming, yet the applicant will have to wait for a minimum of a few years, depending on demand and capacity under the annual migration program.
Note that the 173 parents visa Australia is one of the capped visa schemes and thus visas are restricted per year. Therefore, prompt and proper preparation of an application is extremely important.
Advantages of 173 Visa over Parent Visas
One of the biggest advantages of the parent visa 173 is its faster processing. Non-contributory visas can take up to 30 years. While the 173 visa is more expensive, it allows early family reunions. It also gives parents a chance to experience life in Australia before committing to a permanent move.
The staged payment structure first for the temporary visa, then for the 143 permanent visa gives families time to save for the higher cost.
Moving to the Contributory Parent Visa 143
After the Department of Home Affairs grants the parent visa subclass 173, the holder can apply for subclass 143 in two years. This second application is easier because most requirements—like sponsorship and medical checks—are already complete. The subclass 143 visa offers permanent residency, access to Medicare, and the chance to apply for Australian citizenship later.
Final Thoughts
The Contributory Parent Visa 173 offers a faster way for parents to join their children in Australia. Unlike non-contributory visas, it doesn’t require decades of waiting. Although it costs more, it gives families the chance to live in Australia, work, and later apply for permanent residency.
