Contributory Parent Visa Subclass 173 Australia
Join your family in Australia with a pathway to permanent residency.
Live in Australia Temporarily While You Plan for Permanent Residency
The Contributory Parent Visa – Subclass 173 allows parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia for up to two years.
It’s designed as a temporary option for parents who want to be with their children in Australia before applying for the permanent Subclass 143 Parent Visa.
At Affinity Migration, our registered migration agents guide families through both stages; 173 and 143, we do our best to ensure a smooth, compliant, and efficient process to give you the best chance of a positive outcome.
Why Choose Affinity Migration
Navigating parent visas involves multiple applications, financial commitments, and strict eligibility criteria. Our experienced agents simplify the process and ensure every requirement is met.
- Registered migration agents specialising in parent and contributory visas.
- Expert guidance for both Subclass 173 and Subclass 143 visa pathways.
- Accurate documentation for sponsorship and Assurance of Support requirements.
- Clear, step-by-step communication throughout the application.
- Compassionate, family-focused service from start to finish.
We’ll help you make the right decisions for your family’s future in Australia.
About the Parent Visa Subclass 173
The Subclass 173 Contributory Parent Visa allows parents to live in Australia temporarily for up to two years while preparing to apply for permanent residency under the Subclass 143 visa.
It’s a popular choice for families who want to split visa costs over time or begin living together in Australia sooner.
Key benefits:
- Live in Australia for up to two years
- Work and study during your stay
- Access Medicare (once enrolled)
- Include your partner and dependent children in the same application
Option to apply for the Subclass 143 at any time during the two-year period
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for a Visa Subclass 173, you must:
- Have a child who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible NZ citizen settled in Australia
- Satisfy the balance-of-family test
- Be sponsored by your child or their partner
- Meet health and character requirements
- Be outside Australia when applying and when the visa is granted
Affinity Migration can help confirm eligibility, assess sponsorship readiness, and prepare your case for both the temporary and permanent stages.
Our Step-by-Step Process
- Eligibility & Sponsorship Review – We assess sponsor and applicant criteria.
- Application Preparation – We prepare your Subclass 173 visa submission.
- Department Lodgement – We handle all forms, evidence, and communications.
- Visa Grant – You receive approval to live in Australia temporarily for up to two years.
- Transition to 143 Visa – We help you apply for the Contributory Parent (Permanent) Visa before expiry.
Why Choose the 173 Pathway
- Lower upfront cost – pay visa fees in two stages rather than one large payment.
- Begin your family reunion sooner – live in Australia while working toward PR.
- Flexible transition – apply for the 143 at any point during the 2-year validity.
Affinity Migration will help you understand both the short-term benefits and long-term commitments of the 173 and 143 visa options.
FAQs: Contributory Parent Visa Subclass 173 Australia
No, it’s temporary, valid for two years. You can apply for the 143 permanent visa during this period.
No, both application and visa grant must occur while you are outside Australia.
Yes, you have full work and study rights for the duration of your stay.
Yes, this is a key eligibility requirement for both the 173 and 143 visas.
Yes, you can apply as soon as you are ready to move toward permanent residency.
Start Your Family Reunion Journey
The Contributory Parent Visa 173 is the first step toward living permanently with your family in Australia.
At Affinity Migration, we’ll manage your case with care, ensuring a smooth transition to the permanent 143 visa when the time comes.