Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 173)
A temporary stay of up to two years, with the option for eligible parents to make a separate permanent subclass 143 application.
- Status
- Temporary · up to 2 years
- Age
- No aged-parent threshold
- Balance of family
- Required
- Where to apply
- In or outside Australia to apply, subject to current visa conditions.
What this visa allows
- Live in Australia for up to two years after grant.
- Work and study in Australia, without government support.
- Travel in and out while the visa and travel facility remain valid.
Eligibility at a glance
- An eligible settled child who is an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, and an eligible sponsor, subject to applicable exemptions.
- Meet the Balance of Family Test, unless a specific exemption applies.
- Meet health, character and other applicable visa requirements.
- Meet the relevant government visa charges and requirements for a valid temporary application.
Important limitations
- Places are capped and applications are queued. Substantial waits can apply; a contributory visa is not a fast-track or guaranteed outcome.
- You cannot apply for this visa if you have already applied for or hold a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 870). Seek advice before choosing the order of applications.
- This is temporary residence, not permanent residence. A separate subclass 143 application must meet the applicable requirements and timing.
- Being in Australia does not itself make an application valid. Current visa conditions, including any No Further Stay condition, and immigration history need assessment.
Costs and waiting times
Two application stages spread charges over time, but generally cost more overall than direct 143. Queues apply.
Government charges are separate from professional fees; other costs may apply. Check current amounts on the official subclass page rather than relying on a fixed quote here.
Check the Department’s current parent visa queue information. It is not a promised decision date.
Related pathway
Subclass 173 can be the first step towards subclass 143. Plan the permanent application before the temporary visa ceases so the relevant transition provisions can be considered.
This is general information, not an individual eligibility assessment. Requirements, charges and processing change. Check the current position on the Department of Home Affairs page for subclass 173 (opens in a new tab).
About the 173
No. You need a separate subclass 143 application and must meet the relevant criteria. Plan the timing rather than assuming the next stage is automatic.
It can spread government charges over time, but Home Affairs states it costs more overall than applying directly for subclass 143.
Home Affairs currently requires temporary contributory parent applications on paper. Importing a lodged application into ImmiAccount is not the same as online lodgement.
Your matter:
Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 173).
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A consultation assesses your circumstances, discusses realistic options and outlines possible next steps. It is not a visa or review application and not a representation agreement. Any further work, its scope and fees are agreed separately.
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