Contributory Parent Visa Australia: How to Bring Your Parents to Australia with Subclass 173 and 143
- Apr 2
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 8
Australia has become a home for many international residents who have built careers, raised families, and created lasting memories. For people like Kohinoor, becoming an Australian citizen meant thriving professionally and personally. However, her parents were still living abroad, far from her family life.
Kohinoor wanted to bring her parents to Australia and discovered the Contributory Parent Temporary Visa (Subclass 173). This visa allows parents to live temporarily in Australia and provides a pathway to permanent residency through the Contributory Parent Permanent Visa (Subclass 143). Seeking professional guidance, she consulted Emigrate Lawyers, who helped her navigate the complex eligibility criteria and application process.
What is the Contributory Parent Temporary Visa (Subclass 173)?
The Subclass 173 visa is a temporary offshore visa for parents who live outside Australia. It allows parents to live in Australia for up to two years, with the ability to work and study according to visa conditions and provides a pathway to apply for the Subclass 143 permanent visa.
Key benefits include:
Stay in Australia for up to 2 years
Work and study according to visa conditions
Pathway to the Subclass 143 permanent visa
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for Subclass 173, your parents must:
Have an eligible child who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
Comply with all Australian laws and visa conditions
Not hold or have applied for a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) (Subclass 870) visa
Be sponsored by an eligible child
Meet the balance of family test: more eligible children in Australia than any other country
Meet health and character requirements
Repay any debts owed to the Australian Government
You might not be eligible for this visa if you have had a visa cancelled or refused while you were in Australia
Documents Required for Subclass 173 Visa
Kohinoor gathered all necessary documents, including:
Passport and National Identity Card
Sponsor documents (Form 40 Sponsorship)
Proof of family relationships (birth, marriage, or adoption certificates)
Health examination reports (if requested)
Police clearance certificates
Evidence of financial dependency for adult dependents
Financial assurance of support from the sponsor
To lodge her parents’ visa, Kohinoor submitted all required documents to Emigrate Lawyers right away. She included the visa fee and did not delay or miss any documents. The firm could prepare the complete Subclass 173 application and lodge the visa on her parents’ behalf.
Application Process with Emigrate Lawyers
With the help of Emigrate Lawyers, Kohinoor ensured a smooth application process:
Review and Verification: Every document was checked for authenticity and correct formatting.
Organized Submission: Documents and forms were arranged logically for the Department of Home Affairs.
Lodging the Visa: Paper applications were submitted with the initial visa fee.
Key Notes:
Paper applications are mandatory for Subclass 173
Health insurance is recommended for immediate medical access
Visa cost starts from AUD 32,525 (payable in two instalments)
Processing time varies due to quotas but is generally faster than the permanent Subclass 143 visa
Processing Time for Subclass 143
Applications for this visa are subject to capping and queueing and are processed in the order DHA receive them. However, the processing time is more quickly than the permanent Subclass 143 visa.
While the process can be long and complex, proper guidance and complete documentation can make a significant difference. With the help of Emigrate Lawyers, after nearly 48 months, Kohinoor’s parents would finally walk through the same doors she once entered years ago, and this time, they wouldn’t be visitors, as their Subclass 173 visa had been granted.
Transition to Subclass 143 Permanent Visa
After obtaining the temporary Subclass 173 visa, Kohinoor planned to apply for:
Contributory Parent Permanent Visa (Subclass 143).
This visa grants:
Permanent residency in Australia
Work, study, and access to Medicare
Eligibility for Australian citizenship
Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) if required
Eligibility for Subclass 143
Must hold a valid Subclass 173 visa
Cannot have previously applied for Subclass 870 visa
Documents and Lodging Process
Most documents are similar to the Subclass 173 application
Updated health and character certificates may be required
Paper application is mandatory
Processing time can take several years due to high demand and capped quotas
Visa Cost for Subclass 143
The visa cost for subclass 143 is mentioned below:
For a single applicant, the visa cost starts from AUD48,640.00 which is payable in two instalments.
Just like the Contributory Temporary Parent Visa, the first instalment is paid when lodging the visa application.
The second instalment is paid once the visa is approved but before it is granted.
FAQs
Q1. Does the 90 day rule apply to parents?
The 90-day rule generally refers to visa conditions or processing timelines in certain visa categories, but it does not specifically apply to most Australian parent visas. Parent visa applications such as Subclass 143, 173, 804, or 864 are usually subject to capping and queueing, which can lead to long processing times. Applicants should always check the latest requirements from the Department of Home Affairs before lodging an application.
Q2. What is the $5000 parent visa?
The “$5000 parent visa” commonly refers to the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870). This visa allows parents to stay in Australia for up to 3 or 5 years, depending on the visa option selected. It is a temporary visa and does not provide a pathway to permanent residency.
Q3. How much is the 864 visa for aged parents?
The Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864) has a high application cost because it offers faster processing compared to non-contributory parent visas. The total cost is generally over AUD 48,000 per applicant, paid in two instalments. The first instalment is paid when lodging the application and the second before the visa is granted.
Q4. What is the 804 aged parent visa in Australia?
The Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804) allows eligible parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents to live in Australia permanently. It is a non-contributory visa, meaning the application cost is lower than contributory visas. However, processing times can be very long due to annual caps and high demand.
Final Thoughts
Bringing your parents to Australia through the Contributory Parent Visa program is a long but rewarding journey. With professional guidance from Emigrate Lawyers, families like Kohinoor’s can navigate the complex process smoothly, ensuring all documents are complete and compliant with Department of Home Affairs requirements.
The joy of reuniting with parents in Australia makes the wait and investment truly worthwhile. From temporary Subclass 173 visas to permanent Subclass 143 visas, expert assistance ensures a higher chance of approval and a seamless transition for your family.
Reach out to us today through any of the following:
📞 Call Us: 1300 807 134
💬 Text Us: 0483 959 572
📱 WhatsApp: 0458 745 646
✉️ Email: info@emigratelawyers.com
The sooner you seek advice, the more options you have. We are here to help!
Writer: Anushka Gurung
Position: Legal Officer at Emigrate Lawyers
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