Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa Subclass 173 – Offshore Parent Visa Australia
Are you looking to bring your parents to Australia sooner but want to spread the visa cost over time? The Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa Subclass 173 allows eligible parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia temporarily before applying for permanent residency under Subclass 143.
This visa is part of the contributory parent visa pathway and is designed for families who prefer to divide the financial contribution into stages rather than paying the full permanent visa cost upfront.
At Australian Visa Centre (AVC) Blacktown, we provide structured advice for families considering the Offshore Parent Visa Subclass 173, ensuring the correct pathway is chosen from the beginning.
What Is Contributory Parent Visa Subclass 173?
The Subclass 173 visa is a temporary contributory parent visa that allows parents to live in Australia for up to two years.
It is specifically designed as the first stage of the Subclass 173 → Subclass 143 permanent pathway.
Once granted, this visa allows parents to:
Live in Australia temporarily
Work and study in Australia
Access Medicare (in most circumstances)
Later apply for permanent residency under Subclass 143
Unlike visitor visas, this visa is part of a long-term migration plan toward permanent residence.
Why Choose Subclass 173 First?
Many families choose the Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa Subclass 173 because it allows them to spread the visa costs across two stages.
Instead of paying the full second visa application charge for Subclass 143 at once, families can:
Apply for Subclass 173
Pay the initial temporary stage contribution
After visa grant, apply for Subclass 143
Pay the remaining permanent stage contribution later
This staged approach provides financial flexibility while still allowing parents to relocate to Australia earlier.
However, the total cost across both stages must be carefully considered before proceeding.
Eligibility for Subclass 173 Visa
To qualify for the Contributory Parent Visa Subclass 173, applicants must meet strict eligibility requirements.
You must:
Be the parent of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
Pass the Balance of Family Test
Be sponsored by an eligible child or relative
Meet health and character requirements
Be outside Australia at the time of visa grant
Each requirement is assessed carefully. An incorrect application can cause delays in both the temporary and permanent stages.
The Balance of Family Test
The Balance of Family Test is mandatory for Subclass 173, just as it is for Subclass 143.
You satisfy this requirement if:
At least half of your children live permanently in Australia, or
More of your children live permanently in Australia than in any other country
This test cannot be waived under any circumstances.
Children counted include biological children, adopted children, and certain stepchildren. Children on temporary visas in Australia are considered to be living outside Australia for assessment purposes.
A detailed review of your family structure is essential before lodging an application.
Sponsorship Requirements
A valid sponsorship is required for the Offshore Parent Visa Subclass 173.
In most cases, your child will sponsor you. The sponsor must:
Be settled in Australia
Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ citizen
Agree to provide support and accommodation assistance
Meet sponsorship obligations
Sponsors carry legal responsibilities for a defined period, and these obligations must be clearly understood before proceeding.
Subclass 173 to Subclass 143 – The Two-Stage Pathway
The Subclass 173 visa is valid for two years. During this time, visa holders can live in Australia and prepare for the permanent stage.
Before the Subclass 173 visa expires, applicants must apply for the Contributory Parent Visa Subclass 143 to obtain permanent residency.
The permanent stage involves:
Lodging a Subclass 143 application
Paying the remaining visa charges
Meeting updated health and character requirements
This two-stage process must be carefully timed to avoid gaps in visa status.
Professional planning is critical to ensure a smooth transition from temporary to permanent residency.