Subclass 173 Visa: Bring Parents to Australia

Bringing your parents to Australia to live with you, even temporarily, is a dream for many families. If you’re looking for a visa that allows your parents to join you in Australia for a couple of years, the Parent Visa Subclass 173 could be the perfect solution. This temporary parent visa Australia provides eligible parents the opportunity to live, work, and study in Australia for up to two years.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Contributory Parent Visa 173, including eligibility requirements, fees, processing time, and how it compares to other parent visas like subclass 143 and 804.

What is Parent Visa Subclass 173?

The Subclass 173 visa is a temporary contributory parent visa designed for parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. It allows parents to live in Australia for up to 2 years while offering full work and study rights during their stay.

What makes this visa unique is that it serves as a stepping stone to permanent residency through the Parent Visa Subclass 143. For many families, it’s a manageable way to bring parents over while spreading out the cost of migration.

Key Features of Parent Visa 173

Eligibility Criteria for Parent Visa 173

To be eligible for the Parent Visa 173, you’ll need to meet several important requirements:

1. Sponsorship

You must be sponsored by an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen who has been settled in Australia for at least two years. The sponsor must be over 18 and usually resides in Australia.

2. Balance of Family Test

This is a key condition. To pass:

• At least half of your children must be living permanently in Australia, or

• More of your children must reside in Australia than in any other single country.

3. Health and Character Requirements

Applicants must undergo health checks and provide police certificates to meet Australia’s health and character standards.

4. No Outstanding Debts

Any outstanding debts to the Australian government must be paid or arrangements made to repay them before your visa can be granted.

Parent Visa 173 Processing Time

One of the most important considerations for families is the Parent Visa 173 processing time. As of 2025, the estimated wait time is around 4 to 6 years. This duration can vary based on:

• The number of applications already in the queue

• Whether your application is complete and accurate

• Additional requests for health exams or documents

Tip:

To speed up the process, ensure that all required documents are submitted promptly and that health checks are completed without delays.

Cost of Parent Visa Subclass 173 (as of 2025)

While this is a contributory parent visa, the costs are lower than the permanent Subclass 143 visa. Still, it requires a significant financial investment.

Required Documents for Parent Visa 173

Gathering the correct documents is essential to avoid delays. Here’s a basic checklist:

Identification

• Valid passport

• Birth certificate

Sponsorship Proof

• Sponsor’s Australian citizenship or permanent residency documents

• Evidence of sponsor’s financial stability

Relationship Proof

• Birth certificates of children

• Family photographs

• Communication records

Health and Character

• Medical examination reports

• Police clearance certificates

Financial Evidence

• Proof of income

• Bank statements or savings documents

All non-English documents must be translated and certified.

How to Apply for Subclass 173 Visa

Here’s a simplified overview of the application process:

1. Find a Qualified Sponsor
   Confirm your child or children meet the sponsor requirements.

2. Gather All Necessary Documents
   Organize identification, relationship, health, and financial documents.

3. Submit Your Application Online
   Lodge the application via the Home Affairs website.

4. Complete Medical and Police Checks
   These will be requested during the processing period.

5. Wait for Decision
   This can take several years, so patience is crucial.

6. Travel to Australia Upon Grant
   Once granted, make travel arrangements to start your temporary stay.

Pathway to Permanent Residency – Subclass 143

Most people who apply for the 173 visa do so as part of a long-term migration plan. After spending two years in Australia on this visa, you can transition to the Parent Visa Subclass 143, which grants permanent residency.

Advantages of This Pathway:

• You can spread the high migration costs over two visa stages.

• Parents have time to settle and decide if permanent residency is the right move.

• You gain full access to Medicare and other benefits after Subclass 143 approval.

Parent Visa 173 vs Other Parent Visa Options

Important Things to Keep in Mind

• Once your Subclass 173 visa expires, you cannot apply for another temporary parent visa unless you transition to Subclass 143.

• The visa does not include Medicare access, so consider private health insurance.

• You must be outside Australia when the visa is granted unless you hold a valid bridging visa.

• Processing times and fees can change, so stay updated via official government channels or consult a migration agent.

Final Thoughts

The Parent Visa Subclass 173 is an ideal solution for families who want to bring their parents to Australia without immediately paying the full costs of permanent migration. It offers flexibility, a clear pathway to permanent residency, and allows your parents to experience life in Australia for two full years.

However, the application process can be complex and costly. To avoid delays or complications, many applicants choose to work with registered migration agents to ensure everything is done correctly the first time.

If you’re considering applying for a temporary parent visa Australia, Subclass 173 could be the first step in making your family whole again — with financial planning, accurate documentation, and a bit of patience, your parents could soon call Australia home.